Kenya safari..
Jan 10th 2007, 10:46 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Kenya safari..
I have plucked up the courage to re- visit Kenya ( I was born there, but
moved to England when I was a young boy) and was wondering if anyone could
reccomend a decent tour company.
Ideally, I'd like a 10-12 day safari with lots of game drives ( want to
especially see elephants , rhinos,buffalo & lion) and maybe a couple of days
bumming around on a beach after to relax for as cheap as possible...I have
stipulated Kenya purley for sentimental reasons as I was born there and I am
curious to see for myself the land of my birth.
I have done an online search for uk operators, but there is absloultey no
way of knowing who are decent or who are fly-by nights...pretty web pages
don't sucker me in so easily!
If anyone has any reccomendations or even general travel tips for a kenya
safari, i'd sincerley appreciate it.
I do know that Nairboi isn't that safe, esp when it gets dark!
thanks so much in advance :-)
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
moved to England when I was a young boy) and was wondering if anyone could
reccomend a decent tour company.
Ideally, I'd like a 10-12 day safari with lots of game drives ( want to
especially see elephants , rhinos,buffalo & lion) and maybe a couple of days
bumming around on a beach after to relax for as cheap as possible...I have
stipulated Kenya purley for sentimental reasons as I was born there and I am
curious to see for myself the land of my birth.
I have done an online search for uk operators, but there is absloultey no
way of knowing who are decent or who are fly-by nights...pretty web pages
don't sucker me in so easily!
If anyone has any reccomendations or even general travel tips for a kenya
safari, i'd sincerley appreciate it.
I do know that Nairboi isn't that safe, esp when it gets dark!
thanks so much in advance :-)
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
Jan 10th 2007, 9:27 pm
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
I'm sure you will get some good recommendations. I don't have
any at the moment, but I have some related information that can
be useful, on http://www.michna.com/kenya.htm , particularly
check lists for what to take with you, current prices, etc.
Hans-Georg
--
No mail, please.
any at the moment, but I have some related information that can
be useful, on http://www.michna.com/kenya.htm , particularly
check lists for what to take with you, current prices, etc.
Hans-Georg
--
No mail, please.
Jan 11th 2007, 5:17 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
In message <[email protected]>
"the_niner_nation" <dipakREMOVE49ers@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> I have plucked up the courage to re- visit Kenya ( I was born there, but
> moved to England when I was a young boy) and was wondering if anyone could
> reccomend a decent tour company.
>
> Ideally, I'd like a 10-12 day safari with lots of game drives ( want to
> especially see elephants , rhinos,buffalo & lion) and maybe a couple of days
> bumming around on a beach after to relax for as cheap as possible...I have
> stipulated Kenya purley for sentimental reasons as I was born there and I am
> curious to see for myself the land of my birth.
>
> I have done an online search for uk operators, but there is absloultey no
> way of knowing who are decent or who are fly-by nights...pretty web pages
> don't sucker me in so easily!
>
> If anyone has any reccomendations or even general travel tips for a kenya
> safari, i'd sincerley appreciate it.
>
> I do know that Nairboi isn't that safe, esp when it gets dark!
Right, I was going to suggest some tailor-made companies, but I see
you mention price as an issue, so I'll suggest Kuoni. You can request
their Africa brochure from their website, or just browse the site, or
get it from some of the better High Street agencies (I can't find any
price advantage website/agency, maybe others can?) They have almost
certainly got the best range of safaris sold by a non tailor-making
company in the UK. Bangs for bucks, you won't get better, but be sure
to read between the lines. Anything which isn't mentioned in the
itinerary you'll have to pay for. I didn't notice any 'issues' in last
year's brochure, but I wasn't really fine-toothcombing. Also it's easy
to either take a combined safari/beach break or add a beach break on
to your trip, though I think the beach has to come after your safari
in each case (haven't looked at this year's brochure).
For lodge trips, I don't think you can get better bangs for bucks than
Kuoni within the ABTA/AITA system. For balance, and because I have no
connection with Kuoni, I'll say that there are also other companies
which do safaris, e.g. Hayes and Jarvis and Somak. In the UK it's dead
easy to see which companies are fly-by-night: they don't have ABTA/
ATOL bonding (and/or AITA for flights) (therefore can't legally
operate out of the UK). The bond is so high, that it's unlikely that
people would set up then abscond with your money. (If they did, the
bond would cover the cost.) There are a few 'grey areas' within that,
some operators work (legitimately) within another operator's bond
(some of the specialist nature/birding companies work that way), but
you'd have to check out individual cases for yourself. I suppose it
would also be possible for a company to post a bonding logo falsely,
so caveat emptor. If you're worried, check directly with the bonding
agencies.
