jayjay88

We are three ladies of indeterminate age who have decdided to go to Kenya to celebrate a birthday. We intend to leave Canada in late October for Kenya.
We would greatly appreciate tips on sites to visit. We have heard of the Taita Hills and the Masa Mari, but there is undoubtedly more.

Any good tips for tour companies, and any safety concerns. Are the Seychelles worth a side trip?

Thanks! Jay Jay et al.

Judy_in_Calgary

Hello Jay Jay et al,

How long do you intend to go for (I think this is relevant to answering your question about whether or not the Seychelles are worth a side trip).

Knowing your budget range and the degree of comfort you would like to have would help too.

Are interested in game viewing in the interior only, or are you interested in the Kenyan coast / Zanzibar as well?

Incognito

Judy, these are great and very essential questions. You need to tell us how many days you have excluding traveling. What is your budget? Do you want private safari or group? Where from Canada are you flying from?

Incognito

I mean, Jay YOU need to tell us all those things

sandi

Agree that you have to decide for how long you wish to be in Kenya, and The Seychelles. Would suggest you get brochures from a local travel agent of tour operators who do trips to Kenya. This will give you an idea of sample itineraries.

There are also many websites that you can check by doing a "search" on Google or whatever search engine you have - "Kenya Africa Tour Operators" - lots will pop up, some located in Canada, the US, the UK and even Kenya. Besides the itineraries, you'll get an idea of prices and the accommodations.

Some sites to check:

www.2afrika.com (mostly budget, but can do mid-range prices, NJ based)

www.premiertours.com (in Phila, PA)

www.overseasadventuretravel.com (small group travel, max 16 people, ages 40-70, US based)

www.essafari.co.ke (Kenya based)

www.africasafaris.com (NY based)

www.onsafari.com (Connecticut based)

There are lots more that your search will find.

As to The Seychelles, they are beautiful, and if in East Africa and time permits an ideal place to relax, but you are tied into flight schedules, as flights do not depart/return daily, of course, depending on air carrier. The Seychelles can also be expensive, if you choose the newest hotels such as Banyan or Lemuria, but many of the other resorts can be more reasonable. Realize "islands" are expensive because almost everything has to be shipped in.

While the weather in Kenya late-Oct/early-Nov is warm, with cool nights, there are possible showers in November. But don't let this put you off, as these are quick storms that settle road dust and there is no humidity after. However, the weather in the Seychelles that time of year is hot & humid, both in the 90s so be sure to select properties with air conditioning.

Once you check some brochures and websites, and know how much time you have for your total vacation, return here with specific questions. I'm sure you'll get lots of input.