Kenya Safari ex Nairobi / NBO (short-long, etc.)
Jun 28, 2009, 2:25 am
#16
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: BAEC (Gold)
Posts: 700
Governor's Camp is meant to be excellent. I've stayed at http://www.entim-mara.com/ and would thoroughly recommend it.
Jun 28, 2009, 3:31 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: The Hague, NL
Programs: GMLFL, Life 2.0 - Mucci Premiere Classe & des Chevaliers Toulousiens
Posts: 22,911
Thanks guys. Masai Mara is the most rained out place in Kenya in May. I have decided that Samburu might be the way to go. Looks like better weather...
Does anybody know the area?
Does anybody know the area?
Jun 28, 2009, 3:58 am
#18
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Glasgow-ish, UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 297
Fly as close to Samburu as you can. The roads are awful. I would also vote for Governor's but not in May. Grass is too high and the rains make the roads a challenge for your drivers.
I only stayed overnight in NBO Hilton, all I can say is that you know you are in Africa - you need to manage expections.
I only stayed overnight in NBO Hilton, all I can say is that you know you are in Africa - you need to manage expections.
Jun 28, 2009, 2:28 pm
#20
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Berlin, Germany
Programs: LH SEN, BA Gold
Posts: 476
May means high grass. For game viewing, the Nairobi NP might be sufficient if done early a.m.
For a truely unique experience, I'd go to Lamu on the northeastern coast. The islands are only packed during winter - May is off-season and the place is relaxed. Unique mix between Africa and the Middle East & much better preserved than Zanzibar (but that's just my humble opinion).
Actually, in lieu of this forum, I'd dearly recommend Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree.
For a truely unique experience, I'd go to Lamu on the northeastern coast. The islands are only packed during winter - May is off-season and the place is relaxed. Unique mix between Africa and the Middle East & much better preserved than Zanzibar (but that's just my humble opinion).
Actually, in lieu of this forum, I'd dearly recommend Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree.
Aug 7, 2010, 5:19 pm
#21
Join Date: May 2002
Location: US
Programs: UA GS 2MM
Posts: 1,740
Three Free Days in NBO. Safari Suggestions?
So I will have an open weekend in NBO, leaving me with three free nights to see the country.
I am interested in taking a two-night, three-day safari somewhere in the vicinity and am hoping someone can provide suggestions/experiences. I am not looking for luxury, just a middle-of-the-road package. Being in a park with the "Big 5" is preferred as is being within driving distance to NBO. Any help is appreciated.
I am interested in taking a two-night, three-day safari somewhere in the vicinity and am hoping someone can provide suggestions/experiences. I am not looking for luxury, just a middle-of-the-road package. Being in a park with the "Big 5" is preferred as is being within driving distance to NBO. Any help is appreciated.
Aug 9, 2010, 6:17 am
#23
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NBO, MEL
Programs: QR Platinum, TK Elite
Posts: 1,357
The nearest place to Nairobi to see the Big 5 would be The Masai Mara. For 3 nights, I would recommend a flying package, as the road trip can take 5-6 hours each way.
Near Nairobi there is Nairobi National Park, but this would be a day trip. Lion, Buffalo and Rhino are fairly easy to spot, but there is no elephant, and leopard/cheetah much harder to come by.
Lake Nakuru National Park is around a 2-3 hour drive away, and has the Big 5 except the Elephant.
Good luck and have fun.
Near Nairobi there is Nairobi National Park, but this would be a day trip. Lion, Buffalo and Rhino are fairly easy to spot, but there is no elephant, and leopard/cheetah much harder to come by.
Lake Nakuru National Park is around a 2-3 hour drive away, and has the Big 5 except the Elephant.
Good luck and have fun.
Aug 10, 2010, 12:59 pm
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
Johan
Aug 15, 2010, 5:01 pm
#26
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Programs: DL Skymiles (silver) & AA Advantage
Posts: 190
Depending on the time of the year, I would also suggest Maasai Mara around the migration (July - Sept/Oct).
You may want to check with MICS Safari which is who we're using for our 12 days in 2011. I've been working with Peter, who has been fantastic in working with me to build the specific trip for me and five friends.
You may want to check with MICS Safari which is who we're using for our 12 days in 2011. I've been working with Peter, who has been fantastic in working with me to build the specific trip for me and five friends.
Aug 22, 2010, 4:06 pm
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
No, the nearest is Nakuru. It's less than 2 hours by car. Plus you have the lake with it's million-plus Flamingos. And you can DIY and just take your own rental car up there. My first time I went on a hotel tour, and the second time just did it myself. There are some great photo spots along the way as you descend into the Rift Valley.
Aug 23, 2010, 12:19 pm
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I'm pretty sure I saw all big 5 when I first when I went there with a guide years ago. Earlier this year on my own I believe I saw Elephants, Rhino's, Giraffes, lots of water buffalo, etc., but I don't recall seeing any cats. But cats aren't easy to spot during the day in a low car. Maybe if I was up high in one of those tourist rovers.
Aug 27, 2010, 12:48 pm
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
I'm pretty sure I saw all big 5 when I first when I went there with a guide years ago. Earlier this year on my own I believe I saw Elephants, Rhino's, Giraffes, lots of water buffalo, etc., but I don't recall seeing any cats. But cats aren't easy to spot during the day in a low car. Maybe if I was up high in one of those tourist rovers.
Johan