richardfh

OnlyMe,

Yes, I would recommend even a short one day visit to Chui. The Cheetah and Leopard sightings were amazing there. In our one day, we had 3 different sightings of Leopard up close, and twice saw Cheetah.

We drove to Chui, and I think the drive was about 2 1/2 hours. From there we flew to the Mara.

On the balloon ride, it wasnt bad at all. In fact I am afraid of heights, but by the end of the trip had lost any fear I had. The basket was large, and divided into 4 sections, with 3-4 people max in each section. We had 3 people and it was plenty of room to move around and get some great pictures.

Any other questions, let me know.

santharamhari

Thanks Patty and Richard for answering my questions......

Hari

OnlyMeOirish

Thank you so much for your reply Richard. I have some more questions if you don't mind;
Did you drive yourself to Chui or was it a car plus driver, and if so, did you have a private game drive or was it through the lodge?
Is it possible to do a game drive in Chui property without actually staying there?
I am also afraid of heights Richard (but that I THINK I can conquer). Approximately what size were the compartments in the baloon do you think?
One last question - other that the Cheetahs, what animals did you get to 'hug' or enter their enclosure? We also have Kennedy taking us to KWS.
Thanks again,
Imelda

bat

richard, thanks for the report.

simbakubwa

richardfh,

Did you like Mara Porini?

Do you know which mara porini it was?

Would you recommend it, or was it too "rustic" and you'd recommend a nicer camp in the future?

richardfh

It was the Mara Porini Camp.

I didnt think it was too rustic. It depends on what your expectations are. If you want a 5 or 6 paw camp with all the extras, than you probably wouldnt like it. If you dont mind bucket showers with clean accomodations for a good price, than this is a great place. The staff treated us well, and I regret not staying longer.

It is outside the park, so you do have an hour (or so) game drive there. The advantage to this is you get night drives, which I really enjoyed.

Any other questions, let me know.

Richard

simbakubwa

Okay, I think there's Mara Porini (where you stayed) and the newer Porini Lion (right on the park boundary).

I'm glad you liked it. I thought perhaps it might be a little too rustic (no pool, no electicity, etc), but it seems everyone who's been there has liked it.

Would you go there again, or would you prefer a nicer camp?

richardfh

Yes simbakubwa, I would definitely stay there again.

Richard