Our September Kenya Safari Exceeded Our Wildest Hopes
Oct 18th, 2022, 10:02 AM
#41
Original Poster
Percy: Thank you for the kind words about my photos and report! Much appreciated!
The balloon ride was INCREDIBLE!!!!
We had hoped to see the great migration/river crossings, but apparently, it occurred much earlier this year -- around July.
The balloon ride was INCREDIBLE!!!!
We had hoped to see the great migration/river crossings, but apparently, it occurred much earlier this year -- around July.
Oct 20th, 2022, 07:08 PM
#42
Songdoc:
Reading your report and viewing your pictures for the second time.
Once you have been on a Safari , you never forget it and you then love reading and following other's reports.
Your pictures are exceptional and your enthusiasm is bubbling through your great commentary.
Thank You again, it takes time and extra effort to do a Trip Report and I appreciate all that you have done in having us enjoy your wonderful journey !
Reading your report and viewing your pictures for the second time.
Once you have been on a Safari , you never forget it and you then love reading and following other's reports.
Your pictures are exceptional and your enthusiasm is bubbling through your great commentary.
Thank You again, it takes time and extra effort to do a Trip Report and I appreciate all that you have done in having us enjoy your wonderful journey !
Oct 26th, 2022, 10:17 PM
#44
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Songdoc, as with other Fodorites, I found one look at your photos was insufficient, and have been through the pix & your written descriptions three times. The “wow factor” is still there!
Question: You write that the GW rep ushered you through the arrival process. What did that entail? On various trips, I’ve been greeted by a rep upon departing the terminal, but not during the entry/immigration procedures. Was she able to expedite entry and help you avoid lines?
Was there an additional charge for this meet and greet type service?
Thanks in advance.
Question: You write that the GW rep ushered you through the arrival process. What did that entail? On various trips, I’ve been greeted by a rep upon departing the terminal, but not during the entry/immigration procedures. Was she able to expedite entry and help you avoid lines?
Was there an additional charge for this meet and greet type service?
Thanks in advance.
Oct 27th, 2022, 12:50 PM
#45
Original Poster
CaliNurse: Thank you SO much h for the comments about my pix and report!!!
The rep indeed did not meet us until we departed the terminal. But when we arrived at the hotel she took our passports and handled the entire check-in process while we sat and relaxed.
Upon departure, the rep handled our airline check-in, which would have otherwise felt chaotic. She accompanied us to the counter and handled everything. I do believe she expedited the process.
Re: the charge for this, it was built into the GW all-inclusive fee. I wasn't given the option of not having this service and I'm so glad I had it.
The rep indeed did not meet us until we departed the terminal. But when we arrived at the hotel she took our passports and handled the entire check-in process while we sat and relaxed.
Upon departure, the rep handled our airline check-in, which would have otherwise felt chaotic. She accompanied us to the counter and handled everything. I do believe she expedited the process.
Re: the charge for this, it was built into the GW all-inclusive fee. I wasn't given the option of not having this service and I'm so glad I had it.
Oct 27th, 2022, 10:17 PM
#48
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Grrr! Just lost a long reply to you, but here's the short reply: thank you Songdoc for explaining this. Had to laugh at your impression of NBO check-in feeling chaotic if without the assistance of your GW rep. Nairobi Airport --chaotic??? No way!!
Wonderful that GW, which iirc Fodorites including me recommended wayyy back when you first pondered the possibility of this trip and wondered which company should help with it, turned out to be even better than expected...from the planning stages, right through to your departure.
Are you, over a month later, still glowing?
Wonderful that GW, which iirc Fodorites including me recommended wayyy back when you first pondered the possibility of this trip and wondered which company should help with it, turned out to be even better than expected...from the planning stages, right through to your departure.
Are you, over a month later, still glowing?
Nov 2nd, 2022, 06:19 PM
#52
Original Poster
Jackie, I could not have been happier with the planner, the company, the accommodations, food, and the spotters & drivers.
It really was better than anything I could have imagined. I'm excited for you!!!
It really was better than anything I could have imagined. I'm excited for you!!!
