Hi.
I have had so much fun starting to research our first trip to include a safari.,
WRT to a possible trip here.
1. Because of the floods in the Samburu region, does it
make sense to skip it if we do this trip in 6 months from
now?
2. I have read (and I don't know if I have understood
correctly) that some of the camps/lodges are not legal
and might cease to exist. So do we not even consider
them? (In Kenya, that is)
3. I have read that the road from Nairobi to Arusha is a
catastrophe because of construction, so better to fly?
4. Because of considerations #1 and #2 should we leave
Kenya out (although I would prefer not to). or maybe
a few days at Masai Mara and focus on Tanzania?
Thanks Sandy

Kenya is ideal for Sept/Oct.

Samburu and Shaba are open and going about business with game drives and the game are still there. While a handful of lodges/camps are now doing repairs, by Sept/Oct, hopefully all will be operational. Or to be assured space, book those that we know are open and away from the Ewaso Nyiro River. If not Samburu - elephants and unique species, then consider Amboseli - elephants and views of Kili.

As to the "illegal" camps, bear in mind these are about 10, when there are many many more that are "legally" open/operating within the Reserve and on the adjacent conservancies. So you have plenty of choices. The Migration is in full-swing during this period and should not be missed.

Between Nairobi/Arusha, there is construction (unsure if/when this will be completed) and travel time can take 5-6+/hrs. Flying would be from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro (50/min) then another drive (45/min-1/hr) to Arusha. Bus transfer to Arusha is about $35/person; private vehicle transfer is about $350-$400/vehicle; flight cost is about $265/person one-way.

If considering the Northern Circuit Tanzania - Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti - only the Ngorongoro Crater is unique to Tanzania - much the same game would be found in Kenya as would be at Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti. Besides, for entry to Tanzania you would need another Visa and Yellow Fever Inoculation and proof of same for entry. If only choosing to visit Ngorongoro, this can be an expensive extension for 3/days minimum with some really long drives - to/from - and then back to Nairobi.

You can easily stay in Kenya and have a wonderful experience.

sb1020,

Very exciting

1. In Sept/Oct, things should be back to normal in Samburu. If you were going in May or earlier, I'd definitely be concerned about a place along the river. I personally have not initiated changes in my Samburu lodging in Sept, which is Serena.

In Kenya, Samburu is #2 in wildlife next to the Mara and has 5 unique species that are often seen. With a more desert-like environment, it is a great destination.

If you are concerned about damaged lodging, Sopa was fine. I think Simba was too. There are places not affected by the flood.

Since you mentioned drive/fly considerations, you can fly to Samburu from Nairobi and save the 6-ish hour drive. Or you can hit one or more parks on your way north, breaking up the drive.

2. This illegal thing just came to light, at least for those of us who are removed from the tourism business and insider info. If I had to bet, I would bet that most of those on the list would be fine. But for my own safari, I would book something else, at least initially. As the time approaches, if you still want one of the places on the list and it is open and not having problems, then maybe you could switch. I personally have booked places not on the list.

3. Sandi has great stats and figures on fly vs. drive. I've done both and if it fits in my budget, I prefer to fly to save time, sometimes saving even an overnight. That means you save the cost of a hotel by paying for a flight. So keep that in mind when comparing the two. Even without road construction, there can be delays or mechancial malfunctions (which I've experienced) making the driving trip even longer.

4. Since you are considering many factors, consider this too in the timeframe you are going: Tanzania is having a presidential election the end of Oct. Again, I'm far removed from the daily rumors and news, but I personally chose to take Tanzania out of the running for my 2010 trip options since I am going near election time. (I like Tanzania and it is back in for 2011.) I almost never travel to countries near the time of their elections.

Sept Oct is ideal for Kenya and for the Maasai Mara. It's what I'd recommend and what I chose to do.

Good luck and please share your thoughts as your itinerary develops.

Thanks Sandi and atravelynn

actually a Kenya only trip could be great

We could do mount kenya samburu and maasai for 9-12 days
we might also include Lake Nakuru aberdare

what do you think?

Sandy

1 Arrive
2 Aberdare
3-4 Samburu
5-6 Sweetwaters (Mt. Kenya)
7 Lake Nakuru
8-11 Mara (4 nights is good Sept-Oct)
12 Back to NBO and fly out.

This works driving or you could replace the longest drives to Samburu and Mara back to NBO with some flights. It would be a fantastic trip with a diversity of habitats and animals.