Kenya: 2007 Migration + ?
Jun 9th, 2006, 08:01 AM
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Kenya: 2007 Migration + ?
I’m hoping to take my first trip to Kenya in August 2007, and I’d like to tap the wisdom and experience of my fellow Fodorites.
I’d like to spend about 6 or 8 nights in a total of 2 safari lodges or camps: 1 lodge/camp would focus on the Migration, and the other would be a good combination of chilling out and enjoying the land, people, and beasts. In general, I place a high value on the physical beauty of both the surroundings and the lodge/camp, on personal comfort, and personalized service. I would expect to fly in to the camps.
Rekero seems like a good choce for the Mara, but I’ve also read positive comments about Mara Serena. Is it fair to say that Rekero provides a much more personalized experience, while Mara Serena has a better location? What might be some other higher-end camps that have the best shot at getting a great migration experience in mid-August?
For a second lodge/camp, Shompole looks like an interesting spot – the notion of water running throughtout the camp is intriguing (reminds me a bit of Four Seasons Sayan). Elsa’s Kopje also looks interesting. Suggestions?
I’d like to spend about 6 or 8 nights in a total of 2 safari lodges or camps: 1 lodge/camp would focus on the Migration, and the other would be a good combination of chilling out and enjoying the land, people, and beasts. In general, I place a high value on the physical beauty of both the surroundings and the lodge/camp, on personal comfort, and personalized service. I would expect to fly in to the camps.
Rekero seems like a good choce for the Mara, but I’ve also read positive comments about Mara Serena. Is it fair to say that Rekero provides a much more personalized experience, while Mara Serena has a better location? What might be some other higher-end camps that have the best shot at getting a great migration experience in mid-August?
For a second lodge/camp, Shompole looks like an interesting spot – the notion of water running throughtout the camp is intriguing (reminds me a bit of Four Seasons Sayan). Elsa’s Kopje also looks interesting. Suggestions?
Jun 9th, 2006, 09:36 AM
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With 6 to 8 nights, at least 3, preferrably 4, should be spent in the Mara. And while you can fit in 2-nts each at Elsa's and Shompole, you add to your cost with the flights and rushing around. I'd suggest two places only to visit and a day in Nairobi for some sightseeing.
While in the Mara you can split 4/days with 2/days each inside the Mara Triangle (Rekero) and somewhere outside on private conservation lands where you will have the opportunity for night game drives.
There is no comparing Serena Lodge to Rekero. Both are well sited in the Mara, but Rekero is small and under canvas... a true Afrian experience; Serena is a lodge. Rekero will be a bit more expensive.
Both Elsa's and Shompole offer game viewing, and distinctly different due to the environments. At both, you can choose to "chill" and do nothing. Though if wishing to do nothing, I think Sabuk in Laikipia a better choice (over Elsa's) as if you wish any activities, it's on your schedule - game drives, yes; game walks; fishing; swimming; camel safaris and great accommodations.
Your budget will determine how far you can go and for how long. Overall, room prices (the places you mention) for 2007 seem to be increasing about 15%.
While in the Mara you can split 4/days with 2/days each inside the Mara Triangle (Rekero) and somewhere outside on private conservation lands where you will have the opportunity for night game drives.
There is no comparing Serena Lodge to Rekero. Both are well sited in the Mara, but Rekero is small and under canvas... a true Afrian experience; Serena is a lodge. Rekero will be a bit more expensive.
Both Elsa's and Shompole offer game viewing, and distinctly different due to the environments. At both, you can choose to "chill" and do nothing. Though if wishing to do nothing, I think Sabuk in Laikipia a better choice (over Elsa's) as if you wish any activities, it's on your schedule - game drives, yes; game walks; fishing; swimming; camel safaris and great accommodations.
Your budget will determine how far you can go and for how long. Overall, room prices (the places you mention) for 2007 seem to be increasing about 15%.
Jun 9th, 2006, 10:45 AM
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Have you seen eben's maps with locations of Mara camps and lodges? http://www.go-safari.com/Masai%20Mara/MasaiMara1.jpg
I don't know if you're interested in activities such as night game drives as sandi mentioned, but if you are and don't want to split your Mara stay at 2 camps, you could consider staying just outside of the Mara Triangle side of the reserve. Some higher end camps here would be Bateleur or Olonana.