Dec 27th, 2022, 10:54 AM
#53
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Absolutely phenomenal photography - stunning! We did a similar trip in 1998, and we were also very lucky in seeing all the Big 5 multiple times and getting great photos (but not as good as yours!). Will be posting in a separate thread to get advice with the guide company for late 2023 (ours from 1998 is no longer in business), but the folks you used with the conservancies looks pretty enticing - if I can afford it for a family of four.
Dec 28th, 2022, 05:43 AM
#54
Original Poster
ClarkB: Thank you SO much for your kind comments about my photos! I HIGHLY recommend the company & camps we visited. It is indeed a pricey trip, but for me, it was worth every penny. It really was the trip of a lifetime. Good luck planning!
Jan 8th, 2023, 10:58 AM
#55
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Wonderful photos and great report. I have been to all the camps you went to and have to say my all time favorite is Lion Camp and the drivers were amazing. Porini rhino was great in that we arranged to ride horses with the Rhinos, a very unique experience .
The drivers would ask “ what do you want to see today?” And no matter what I said they would deliver. We are going again next month ,third time with Gamewatchers, this time staying at Porini Mara for three nights and then off the Lion for three nights. I could watch the cats all day and this is the place to see them. Like others we won’t go to the main park, did that once and far prefer the conservancies. You have got me all excited now, thanks so much for posting. And again, amazing report and fantastic photos
The drivers would ask “ what do you want to see today?” And no matter what I said they would deliver. We are going again next month ,third time with Gamewatchers, this time staying at Porini Mara for three nights and then off the Lion for three nights. I could watch the cats all day and this is the place to see them. Like others we won’t go to the main park, did that once and far prefer the conservancies. You have got me all excited now, thanks so much for posting. And again, amazing report and fantastic photos
Jan 8th, 2023, 11:02 AM
#56
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Absolutely phenomenal photography - stunning! We did a similar trip in 1998, and we were also very lucky in seeing all the Big 5 multiple times and getting great photos (but not as good as yours!). Will be posting in a separate thread to get advice with the guide company for late 2023 (ours from 1998 is no longer in business), but the folks you used with the conservancies looks pretty enticing - if I can afford it for a family of four.
Feb 1st, 2023, 12:55 AM
#57
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Hot air balloon safari
Olare Motorogi Conservancy/Masai Mara
I am finally coming up for air long enough to share about the final camp we visited – – the Porini Lion Camp.
We were picked up at the airstrip along with another male couple. They became our game drive companions. Like all the other Porini camps we visited, we were warmly welcomed, and we loved our glamping accommodations. As we had come to expect, the staff were wonderful, happily complying with any of our requests.
This camp is within the 35,000 acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy that borders the Masai Mara national game reserve, and they share the same wildlife and ecosystems. The difference is that being within the conservancy, there were very few other tourists and safari vehicles. Most of the time, we were the only vehicle getting up close and personal with those magnificent big cats, or we would be joined by one or two other vehicles that our driver would notify about the location of our sighting. There was only one time when we were among three other vehicles.
We had planned to spend a full day within the actual Masai Mara national game reserve, but other guests and the camp manager advised against it. They said our wildlife viewing would be better in the conservancy and that the park was extremely crowded. Those who had recently visited said that 40 or more vehicles were jockeying for the best views of the big cats. So, we confined all of our game drives to within the Olare Motorogi conservancy. Good choice!
As the photos below show, we were rewarded with the most astounding views and photo ops. I couldn’t begin to count the number of lions, cheetahs, and leopards that we viewed. I credit our awesome guide/spotter and driver, not only for finding us the animals, but for being sensitive to provide us with the very best views and angles for photos.
My primary interest on the Safari was viewing and photographing the big cats, and I got far more than I ever could have dreamed of.
There were lots of animals in addition to the big cats. We got some great views of baboons and hippos.
waterbuck
We had pre-booked a hot air balloon ride for our second morning in the camp. We booked the trip with Hot Air Safaris and paid for it in advance through our safari planner. It required a 4:45 AM wake up call and a more than 90 minute drive to where the balloons would takeoff at sunrise. It was an pricey addition – – $455 per person, which included a champagne brunch upon landing. Could it really be worth that much money plus the 4:45 AM wake up -- and 90 minute drive?
The answer is a big resounding OMG YES!!!!
