I'm planning on taking a Smartour trip to Kenya and I was wondering if anyone had used them before to Africa. I've seen many comments about them to other places, mostly positive, and was hoping someone could give me more info

When are you traveling? What is the itinerary - parks visited, number of days, means of transport to/from each, accommodations being provided?

Some group tours, which I assume this is, have terrible itineraries, too many long drives, and visiting places not optimal for the time when visiting.

hi byroni10
have no clue about Smartour.
though i think, Africa should be operated by experts not by "all-around-players"...
The price is quite a deal though

<b>sandi</b>
i've found this article about it
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25397172/
it's quite a deal: from 2999$ icluding flights from NY!!!
(that price is for mid Nov = rainy season. but that doesn'y mean too much lately, 'cause weather is going nuts...)
itinerary:
2X Safari Park hotel (?)
2X Samburu Lodge
1X Mt. Lodge
2X Naivasha Simba (1 free day at Naivasha??)
2X Mara Simba

byroni - if these are the lodges, it is nice
let us know what's the itinerary & when do you intend to go
so we can write our comments

aby

I believe it's this itinerary http://www.smartours.com/kenya.htm

Nov departures are $3299pp going up to $3899pp for peak season plus some not exactly specified taxes and fees for 7 nights on safari + 2 nights in Nairobi.

I'd price out the same (I'm not saying you'd necessarily want this exact itinerary but just for comparison purposes) as a private safari with a local tour operator in Kenya and airfare separately to see how much it would cost. Airfare is cheaper now than it's been for a while and perhaps you could have a private safari for close to the same price as a group one.

I also looked through Lynda's East Africa trip report index http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...port-index.cfm and couldn't find any reports of Smartours but you may want to check and see it I missed anything.

Oh and my suggestion to price it as a private safari was based on the assumption that you have at least 2 people traveling. If you're traveling solo, this may not be able reasonable option.

Except for the fact the intl air is included, it's much a standard itinerary, spending lots of time on the roads and not enough time at some locations... the Masai Mara.

The drive from Nairobi to Samburu is 6/hrs, then 4/hrs back to Mt. Kenya; then 3.5/hrs to Lake Nakuru, 1/hr to Naivasha. And finally, 5/hrs to the Mara and then 5-6/hrs back to Nairobi.

I'm with Patty, check airfares for when you wish to travel... they are coming down (one of the few things that are these days), and then price the same or probably better itinerary with a few in-country outfitters.

Creating your own safari, would be private and as this Smartours itinerary has been widely advertised you might have lots of strangers traveling with you. Only you can decide on a "group" or "private" safari.

Also, besides the fact that air taxes aren't included this can add up. And, which airlines and what routing, how many stops till you deplane in NBO. You'll need visa for entry, along with malaria meds; some inoculations for travel anywhere are recommended (though none specific for entry to Kenya); tips for guide/driver and camp/lodge staff; funds for meals not included, souvenirs, and other miscellaneous. If you don't already have a good camera, that along with digital media and batteries/charger have to be purchased.

Best to calculate everything besides what appears to be a very attractive price.

yeah, Naivasha is a "day at leisure" which means more money for 'optional' activities (like boat to Crescent Island)

Thanks for all the info. I'll be going at the beginning of August which I understand is a good time to go. I am a 60 year old woman who will be traveling alone for the first time. I've never been on a tour before, but I feel that as a solo traveler it is the best way for me to go at this time. That's why I I didn't pick a private safari.

Have you checked OAT, Overseas Adventure Travel.
They have some interesting group itineraries worldwide; itineraries also including international air; many solo travelers join, ages vary but many are "mature adults" (from 50+).

OAT is located in Boston. Suggest you see what their offerings are.

OAT is currently offering "free" single supplements for most of their trips, including their Kenya/Tanzania and Tanzania safaris. In August, the Migration should be in Kenya's Masai Mara, but neither safari goes there. The Kenya/Tanzania trip does offer a pre-trip extension to the Mara, though.