Safari Holiday

[Kleiber]

I want to take K.Jnr. on a Safari holiday for his 21st, next year. It'll probably be our last holiday together and we'd like it to be one to remember. Has anyone been on one? Can you recommend any particular companies to travel with? What's the best time of year to go & see the most animals? (His birthday's in May, but we don't mind when we go.) What country should we visit? I was thinking about Kenya, as that's where my late hubby always said we would go (that's another reason why we want to go - K. Jnr's dad promised us he'd take us, but sadly, we never made it together.), or what about South Africa or Tanzania? We thought we'd like to do about 5 days safari & then maybe 4 or 5 days at a beach resort. Any ideas and experiences would be very welcome. Ta, K xx

[KARL]

I lived in Kenya for some two years and it is definitely worth seeing. We went on several trips on our own, not using any travel company, and I would say Samburu was the most memorable, although Masai Mara and Amboseli are very good but in those ones it matters more when you are there. Lamu is probably nicer than the Malindi area although the former is quite isolated but very relaxing for it. Nakuru park (great for flamingos, leopard and many other species) can be taken in en route to/from Samburu and you travel along a long stretch of the Rift Valley.and within fairly close proximity to Mount Kenya. Tsavo has the advantage of being within very easy reach of the coast resorts. Try to visit the Seldrake elephant orpahanage on the edge of Nairobi Park - itself very handy and good for almost any animal except elephants (wild). Back then, no doubt not quite the same now, it was relatively easy to strike your own deal with travel companies in Nairobi - shop around and beware of advice from people who have a pecuniary interest (just double check and compare). In May they are not so busy because it is shoulder season and available deals should be competitive.

[thugulike]

Hi Kleiber
I did a trip which took in Johannesburg, Pretoria, The Kruger National Park (Big 5), Swaziland, A trip to another national park famous for rhino, St Lucia (whale watching and crocs), Durban, The Drakensburg Mountains and back to Jo'burg. It was 10 days and very reasonably priced with VJV. It was called Close to the Heart of South Africa. The only problem may be that the clientel for VJV seems to be getting very old. It was whistlestop but good value.

[coccinelle]

I've never been on safari but would love to go. my friend who has the africa bug (can't keep away from it) tells me to go to Tanzania rather than Kenya. Kenya is far too touristic now and Tanzania still keeps its 'wild' side but he says it won't be long before it'll get the same. All depends if you want the comfort or the adventure I suppose. Mozambique is an ideal place for beaches you'll need the rest from the long hours riding in the 4X4! HTH

[Kleiber]

Thanks for your replies, everyone! Looks like I'll have to shop around to get the best deal. We certainly would like to do the Masai Mara or Tsavo - at least I've got about a year to plan it - hopefully, I'll get it right!! Thanks again, K x

[Jenga]

We went to Kenya about 3 years ago. We stayed in Mombassa and had a safari to Tsovo East and Tsavo West. It was great. It depends on where you stay in Kenya if you chose that country. If you stay in Nairobi then the Masai Moira is closer. Nairobi is a little bit rough i.e being a city.

Our hotel provided a free 1 night safari to an elephant orphanage also which we went on.