Rhinos can be elusive, but if you spend a couple of nights at Lake
Nakuru, you'd be very unlucky not to see the introduced White Rhinos.
Elephants you'll see in most reserves other than Nairobi NP, lots at
Amboseli. You'd be fairly unlucky not to see Lion, though they usually
have lots of minibusses surrounding them. Buffalo are pretty
widespread too.
If lodge safaris are outwith your budget, there are people here who
can recommend camping operators. The 'established' UK names for
overlanding are Explore, Guerba and Dragoman.
If you're interested in tailor-making your own trip, I can suggest a
few names too. You could risk booking with a company in Kenya over the
internet, (no doubt you'll get some 'offers' as a result of this post)
and with the bigger names you might be OK, but of course in the event
of a problem, you have no comeback (e.g. if the company goes bust,
which isn't unheard of in Kenya, or if your plane is so late you need
an overnight stay, you'd have to pay).
Your choice!
Safari njema
Liz
(Lots of info on my site, nothing to buy!)
--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
Photo Gallery:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID5111
"the_niner_nation" <dipakREMOVE49ers@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> I have plucked up the courage to re- visit Kenya ( I was born there, but
> moved to England when I was a young boy) and was wondering if anyone could
> reccomend a decent tour company.
>
> Ideally, I'd like a 10-12 day safari with lots of game drives ( want to
> especially see elephants , rhinos,buffalo & lion) and maybe a couple of days
> bumming around on a beach after to relax for as cheap as possible...I have
> stipulated Kenya purley for sentimental reasons as I was born there and I am
> curious to see for myself the land of my birth.
>
> I have done an online search for uk operators, but there is absloultey no
> way of knowing who are decent or who are fly-by nights...pretty web pages
> don't sucker me in so easily!
>
> If anyone has any reccomendations or even general travel tips for a kenya
> safari, i'd sincerley appreciate it.
>
> I do know that Nairboi isn't that safe, esp when it gets dark!
Right, I was going to suggest some tailor-made companies, but I see
you mention price as an issue, so I'll suggest Kuoni. You can request
their Africa brochure from their website, or just browse the site, or
get it from some of the better High Street agencies (I can't find any
price advantage website/agency, maybe others can?) They have almost
certainly got the best range of safaris sold by a non tailor-making
company in the UK. Bangs for bucks, you won't get better, but be sure
to read between the lines. Anything which isn't mentioned in the
itinerary you'll have to pay for. I didn't notice any 'issues' in last
year's brochure, but I wasn't really fine-toothcombing. Also it's easy
to either take a combined safari/beach break or add a beach break on
to your trip, though I think the beach has to come after your safari
in each case (haven't looked at this year's brochure).
For lodge trips, I don't think you can get better bangs for bucks than
Kuoni within the ABTA/AITA system. For balance, and because I have no
connection with Kuoni, I'll say that there are also other companies
which do safaris, e.g. Hayes and Jarvis and Somak. In the UK it's dead
easy to see which companies are fly-by-night: they don't have ABTA/
ATOL bonding (and/or AITA for flights) (therefore can't legally
operate out of the UK). The bond is so high, that it's unlikely that
people would set up then abscond with your money. (If they did, the
bond would cover the cost.) There are a few 'grey areas' within that,
some operators work (legitimately) within another operator's bond
(some of the specialist nature/birding companies work that way), but
you'd have to check out individual cases for yourself. I suppose it
would also be possible for a company to post a bonding logo falsely,
so caveat emptor. If you're worried, check directly with the bonding
agencies.
Rhinos can be elusive, but if you spend a couple of nights at Lake
Nakuru, you'd be very unlucky not to see the introduced White Rhinos.
Elephants you'll see in most reserves other than Nairobi NP, lots at
Amboseli. You'd be fairly unlucky not to see Lion, though they usually
have lots of minibusses surrounding them. Buffalo are pretty
widespread too.
If lodge safaris are outwith your budget, there are people here who
can recommend camping operators. The 'established' UK names for
overlanding are Explore, Guerba and Dragoman.
If you're interested in tailor-making your own trip, I can suggest a
few names too. You could risk booking with a company in Kenya over the
internet, (no doubt you'll get some 'offers' as a result of this post)
and with the bigger names you might be OK, but of course in the event
of a problem, you have no comeback (e.g. if the company goes bust,
which isn't unheard of in Kenya, or if your plane is so late you need
an overnight stay, you'd have to pay).
Your choice!
Safari njema
Liz
(Lots of info on my site, nothing to buy!)
