amyb

Hi Janelle, so glad you reached out to A2T! If you let them know amybatt sent you (that's the first part of my email address, don't want to post the rest on the forum!) that's cool. If they can't figure it out, that's ok too, I just like to help people have a great safari and I know A2T will do that!

janellebc

Thanks Amyb!
It's just the beginning of our search for the right fit
I will keep you posted

janellebc

Ok....what is with all the removal of comments??? I have not experienced this before...
Thank you all for your tips -we will push onward

janellebc

So I got word Tanzania and Kenya are not safe places to travel....
Will now shift the search to other areas.... NOT giving up, just would prefer stable/safer environment

amyb

Exactly how are they not safe, janelle, and where did you read that?

michele_d

I read a travel warning for Kenya from January about problems with the counties bordering Somalia, targeting police. I am still going ahead with my Feb trip. Also going to Cairo in the same visit. Both with tours just to be on the side. Not really giving it a second thought at this point.

janellebc

Amyb-
Thank you for questioning!!
A friend in the U.K. stated it wasn't safe...I asked (via text) "where are you getting this info??"
She said go look on the sate site...I did, misread the info and thought she was correct.....
I went back a re examined the info and several sites and see nothing other than typical precautions!
Here's my vertical learn curve!!
I'm back to getting in contact with the Tanzania folks and see if we can make something work! Onward!!!

CaliNurse

There is concern about northern Kenya, having to do with tribal territorial conflicts, pasture lands, cattle raiding, etc. These conflicts have been going on intermittently for years.
The owner of Offbeat Safaris was shot and killed three months ago in the area. So far, none of the tourists' lodgings or camps in Laikipia or Samburu or Meru have been affected, but it is on people's minds enough to where Gamewatchers addressed it in their most recent newsletter.
I loved Samburu and Laikipia in Kenya, and would likely return.
However, you've decided on TZ Janelle, and Idon't know of any similar problems there. If you find out, please share the information. Thanks!

amyb

Obviously as a client of Offbeat I knew about the landholder issue up in Laikipia, as they've kept us up to date in emails, but wouldn't have thought that would extend anywhere else in Kenya or Tanzania.

The only other concern I could come up with that might have caused concern is around the Kenyan general elections in August. But the same type of warning came out for Paris around its elections when I was there last month!

plambers

we were supposed to stay at Sosian, the offbeat camp where the owner was killed by the pastoralists. we leave in 2 weeks. we were advised of this (I knew about it) from our planner and Sosian agreed to fully refund our $ once we could not get comfortable staying there.) Sosian got in touch with Sanctuary at Ol Lentille nearby and we are staying there. No violence for awhile so feeling comfortable.

janellebc

We are still moving forward setting time to have the initial consultation with A2T
Will report back when we have more info.
Thank you everyone for your input, suggestions and shared knowledge

janellebc

So I had a nice chat with A2T folks, just received the rough draft for a 10 day trip.
Holy cow!!! Now I really want to go!!! The rest of the group has yet to see the itinerary so I will be interested in what they think. I requested tent camps or being in the bush vs hotel fussy stuff. There was more lodge stays vs camp but I'm sure we can work something out.
THANK YOU AMYB for the recommendation!!!

amyb

Wonderful Janelle. So happy to hear that! And yes tweaking the lodgings and other pieces of the itinerary is something they totally expect but they live to work with you.