Kenya travel April only time we can go what to expect?
Nov 6th, 2009, 05:57 AM
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Kenya travel April only time we can go what to expect?
We are in the process of planning a trip to Kenya in the beginning of April. I know that this is the rainy season but it may be the only time we can go. Each year we take a niece or nephew overseas and this is the last trip. We are taking our 14 year old nephew. Because we are limited on time we will only safari in 2 places and then spend a few days in and around Nairobi. Should we make this trip or go somewhere else?
Nov 6th, 2009, 06:17 AM
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East Africa has been in drought these past years. Any rain that comes will be welcome. But, while April/May are known as the "long" rains, no one knows if/when, how much, or none at all.
April is low-season so prices are great and often less visitors. However, unless there are torrential downpours for days on end (hopefully, unlikely), an afternoon shower or overnight will NOT inhibit your safari. If there is rain, everything will be beautifully green with field flowers appearing... something visitors in the dry season rarely see.
Go for it.
April is low-season so prices are great and often less visitors. However, unless there are torrential downpours for days on end (hopefully, unlikely), an afternoon shower or overnight will NOT inhibit your safari. If there is rain, everything will be beautifully green with field flowers appearing... something visitors in the dry season rarely see.
Go for it.
Nov 6th, 2009, 08:58 AM
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Hi silvia
Generally speaking I am a Kenya fan - but not as much as sandi ;-)
April Massai Mara: Too many question marks for me. I would not hesitate to go in October or February (which I do in 2010). But the outlook for April/May being rainy season would make me hesitate to focus on to Kenya.
Rain is wonderful for animals and nature - particularly if it hasn't rained for a considerable time.
Rain also has no impact on to your sightings or safari experience as such - we have done safaris in South Africa where we had rain for 3 consecutive days, every game drive in rain coats and rain pants. But had lion killing a buffalo. We were staying in a lodge and besides getting wet like cats during the drives had a great overall experience.
Staying in a tented camp during torrential rains (which might be the case in April in MM) is not just fun! We had such an experience in Tanzania (Olakira camp). We almost had the whole Serengeti under our soles messing everything with black cotton soil : tent, mess tent, vehicle.
It might be possible you decide on another destination and Kenya remains bone dry in April 2010. But who knows????
If I were you I would rather go to South Africa in April 2010. There you have lodges which makes a difference and despite the weather isn't predictable anymore it shouldn't be "wet".
Happy planning!
SV
Generally speaking I am a Kenya fan - but not as much as sandi ;-)
April Massai Mara: Too many question marks for me. I would not hesitate to go in October or February (which I do in 2010). But the outlook for April/May being rainy season would make me hesitate to focus on to Kenya.
Rain is wonderful for animals and nature - particularly if it hasn't rained for a considerable time.
Rain also has no impact on to your sightings or safari experience as such - we have done safaris in South Africa where we had rain for 3 consecutive days, every game drive in rain coats and rain pants. But had lion killing a buffalo. We were staying in a lodge and besides getting wet like cats during the drives had a great overall experience.
Staying in a tented camp during torrential rains (which might be the case in April in MM) is not just fun! We had such an experience in Tanzania (Olakira camp). We almost had the whole Serengeti under our soles messing everything with black cotton soil : tent, mess tent, vehicle.
It might be possible you decide on another destination and Kenya remains bone dry in April 2010. But who knows????
If I were you I would rather go to South Africa in April 2010. There you have lodges which makes a difference and despite the weather isn't predictable anymore it shouldn't be "wet".
Happy planning!
SV
Nov 6th, 2009, 09:57 AM
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I haven't been to Kenya in April but was there one December (which is supposed to be the short rains season) when there were torrential rains. I didn't find that it affected our enjoyment of the trip. Yes it was muddy and we got it on our shoes and in the case of one of our friends all over when he slipped 
but we didn't find it to be a big deal. Guess it just depends on how you feel about that and no one can say how rainy or not next April will be. If it's been raining, the grass may be high which could affect viewing and also certain activities such as walks may be stopped.
but we didn't find it to be a big deal. Guess it just depends on how you feel about that and no one can say how rainy or not next April will be. If it's been raining, the grass may be high which could affect viewing and also certain activities such as walks may be stopped.
Nov 6th, 2009, 10:53 AM
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I was in Kenya/Tanz late March early April this year.
We had 1 wet night in the Mara, and 1 wet day in Tanzania, that was out of 3 weeks.
The weather is no longer predictable, so, if that's the only time you can go, go!
We had 1 wet night in the Mara, and 1 wet day in Tanzania, that was out of 3 weeks.