--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
Photo Gallery:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID5111
Jan 11th 2007, 8:00 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
In message <[email protected]>,
the_niner_nation <dipakREMOVE49ers@hotmaildotcom.?.invalid> writes
>I have plucked up the courage to re- visit Kenya ( I was born there, but
>moved to England when I was a young boy) and was wondering if anyone could
>reccomend a decent tour company.
>
>Ideally, I'd like a 10-12 day safari with lots of game drives ( want to
>especially see elephants , rhinos,buffalo & lion) and maybe a couple of days
>bumming around on a beach after to relax for as cheap as possible...I have
>stipulated Kenya purley for sentimental reasons as I was born there and I am
>curious to see for myself the land of my birth.
>
>I have done an online search for uk operators, but there is absloultey no
>way of knowing who are decent or who are fly-by nights...pretty web pages
>don't sucker me in so easily!
>
>If anyone has any reccomendations or even general travel tips for a kenya
>safari, i'd sincerley appreciate it.
>
>I do know that Nairboi isn't that safe, esp when it gets dark!
>
>thanks so much in advance :-)
>
>
>
Having read what Liz has to say I would agree. I was lucky to live in
Kenya for several years but after returning to UK continued to return
on holiday for many more years. The tour operators here to use are
Kuoni and Somak, they are professional operators and will give you good
accommodation and a fair price. Hans Georg has a lot of experience and
a visit to his site will give you some good advice on many aspects of
going on safari.
Where were you born in Kenya out of interest? By the way, you don`t need
to pluck up courage to visit Kenya, it`s a great country with friendly
people and you will be well cared for whilst you are there.
Pat.
--
Pat Anderson
the_niner_nation <dipakREMOVE49ers@hotmaildotcom.?.invalid> writes
>I have plucked up the courage to re- visit Kenya ( I was born there, but
>moved to England when I was a young boy) and was wondering if anyone could
>reccomend a decent tour company.
>
>Ideally, I'd like a 10-12 day safari with lots of game drives ( want to
>especially see elephants , rhinos,buffalo & lion) and maybe a couple of days
>bumming around on a beach after to relax for as cheap as possible...I have
>stipulated Kenya purley for sentimental reasons as I was born there and I am
>curious to see for myself the land of my birth.
>
>I have done an online search for uk operators, but there is absloultey no
>way of knowing who are decent or who are fly-by nights...pretty web pages
>don't sucker me in so easily!
>
>If anyone has any reccomendations or even general travel tips for a kenya
>safari, i'd sincerley appreciate it.
>
>I do know that Nairboi isn't that safe, esp when it gets dark!
>
>thanks so much in advance :-)
>
>
>
Having read what Liz has to say I would agree. I was lucky to live in
Kenya for several years but after returning to UK continued to return
on holiday for many more years. The tour operators here to use are
Kuoni and Somak, they are professional operators and will give you good
accommodation and a fair price. Hans Georg has a lot of experience and
a visit to his site will give you some good advice on many aspects of
going on safari.
Where were you born in Kenya out of interest? By the way, you don`t need
to pluck up courage to visit Kenya, it`s a great country with friendly
people and you will be well cared for whilst you are there.
Pat.
--
Pat Anderson
Jan 12th 2007, 11:02 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
Thank you all so much for some very useful and helpful replies.
It was extremly thoughtful of all of you!!
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
It was extremly thoughtful of all of you!!
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
Jan 15th 2007, 2:12 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
"Pat Anderson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In message <[email protected]>, the_niner_nation
> <dipakREMOVE49ers@hotmaildotcom.?.invalid> writes
>>I have plucked up the courage to re- visit Kenya ( I was born there, but
>>moved to England when I was a young boy) and was wondering if anyone could
>>reccomend a decent tour company.
>>
>>Ideally, I'd like a 10-12 day safari with lots of game drives ( want to
>>especially see elephants , rhinos,buffalo & lion) and maybe a couple of
>>days
>>bumming around on a beach after to relax for as cheap as possible...I
>>have
>>stipulated Kenya purley for sentimental reasons as I was born there and I
>>am
>>curious to see for myself the land of my birth.
>>
>>I have done an online search for uk operators, but there is absloultey no
>>way of knowing who are decent or who are fly-by nights...pretty web pages
>>don't sucker me in so easily!
>>
>>If anyone has any reccomendations or even general travel tips for a kenya
>>safari, i'd sincerley appreciate it.
>>
>>I do know that Nairboi isn't that safe, esp when it gets dark!
