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#11
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Kenya animal migration
In message
"Rita Daggett" wrote: Personally, I'd go for more nights per place at fewer places. The roads arent that good so the travelling is tiring (although you will see game along the way, and African life). Sorry I'm getting into this thread late. I've not been able to get onto Usenet for months! Definitely, but better still have a longer trip! If you move on every day, you'll have very little time in the game parks and reserves. Nothing wrong with the places mentioned in your itinerary, but the distances between them are big. You'd want at least two weeks to do that itinerary! Also, Shaba is off the main tourist itinerary: there's nothing wrong with it, in fact it's one of the more scenic reserves, and the lodge is fine, but usually the game is mostly in Samburu/Buffalo Springs. We stayed at Shaba one year, and ended up driving into Samburu or Buffalo Springs every day since there was so little game in Shaba.. Nowadays I understand, if you did that you'd be charged extra (one fee for Shaba, one for whichever of the others you went into), not to mention the waste of time (about 1/2 hour each way). Mountain Lodge is OK, I was there in July and there were very few animals at the waterhole, but there were some Bush Pigs the first evening just as the sun was going down. Even the Syke's/Blue monkeys were scarcer than the last time I was there. However, if you're interested in birds and go out the nature walk (quite expensive) there are birds there you won't see elsewhere. Lake Nakuru was great in late July: the third time I've been there, and definitely the most flamingoes! That's just luck, they move around at will. I was really, really lucky in the Mara. The wildebeest and zebra were crossing the river on 2nd August (but not the previous day, though they had been in late July, apparently) which is very early. It usually starts in mid-August, and doing a trip timed to see the river crossing was going to be my second retiral trip. Really, Mazda, try to get a longer safari. The trouble with the trip I was on this year was that it was only 13 days: the longest I could get (not being able to afford a private trip on my own in July). :-( Slainte Liz -- http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos Photo Gallery: http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/g...emberID=165111 |
#12
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Kenya animal migration
Thanks for advices. I just finalized my itinerary last week as below. 8
days Safari + 3 days in Mombasa. I will travel along and have no choice to join a local group. The certified Operator is Wildwatch Safaris (anyone heard of it?) and I hope it's good. It seems it's the best one I select after I researched quite a few Safari operators. For longer trip with 2 wks, would definitely next time if my friend could join me. I didn't know Kenya trip could be so pricey. USD 3,000 just for Airfares + local package. If including some other expected expense, such as visa, tips....a bit shopping, extra expense in Mombasa.....the entire trip is quite expensive to me.. As for preparaion prior to the trip, anything I need to take note: - Injection: do I need to have specific shots? I heard there are some wide illness there? - Stuffs I need to bring with me? Towel, toothbrush, mostiquo spray..... - Is it easy to exchange foreign currency in Nairobu, RMB? Thanks, Eunice -------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 1: Nairobi/Samburu Depart Nairobi in the morning and arriving Samburu Serena Lodge in time lunch. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Lodge. Approx Transit time: 5½ hrs Day 2: Samburu Full day in Samburu, with an early morning and late afternoon game drive. Optional activites include a visit to a local Samburu village, camel riding and guided nature and bird walks. All meals and overnight at Samburu Lodge. Day 3: Mountain Lodge Depart Samburu after breakfast and drive to the lower slopes of Mt. Kenya arriving Serena Mountain Lodge (tree hotel) in time for lunch. Relax the afternoon away as you watch game from the balcony with an optional guided nature walk. Overnight floodlit game viewing. Dinner and overnight.. Approx Transit time: 3½ hrs Day 4 & 5: Lake Nakuru Depart Mountain Lodge in the morning and drive to the floor of the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park making a brief stop at Nyahururu Thomson Falls. Arrive Sarova Lion Hill Lodge for lunch. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Approx Transit time: 3 hrs Day 6: Lake Nakuru/Maasai Mara Depart Lake Nakuru after breakfast and drive further along the floor of the Rift Valley to Maasai Mara Game Reserve arriving Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Approx Transit time: 6 hrs Day 7: Maasai Mara Spend the day in Maasai Mara. Game drives are flexible, with the option of going out with picnic lunch boxes to spend entire day in the the park, or you can choose to have early morning and late afternoon game drives. All meals and overnight Mara Sopa Lodge. Day 8: Maasai Mara/Nairobi Another early morning game drive in Maasai Mara, then depart after breakfast and drive back to Nairobi arriving approx 13:00hrs. Kenya comfort Hotel overnight Approx Transit time: 5½ hrs. Day 9-10 Mombasa Fly from Nairobi-Mombasa and