The weather is no longer predictable, so, if that's the only time you can go, go!
Nov 6th, 2009, 12:58 PM
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I don't know if it was already mentioned on this forum but I heart last week from a source that I trust very much that there was a robbery at Naibor camp in the Mara some weeks ago. All the tourists had to leave their tents in the middle of the night. My travel agent told me afterwards that this was not the only case and that even restaurants in Nairobi had some serious problems.
Nov 6th, 2009, 05:07 PM
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Thank you all for your insight. From my sources it has been raining in Kenya but not the heavy rains of March/April. Also, I had read that the drought had affected the bird and animal population on the lakes in the Rift Valley but with the recent rains it was now okay. When we went to Costa Rica we went on during the "end of the rainy season" and only had one night of rain. But everything I read on this forum and in books says that April is the worst time to go.
Are there only tented camps in the Maasai Mara? I would hate to miss this area.
I read on this forum about the robberies also. The issue in the restaurant I think was tourist error. I would never leave or even bring a purse that is visible let alone hang it on the back of my chair.
Are there only tented camps in the Maasai Mara? I would hate to miss this area.
I read on this forum about the robberies also. The issue in the restaurant I think was tourist error. I would never leave or even bring a purse that is visible let alone hang it on the back of my chair.
Nov 6th, 2009, 06:05 PM
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That was my husband that Patty was speaking of that fell in the mud in Dec 2006. It still makes for a great laugh when we talk about that game drive.
If the only time you can go is in April i would go and not worry about the weather. It is one thing that is out of our control and the world climate is just so unpredictable anymore. Like they say in Kenya "Hakuna Matata"
If the only time you can go is in April i would go and not worry about the weather. It is one thing that is out of our control and the world climate is just so unpredictable anymore. Like they say in Kenya "Hakuna Matata"
Nov 7th, 2009, 06:12 AM
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Hey, it can rain in torrents during the so-called "dry" season. It's weather - "whether it will or whether it wont"
In the Masai Mara, you will find both lodges and tented camps. Some of the very small (6/tent) camps are closed during Apr/May/early-Jun, mainly to allow for refreshing the lands on which they are sited... being eco-friendly. Many larger (25-30/tent) camps remain open during this period as the tents are mostly built on concrete or stilt platforms. Plenty of choices.
In the Masai Mara, you will find both lodges and tented camps. Some of the very small (6/tent) camps are closed during Apr/May/early-Jun, mainly to allow for refreshing the lands on which they are sited... being eco-friendly. Many larger (25-30/tent) camps remain open during this period as the tents are mostly built on concrete or stilt platforms. Plenty of choices.
Nov 8th, 2009, 10:44 AM
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Thanks for insights. We will be going in April. Now with only 7 days we need to decide which parks. I know the drive time can be 6 hours from Nairobi and 3 hours in between. With only 7 days I don't want to spend all the time driving. Also, when on safari, which type of vehicle is best?
Nov 8th, 2009, 01:29 PM
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I was in the Masai Mara at the beginning of April 2004 for just 4 nights. We had heavy rain during the nights but none during the day. The weather in the day was glorious - sunny blue skies. Lush green everywhere. Some muddy tracks, as one might expect.
No idea if this is typical, what with just the one, short April visit.
No idea if this is typical, what with just the one, short April visit.
Nov 14th, 2009, 03:56 AM
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Myself my wife and two children were the ones (and two other tents) on the night of 7 October 2009. I have posted the abbreviated story on Trip Advisor, and pasted here again below
The bottom line is the robbery was violent and we lost approx $10,000 in money jewelry and camera gear. Given that i thought we going to die or be seriously injured i guess we got a way lightly. If the robbers had more time it seemed like they would have been intent on rape and injury
Most people think that violent crime is only in Nairobi; well unfortunately all these ugly forms of criminal activity have made it to where the rich tourists are. Be very careful even in the Mara, and make sure your lodge/camp site has armed guards. Naibor Camp is owned by a couple of light weights and did nothing to prevent the robbery or help us after the fact. In fact I have significant evidence that confirms that one or more Naibor staff were involved in the incident.
Trip Advisor post
On the night of 07 October 2009 at approx 11.30 pm the camp was raided by armed bandits. They discharged a fireman then proceeded to rob the camp site tents including the managers tents and the 4 tents of camp guests, 2 of which were ours. 4 bandits dressed as Masai entered our tent armed with machetes, spears axes etc proceeded to assault us at rob us of money, jewelery and camera gear and other electronics. They then proceeded in to our children’s tent roughed them up and robbed them. After the bandits left our tent my family and I hid down along the river. We figured it was a better option to risk it with wild animals than face the prospect of the bandits returning, these guys meant business and it was obvious they had little regard for life; it would not have taken much for this to have turned really ugly.