>>
>>thanks so much in advance :-)
>>
>>
>>
> Having read what Liz has to say I would agree. I was lucky to live in
> Kenya for several years but after returning to UK continued to return on
> holiday for many more years. The tour operators here to use are Kuoni and
> Somak, they are professional operators and will give you good
> accommodation and a fair price. Hans Georg has a lot of experience and a
> visit to his site will give you some good advice on many aspects of going
> on safari.
> Where were you born in Kenya out of interest? By the way, you don`t need
> to pluck up courage to visit Kenya, it`s a great country with friendly
> people and you will be well cared for whilst you are there.
> Pat.
> --
> Pat Anderson
I was born in the aga khan hospital in nairobi, but left kenya when i was a
little boy....i've never been back since we left africa.
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
news:[email protected]...
> In message <[email protected]>, the_niner_nation
> <dipakREMOVE49ers@hotmaildotcom.?.invalid> writes
>>I have plucked up the courage to re- visit Kenya ( I was born there, but
>>moved to England when I was a young boy) and was wondering if anyone could
>>reccomend a decent tour company.
>>
>>Ideally, I'd like a 10-12 day safari with lots of game drives ( want to
>>especially see elephants , rhinos,buffalo & lion) and maybe a couple of
>>days
>>bumming around on a beach after to relax for as cheap as possible...I
>>have
>>stipulated Kenya purley for sentimental reasons as I was born there and I
>>am
>>curious to see for myself the land of my birth.
>>
>>I have done an online search for uk operators, but there is absloultey no
>>way of knowing who are decent or who are fly-by nights...pretty web pages
>>don't sucker me in so easily!
>>
>>If anyone has any reccomendations or even general travel tips for a kenya
>>safari, i'd sincerley appreciate it.
>>
>>I do know that Nairboi isn't that safe, esp when it gets dark!
>>
>>thanks so much in advance :-)
>>
>>
>>
> Having read what Liz has to say I would agree. I was lucky to live in
> Kenya for several years but after returning to UK continued to return on
> holiday for many more years. The tour operators here to use are Kuoni and
> Somak, they are professional operators and will give you good
> accommodation and a fair price. Hans Georg has a lot of experience and a
> visit to his site will give you some good advice on many aspects of going
> on safari.
> Where were you born in Kenya out of interest? By the way, you don`t need
> to pluck up courage to visit Kenya, it`s a great country with friendly
> people and you will be well cared for whilst you are there.
> Pat.
> --
> Pat Anderson
I was born in the aga khan hospital in nairobi, but left kenya when i was a
little boy....i've never been back since we left africa.
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
Jan 16th 2007, 2:48 am
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
In message <[email protected]>,
the_niner_nation <niner_nation_sf49ers.com@?.?.invalid> writes
>
>"Pat Anderson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> In message <[email protected]>, the_niner_nation
>> <dipakREMOVE49ers@hotmaildotcom.?.invalid> writes
>>>I have plucked up the courage to re- visit Kenya ( I was born there, but
>>>moved to England when I was a young boy) and was wondering if anyone could
>>>reccomend a decent tour company.
>>>
>>>Ideally, I'd like a 10-12 day safari with lots of game drives ( want to
>>>especially see elephants , rhinos,buffalo & lion) and maybe a couple of
>>>days
>>>bumming around on a beach after to relax for as cheap as possible...I
>>>have
>>>stipulated Kenya purley for sentimental reasons as I was born there and I
>>>am
>>>curious to see for myself the land of my birth.
>>>
>>>I have done an online search for uk operators, but there is absloultey no
>>>way of knowing who are decent or who are fly-by nights...pretty web pages
>>>don't sucker me in so easily!
>>>
>>>If anyone has any reccomendations or even general travel tips for a kenya
>>>safari, i'd sincerley appreciate it.
>>>
>>>I do know that Nairboi isn't that safe, esp when it gets dark!
>>>
>>>thanks so much in advance :-)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> Having read what Liz has to say I would agree. I was lucky to live in
>> Kenya for several years but after returning to UK continued to return on
>> holiday for many more years. The tour operators here to use are Kuoni and
>> Somak, they are professional operators and will give you good
>> accommodation and a fair price. Hans Georg has a lot of experience and a
>> visit to his site will give you some good advice on many aspects of going
>> on safari.
>> Where were you born in Kenya out of interest? By the way, you don`t need
>> to pluck up courage to visit Kenya, it`s a great country with friendly
>> people and you will be well cared for whilst you are there.
>> Pat.
>> --
>> Pat Anderson
>
>
>I was born in the aga khan hospital in nairobi, but left kenya when i was a
>little boy....i've never been back since we left africa.
>
>
>
I know the hospital from visiting a friend who was in there. Go to Kenya
for a visit, it`s a wonderful country with lakes, mountains, coast, and
great wildlife, the people will say "karibu" or welcome and you will
enjoy every moment! Once you have been there it leaves a lasting
impression and you never forget it.
