Kenya - july

[nicky-m]

I have recently booked a two-week holiday to the Kenyan coast for mid-July. I made the booking going on the holiday brouchers descriptions - this seemed like a good time (not too hot, out of the rainy season and a good time for animal viewing on Safari).

Someone has since told me it's not a good time to go - likely to be very hot, humid and full of mossies at this time. (Though independant review sites suggest the hotels spray anti-mossie stuff).

Please help - have a made a mistake???

[KARL]

The coast is always more humid than inland, but should not be overbearing, as I recall. Regarding mosquitos - these will only be likely to bother you at dusk and dawn (particularly) and in between (somewhat less so). Take with you mosquito milk (from Boots etc.) tropical strength and never fail to apply it just before dusk and every three hours or so, in stripes to all exposed skin (forhead and cheeks, neck, arms, feet and legs. If wearing thin clothing run a stripe every 15cm or so. This is important if you are outside or in places where they can have roosted (under tables in reastaurants, etc.). In your room, spray insecticide upward into corners at ceiling level and blast under bed(s), tables and chairs - you can do this an hour or more before going to sleep, go out then come back later. Baygon is the best (probably still available locally but take something with you until you get some) and a single good spray as above will have residual effect for as much as a week or more. You can expect to enjoy the holiday but be wary of pickpockets, etc. and never wear jewellery or carry anything that is ostentatious because it can attract opportunistic petty snatchers.

[Hgrove]

We went to Kenya on honeymoon in mid-july (a no. of yrs ago). It was just fine except some of the places we visited on safari were really chilly - enough for a jumper, perhaps a rainproof jacket, not winter coats. After the safari we went to the beach near Mombasa (Serena Beach hotel) and that was fine too, except not a good idea to go into the sea owing to currents, but it was fine by the swimming pool.

[malajusted1]

i lived there for 4 years Hgrove is correct in what they saw. Its reasonably 'mild' in kenya at that time of year. As for humid- again no and even when its really hot it not humid like the far east, it a more dry heat.

Just one thing to correct you on , the best time to see animals is in the dry season. As all the water evapourates and they are forced to go to the watering holes.

make sure you go out at dawn and dusk- these are the best times for viewing wildlife.

[nicky-m]

Thanks for the advice all!!!! (especially the mossie tips).

When you say 'mild' I take it you mean African mild - are we still likely to see some good sunshine (enough to lounge around by the pool in our hotel?)

Anyone been to the Voyager Beach Resort in Nyali?