Safari in Kenya

Bluemeanie_2

I've decided I want to Safari in Kenya for my main holiday of 2014, looked at First Choice and Thomson for one of their packages. The amount of days you have as holiday/safari don't quite suit me perfectly, but the specialist safari companies don't appeal to me as that is too much safari and not enough luxurious hol.

My Mum has suggested just booking a 2 week holiday in Kenya then using the concierge etc to book a local company for the safari element, then you don't have to give up your room and leave it stored etc. But that sounds mega expensive.

Has anyone experienced a Thomson/First Choice safari, any feedback?

Any other recommendations?

If this has been recently covered I apologise, point me in the direction of that thread!

faith2009uk

Hi Bluemeanie,

I'm sure that others will be along shortly with advice but hopefully I can help a little in the meantime.

I've been to Kenya twice (2008 and 2011) for 2 weeks the first time and 1 week the second time, and both times went on safari in the same area via Thomson. To be honest I found that booking the safari online beforehand gave me piece of mind, however have met many people who have bought safaris off of the locals outside the hotel catering to their needs and at a very reasonable price.

I think it all depends on where you want to go really. We went to Tsavo East as its very big and was not too far from our hotel in Mombasa so worked out reasonable. Last time we booked a 2 day 1 night excursion and had an amazing driver who had been doing it for years and was very knowledgable. We saw loads including lions, cheetahs, and LOADS of elephants, however when we arrived back at our hotel afterwards a couple who had just arrived back from a 5 day trip had only seen elephants and the usual animals (zebras, dik diks etc) in the Masai Mara. Its all down to luck really.

I would suggest definitely going for 2 weeks especially if it's your first time. The safaris are very tiring as its early mornings and lots of travelling in the sun so the break in the hotel afterwards is a must in my eyes. And totally unrelated, be prepared for the driving! It wasn't till the second time we went heading out to our safari that I remembered why I said I would not do it again after the first time! Saying that I look back now and would jump at the chance of going again :-)

Have a wonderful time, best holiday I ave ever been on.

Incapuppy

Bluemeanie wrote: »

My Mum has suggested just booking a 2 week holiday in Kenya then using the concierge etc to book a local company for the safari element, then you don't have to give up your room and leave it stored etc. But that sounds mega expensive.

Value for money wise I think the opposite is true. Check out the Trip Advisor Kenya forum and info; it is packed with good reviews of reliable, local safari operators who will custom make a safari trip to your requirements.