The camp owners did not give a damn and did not investigate the claims of staff involvement, their response : "We should have know of the dangers in Africa" & "our injuries were only bruises and therefore no big deal".
Good news is we made it out alive.
Naibor is owned by a couple of Kenya clowns Anthony Cheffings of On Safari Kenya and Nigel Archer of Nigel Archer Safaris who do not take safety and security seriously.
• Prior incidents of robbery in the Mara, the last one only 6 weeks before but Naibor had no armed guards.
• Obvious Naibor camp staff involvement in the robbery but no intention of follow-up by management
My advice: If you must go to the Masai Mara stay in a lodge. If you insist on staying in a tented camp enquire about security and make sure the camp is protected against bandits by armed guards, and lastly STAY AWAY FROM NAIBOR
Incidents like ours have happened before and will happen again, don’t be a victim.
The bottom line is the robbery was violent and we lost approx $10,000 in money jewelry and camera gear. Given that i thought we going to die or be seriously injured i guess we got a way lightly. If the robbers had more time it seemed like they would have been intent on rape and injury
Most people think that violent crime is only in Nairobi; well unfortunately all these ugly forms of criminal activity have made it to where the rich tourists are. Be very careful even in the Mara, and make sure your lodge/camp site has armed guards. Naibor Camp is owned by a couple of light weights and did nothing to prevent the robbery or help us after the fact. In fact I have significant evidence that confirms that one or more Naibor staff were involved in the incident.
Trip Advisor post
On the night of 07 October 2009 at approx 11.30 pm the camp was raided by armed bandits. They discharged a fireman then proceeded to rob the camp site tents including the managers tents and the 4 tents of camp guests, 2 of which were ours. 4 bandits dressed as Masai entered our tent armed with machetes, spears axes etc proceeded to assault us at rob us of money, jewelery and camera gear and other electronics. They then proceeded in to our children’s tent roughed them up and robbed them. After the bandits left our tent my family and I hid down along the river. We figured it was a better option to risk it with wild animals than face the prospect of the bandits returning, these guys meant business and it was obvious they had little regard for life; it would not have taken much for this to have turned really ugly.
The camp owners did not give a damn and did not investigate the claims of staff involvement, their response : "We should have know of the dangers in Africa" & "our injuries were only bruises and therefore no big deal".
Good news is we made it out alive.
Naibor is owned by a couple of Kenya clowns Anthony Cheffings of On Safari Kenya and Nigel Archer of Nigel Archer Safaris who do not take safety and security seriously.
• Prior incidents of robbery in the Mara, the last one only 6 weeks before but Naibor had no armed guards.
• Obvious Naibor camp staff involvement in the robbery but no intention of follow-up by management
My advice: If you must go to the Masai Mara stay in a lodge. If you insist on staying in a tented camp enquire about security and make sure the camp is protected against bandits by armed guards, and lastly STAY AWAY FROM NAIBOR
Incidents like ours have happened before and will happen again, don’t be a victim.
Nov 14th, 2009, 07:00 AM
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PaulTraveller
Thank you for your post and update on safety and security at Naibor. Sorry for what happened to you.
Not that I doubt the incident and how it unfolded. But to give your post more credibility (as you are brandnew here) it would be excellent to have at least an email address.
Hope you don't take it as an insult. But these days where many camp owners struggle for business and I myself have heard of weird allegations from one camp owner towards another I would highly appreciate to have these information provided by a "real" name not by Mr/Mrs Anonymous.
SV
Thank you for your post and update on safety and security at Naibor. Sorry for what happened to you.
Not that I doubt the incident and how it unfolded. But to give your post more credibility (as you are brandnew here) it would be excellent to have at least an email address.
Hope you don't take it as an insult. But these days where many camp owners struggle for business and I myself have heard of weird allegations from one camp owner towards another I would highly appreciate to have these information provided by a "real" name not by Mr/Mrs Anonymous.
SV
Nov 14th, 2009, 10:42 AM
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SV - Far be it from me to be controversial (it's just not in my nature), but I just wanted to say that I was horrified when I read this, and I certainly <u>never</u> once thought that it was not credible. You said this nice enough, and I think that is very good of you, but I would never doubt that that was the real traveller posting. I could not even imagine a camp owner posting this type of allegation to ruin another camp - that is beyond comprehension to me. If my rose coloured glasses keep me from living in a cynical doubting world, then I'm happy to have them & will gladly share them with you.