Leisure at the Travellers beach hotel Day 11 Mombasa to Nairobi Fly from Mombasa to Naibori to conntect international flight USD 2,177 Prices include: - Transportation in a custom safari minibus with pop-up roof ideal for game viewing and sightseeing. - Services of a trained experienced English speaking driver/guide - Fullboard accommodation in the lodges as mentioned - Bottled water for use during the safari - Game drives and all park entry fees - Return airfare Nairobi- Mombasa - Airport Transfers both in Nairobi and Mombasa - Accomodation in Mombasa for two night based on Half board - Accomodation in Nairobi at Kenya comfort Hotel Liz Leyden wrote: In message "Rita Daggett" wrote: Personally, I'd go for more nights per place at fewer places. The roads arent that good so the travelling is tiring (although you will see game along the way, and African life). Sorry I'm getting into this thread late. I've not been able to get onto Usenet for months! Definitely, but better still have a longer trip! If you move on every day, you'll have very little time in the game parks and reserves. Nothing wrong with the places mentioned in your itinerary, but the distances between them are big. You'd want at least two weeks to do that itinerary! Also, Shaba is off the main tourist itinerary: there's nothing wrong with it, in fact it's one of the more scenic reserves, and the lodge is fine, but usually the game is mostly in Samburu/Buffalo Springs. We stayed at Shaba one year, and ended up driving into Samburu or Buffalo Springs every day since there was so little game in Shaba.. Nowadays I understand, if you did that you'd be charged extra (one fee for Shaba, one for whichever of the others you went into), not to mention the waste of time (about 1/2 hour each way). Mountain Lodge is OK, I was there in July and there were very few animals at the waterhole, but there were some Bush Pigs the first evening just as the sun was going down. Even the Syke's/Blue monkeys were scarcer than the last time I was there. However, if you're interested in birds and go out the nature walk (quite expensive) there are birds there you won't see elsewhere. Lake Nakuru was great in late July: the third time I've been there, and definitely the most flamingoes! That's just luck, they move around at will. I was really, really lucky in the Mara. The wildebeest and zebra were crossing the river on 2nd August (but not the previous day, though they had been in late July, apparently) which is very early. It usually starts in mid-August, and doing a trip timed to see the river crossing was going to be my second retiral trip. Really, Mazda, try to get a longer safari. The trouble with the trip I was on this year was that it was only 13 days: the longest I could get (not being able to afford a private trip on my own in July). :-( Slainte Liz -- http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos Photo Gallery: http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/g...emberID=165111 |
#13
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Kenya animal migration
mazda610328 wrote:
As for preparaion prior to the trip, anything I need to take note: - Injection: do I need to have specific shots? I heard there are some wide illness there? Yes, you should probably visit a clinic or Dr. specializing in travel medicine and you'll probably need shots or boosters for several things like hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, polio, cholera, etc Also perhaps a prescription for an anti-malarial drug like Malarone or Larium. - Is it easy to exchange foreign currency in Nairobu Yes, if you meant Nairobi. Bill |
#14
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Kenya animal migration
In message .com
"mazda610328" wrote: I didn't know Kenya trip could be so pricey. USD 3,000 just for Airfares + local package. If including some other expected expense, such as visa, tips....a bit shopping, extra expense in Mombasa.....the entire trip is quite expensive to me.. If you're flying from the States, it sounds as if you've got a *very* good price! As for preparaion prior to the trip, anything I need to take note: - Injection: do I need to have specific shots? I heard there are some wide illness there? Yes, you'll need quite a few, plus mosquito pills. Consult a good travel clinic/nurse/doctor as is appropriate in your country. Here we have a nurse in our Health Centre who has done a specialist travel qualification. - Stuffs I need to bring with me? Towel, toothbrush, mostiquo spray..... Try www.v-liz.com/safari/hints/tippac.htm for what I take, and adapt it to your own needs. - Is it easy to exchange foreign currency in Nairobu, RMB? Theoretically in Nairobi, but you won't have much time, probably. Depends when your flight gets in. Usually you leave for safari just after breakfast, not having time to go to a bank. I'm not sure what you mean by RMB? You can usually change money/travellers cheques at the lodges. This year, I took all my money in Ksh, for drinks, tips etc, and had a card for any purchases in shops. I kept the cash in various locations for safety. Safari njema! Liz -- http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos Photo Gallery: http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/g...emberID=165111 |
#15
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Kenya animal migration
Thanks for Bill & Liz's great info. The link Liz provides is awesome!!