Eight balloons took off simultaneously. There were 16 passengers in each balloon. The balloons had four compartments that each held four people. I had no idea that the balloons takeoff and land with the basket sideways, requiring the passengers to crawl in and lie flat on their back for takeoff and return to that position for landing.
The weather was perfect and we were treated to a gorgeous sunrise over the Masai Mara with views of Tanzania and the Serengeti quite close by. Seeing the sky filled with these gorgeous balloons was unspeakably beautiful.
We had planned this trip hoping to see some of the great migration river crossings. This location was where we would have the best chance of getting those views. But it was not meant to be. Possibly due to climate change the migration had taken place much earlier. Still, we were able to view large herds of wildebeests, buffaloes, and zebras below us, as well as several elephants and giraffes.
The ride was a combination of thrilling, exhilarating, relaxing, and breathtakingly beautiful. We had perfect weather conditions. There were some bumps when we landed, as we bounced over some termite mounds, but nothing to complain about.
I was expecting our champagne brunch, which would be served right where we landed, to be cold items, such as croissants, fruit and yogurt, served from picnic baskets. WRONG.
All the balloons landed relatively close to each other and the servers and chefs had already arrived by truck. Tables were beautifully set with linen tablecloths. Buffet stations were set up with exotic fruits, and every imaginable breakfast item. Crepes and omelettes were cooked to order.
It was a perfect ending to one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I bought a video and still photos of the trip for $55 and am thoroughly enjoying reliving it and sharing it.
I very happily could have returned home at this point and said that the trip had exceeded my wildest hopes. But there were three more game drives during which the big cat and other animal sightings were simply incredible.
While we enjoyed every camp, this one takes our number one spot.
It took more than 40 hours to get from our camp to our doorstep in Hawaii. We once again luxuriated in a Q-Suite from Nairobi to Doha and from Doha to Los Angeles. Up to that point, the travel had been a pleasure. But the seven-hour layover in Los Angeles followed by the cramped, packed flight among the peons in coach felt grueling. But the travel was more than worth it because this trip truly was even more than I ever dreamed it might be.
Thank you to all who answered my questions and helped in the planning.
I am finally coming up for air long enough to share about the final camp we visited – – the Porini Lion Camp.
We were picked up at the airstrip along with another male couple. They became our game drive companions. Like all the other Porini camps we visited, we were warmly welcomed, and we loved our glamping accommodations. As we had come to expect, the staff were wonderful, happily complying with any of our requests.
This camp is within the 35,000 acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy that borders the Masai Mara national game reserve, and they share the same wildlife and ecosystems. The difference is that being within the conservancy, there were very few other tourists and safari vehicles. Most of the time, we were the only vehicle getting up close and personal with those magnificent big cats, or we would be joined by one or two other vehicles that our driver would notify about the location of our sighting. There was only one time when we were among three other vehicles.
We had planned to spend a full day within the actual Masai Mara national game reserve, but other guests and the camp manager advised against it. They said our wildlife viewing would be better in the conservancy and that the park was extremely crowded. Those who had recently visited said that 40 or more vehicles were jockeying for the best views of the big cats. So, we confined all of our game drives to within the Olare Motorogi conservancy. Good choice!
As the photos below show, we were rewarded with the most astounding views and photo ops. I couldn’t begin to count the number of lions, cheetahs, and leopards that we viewed. I credit our awesome guide/spotter and driver, not only for finding us the animals, but for being sensitive to provide us with the very best views and angles for photos.
My primary interest on the Safari was viewing and photographing the big cats, and I got far more than I ever could have dreamed of.
There were lots of animals in addition to the big cats. We got some great views of baboons and hippos.
waterbuck
We had pre-booked a hot air balloon ride for our second morning in the camp. We booked the trip with Hot Air Safaris and paid for it in advance through our safari planner. It required a 4:45 AM wake up call and a more than 90 minute drive to where the balloons would takeoff at sunrise. It was an pricey addition – – $455 per person, which included a champagne brunch upon landing. Could it really be worth that much money plus the 4:45 AM wake up -- and 90 minute drive?
The answer is a big resounding OMG YES!!!!