Pat.
--
Pat Anderson
the_niner_nation <niner_nation_sf49ers.com@?.?.invalid> writes
>
>"Pat Anderson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> In message <[email protected]>, the_niner_nation
>> <dipakREMOVE49ers@hotmaildotcom.?.invalid> writes
>>>I have plucked up the courage to re- visit Kenya ( I was born there, but
>>>moved to England when I was a young boy) and was wondering if anyone could
>>>reccomend a decent tour company.
>>>
>>>Ideally, I'd like a 10-12 day safari with lots of game drives ( want to
>>>especially see elephants , rhinos,buffalo & lion) and maybe a couple of
>>>days
>>>bumming around on a beach after to relax for as cheap as possible...I
>>>have
>>>stipulated Kenya purley for sentimental reasons as I was born there and I
>>>am
>>>curious to see for myself the land of my birth.
>>>
>>>I have done an online search for uk operators, but there is absloultey no
>>>way of knowing who are decent or who are fly-by nights...pretty web pages
>>>don't sucker me in so easily!
>>>
>>>If anyone has any reccomendations or even general travel tips for a kenya
>>>safari, i'd sincerley appreciate it.
>>>
>>>I do know that Nairboi isn't that safe, esp when it gets dark!
>>>
>>>thanks so much in advance :-)
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> Having read what Liz has to say I would agree. I was lucky to live in
>> Kenya for several years but after returning to UK continued to return on
>> holiday for many more years. The tour operators here to use are Kuoni and
>> Somak, they are professional operators and will give you good
>> accommodation and a fair price. Hans Georg has a lot of experience and a
>> visit to his site will give you some good advice on many aspects of going
>> on safari.
>> Where were you born in Kenya out of interest? By the way, you don`t need
>> to pluck up courage to visit Kenya, it`s a great country with friendly
>> people and you will be well cared for whilst you are there.
>> Pat.
>> --
>> Pat Anderson
>
>
>I was born in the aga khan hospital in nairobi, but left kenya when i was a
>little boy....i've never been back since we left africa.
>
>
>
I know the hospital from visiting a friend who was in there. Go to Kenya
for a visit, it`s a wonderful country with lakes, mountains, coast, and
great wildlife, the people will say "karibu" or welcome and you will
enjoy every moment! Once you have been there it leaves a lasting
impression and you never forget it.
Pat.
--
Pat Anderson
Jan 16th 2007, 4:10 am
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
In message <[email protected]>
Pat Anderson <[email protected]> wrote:
> Go to Kenya for a visit, it`s a wonderful country with lakes,
> mountains, coast, and great wildlife, the people will say "karibu"
> or welcome and you will enjoy every moment! Once you have been there
> it leaves a lasting impression and you never forget it.
Couldn't agree more.
The only downside is the time you spend fretting about how/when you're
going go get back.
;-)
Slainte
Liz
--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
Photo Gallery:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID5111
Pat Anderson <[email protected]> wrote:
> Go to Kenya for a visit, it`s a wonderful country with lakes,
> mountains, coast, and great wildlife, the people will say "karibu"
> or welcome and you will enjoy every moment! Once you have been there
> it leaves a lasting impression and you never forget it.
Couldn't agree more.
The only downside is the time you spend fretting about how/when you're
going go get back.
;-)
Slainte
Liz
--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
Photo Gallery:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID5111
Jan 16th 2007, 10:44 am
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
"Liz Leyden" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In message <[email protected]>
> Pat Anderson <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Go to Kenya for a visit, it`s a wonderful country with lakes,
>> mountains, coast, and great wildlife, the people will say "karibu"
>> or welcome and you will enjoy every moment! Once you have been there
>> it leaves a lasting impression and you never forget it.
>
> Couldn't agree more.
> The only downside is the time you spend fretting about how/when you're
> going go get back.
> ;-)
>
> Slainte
>
> Liz
>
> --
> http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
> Photo Gallery:
> http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID5111
>
I dont have any special urgency to visit the hotel, but my trip means I have
to make my own flight arangements from London, giving me a full day to
explore Nairobi.
I ahve heard a lot of negative things about Nairobi, in particular, personal
safety.
is Nairobi ** really** that dangerous for someone who is sooo obviously a
tourist???
That aside, i am really thrilled to do somehting that is very different from
the sort of activities I usually do on my vacation , the usual places in the
States and Europe are all so unsatisfying for me, i really can't wait to
book...I am hoping to coincide my visit with the wildebeest migration if I
can afford it :-)
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
news:[email protected]...
