I just saw this thread. I was really surprised to hear somebody had negative feedback on Elephant Bedroom in Samburu. As you know from my report, we loved it there and thought it was the best place we stayed in Kenya. I suppose it's possible that something might have changed since we were there in September (different chef, staff cutbacks if they aren't getting much business recently, or whatever), but we had no complaints whatsoever. And I certainly don't see how someone could fault them for the facilities. Everything was in great shape -- beautiful tents, gorgeous location, and nice, small size with no fence.

Oh, I don't know who made that report and obviously they don't give it to me. But they mentioned that the food is bad and the common area is not in good shape.

Whatever, I think we will try and let you know;-) The size is perfect, the location as well and we will spent the whole day in the parc anyway.

Entim seems to have split from the operator of Chui Lodge where they were on the webpage. But I've got rates now, and I can tell you they are very high (even higher than Mara Explorer!)

I think we will go fo Mara Bush Camp and report it after coming back. The last 3 days in Explorer or Rekero tented just to save the parc entrance fees ;-) Bad for night drives but we have to save something for next time. It's a pity because I really love the bushbabies...

Whether staying inside the Mara or outside on the private group ranches, in addition to the room rate you should be provided a daily fee which includes the Mara and the group ranch, if the group ranch actually charges a fee. It's unlikely for a park on ranch land not to do game drives in the park... especially in August.

The daily Mara fees are increasing as 1st May to $60; then, if applicable, the ranch fee, which can range from $25-$75/daily.

Some daily fees including the Mara and group ranch are now up to $100/day total.

This is crazy! I don't understand why they increase the parc fees now in times of such low tourist numbers!! I read that they increased the parc fees in Tanzania up to USD 100 pppd especially in private concessions which is really out of range.

Hopefully they gtake the money for the maintenance of the parc...

I know people who stayed at Elephant Bedroom in Jan and they only had good things to say. OTOH as Kenyan residents, they paid a ridiculously low last minute rate. Perhaps their expectations would've been different if they were paying the full rate.

According to MyDogKyle it is a fantastic camp. The pics look very nice http://www.atua-enkop.com/samburu.php

Sandi: it ist not clear whether Saruni will be open in June because of the immense losses they had in the last month. Perhaps they postpone the opening until next year.

Oh, another question. Would there be a chance to see wild dogs at Samburu, Nakuru or in the Mara?

I've heard of wild dog sightings at all 3 locations plus in Tsavo and Laikipia, but I think you have to be very, very lucky!

Where'd you hear that about Saruni Samburu? The same person who had the bad report on Elephant Bedroom? I plan to be there as well others I know.

No, not the same person, but an operator in Nairobi. Obviously they do not have enough bookings right now, I have never got answers on emails so quickly;-)

When will you be there?

Hopefully we will be lucky with the wild dogs.

Hopefully beginning June, if I can get my own act together :)

Hey, what are your plans??

steffi -

... are you kiddin'? :) Have some ideas, but nowhere near firm. Once I have it together, I'll post.

Steffid

Sorry to say it but you will be very very lucky to see wild dogs in either samburu or mara. Whilst there are some in the area, i think they were last seen in samburu 2-3 years ago. There is a pack just outside the mara (in the aitong hills) but these were last seen 9-12 months ago. Treat it is a bonus if they appear - you will not be disappointed with the rest of the game !

Sandi: now I am really curious for your plans!!! Keep us posted!!

Phil: I know, it is so difficult so spot them. Last time at Kleins Camp they saw a pack just one day before our arrival (ok, I can't prove this but they said it ;-) but we weren't lucky. To see them must be better to go in the Okavango Delta but even during 5 days there we weren't lucky either. Shoudl stay for one or two months...

I pulled out my map of the Mara last night and saw, that Rekero has the best location for the crossing. I will at least ask for rates. Hopefully they don't get crazy about my changings every day...

have a good day - tgif!!

Steffid,

We use Sunworld when we go to Kenya. I sort out an intinerary, then they make all the bookings and provide the vehicle and driver/guide. I have found them very easy and efficient to deal with and would use them again.

I think that they only set up the Mara Bush Camp during the time of the migration.

steffid -

Saruni Samburu plans are right on schedule! Will be opening 1st June.

Sandi,

yes, Saruni will be open, just came in the office and got the message. It seems they quote around USD 200 more than Elephant Bedroom (I dont get the rates directly but only the price diffrence, strange, I know).
How come that Elephant Bedroom is less expensive than Larsens. Does Larsens charge higher since renovation?

Wingi,

this is very interesting for me. Can you recommend a guide? I am a little lost what to do, take my former operator in Nairobi or try Sunworld. Sunworld is more expensive, but I have the impression they are very well organized and we can rely on it. Unfortunately I get thet rates in Euro which is bad for us. And, I don't know any of the guides. But one of the guides we had with the other operator in NAI, our favorite, died last year and we are so so sorry about this. He was such a nice guy.

Do you know anything about guides from TANZ, are they allowed to drive in Kenya? I would love to go with our last guide in Tanz but they tell me it is not possible without giving a reason for it.

Larsen's was originally one of the first, if not the first camp at Samburu (many years back). They then closed, for whatever reason sometime, I believe early 2000s.

The new Larsen's completely different than the original when re-opened in '05. Larsen's wasn't a refurbish... rather a complete redo from ground up.

Can't comment on specific prices between Larsen's, Elephant Bedroom or Saruni, but, if Saruni was quoted at $200 higher than Elephant Bedroom, then EB or Larsen's would be a good deal.

Sandi,
I think we choose Elephant Bedroom, MyDoKyle's report was so nice and I like small camps. But Larsens does look nice from the pic in the internet. I am not shure if we want to move from one to another in 5 nights, I think this is too much trouble. We could visit Larsens while staying at EB just to know for the next time.
They are both the same in price.

And: Saruni and SaSaab seem to have the same rates, they quoted Saruni and SaSaab USD 200 more per days (compared to EB and Larsens).