Another lovely place to chill out is Samatian Island Lodge at Lake Baringo. It's an owner hosted camp and the service is highly personalized. The views of the escarpment are stunning, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. They offer boat rides for bird watching and there are Pokot and Njemps tribes nearby you can visit. Day trips to Lake Bogoria NP and other areas are also possible depending on how long you stay, but the very best thing to do here is absolutely nothing!
The only downside might be that there's too little emphasis on game viewing for you. I have some pics of the camp and the Baringo area in my album (starts with #103) - http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-r5e7ji
I don't know if you're interested in activities such as night game drives as sandi mentioned, but if you are and don't want to split your Mara stay at 2 camps, you could consider staying just outside of the Mara Triangle side of the reserve. Some higher end camps here would be Bateleur or Olonana.
Another lovely place to chill out is Samatian Island Lodge at Lake Baringo. It's an owner hosted camp and the service is highly personalized. The views of the escarpment are stunning, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. They offer boat rides for bird watching and there are Pokot and Njemps tribes nearby you can visit. Day trips to Lake Bogoria NP and other areas are also possible depending on how long you stay, but the very best thing to do here is absolutely nothing!
The only downside might be that there's too little emphasis on game viewing for you. I have some pics of the camp and the Baringo area in my album (starts with #103) - http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-r5e7ji
Jun 9th, 2006, 02:01 PM
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We are going to Kenya for first time in August. We are staying 4 nights at Little Governor's. We liked the idea of settling in a bit and also being on a waterhole. We realize we will give up night game drives.
We are going to Samburu and Lamu Island also. Primary reason was easy to fly to or from the Mara. There are direct flights between Mara and Samburu. Fly to Lamu via Nairobi.
Laikpia would be great and different. But no scheduled flights. Would have to do expensive charter. Same with Baringo, would be great and different but would have to charter or fly to Nairobi and then drive to Baringo.
However, this is our first time so I know very little, only what I can tell you from our planning.
Sandi is the expert.
Kevin from California
We are going to Samburu and Lamu Island also. Primary reason was easy to fly to or from the Mara. There are direct flights between Mara and Samburu. Fly to Lamu via Nairobi.
Laikpia would be great and different. But no scheduled flights. Would have to do expensive charter. Same with Baringo, would be great and different but would have to charter or fly to Nairobi and then drive to Baringo.
However, this is our first time so I know very little, only what I can tell you from our planning.
Sandi is the expert.
Kevin from California
Jun 9th, 2006, 02:21 PM
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I believe Tropic Air is starting seasonal scheduled service between Meru-Laikipia-Masai Mara - http://www.tropicairkenya.com/new.htm
I don't believe there is any scheduled service to Baringo currently so that would require a charter.
It's also possible to take a scheduled flight between the Masai Mara and Nanyuki and charter between Nanyuki and Laikipia. When I checked on the cost last year, it was $273 one way (per plane, not per person) for 2 passengers.
Flights schedules are listed on www.airkenya.com and www.safarilink.co.ke which are helpful if you'd like to see what locations are served by scheduled service.
I don't believe there is any scheduled service to Baringo currently so that would require a charter.
It's also possible to take a scheduled flight between the Masai Mara and Nanyuki and charter between Nanyuki and Laikipia. When I checked on the cost last year, it was $273 one way (per plane, not per person) for 2 passengers.
Flights schedules are listed on www.airkenya.com and www.safarilink.co.ke which are helpful if you'd like to see what locations are served by scheduled service.
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Jun 9th, 2006, 02:43 PM
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Kevin - Thank you, but expert I'm not. You'd be surprised how much I learn daily from any number of resources.
Anyone traveling should determine some sort of budget and the type of accommodations and where; drive or fly - scheduled or charter. Then proceed.
For certain though, it's not to early to be planning for August 2007.
Point of interest - Naibor Camp which is shown on Eben's map as way out there, has been relocated inside the Mara. This was once called Little Shompole before name change. Little Shompole is now the two rooms/houses on the Shompole property that are set away for even more privacy.
Anyone traveling should determine some sort of budget and the type of accommodations and where; drive or fly - scheduled or charter. Then proceed.
For certain though, it's not to early to be planning for August 2007.
Point of interest - Naibor Camp which is shown on Eben's map as way out there, has been relocated inside the Mara. This was once called Little Shompole before name change. Little Shompole is now the two rooms/houses on the Shompole property that are set away for even more privacy.
