Safari DIY
Hi guys,I would love to take my kids on safari.... But there is no way I can afford a "tour" the prices are way too high
So I've decided to do it the adventurous way-... 1st take the bus from Nairobi to Narok then onto Telek,....
The Aruba campsite is only £10per nt for my tent ( I've already emailed) and they do day trips to the Reserve, quite handy only being just over the road! ....My kids both boys are 12/9 .... And are quite used to roughing it....
But my question is how safe is this plan?..... We would be getting a taxi to and from the bus station in Nairobi, and I will try to arrange someone to pick up and drop of in Talek,....This "holiday won't be happening until next July . I just want to get as much info before we go.
Thanks guys..
Tammy,
1
I don't see why not if you are comfortable traveling on public transport in Africa. I've camped at Aruba. It is perfectly adequate.However I'd suggest you do a couple of things first.
1) Check the kids can go on a game drive from Aruba - they may use open-sided vehicles and as such sometimes have age limits for children.
2) Cost up the whole thing before you decide not to do an organised trip out of Nairobi. Park fees are $80 per person per day. Your camping will be $10 per person per day. Game drives - I would imagine around $40 per person per drive. Most organised trips do 2 per day. You could only do one per day but then you don't get the best value out of your park fees ... .Then you have transfers. You will be able to get public transport to Narok but probably not to Talek. Aruba will no doubt collect you but that may be quite costly (it might not actually be that much more if you are get picked up from Nairobi).
You may find you give yourself a lot of work to do but don't end up paying that much less.
2
Hi mate,Cheers for the info -..... I emailed the aruba the guy said the buses go all the way to talek. I just have to change at Narok.He also gave me a price list for tours in 2013 when he knows we will arrive,
I did tell him the ages of the kids ... There was no age limit in his reply email , so I will find this out for sure.
Thanks very much for your time and all the very best
Tammy
3
Hi Tammy,You might also want to look into Hells Gate NP outside of Naivasha. I believe park fees are around 30 dollars, you can walk or bike around the park independently.
The park is small and you're not likely to see the big 5, but there's plenty of wildlife in much less disturbed atmosphere. There are quite a few other activities and opportunities to view wildlife in the area as well.
5
Hi Tammy,if you go for public transports please take the big buses, more safe but be aware with your belongings, in april we have some peaks season as well as school's holidays (guess that's why you choose those dates) so not all the places are available, check/book ahead as early as possible when you arrive in Kenya, last but not least, the easter season applies surcharged prices evrywhere !
Hells gate is nice, but Masaii Mara is my favorite with kids (I have 3 small ones 6/3/2) and you can see all the wild beast and very different scenery while game driving !
ps : yes you can easily do 2 game drives per day, even with small kids, that's what we have done !
more info ? just ask !
hope this helps !
7
Do you mean safe as road safety or in terms of thefts and the like?The roads in Kenya are not the safest - potholes, poorly maintained vehicles and sometimes lunatic driving. But no worse than a lot of places in the world I guess. Try and travel in the safest looking vehicle you can find. And as was said above don't travel in the dark - there are more accidents at night.
I spent just over three years in Africa traveling all over and found the people to be, almost without exception, kind, honest and very willing to help visitors. That said bus stations and the like the world over always attract more than their fair share of petty criminals so keep an eye on your bags and be alert to any attempt to distract you. Keep your money/documents in a money belt. Also be prepared for people trying to get your custom (this bus doesn't go your way.... it will be cheaper in my taxi etc etc...). If you are unsure about anything ask a fellow traveler for help and they will almost certainly assist.
8
Hi guys,Thanks so much for all the above advice!
I was thinking more in terms of theft... Muggings .... I will be with my kids and we will be getting taxis to the bus stations to minimise any opportunistic fellows !,
I would just like some reassurance that this plan is not dangerous.....
Although I do understand the roads are quite another matter....
Thanks very much for your time guys and all the best
Tammy
9
I agree that Hells Gate NP is excellent and your kids might love biking through it. But bring lots of water and a hat. I agree that Masai Mara would be incredible for your kids. Even just one or two days would be worth it.I took lots of taxis in Nairobi, both off the street and recommended drivers, and I was always fine. People in the city do have their own trusted drivers that they call, I think this is largely for safety reasons. If you would like a recommendation let me know.
"if you go for public transports please take the big buses" I completely agree. Small matatus with children might be fine in the city (I took them..) but between cities, they go too quickly and are reckless. A large, proper bus will be safe. I also agree that you should avoid travelling after dark.
theft isn't uncommon but full on muggings are, to my understanding, an after dark phenomenon. I would take precautions but not be too concerned!
I do not think your plan is dangerous. I think it sounds great :)
10
I agree that Hells Gate NP is excellent and your kids might love biking through it. But bring lots of water and a hat. I agree that Masai Mara would be incredible for your kids. Even just one or two days would be worth it.I took lots of taxis in Nairobi, both off the street and recommended drivers, and I was always fine. People in the city do have their own trusted drivers that they call, I think this is largely for safety reasons. If you would like a recommendation let me know.
"if you go for public transports please take the big buses" I completely agree. Small matatus with children might be fine in the city (I took them..) but between cities, they go too quickly and are reckless. A large, proper bus will be safe. I also agree that you should avoid travelling after dark.
theft isn't uncommon but full on muggings are, to my understanding, an after dark phenomenon. I would take precautions but not be too concerned!
I do not think your plan is dangerous. I think it sounds great :)
11
Hi mate,Excellent tips ,
We plan on stayin in Kenya for 4/5 weeks... After our safari we will check hells gate out! Looks great from the pics!!.. We are also thinking of Mombasa for about 10 nts ... But we still have a lot to work out,
We are very cheap travelers- well i am anyway . I have emailed letting/renting agency and can get a studio apt for £30 per nt w/pool and near the beach.... Pics look fab!!
Thanks again for all your time and all the very best,
Tammy...
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