Will the real answers please step forward (Kenya/Tz related)
 

I've been absorbing as much info as I can from this site the past few weeks as we are thinking about a safari to East Africa next year. I sent off my ideas to many of the recommended safari planners referenced on this site with the expectation of just comparing costs, comfort level with the planner, etc. Unfortunately, this exercise has done more to confuse me than help because I've gotten answers/suggestions that completely contradict each other. So, I'd love the help of Fodorites to determine what are the "real" answers to these items (all based on June/July/Aug travel):

1) Samburu - I've been told it is a great location and a terrible location for first time safaris.

2) Intrepids vs. Serena - some say huge price difference, others say almost no difference

3) Is June "low" season for Kenya re: lodging prices? Some have said yes, others have said there is virtually no difference in price between June and July.


On a more subjective front, given my timeframe and interest in variety of wildlife/environment, would you choose to Samburu or Tarangire? We'd have our kids with us if that makes any difference.

Hello addisonr,

1) Samburu is a great location for a first time safari, or any safari. Why would it be terrible?

2) Depends, in the Mara I got a much better price for Intrepids than for Serena. I suppose you’re talking about Samburu. It depends on the relationship that the agent has with the camps. Prices are almost always negotiable.

3) Generally, June is mid season and high season starts 1 July, but there are variations – some camps/lodges start high season 15 June and some that have high mid season rates start high season 15 July.

I’d add Samburu to a Kenya safari and Tarangire to a Tanzania safari. Samburu will give you more variety, as there’re some species - reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich – which you’ll not find further south.

Suggest you post the itinerary you are considering. We went last August and personally I believe Samburu is a must see.

Suggest you hone your itinerary here. Then shop it around to the most competitive tour operators (Southern Cross, our choice, Eastern and Southern, and African Serendipity, from my experience).

A classic itinerary appears to be as follows, if via land:

Nairobi to some place north on way to Samburu, such as Mt. Lodge or the Ark.

At least two, best three nights in Samburu, we loved Larsen's Tented, Serena Lodge probably less expensive.

One night at Sweetwaters on way back down south.

then over to Lake Nakuru to see flamingoes and rhinos (we did not go there so I may be off on this one).

Drive to the Mara (pretty bad but have not heard of anyone dying yet from the experience) or fly out of Nairobi.

At least three nights in the Mara (we loved Little Governor's, awesome to be on a marsh, elephants and hippos in camp at times). Serena is probably less expensive, because a hotel.

Fly or drive back to Nairobi.

Kevin from California

We are planning on doing some of Kenya and some of Tanzania. We will not drive between the reserves in Kenya due to the kids. So, some combination of the following:

Samburu
Mara
Tarangire
Ngorongoro
Manyara (seems to be a default stop to get to or from Ngorongoro)

July and August are Peak season in both countries. June is low/green season at most properties in Kenya. However, Serena does list June as High season. Some properties may raise their prices by 15th June, others as 1st July.

Of course, "low" will have the best prices and least amount of visitors; prices increase after those cutoff dates go into "high" and "peak" seasons. Children sharing room/tent with parent, under age 12 are at 50% discount; up to age 16 at 75% discount. However, there are few actual quad rooms/tents. Often it's 1/adult w/1/child in each adjacent room/tent... but always ask.

Samburu is wonderful.

Intrepid's camps, depending on location is often a bit higher than Serena. But, as mentioned above, can depend on contract prices your particular operator has with each lodge/camp group.

If considering travel beginning of June, Tarangire isn't at it's best. I'd hold off on this till end of June. But July/August will be great.

Manyara is a lovely small park, and yes, often a stop here to breakup the long drive to Ngorongoro. Drives to Ngorongoro - almost 6/hrs from Arusha; from Tarangire can be 4+/hr - depending on time of day, traffic, weather.

ignore ewatene. obviously a tout. have reported to Fodor's editors.

Ok, it is looking more likely that we will go in late July. We are definitely going to go to Samburu and Masai Mara.

If we went to Tanzania, it would likely only be to Tarangire and/or Ngorongoro. Is it worth flying down there to spend just 3-4 days? Are there other things to do in that general area (between Tarangire and Ngorongoro) that the kids would enjoy (they are 5 and 7)?