wow~ It seems lots of things I need to prepare before leaving, especially for the medical stuffs. I heard it takes 10 days to validate yellow fever shot. I will fly from Shanghai. Shanghai Hongkong Nairobi round trip through Kenya Airways (around USD960). RMB is Reminbi, China currency. I will stay in Naibori for 1 night and another 2 nights alone after Safari trip. Is it safe to walk around there alone if anyone has been there before? I will also share room with a stranger in Safari tour to save cost. Hopefully, my roommate is an easygoing person and we don't hate each other in the end. Eunice Liz Leyden wrote: In message .com "mazda610328" wrote: I didn't know Kenya trip could be so pricey. USD 3,000 just for Airfares + local package. If including some other expected expense, such as visa, tips....a bit shopping, extra expense in Mombasa.....the entire trip is quite expensive to me.. If you're flying from the States, it sounds as if you've got a *very* good price! As for preparaion prior to the trip, anything I need to take note: - Injection: do I need to have specific shots? I heard there are some wide illness there? Yes, you'll need quite a few, plus mosquito pills. Consult a good travel clinic/nurse/doctor as is appropriate in your country. Here we have a nurse in our Health Centre who has done a specialist travel qualification. - Stuffs I need to bring with me? Towel, toothbrush, mostiquo spray..... Try www.v-liz.com/safari/hints/tippac.htm for what I take, and adapt it to your own needs. - Is it easy to exchange foreign currency in Nairobu, RMB? Theoretically in Nairobi, but you won't have much time, probably. Depends when your flight gets in. Usually you leave for safari just after breakfast, not having time to go to a bank. I'm not sure what you mean by RMB? You can usually change money/travellers cheques at the lodges. This year, I took all my money in Ksh, for drinks, tips etc, and had a card for any purchases in shops. I kept the cash in various locations for safety. Safari njema! Liz -- http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos Photo Gallery: http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/g...emberID=165111 |
#16
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Kenya animal migration
mazda610328 wrote:
I will stay in Naibori for 1 night and another 2 nights alone after Safari trip. Is it safe to walk around there alone if anyone has been there before? Eunice, Nairobi is considered a very dangerous city with high crime rates, so I would strongly suggest not going out alone. There are some interesting sights to see like the animal orphanage etc nearby but arrange with the hotel to have someone take you there. If you venture out alone, especially at night, you'll likely be mugged. Here's a link to a story about a robbery in a safari camp near the Masai Mara a few weeks ago, with some comments about crime in general .... if the Russian ambassador got robbed and stabbed in town and the golf courses need armed guards then you know it's not a very safe place .... http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...324779,00.html Here's a clip from the above story ... "Visitors are told to remain alert to the risk of violent crime. Last year two Japanese tourists were injured when armed bandits held up two tour vans. A similar incident was reported further north in Samburu National Park. Security officials at western embassies in Nairobi suggest that criminals are getting bolder, particularly in towns and cities. Latest travel advice issued by the Foreign Office warns tourists: "There have been a number of armed attacks on golf courses around Nairobi. Be extra vigilant while playing in remote areas away from the clubhouse of any golf courses." Several golf courses in Nairobi employ watchmen armed with bows and arrows to patrol distant fairways. Elsewhere, billboards warn women to protect themselves against rape and offer advice to drivers in the event of a carjacking. Small arms left over from civil wars in neighbouring Uganda, Somalia and Sudan are easily available in Kenya. Banks and restaurants are protected by security guards and homes in well-off suburbs stand inside high walls, razor wire and electrified fences; but money and status do not always offer much protection. Valery Egoshkin, the Ambassador for Russia, was stabbed on Sunday during a robbery." And so it goes ... Bill (not trying to dissuade you from your safari, just warning you not to wander around Nairobi alone) |
#17
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Kenya animal migration
I will stay in Naibori for 1 night and another 2 nights alone after
Safari trip. Is it safe to walk around there alone if anyone has been there before? Do NOT walk alone in Narobi unless you know the city very well. |
#18
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Kenya animal migration
In message . com
"mazda610328" wrote: I will stay in Naibori for 1 night and another 2 nights alone after Safari trip. Is it safe to walk around there alone if anyone has been there before? No. Get a taxi recommended by your hotel to wherever you want to go. They will either wait for you or give you a number to contact them on. Nairobi is often called Nairobbery, and for good reason. Lots of horror stories, though obviously some people are OK. Even many of the safari driver/guides like to get out of Nairobi as quickly as possible! www.v-liz.com/safari/nairobiare/nairo.htm Best way to spend your day in Nairobi would be to have a full day in the National Park, which has lots of birds and most of the mammals except Elephant. www.v-liz.com/safari/nairobiare/nnp_pa.htm Alternatives: Giraffe Manor: www.v-liz.com/safari/nairobiare/girman.htm Karen Blixen House: www.v-liz.com/safari/nairobiare/kbh.htm The Museum The Bomas of Kenya (professional dance troupe) The Railway museum (if you're interested in railways) There's also a famous market, which I think might only be on a Saturday, maybe someone has more info? I will also share room with a stranger in Safari tour to save cost. Hopefully, my roommate is an easygoing person and we don't hate each other in the end. I did that this time, and my two Galapagos trips. Good luck! Slainte Liz -- http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos Photo Gallery: http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/g...emberID=165111 |
#19
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Kenya animal migration
Wow~ scary and shock. Thanks for everyone's warning.
I am thinking to bring whistle, gas gun, buying more insurance........ Actually, that's how I lost my travel partner. My girlfriend's mom said it's dangerous there and tried her best to stop my friend and I thought it's ridiculous. How about Mombasa? Is it safe to walk around? If the answer is no, I might consider ending my trip in Safari and come back home earlier. Does it mean sharing room with stranger would mostly end up an aweful experience? Thanks, Eunice |
#20
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Kenya animal migration
In message .com
"mazda610328" wrote: Does it mean sharing room with stranger would mostly end up an aweful experience? Not necessarily. Slainte Liz -- http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos Photo Gallery: http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/g...emberID=165111 |
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