Getting to Kenya/Uganda from US
Apr 6, 2024, 11:22 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,606
Apr 8, 2024, 3:27 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Wayzata, MN
Programs: Signature Travel Network, Safari Professionals
Posts: 24
The best way, according to 2023 on-time statistics, along with my personal experience dealing with many guests, is going to be on Delta/KLM via Amsterdam or Qatar via Doha. I agree that United/Lufthansa (for Kenya) and United/Brussels Air for Uganda is a close third.
I usually recommend starting a trip that includes a safari in Kenya and gorilla trek in Uganda with the safari. This gives you time to acclimate to altitude as the safari is enjoyed around 5,000 feet elevation which is almost as high as the gorilla experience. Of course, some like to get the hard part of the trip over with first and therefore trek first. Note the shared light air flight between Entebbe and the Masai Mara is now seasonal.
If you are using Mileage Plus, the decision is made for you! Fly United to Frankfurt then a code share to Naiorbi on Lufthansa. The return will be from Entebbe/EBB on Brussels Air and changing to a United plane in Brussels. Sometimes, you can continue on Brussels air to the US depending on where you star/finish the trip.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
I usually recommend starting a trip that includes a safari in Kenya and gorilla trek in Uganda with the safari. This gives you time to acclimate to altitude as the safari is enjoyed around 5,000 feet elevation which is almost as high as the gorilla experience. Of course, some like to get the hard part of the trip over with first and therefore trek first. Note the shared light air flight between Entebbe and the Masai Mara is now seasonal.
If you are using Mileage Plus, the decision is made for you! Fly United to Frankfurt then a code share to Naiorbi on Lufthansa. The return will be from Entebbe/EBB on Brussels Air and changing to a United plane in Brussels. Sometimes, you can continue on Brussels air to the US depending on where you star/finish the trip.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
Would prefer to stay with certain airlines.
Apr 12, 2024, 6:12 am
#8
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Wayzata, Minnesota, USA
Programs: Delta Diamond Medallion, Million Miler, AMEX Platinum Card
Posts: 234
Hi RestlessFeet,
It is very easy on Skyteam (Delta). I live 20 minutes from MSP.
Option 1 - this option earns MQD which is the only way to make status by flying on Delta in 2024.
-Fly on a Delta aircraft to AMS. Likley from MSP, DTW, SLC, ATL, JFK
-Fly KLM to EBB or NBO. Depending which country you begin with.
-Fly KLM home from NBO or EBB. Depending which country you end with.
-This is one ticket on Delta and KLM are code share flights on the Delta ticket.
Option 2 - You earn Skymiles only.
-Fly Kenya Airways from JFK-NBO. Continue onward on Kenya Airways to Entebbe when done with Kenya safari.
-Fly home EBB-NBO at roughly 430pm, layover a few hours, fly Kenya Airways NBO-EBB.
-If starting with Uganda, the above works in the opposite (land NBO from JFK and continue to EBB same day on Kenya Airways).
-This is one ticket on Kenya Airways. NBO-EBB or EBB-NBO might be issued separately by your safari planner's ticketing department.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
It is very easy on Skyteam (Delta). I live 20 minutes from MSP.
Option 1 - this option earns MQD which is the only way to make status by flying on Delta in 2024.
-Fly on a Delta aircraft to AMS. Likley from MSP, DTW, SLC, ATL, JFK
-Fly KLM to EBB or NBO. Depending which country you begin with.
-Fly KLM home from NBO or EBB. Depending which country you end with.
-This is one ticket on Delta and KLM are code share flights on the Delta ticket.
Option 2 - You earn Skymiles only.
-Fly Kenya Airways from JFK-NBO. Continue onward on Kenya Airways to Entebbe when done with Kenya safari.
-Fly home EBB-NBO at roughly 430pm, layover a few hours, fly Kenya Airways NBO-EBB.
-If starting with Uganda, the above works in the opposite (land NBO from JFK and continue to EBB same day on Kenya Airways).
-This is one ticket on Kenya Airways. NBO-EBB or EBB-NBO might be issued separately by your safari planner's ticketing department.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond