safari question
 

Hi there

A group of us are organizing a conference in Nairobi (Kenya) in mid-September. We have just found out we will have 3-4 spare days at the end (Sept 29-Oct 2) which falls on a weekend. The logical thing to do seems to be a safari but we have little knowledge of options other than the big operators. However, the big operators seem to have 10+ day tours.

Does anyone have suggestions on how to begin research into the possible operators or options? Some of our team members are on limited budgets so the big, luxury options may not work so well. I have done safaris with Sabi Sabi in Sth Africa and really enjoyed it but at this late stage I think we need to focus on mid-luxury options.

Any advice??

You could head to the Masai Mara for 3 nights. You may still be able to catch the migration at that time. How many are in your group? Traveling by road would be the least expensive option, particularly since it sounds like there are a few of you to share the vehicle cost, but it takes about 5-6 hours of bumpy roads. Or you can take a 45 min flight from Nairobi. Flight cost is around $220 roundtrip.

Do you have a total 4 day budget in mind? At this point, it would also depend on accomodation availability.

I'd contact a Kenya based tour operator and have them check for you or you can email the camp or lodge directly to inquire about availability.

Here you'll find maps of the Mara with locations of the lodges and camps http://www.go-safari.com/Masai%20Mara/masaimarai.htm photographs are also available if you click on "Lodges".

http://www.safari-portal.de/Lodging.KE.MasaiMara.d.html for links to lodge and camp websites.

Just a few Kenyan operators that posters here have used and recommend -
Eastern & Southern Safaris
Gamewatchers Safaris
Southern Cross Safaris

If you look through the East Africa Trip Report index, you can find names of more operators http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34725679

Good luck!

Being that you will be visiting during high-season, much of which is already booked, I would suggest you contact one of the in-country safari outfitters -

Eastern & Southern
Wild Trek
Southern Cross

... any others Fodorites, my mind just went blank.

They will know what's available where without having to deal with a tour operator in your home country - emails back and forth. If space is available at your budget, they can arrange your transport by vehicle (the better choice if you are a group, as you divide the costs of vehicle and guide/driver) or flying, though most costly, provides a bit more time since you're actual safari time is already limited... and the roads are lousy.

Each of the above, have websites from where you can contact - provide details as to number of people, preference for lodge or camps, how many rooms/tents, twins or doubles, and your estimated budget. If space is available, you can certainly do a short safari.

Good luck.

Try Kennedy at Waymark Tours - he is a local Nairobi guide that many of us Fodorites hire for our days in Nairobi before and after safaris - BUT, he does all sorts of other safaris too. He will customize to wherever you want to go, and his prices are very reasonable.
And, to boot, he is just about the nicest person I have met - he's great!

Here's his website
www.waymarktours.com

One of the Fodorites, Imelda just returned yesterday from Lake Nakuru with him.
With 3 - 4 days, you could go to lots of good places in Kenya!

Hi there

Thanks to all those who replied and the referred threads...I only wish we have time for a 6+ day safari like many other fodorites. I think I will contact CC Africa as they do have short safaris - anyone use them before?

Thanks! Sylvia

CCA wouldn't be the first option to come to mind if you have members on "limited budgets" but you're definition of limited could be much different than mine ;)

Plus you can book CCA camps through other operators. In Kenya, they only have Kichwa Tembo and Bateleur, both in the Mara.

First thing I thought too, Patty! I'm sure CC's Kichwa Tembo was the most expensive one we stayed at by far. I could taste it in the food, see it in the amenities in the bathroom...

Every firm should be able to organise a short safari for you if you already have a group together. For such a short stay it's really easy - honestly!

Look at this for ideas - I am not suggesting you use this company but I think it will give you a bit of perspective - and you can compare prices with CC Africa if you are asking them to quote you. Basically you just pick 4 or 5 camps/lodges and then ask your operator to check availability - and ask how much an air charter for your group would be if flight avvailability is a problem. Then take your pick! Note that the Porini Camps belong to this company and so they push them a bit. Check out the camps through the links others gave you, rather than on this site.

Give it time to load - it is a very long page and not quick.

http://www.porini.com/safari.html?ht...ri_prices.html

Prices for a driving safari would be considerably cheaper since there are a group of you to share the cost of vehicle and guide.

CCA is not my idea of "budget minded" For Sept, Kichwa Tembo is about $280/person/nt, while Bateleur is $630/person/nt at rack rates. And with only these two options in Kenya, the Mara specifically, you'd have to ask for other camps/lodges and likewise see what they may have to offer.

Being end of Sept, note that some (only some) camps/lodges reduce their high-season prices as Sept 15, so you may luck out.

You're best checking with some of the incountry outfitters listed above to see what any of them may have available at this late date. You may not have many choices.

To all - thanks for all the feedback. I like the suggestion of organizing our own guide so our assistant is going to look into it. Overall it seems prices are high given its high season. Will let you know how it goes - we can't wait. Cheers, sylvia