1

What about the coast? Beaches are free to use, and Mombasa and Lamu both have fascinating old quarters where you can guide yourself around. Safety is not any great issue.

2

Hi, thanks for your reply. The coast looks like a really good idea. Is Lamu safe now? I saw there were some kidnappings a few years ago, but I assume things have been quiet since then.

Do you know if it's possible to do much hiking without guides or in a group? Preferably day hikes, as I'm not planning on taking a tent.

3

Lamu hasn't recently seen any dramas directed at foreigners.

Hiking... why not? As long as you don't stray into a park, the country is your oyster. There is no rule that says you need to have a guide. I have had some of my best times here going on random walks by myself.

The coast is strewn with pretty villages sitting under coconut trees. You just have to walk half a kilometre from a main road and you're in a different world. Take lots of water.

4

What tour company are you planning to use? I am going to Kenya in August and wish to find a safari that isn't more than $300-$400/day. All the overseas companies charge a lot. I was thinking to wait until I got to Nairobi to find a safari/tour that includes Kenya and Tanzania.

5

sandra:

Whatever you do don't pay those prices! Safaris range from $150-200 per day depending on accommodation, if you book them in Nairobi.

6

Thanks for the advice on hiking, that's great to know.

Sandra - I think I've found some online which offer it for around $150-200 a day, though I need to check they're on the approved list (the acronym escapes me at the moment). Will update you if you want.

Christopher- is it better to book ahead if you're planning a safari in July (like me) or August (like Sandra)?

7

You can book ahead with a reputable safari company in Nairobi with complete peace of mind. Some take credit cards while others take bank transfers. Choose one with plenty of good online reviews; avoid companies that no one talks about online.

8

So far, I like Intrepid Travel, a California company that gets consistently good reviews. Lonely Planet lists it in the Tours section of Kenya. A 14 day tour, "The Masai Heartlands" is $2,525.00, which is a little less than $200/day.

9

Hi tangus, you can consider a a budget of about $ 150-200 and also join a group to cut costs

10

Hi, it's possible to travel budget and yes, don't pay $300 for a safari per day. That is rediculous. When you go to the coast, you can maybe visit the Tsavo-area when you have the time. Instead of Tsavo East or West, go to Taita Hills Sanctuary or Lumo. That is cheaper. Check out Ndoto Village Bandas, near Voi ( http://www.ndotobandas.com/ ). Only $10,00 per night incl. breakfast and diner. Have fun planning and have a great trip.

11

I just got back from a 2 week tour with Intrepid (Nairobi to Lake Victoria, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and then climbed Kilimanjaro). I found them to be very well organized, and our guide, Flo, was amazing. I got a discount when I bought it and paid around $2200 for both weeks. After park fees and taking the gas prices here into consideration, I think it was a good deal!

12

Hi

I travelled Kenya and Tanzania for six weeks in Dec/Jan recently. Went with intrepid on the Road to Zanzibar trip, well organized but not much freedom or time to do things on your own. Ngorongoro and village visits was the highlight for me as well as Stone town in Zanzibar.

Travelled on my own in Kenya for 4 weeks by local transportations with matatus and buses. Never felt unsafe and just met friendly and helpful people on my trips. I can recommend a couple of days in Mombasa, wonder around in markets and relax.
Spent five days in Lamu, bus journey was perfectly safe and took seven hours from Mombasa. Lamu is relaxing and I stayed at Jambo Guesthouse, excellent place with a helpful owner Arnold, great giving advice on things to do in Lamu. I took a guided walk in Lamu, well worth the price of 1000 KSh, the local guide was well informed and takes you in to houses you could not access on your own.

Also went to Naivasha ans visited Mt Longonot, very beutiful. You can hike up on your own or hire a guide, i payed 1500 KSh since they recommended me not to walk on my own, and it was nice to have some company also. Cycling in Hells gate I can highly recommend, a beautiful place and the gorge is not to be missed. The entrance fee is 20 USD and I payed 1500 KSh for the guide that was with me all day, arranged via YMCA in Naivasha.

In Kisumu I stayed at New Hotel Victoria, a clean and safe place, good value accommodation also. Extremely friendly and helpful staff. They also have contact with a guide I had for a trip to Dunga Village and to a trip for hippos and birds on Lake Victoria, also went to Kit Mikaye (Luo shrine) to learn about the history of Luo tribe. The guide Ibrahim was great, and interested in conservation and environment and also good company. The trip to lake Victoria and Dunga village i payed 1500 KSh, well worth the money. If you are interested I can give you his email and phone number. Kisumu is safe also even at evening on your own. The local markets I can also recommend.

In Kericho i walked around in the city and visited a tea plantation. Interesting and beautiful area. You need a guide to access to the plantation. It is also possible to visit the tea factories, however that has to be arranged at least 2 weeks in advance.

Spent one day in Kisii, the city it self is messy and over crowded and the accomodations not the bests. Not really many toursits travel there. The surrounding in Kisii is stunningly beautiful and hilly and if you are interested in hiking around there that is possible. Although better if you have contact with locals that can show you around.

The rough guide to Kenya is great and gives lots of info off beaten track. I loved Lamu and western Kenya and am planning to go back later this year and visit smaller villages to get more into local life.

One thing to keep in mind is that transportations take time and direct to is not so often direct.

Anna

13

Thanks Anna! I plan to do an Intrepid tour for two weeks then I have about two weeks on my own, part of which time I will spend in Zanzibar. It sounds as though you had a wonderful trip!

14

Few more ideas than mentioned (not sure where you plan on staying):
-Hell's Gate, beautiful park and an opportunity to bike among the wildlife, see the gorges, prides rock, etc. Lots of nice lakes in this area too. ($25 entry, many cheap places to stay in the area)
-If you are worried about Lamu, take the bus to Mombasa and Diani Beach has lots of super cheap places to stay (although touristy). Bus from Nairobo to Mombasa is around 1500 each way, ferry over to Diani is free.
-If you are staying in the Nairobi area and have a couple days to kill, you can check out the giraffe center (around $5), elephant orphanage ($5-$10 I forget), browse the Maasai market.
-Fourteen falls, $10 entry if I remember correctly, about two hours from Nairobi on matatu. Depending on the month, you can jump off the falls and swim behind them into caves. But only in the drier months.
-And lots of other great options have been listed!