Samburu or Amboseli which to choose?
 

Due to the recent flooding, our guide Daniel at DK Safari has informed us that our lodge was one of those flooded and will not be ready in the next few weeks. Now we must choose between going to Samburu and staying at Samburu Sopa/Samburu Simba Lodge or go to Amboseli and staying at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge. Our trip includes Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Sweetwater's Game Reserve, Masai Mara and now either Samburu or switch to Amboseli. I liked Samburu for its semi-desert landscape. However, the recent news indicates that many animals have been killed or left the area due to the flooding. Amboseli has its own charm and the elephants of course. This is our first trip to Africa and we are taking our 14 year old nephew. He just wants to "go" so he has no preference.

Game drives are still being conducted at Samburu. And, though some small game were killed, most were smart enough to get out of the way of the water. If still interested in the unique species up this way, there is Shabe Lodge at Shaba (adjoining park, along with Buffalo Springs to Samburu). If not the Sopa or Simba for space at Samburu.

Otherwise, maybe consider the Laikipia area which has much the same species, diverse eco-systems - staying at Porini, Kicheche in the southern part of Laikipia or Offbeat's Sosian Ranch. Farther north in Laikipia, though more costly would be Sabuk. In all instances if this is April travel, do verify which are open as many close during the "wet season."

And, then there is Amboseli, where Ol Tukai is another good option besides the Serena.

You'll all enjoy regardless which area you select.

Thanks Sandi. I guess I am also concerned with the drive times as our original plan was Nairobi to Lake Nakuru to Sweetwater's to Samburu then fly to Masai Mara then fly back to Nairobi. The change would be driving Nairobi to Amboseli to Lake Nakuru to Sweetwaters, fly to Masai Mara fly back to Nairobi. I think is is 4 hours to Amboseli then another 6.5 hours Amboseli to Lake Nakuru.

Sure would be easier going in one direction, as Samburu would be. But if Amboseli, on the return via Nairobi, you stop for lunch, stretch the limbs. It's then 2.5/hrs to Nakuru. In total 6.5, but not straight-on.

Or as we did, early flight from Amboseli, where we had another driver meet just for sightseeing at Giraffe Center, Sheldrick, shopping; then we had lunch. In the meantime our guide/driver returned by road (with our luggage/stuff), joining us at the restaurant. We then all continued to (in our case) to Aberdares, but similar drive as if to Nakuru.

If including Amboseli it would be
Drive to Amboseli
Fly from Amboseli to Wilson/NBO (approx. $130)
Drive to Nakuru
Drive to Sweetwaters
Fly (from Nanyuki) to Mara (approx. $245)
Fly from Mara to Wilson/NBO (approx. $150) - Total approx. $530, or $85 more than if only 2/flights SAM/MAR, MAR/WIL

Your decision!

Your drive times are correct. To go from Amboseli to Nakuru, you basically travel back via Nairobi. If you decide on Amboseli, you could take the morning flight back to Nairobi, then drive 2.5 hours to Nakuru but it would involve additional costs.

If you're already staying at Sweetwaters, I don't think it would make sense to also stay at Porini or Kicheche as all 3 are located on Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Farther north in Laikipia might make sense but would still not be as different of an environment as either Samburu or Amboseli.

Hard decision.

When not in the parks, as in Nairobi to Amboseli, is there really anything to see? If we pass through villages that would be interesting. If not, I am assuming the roads are rough which can make the drive time rather weary. But then, we've never been to Africa so it would all be exciting.

I'm not sure which route Daniel would take to get to Amboseli. You used to (and still can) head south from Nairobi to Namanga (border with Tanzania) then over to Amboseli. I haven't traveled this route recently and don't know what the current conditions are like. From what I understand, the part from Namanga to Amboseli is still pretty rough. Some operators are taking the Mombasa Hwy now that the construction is finished (? it was close to being done in Sep) and then a newly paved road to Amboseli at Emali. I've been told this latter route cuts about 1/2 hour off the drive time and is smooth all the way to Amboseli from Emali (I saw the first section of this road in Sep and it did indeed look good but we didn't drive down it as we were continuing on to Tsavo). A lot of the driving will be highway but is scenic. We drove everywhere on our first trip and found it interesting. We still mostly travel by road and will probably not fly on the next trip but are staying longer at each location so have several days between drives.

What do you like the best about each park?

What I remember most about Amboseli are the herds of elephants and glimpses of Kili and for Samburu it would be the diversity of wildlife. Overall I definitely prefer Samburu over Amboseli. I just don't know how the current conditions would factor into the equation.

Daniel, from all reports is a reputable tour operator and responsible to his clients.

Regardless what any of us say, we're not there right now especially when it comes to the situation at Samburu. Whether there would be space for you at Sopa or Simba or even Shaba. As well, visiting Amboseli as an alternative.

I'd suggest you contact him for feedback/imput.

As to Samburu vs Amboseli, my feelings are similar to those Patty expresses.

Sandi, Daniel is the one giving us the choice. Our original plans were to visit Samburu. He has offered to continue at Samburu but at another lodge Sopa or Simba. Or, he is giving us the option of Amboseli. My inclination is to stick with Samburu.

A common question as you can see.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34817112
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...4&tid=34968225
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34914942

I would stick with Samburu and ask for Saruni even if you have to pay more. That would be my choice.

atravelynn: thanks for the link it was a big help. I think Samburu is it, it was part of our original plan anyway.

Please report back!

In my upcoming Kenya trip of about 3 weeks, I choose several Samburu nts over Amboseli. So we agree.

Not that I wouldn't go to Amboseli, and I did enjoy my visit one time.

Any reports from the ground on Samburu now? I'm looking for wildlife info as opposed to lodging info. I have found none.

atravelynn: from what I have seen on blogs and the BBC reports plus utube, quite a bit of area was under water. Over 30000 people have been displaced and this area is poor anyway. We were to stay at Samburu Serena which was completely underwater. Some of the younger wildlife perished and many vanished but I have not heard lately if they have returned. My other concern with going to Samburu is the infrastructure as the roads were washed out. How will supplies get to the remaining lodges, what roads will exist for safari as the bridges I am sure will not be rebuilt by the time we arrive on April 5. So I guess that will be a new experience for us.

It seems like every time we travel with a niece or nephew a disaster strikes right before. 911 before we left for London, the Madrid train bombing before we went to Spain, Van Gogh's grand nephew murdered in Amsterdam prior to our trip.

Hey, maybe it's us!!

If I hear any more news I will report back.

OMG, syliam please always publish your holiday plans in advance, so we have advanced knowledge of disasters, lol
But I do look forward to reading your report on the Samburu area on your return, this time last year we were at Serena.
Have a fabulous trip!

Sylviam, I will also be waiting for your report with great interest as my wife and I are booked with Daniel for the end of May. Larsen's was our choice in Samburu and I would be interested in their progress rebuilding.
Have a great trip and enjoy!