> In message <[email protected]>
> Pat Anderson <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Go to Kenya for a visit, it`s a wonderful country with lakes,
>> mountains, coast, and great wildlife, the people will say "karibu"
>> or welcome and you will enjoy every moment! Once you have been there
>> it leaves a lasting impression and you never forget it.
>
> Couldn't agree more.
> The only downside is the time you spend fretting about how/when you're
> going go get back.
> ;-)
>
> Slainte
>
> Liz
>
> --
> http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
> Photo Gallery:
> http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID5111
>
I dont have any special urgency to visit the hotel, but my trip means I have
to make my own flight arangements from London, giving me a full day to
explore Nairobi.
I ahve heard a lot of negative things about Nairobi, in particular, personal
safety.
is Nairobi ** really** that dangerous for someone who is sooo obviously a
tourist???
That aside, i am really thrilled to do somehting that is very different from
the sort of activities I usually do on my vacation , the usual places in the
States and Europe are all so unsatisfying for me, i really can't wait to
book...I am hoping to coincide my visit with the wildebeest migration if I
can afford it :-)
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
Jan 16th 2007, 11:35 am
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
In message <[email protected]>
"the_niner_nation" <niner_nation_sf49ers.com> wrote:
> I dont have any special urgency to visit the hotel, but my trip means I have
> to make my own flight arangements from London, giving me a full day to
> explore Nairobi.
I hope you saw the Watchdog programme tonight about (financial) risks
in booking flights independently. (It might be on their website? -
basically an ATOL bond doesn't cover flights only. Also you're
generally not covered in UK law if you book directly with the
airline.)
> I ahve heard a lot of negative things about Nairobi, in particular, personal
> safety.
> is Nairobi ** really** that dangerous for someone who is sooo obviously a
> tourist???
Apparently so - but taxis are cheap :-)
Remember how incredibly rich you are compared to many of the locals.
Some Kenyans I've met don't spend a minute more than strictly
necessary in Nairobi.
TBH, There's not all that much worth seeing in Nairobi:
main options are:
Nairobi National Park***** (easily worth a full day)
Karen Blixen House and Giraffe Manor***
National Museum.***
Railway Museum (if you're interested in railways)
Bomas of Kenya (traditional dances performed by professional dancers)
(I haven't been to the last two)
Slainte
Liz
--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
Photo Gallery:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID5111
"the_niner_nation" <niner_nation_sf49ers.com> wrote:
> I dont have any special urgency to visit the hotel, but my trip means I have
> to make my own flight arangements from London, giving me a full day to
> explore Nairobi.
I hope you saw the Watchdog programme tonight about (financial) risks
in booking flights independently. (It might be on their website? -
basically an ATOL bond doesn't cover flights only. Also you're
generally not covered in UK law if you book directly with the
airline.)
> I ahve heard a lot of negative things about Nairobi, in particular, personal
> safety.
> is Nairobi ** really** that dangerous for someone who is sooo obviously a
> tourist???
Apparently so - but taxis are cheap :-)
Remember how incredibly rich you are compared to many of the locals.
Some Kenyans I've met don't spend a minute more than strictly
necessary in Nairobi.
TBH, There's not all that much worth seeing in Nairobi:
main options are:
Nairobi National Park***** (easily worth a full day)
Karen Blixen House and Giraffe Manor***
National Museum.***
Railway Museum (if you're interested in railways)
Bomas of Kenya (traditional dances performed by professional dancers)
(I haven't been to the last two)
Slainte
Liz
--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
Photo Gallery:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID5111
Jan 17th 2007, 1:23 am
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
> I ahve heard a lot of negative things about Nairobi, in particular,
personal
> safety.
>
>
> is Nairobi ** really** that dangerous for someone who is sooo obviously a
> tourist???
>
I rather think it is - or can be! Certainly the last time we were there
(about three years ago I think) it seemed a lot more 'dangerous' than on our
previous visits (many more years ago - first in 1979) when we had walked (in
daylight) quite happily from the Panafric Hotel down to the town, and around
the town, without any worries.
It may have been that this tour operator was 'more careful' but certainly
the mini-bus driver who picked us up from the airport and took us to the
hotel warned us not to open the vehicle windows cos he said people tried to
grab things when the vehicle was stopped at traffic lights etc. And the
hotel warned us not to walk to the Museum; arranged for a taxi, and the taxi
driver arranged a time to pick us up again. The Museum (and snake park!) are
worth visiting. Or you could, of course, spend a few hours in Nairobi
National Park. One time (late 80s?) we hired a car and drove ourselves
around - to Daphne Sheldrick's Animal Orphanage and the National Park. Dont
think I'd do that now.
