kenya
Author
Discussion

gcod

Original Poster:

56 posts

200 months

Monday 7th December 2009
quotequote all
anyone experienced kenya /mombassa /safaris
were going in jan 2010
thx

Rouleur

7,264 posts

205 months

Tuesday 8th December 2009
quotequote all
Yes. It's a very special country, although I suppose your impression of it depends to some extent on where you go.

Where are you staying?

Bluebarge

4,519 posts

194 months

Tuesday 8th December 2009
quotequote all
Yes. It's excellent. Don't forget your malaria tablets and other jabs. Arrange to see your doctor/practice nurse soon if not already done. Check out the Tripadvisor forums for useful advice.

gcod

Original Poster:

56 posts

200 months

Tuesday 8th December 2009
quotequote all
we are going to voyager hotel nyali beach
pics on trip advisor look great
all jabs and malaria tablet done
thx

Bluebarge

4,519 posts

194 months

Wednesday 9th December 2009
quotequote all
See if you can fit in a 2 day Tsavo East safari while you're there; we went with these guys and they were great - http://www.glorioussafaris.com/html/about_us.html

If you have time for a snorkelling trip (it's a whole day trip) this lot are also v.good http://www.pillipipa.com/intro.htm

Ranger 6

7,370 posts

265 months

Wednesday 9th December 2009
quotequote all
We went to the Nyali Beach Hotel with Kuoni in the late 90s and had a superb time. Took a 4 day Safari as part of it which was stunning.

Obviously since we went there's been civil unrest etc, but even when we were there we had an AK-47 carrying guard in the van on safari.

Basically just take sensible precautions about personal safety and theft and enjoy it!

Bluebarge

4,519 posts

194 months

Wednesday 9th December 2009
quotequote all
Ranger 6 said:
We went to the Nyali Beach Hotel with Kuoni in the late 90s and had a superb time. Took a 4 day Safari as part of it which was stunning.

Obviously since we went there's been civil unrest etc, but even when we were there we had an AK-47 carrying guard in the van on safari.

Basically just take sensible precautions about personal safety and theft and enjoy it!
I think things have changed a bit since then. I was there in Feb and they told me since they had cracked down on poachers a few years ago (by shooting them on sight!) there is no longer a security problem in the parks. Safari guides are not therefore armed (although park rangers are) but if you stay overnight inside the park your lodge may have armed guards to deal with any wandering lions!

There was no hint of tension following the election riots and I don't reckon it will flare again until the next election. As a tourist you are kept away from the unpleasant side of life but, as you say, usual precautions are sensible.

Ranger 6

7,370 posts

265 months

Wednesday 9th December 2009
quotequote all
Thanks, that helps as we're planning to go back once the kids are big enough to really enjoy it and before they have the teenager attitude. We had been looking further south, but your comments put Kenya back on the mapsmile

squeezebm

2,319 posts

221 months

Wednesday 9th December 2009
quotequote all
gcod,

Really not trying to put a damper on your hols mate,we were at Voyager back in Feb of this year,as has been said Kenya is a beautiful country but would I return.............not for a while

A, You are in a very nice prison camp at voyager,we really, along with a few other couples that we met over there would not venture out after dark !

B,First Morning attempted to have a wonder onto the Beach to be hassled by the beach boys/men,and then sat at the infinity pool watching a couple of policemen wonder pass with AK 47's (or similiar) round their shoulders frown

C,The Sunbed/Towel thing is a joke biggrin need to be up and at 'em for 7.30am to get a decent spot rolleyes we found it hillarious,but others were a bit miffed !!

D,Did a Couple of days Out on safari absolutely LOVED it !!

E,Organised trip to the Childrens Hospital (Hiv etc) little 'uns being given the best life possible....untill you find out the "charity" is being ran by an elderley English lady and her cronies who live the life of Royalty away the armed gaurded Hospital/School mad

F,Both being 30 somethings, along with a few others that we met we agreed that the staff/Hotel was geared up for the "older" miserable brigade which love the fact that they seemed very wealthy in comparison to the localsnono

G,Food about 5 out of 10 hot food was warm as was the cold Food !!yuck
and very repetative

H,the country has major issues at the 'mo with civil unrest as we've heard as we have kept in touch with a couple over there,not being widely reported as previously almost shut down the Kenyan tourist industry !!

I,Fantastic people ..........struggling badly through corruption

Please just have a good look thru' again and again to make sure you're happy with everything,obviously all this is IMHO

Regards

Edited by squeezebm on Wednesday 9th December 21:24

Ranger 6

7,370 posts

265 months

Thursday 10th December 2009
quotequote all
squeezebm said:
C,The Sunbed/Towel thing is a joke biggrin need to be up and at 'em for 7.30am to get a decent spot rolleyes we found it hillarious,but others were a bit miffed !!
Tip the pool guy well and it really pi*ses off the others when you roll in at 10 to occupy 'your' pre-booked spot hehe

Don't think of it as corruption, just getting one over on the pool crowd

HereBeMonsters

14,180 posts

198 months

Thursday 10th December 2009
quotequote all
Go to Zambia instead. Much nicer.

gcod

Original Poster:

56 posts

200 months

Thursday 10th December 2009
quotequote all
thx for all info everyone
were taking all precautions
and really want to see the wild life
and escape the winter for a while
we are well travelled but think this will be well different !!!???
cheersdrunk