Paultraveller - I am so sorry that this happened to you, I love Kenya and I love the Mara, it hurts to hear about situations like this. I can only imagine what you went through, but as you say, at least you got out alive - which is a big plus. I hope you and your family are doing OK both mentally and physically after this happened to you, and I thank you for sharing this with us. I will heed your advice.
Paultraveller - I am so sorry that this happened to you, I love Kenya and I love the Mara, it hurts to hear about situations like this. I can only imagine what you went through, but as you say, at least you got out alive - which is a big plus. I hope you and your family are doing OK both mentally and physically after this happened to you, and I thank you for sharing this with us. I will heed your advice.
Nov 14th, 2009, 11:08 AM
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LyndaS
Here is the same poster posting under another name attacking me because I was stating that neither friends nor us are worried about staying at Naibor in Dec respectively Feb 2010.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...e-in-kenya.cfm
As these people who have been robbed at Naibor would have given interviews to newspapers or TV channels appearing in countless living rooms I assume it's not too much giving up of privacy here if they provide at least some info as many others do who don't post crucial facts here; e.g. email address.
It's very tempting to use an open forum for all kinds of vendettas.
Let me stress that I don't say this is fake here! But posting under 2 different aliases makes me think.
Particularly as the same poster does put an effort to open two new accounts/alias here to state his/her case.
Finally as you doubt that camp owners would not go that far to state allegations in order to drive others out of business:
One camp owner stated that Naibor had been built illegally not having a license and might be closed at any time!
If you provide me with an email address I will gladly disclose names.
SV
Here is the same poster posting under another name attacking me because I was stating that neither friends nor us are worried about staying at Naibor in Dec respectively Feb 2010.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...e-in-kenya.cfm
As these people who have been robbed at Naibor would have given interviews to newspapers or TV channels appearing in countless living rooms I assume it's not too much giving up of privacy here if they provide at least some info as many others do who don't post crucial facts here; e.g. email address.
It's very tempting to use an open forum for all kinds of vendettas.
Let me stress that I don't say this is fake here! But posting under 2 different aliases makes me think.
Particularly as the same poster does put an effort to open two new accounts/alias here to state his/her case.
Finally as you doubt that camp owners would not go that far to state allegations in order to drive others out of business:
One camp owner stated that Naibor had been built illegally not having a license and might be closed at any time!
If you provide me with an email address I will gladly disclose names.
SV
Nov 14th, 2009, 12:15 PM
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the way I read the posts is one is the one on this thread is from the husband and the wife made the post on the other thread. Maybe it's the same person I don't know but I do know a lot of people were wanting to know about the robberies that had been rumored.
Nov 14th, 2009, 01:24 PM
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joeyi
You might be right that's 2 people/couple.......
And yes - the rumours make everything worse. Coping with the incidents openly would be much better.
I for my part will contact the Kenya Tourism office in order to learn more about the situation.
SV
You might be right that's 2 people/couple.......
And yes - the rumours make everything worse. Coping with the incidents openly would be much better.
I for my part will contact the Kenya Tourism office in order to learn more about the situation.
SV
Nov 14th, 2009, 02:08 PM
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I am very sorry for your terrible experience. I cannot imagine your horror and hope your family has recovered, especially the children.
"In fact I have significant evidence that confirms that one or more Naibor staff were involved in the incident."
This info should be given to police/authorities and in time it would be useful if it were posted for other travelers as well.
I can understand why PaulTraveller does not post more specifics or personal contacts. I can also understand how any allegations of this nature are suspect and raise some doubts. Finally I can understand why someone who had never posted before on a travel forum would feel compelled to post such an event as a warning to others.
"In fact I have significant evidence that confirms that one or more Naibor staff were involved in the incident."
This info should be given to police/authorities and in time it would be useful if it were posted for other travelers as well.
I can understand why PaulTraveller does not post more specifics or personal contacts. I can also understand how any allegations of this nature are suspect and raise some doubts. Finally I can understand why someone who had never posted before on a travel forum would feel compelled to post such an event as a warning to others.
Nov 14th, 2009, 02:08 PM
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That's the way I read the posts too, Joyce - this is the husband, and the the other is the wife. I read the mom/wife's post first, and then this one, it was chilling reading about it and I feel for the family.
Thanks for posting your response to mine, SV and I do appreciate that you are looking into the KTO to learn more.
Thanks for posting your response to mine, SV and I do appreciate that you are looking into the KTO to learn more.