--
Rita Daggett
personal
> safety.
>
>
> is Nairobi ** really** that dangerous for someone who is sooo obviously a
> tourist???
>
I rather think it is - or can be! Certainly the last time we were there
(about three years ago I think) it seemed a lot more 'dangerous' than on our
previous visits (many more years ago - first in 1979) when we had walked (in
daylight) quite happily from the Panafric Hotel down to the town, and around
the town, without any worries.
It may have been that this tour operator was 'more careful' but certainly
the mini-bus driver who picked us up from the airport and took us to the
hotel warned us not to open the vehicle windows cos he said people tried to
grab things when the vehicle was stopped at traffic lights etc. And the
hotel warned us not to walk to the Museum; arranged for a taxi, and the taxi
driver arranged a time to pick us up again. The Museum (and snake park!) are
worth visiting. Or you could, of course, spend a few hours in Nairobi
National Park. One time (late 80s?) we hired a car and drove ourselves
around - to Daphne Sheldrick's Animal Orphanage and the National Park. Dont
think I'd do that now.
--
Rita Daggett
Jan 17th 2007, 7:09 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
Liz Leyden wrote:
> In message <[email protected]>
> "the_niner_nation" <niner_nation_sf49ers.com> wrote:
> > I ahve heard a lot of negative things about Nairobi, in particular, personal
> > safety.
> > is Nairobi ** really** that dangerous for someone who is sooo obviously a
> > tourist???
> Apparently so - but taxis are cheap :-)
> Remember how incredibly rich you are compared to many of the locals.
> Some Kenyans I've met don't spend a minute more than strictly
> necessary in Nairobi.
>
> TBH, There's not all that much worth seeing in Nairobi:
> main options are:
> Nairobi National Park***** (easily worth a full day)
> Karen Blixen House and Giraffe Manor***
> National Museum.***
> Railway Museum (if you're interested in railways)
> Bomas of Kenya (traditional dances performed by professional dancers)
> (I haven't been to the last two)
No interesting markets or neighborhoods or architecture?
> In message <[email protected]>
> "the_niner_nation" <niner_nation_sf49ers.com> wrote:
> > I ahve heard a lot of negative things about Nairobi, in particular, personal
> > safety.
> > is Nairobi ** really** that dangerous for someone who is sooo obviously a
> > tourist???
> Apparently so - but taxis are cheap :-)
> Remember how incredibly rich you are compared to many of the locals.
> Some Kenyans I've met don't spend a minute more than strictly
> necessary in Nairobi.
>
> TBH, There's not all that much worth seeing in Nairobi:
> main options are:
> Nairobi National Park***** (easily worth a full day)
> Karen Blixen House and Giraffe Manor***
> National Museum.***
> Railway Museum (if you're interested in railways)
> Bomas of Kenya (traditional dances performed by professional dancers)
> (I haven't been to the last two)
No interesting markets or neighborhoods or architecture?
Jan 17th 2007, 8:32 am
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
In message <[email protected]>, Rita Daggett
<[email protected]> writes
>
>
>> I ahve heard a lot of negative things about Nairobi, in particular,
>personal
>> safety.
>>
>>
>> is Nairobi ** really** that dangerous for someone who is sooo obviously a
>> tourist???
>>
>I rather think it is - or can be! Certainly the last time we were there
>(about three years ago I think) it seemed a lot more 'dangerous' than on our
>previous visits (many more years ago - first in 1979) when we had walked (in
>daylight) quite happily from the Panafric Hotel down to the town, and around
>the town, without any worries.
>It may have been that this tour operator was 'more careful' but certainly
>the mini-bus driver who picked us up from the airport and took us to the
>hotel warned us not to open the vehicle windows cos he said people tried to
>grab things when the vehicle was stopped at traffic lights etc. And the
>hotel warned us not to walk to the Museum; arranged for a taxi, and the taxi
>driver arranged a time to pick us up again. The Museum (and snake park!) are
>worth visiting. Or you could, of course, spend a few hours in Nairobi
>National Park. One time (late 80s?) we hired a car and drove ourselves
>around - to Daphne Sheldrick's Animal Orphanage and the National Park. Dont
>think I'd do that now.
>
Rita,
We arrived in Nairobi for the first time on November 14th. 1979 and I
and my son lived in the Panafric hotel for three months, Stuart went to
boarding school in the following January whilst I stayed on after that.
During our stay I regularly walked down into town and did so during the
late eighties with no problem as well. We haven`t been to Kenya since
1999 but will go again sometime. I`m still in touch with Nairobi friends
and they still operate as normal but going out in a taxi or car at night
is a must. As for keeping windows closed at traffic lights, yes, that
must be done, I do know of someone who had their necklace pulled off at
the lights.
