Hi guys,
I have never been to Kenya but my friend went on for some counseling and told me it was a good country. He was staying at Nakuru and think thats the capital and hill station. Near by famous place is Mbasa. He said it was a great experience. Africa will be beautiful...don't miss the chance.
Kenya is an incredible country and one you or your family will never forget. I could start writing and still be here writing in a month's time but let me try and help you a little.
Yes your kids will love it, so that answers that - (unless of course they absolutely hate seeing, at close quarters, lions, elephants, buffallo, gazelle of all types, leopards, cheetahs, hyena, jackal, monkeys and hundreds of bird types - including eagles, buzzards, hawks, owls, ostrich, secretary birds.... the list goes on).
You need to plan wisely as safaris can be expensive, very expensive in some cases. But, if you look around they can also be quite value. Good value is getting everything all inclusive; transport to the national parks, accommodation in the park (or nearby), food and drinks and return trip to your point of departure. Don't forget there is a daily charge for all of the National Parks - ranging from $50 - $75US per day. This can add up dramatically if there's a lot of you - 2 adults and 2 kids for three days works out at $600 -$900. There's no way around this if want to visit the parks. However, that said. according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) 70% of all 'wild' animals live outside of the parks and I've enjoyed watching game for free in areas around the Maasai Mara and near to Nakuru.
Nakuru is a great park for a first visit, however it doesn't have lions or elephants. For those and a real experience of the Kenyan plains the Maasai Mara is a must. Besides the Mara I would recommend Amboseli, with views of Mt. Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. Tsavo West is also a good park and if taken in tandem with Amboseli can make for a good 'two centre' safari.
You might want to visit the coast also, the train is unreliable but a great experience, however, maybe not with kids. Flying is reasonably cheap and compares well when you think about the time you'll save - 12 - 20 hours by train, 8-10 hours by road, one hour by air. Flights cost about $80US one way.
If you really want to visit Kenya and don't want to spend so much money I can put you in touch with a tour company on the ground whom I've years for 7 years now. It's a small company - owner/driver - but he is an incredible guide and an honest man. That goes a long way in Kenyan safaris. Send me a private mail if you need his details as advertising here is not really approved.
When you read this you'll have some more ideas, then please feel free to send me a PM and I'll try my best to answer your questions.
Kenya really is a once in a lifetime experience - so why do I keep going back? It's a country that no matter how many times you visit there's always one more thing you wished you had done.
Let me know if I can help any further.
Regards
Zaksame
Great comments. Thanks guys. Sounds like you both enjoyed it a lot. I hope I will enjoy it as well… I bet I will!
There are so many places to visit in Kenya, Some of them are as below.
NAIROBI
LEWA DOWNS
SAMBURU
Central Kenya
Hell's Gate National Park
Southern Kenya
And many more...
Howdy!
I was in Kenya in September last year for 9 days and I had the time of my life! It really is a beautiful country and the contrast with my every day life was pretty stark. It made me wonder why I had never been on a safari before!
I was in the Masai Mara and Nakuru for my safari and there after i went to Mombasa to the beach. It really was a great holiday. I also used a company that was amazingly affordable compared to what countries based in the US quote for similar safaris.
My advise to you is to shop around to get the best value for money. Stick with a company that is registered with the Kenya Association of Travel Organisation (the government regulator).
PM me if you want information about the company that I used. They've been in the industry for more than 20 years and have great experience and again, prices that won't break the bank!
0 Response to "Planning a trip with the family to Kenya… "
Post a Comment