Free days in Kenya

Mid August we will go to Uganda/gorilla trekking and then off to Kenya for a 4 day walking safari. We then have 5 days before we depart to Nairobi. What should we do? We have been to Kenya many years ago and did the safari and although I certainly will be tired and in desperate need of a hairdryer I don't want to stay somewhere and just sit (like on a beach). Well, maybe one day but after that what do you suggest?
We could rent a car and drive where?
We are not on a strict budget as we are old and have worked hard all our lives and are splurging on this trip.

well, not really that old

Lake Naivasha or Lake Baringo would be lovely places to visit, One or two nights will be ideal. Whilst on these places you can do boat riding, hiking in hells gates ( Lake Naivasha) visit a nearby Jemps village in Lake Baringo and many other activities especially if stay at Samatian camp or Island Camp in Baringo.

Where are you doing the walking safari?

#2 has a good suggestion, and I'd also recommend a night at Lake Nakuru. If you've been to Uganda and your walking safari is in the Masai Mara then you won't have seen rhino, and Nakuru is great for rhino.

If your walking safari isn't in the Mara I'd suggest you spend your time doing a few days there.

Sorry I haven't got anything to add to this, but I was wondering who you're doing your walking safari through, where it is and how much you're paying!

I hope you have a sensational trip!

Cheers,

Annie

Thanks for your replies! On our past trip Kenya we went to Lake Navisha and Lake Nakuru but will check out Lake BaringLake Naivasha Our 4 day Maasi Mara walking safari is being organized by Julia at http://www.ecoafrica.com/

I can also recommend Lake Natron or head down to Malindi/Watamu - spend your 1 day on the beach and then spend time at the Gedi ruins, Aroboke Sekoke forest, Kilifi and Midas Creek.

You only need take 1 day in Nairobi for the activities described in no5.

Have you considered Lamu Island? Went there three years ago. It is completely different from the Kenya we expected. Look it up. Went by train to the coast then by bus and (dodgy) boat to the Island. Met some amazing people. Stayed right in the old city. The resorts are not what we were looking for.

Enjoy!

I would also recommend you spend some time relaxing in Lamu island, though I find Shela nicer than Lamu town. Lamu is a swahili island, kilometers away from the tourist resorts of Mombasa, and is quite an experience in itself.

Wow, this just keeps getting better. Shela looks terrific! Do you have a particualar place you suggest we stay? And, what is the quickest/most scenic way to get there?

I really appreciate all of your thoughts, time and suggestions!

Depending on your budget Peponi's is lovely and a bit of a Shela institution, or else there are lots of rooms to rent. Quickest way to get there is to fly: direct flights from Mombasa, Nairobi and Malindi - it's just over an hour direct from Nairobi. Or you could take the train/drive as far as Mombasa/Malindi and then pick up a boat/flight, the road is not that great north of Malindi.

I'd also recommend Lamu. We stayed a couple of days in the Stone House hotel in Shela. It was a delightful converted Swahili house with a roof top restaurant. One day we walked across the island to the village of Matandoni. We also hired a dhow (just for the 2 of us) for 2 days. Sleeping on deck under a star blazoned sky was marvellous. Incidentally Lamu was the relaxed part of our trip after we had been gorilla tracking and trekked Mt Meru and Kilmanjaro. Our background is probably similar to yours - did this in our late 50's and were not focusing on a budget.

Thanks, Kalki....great idea. I'm currently checking website and for a dhow and sounds right up our alley!!

Visiting both Rusinga and Mfangano islands in the second fresh water lake in the world(lake victoria) is the best,am from Rusinga island in Lake Victoria.