Hello again Friends
I have about 2 weeks in Kenya late Sept 07 for a solo safari,would like to spend 5 to 6 days on a Maasai Mara safari as well as maybe a day or 2 in Amboselli to see Mt. Killiminjaro as a backdrop. I can do these seperate if need be. How easy is it to show up in Nairobi book a safari on the spot joining a group to do this? Prebooking with single suppliment can get expensive. I believe i can show up at Nairobi Backpackers and join a group although not getting great reviews as of late. Have also looked at Planet Safaris and Best Camping tours but have read so so reviews as well. I know one can have a good or bad experience anywhere but that is not making my desicion any easier.I could sure use some advice.
Thank you all again for all your help.....................S.B.
Going by the various reviews I've read on this site, I'd forget about NBP. Too many problems and poor management/organisation.
A recent Planet Safaris review was OK and it mentioned they used Landcruisers, a big selling point IMO. BCT usually get good reviews too, especially from one of our regular posters who used them a few years ago.
What about Gametrackers? Or, there are some other AUTHENTIC recommendations if you browse through the Kenya branch.
Try to sort it out before you get there. At least narrow it down to a few options.
3 days Mara, 1 day Nakuru, 2 days Amboseli would be perfect. I would prebook with some tour operator just in case because the safari you want may not leave every day of the week. Most budget companies will put you with a group to save their own costs too... but probably best to clarify that before you book. For a budget camping safari you are looking at a price of 90-100 USD/person/day. Hope that helps some.
Having checked both BCT and Planet Safari for the same 7 day Maasai/Nakuru/Amboseli, Planet charges $490.00 USD and BCT charges $825.00 USD for the same trip is there any reason there would be such a big price difference between the two ?
Thanx again for all your help........................S.B.
I'd skip Nairobi Backpackers altogether. I stayed there in June '07 and was told by the guy making the safari bookings to just email him (from Uganda) and he would arrange what I needed on my return trip. Never received a response to any of the 4 emails I sent. This shouldn't have been surprising as when I watched him responding to other emails he would make comments like "that's such a dumb question - delete" and "I hate this job". I'd avoid using this unreliable service.
Terrible service, mediocre accomodations, but good fellow travelers.
trusted partner
