We are only going to have 6 free days in Kenya. Kids are 10.5, 9 and 7.5.
I'm trying to find reputable safari operators.
Price wise I'd like to stay on the affordable side... but safety is my first concern.
I was going to suggest Giraffe Manor in Nairobi but it is $$$ so maybe just go to the giraffe center. Also check out the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to see the baby elephants.
There are plenty of reputable operators out there; you could ask a travel agent you know or search the boards for safari recs as there have been multiple threads in the last few months.
Affordable is all relative, especially in Africa. Rooms on safari generally cost more than you'll find elsewhere because they are remote locations and include food, beverages, guided drives, etc. With six days and a desire to keep it affordable I would probably only do one destination (the Mara is probably the best), since that would reduce the number of bush flights you have to take (which can get expensive fast with five people). Do you have an actual overall target number or cost / day goal? People might be able to recommend lodging if you share numbers, but what I consider affordable for Africa is different than what I consider affordable for other places because I personally feel like most safari destinations I've been to are lacking the "middle range" accommodations. It isn't that unusual to pay $1K+ a night for safari on average, and that's usually for 2 people, so if you can provide numbers / a range I think that will help people to recommend places.
Thanks. Yes we have Giraffe Manor and David Sheldrick on the agenda. We are going to focus on the Mara. It is just picking a camp/camps now. I think.
We haven't finalized but this is what we are planning
Day 1 – Hotel near Nairobi (we land pretty late) Day 2 – After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll be collected by driver and taken through to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust “Baby Elephant Orphanage” followed by a visit to the Giraffe Centre fly to the Maasai Mara. Met by our guide and set off straight away on a game drive! Overnight at Rekero Camp which is in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve Day 3 - Enjoy game drives in the world-famous Maasai Mara! Day 4 - Transfer from Rekero Camp to Naboisho Camp Enjoy game drives Day 5 - Enjoy game drives in the Conservancy..! local Maasai Village visit! Day 6 – Enjoy game drives in the Conservancy.! Day 7 –final morning in the bush! Morning flight back to Nairobi, where their driver will collect us and transfer us to the Ololo Lodge, Includes 2 meals (lunch and dinner, as well as some drinks), transfers from Wilson -> Ololo -> JKIA, a “Day Room”, wifi, and game drive in Nairobi National Park (famous for Rhinos)
I live in Kenya, and travel within the country plenty. My comments:
Day 1 – Hotel near Nairobi (we land pretty late) - Stay near Karen if possible to minimise drive to Giraffe Centre - Traffic is mad in Nbi - Check out House of Wayne Day 2 – After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll be collected by driver and taken through to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust “Baby Elephant Orphanage” followed by a visit to the Giraffe Centre fly to the Maasai Mara. Met by our guide and set off straight away on a game drive! Overnight at Rekero Camp which is in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve - There are so many better camps in teh Mara and also staying in teh Conservancy is far better than the Mara itself as you get to be so much closer to teh animals. In teh Mara, check out Ashnil or Serena and in teh conservancy have a look at Mara Rianta or Olare Kempinski. I have stayed at all 4 this year and really recommend them Day 3 - Enjoy game drives in the world-famous Maasai Mara!
Day 4 - Transfer from Rekero Camp to Naboisho Camp Enjoy game drives
Day 5 - Enjoy game drives in the Conservancy..! local Maasai Village visit!
Day 6 – Enjoy game drives in the Conservancy.!
Day 7 –final morning in the bush! Morning flight back to Nairobi, where their driver will collect us and transfer us to the Ololo Lodge, Includes 2 meals (lunch and dinner, as well as some drinks), transfers from Wilson -> Ololo -> JKIA, a “Day Room”, wifi, and game drive in Nairobi National Park (famous for Rhinos) - I haven't seen Rhino's in the park in years. We recently saw Cheeta's but on the whole after the Masai Mara its a bit of a let down.
These are just my opinion based on experience living here and having stayed all over Mara in teh last few years. I hope this helps