Eight balloons took off simultaneously. There were 16 passengers in each balloon. The balloons had four compartments that each held four people. I had no idea that the balloons takeoff and land with the basket sideways, requiring the passengers to crawl in and lie flat on their back for takeoff and return to that position for landing.
The weather was perfect and we were treated to a gorgeous sunrise over the Masai Mara with views of Tanzania and the Serengeti quite close by. Seeing the sky filled with these gorgeous balloons was unspeakably beautiful.
We had planned this trip hoping to see some of the great migration river crossings. This location was where we would have the best chance of getting those views. But it was not meant to be. Possibly due to climate change the migration had taken place much earlier. Still, we were able to view large herds of wildebeests, buffaloes, and zebras below us, as well as several elephants and giraffes.
The ride was a combination of thrilling, exhilarating, relaxing, and breathtakingly beautiful. We had perfect weather conditions. There were some bumps when we landed, as we bounced over some termite mounds, but nothing to complain about.
I was expecting our champagne brunch, which would be served right where we landed, to be cold items, such as croissants, fruit and yogurt, served from picnic baskets. WRONG.
All the balloons landed relatively close to each other and the servers and chefs had already arrived by truck. Tables were beautifully set with linen tablecloths. Buffet stations were set up with exotic fruits, and every imaginable breakfast item. Crepes and omelettes were cooked to order.
It was a perfect ending to one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I bought a video and still photos of the trip for $55 and am thoroughly enjoying reliving it and sharing it.
I very happily could have returned home at this point and said that the trip had exceeded my wildest hopes. But there were three more game drives during which the big cat and other animal sightings were simply incredible.
While we enjoyed every camp, this one takes our number one spot.
It took more than 40 hours to get from our camp to our doorstep in Hawaii. We once again luxuriated in a Q-Suite from Nairobi to Doha and from Doha to Los Angeles. Up to that point, the travel had been a pleasure. But the seven-hour layover in Los Angeles followed by the cramped, packed flight among the peons in coach felt grueling. But the travel was more than worth it because this trip truly was even more than I ever dreamed it might be.
Thank you to all who answered my questions and helped in the planning.
Feb 7th, 2023, 08:29 PM
#58
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Congrats Songdoc, on your successful safari. As I commented over on TPAYT's similar TR, such big trips are a reward for a lifetime of working and having earned something special.
My fave shot of yours: the leopard up in the tree--fantastic photo.
I also really liked your image of the neighbouring hot balloon and its happy morning flyers.
PS check out Sundowner's site for more Africana (I just made that word up).
I am done. the warthog
My fave shot of yours: the leopard up in the tree--fantastic photo.
I also really liked your image of the neighbouring hot balloon and its happy morning flyers.
PS check out Sundowner's site for more Africana (I just made that word up).
I am done. the warthog
Feb 8th, 2023, 09:42 AM
#59
Original Poster
Dear Warthog, ;-)
Thank you for those very kind words. That leopard photo is a special fave -- partly because leopards are so elusive and I didn't expect to get a good view of one.
It will be very tough to ever top that trip!
Thank you for those very kind words. That leopard photo is a special fave -- partly because leopards are so elusive and I didn't expect to get a good view of one.
It will be very tough to ever top that trip!
Feb 9th, 2023, 09:58 PM
#60
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What an ending, Songdoc! Not surprised you LOVED Porini Lion camp. It was our last camp, during last trip, too. Talk about the icing on the cake!!!
Ahhhh, the long flights back. Hard to say goodbye, isn't it? Whatever it takes--peon class or not--I hope to get back to E Africa one of these years. (Trip for this coming June had to be postponed. Waaaa! ): )
Thank you for re-inspiring me via your wonderful written and photographic report!!! Soooo glad you got toKenya, had a trip beyond your best expectations, were able to share it with your loved one, and were kind enough to take the time to share it also with us. 'Til next time...kwaheri!
Ahhhh, the long flights back. Hard to say goodbye, isn't it? Whatever it takes--peon class or not--I hope to get back to E Africa one of these years. (Trip for this coming June had to be postponed. Waaaa! ): )
Thank you for re-inspiring me via your wonderful written and photographic report!!! Soooo glad you got toKenya, had a trip beyond your best expectations, were able to share it with your loved one, and were kind enough to take the time to share it also with us. 'Til next time...kwaheri!