Interesting to share feed back!
Pat.
--
Pat Anderson
<[email protected]> writes
>
>
>> I ahve heard a lot of negative things about Nairobi, in particular,
>personal
>> safety.
>>
>>
>> is Nairobi ** really** that dangerous for someone who is sooo obviously a
>> tourist???
>>
>I rather think it is - or can be! Certainly the last time we were there
>(about three years ago I think) it seemed a lot more 'dangerous' than on our
>previous visits (many more years ago - first in 1979) when we had walked (in
>daylight) quite happily from the Panafric Hotel down to the town, and around
>the town, without any worries.
>It may have been that this tour operator was 'more careful' but certainly
>the mini-bus driver who picked us up from the airport and took us to the
>hotel warned us not to open the vehicle windows cos he said people tried to
>grab things when the vehicle was stopped at traffic lights etc. And the
>hotel warned us not to walk to the Museum; arranged for a taxi, and the taxi
>driver arranged a time to pick us up again. The Museum (and snake park!) are
>worth visiting. Or you could, of course, spend a few hours in Nairobi
>National Park. One time (late 80s?) we hired a car and drove ourselves
>around - to Daphne Sheldrick's Animal Orphanage and the National Park. Dont
>think I'd do that now.
>
Rita,
We arrived in Nairobi for the first time on November 14th. 1979 and I
and my son lived in the Panafric hotel for three months, Stuart went to
boarding school in the following January whilst I stayed on after that.
During our stay I regularly walked down into town and did so during the
late eighties with no problem as well. We haven`t been to Kenya since
1999 but will go again sometime. I`m still in touch with Nairobi friends
and they still operate as normal but going out in a taxi or car at night
is a must. As for keeping windows closed at traffic lights, yes, that
must be done, I do know of someone who had their necklace pulled off at
the lights.
Interesting to share feed back!
Pat.
--
Pat Anderson
Jan 17th 2007, 8:56 am
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
In message <[email protected]. com>
[email protected] wrote:
> No interesting markets or neighborhoods or architecture?
There's a Maasai market which I believe is worth going to.
Neighbourhoods aren't likely to interest me, and I suppose it depends
what sort of architecture you like! There's a super new-ish Hindu
Temple, if that counts.
Slainte
liz
--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
Photo Gallery:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID5111
[email protected] wrote:
> No interesting markets or neighborhoods or architecture?
There's a Maasai market which I believe is worth going to.
Neighbourhoods aren't likely to interest me, and I suppose it depends
what sort of architecture you like! There's a super new-ish Hindu
Temple, if that counts.
Slainte
liz
--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
Photo Gallery:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?memberID5111
Jan 19th 2007, 2:21 am
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Kenya safari..
> Rita,
> We arrived in Nairobi for the first time on November 14th. 1979 and I
> and my son lived in the Panafric hotel for three months, Stuart went to
> boarding school in the following January whilst I stayed on after that.
> During our stay I regularly walked down into town and did so during the
> late eighties with no problem as well. We haven`t been to Kenya since
> 1999 but will go again sometime. I`m still in touch with Nairobi friends
> and they still operate as normal but going out in a taxi or car at night
> is a must. As for keeping windows closed at traffic lights, yes, that
> must be done, I do know of someone who had their necklace pulled off at
> the lights.
> Interesting to share feed back!
> Pat.
> --
> Pat Anderson
I must check what time of year we were there! We stayed at the Panafric on
two subsequent visits - the last time it had had a whole new wing added but
the front was exactly the same. Last time in Nairobi (enroute to and from
Tanzania) we decided to go posh and stayed at the Norfolk!
> We arrived in Nairobi for the first time on November 14th. 1979 and I
> and my son lived in the Panafric hotel for three months, Stuart went to
> boarding school in the following January whilst I stayed on after that.
> During our stay I regularly walked down into town and did so during the
> late eighties with no problem as well. We haven`t been to Kenya since
> 1999 but will go again sometime. I`m still in touch with Nairobi friends
> and they still operate as normal but going out in a taxi or car at night
> is a must. As for keeping windows closed at traffic lights, yes, that
> must be done, I do know of someone who had their necklace pulled off at
> the lights.
> Interesting to share feed back!
> Pat.
> --
> Pat Anderson
I must check what time of year we were there! We stayed at the Panafric on
two subsequent visits - the last time it had had a whole new wing added but
the front was exactly the same. Last time in Nairobi (enroute to and from
Tanzania) we decided to go posh and stayed at the Norfolk!
