Interested in going on a safari!

No, it doesn't mean that you need to pay for 2 people to have a room by yourself.

There will be a single rate that will, of course be higher than someone in a shared room, but it is usually considerably less. I suggest you email the safari companies and ask them for the single rate. Don't use those forms to fill in - they are rarely looked at. Find the actual email address and phone #.

Thanks!  By chance do you have any recommendations on tour companies?  Thanks!

Kenyans would agree that bonfire adventures is a great travel company

Thanks!  I'll look them up and see if I can get in contact with them.  Thanks again!

Hi!  Is there a different tour company you could recommend.  It was the weirdest thing.  I contacted Bonfire Adventures - they assigned me to a James Jambo.  James sent me a whatsapp message asking for the number of days and dates, etc.  I sent him the information and he sent me a sample itinerary.  I sent him a message asking a couple of questions - and then he completely disappeared on me.  I have sent him 4 different whatsapp messages over the past 3 days and still not a word.  I sent a message to Bonfire adventure asking if they could assign me a different person but I am not real keen on the service from them so far so interested in exploring  different tour companies.  Thanks!

If you haven't already found another safari company, try nairobidrivers@gmail.com - phone 254 728 906 446.

They are friends of mine and organise safaris.

Hi, African Spice Safaris are great. Try them

africanspicesafaris

@sarnia78 and @carolhms - thanks.  I haven't booked the safari yet.  I will reach out to them.

I am struggling with the Bonfire Adventures place.  The person finally got back to me.  He sent me a quote for about $2800 USD with 2 nights at Amboseli Serna Lodge and 4 nights at Flamingo Beach Hotel.  The safari part would be at Amboseli National Park.  I feel a little weird about this company because when I asked him for a breakdown of the itinerary - he indicated that he can't do that because if he did he would have to add a service charge for each service making it more expensive?  I was actually more interested in the breakdown of what the tour would actually be like since literally the only description is: Game Drives Amboseli National Park.

Here is my questions for the group:

1. Is it advisable to book the safari now (I plan to go in September).  Or - is it just as easy to book when I get to Kenya?  I am not sure if it gets difficult to find spots once there.  Appreciate your advice. 
2. Is it better just to take care of accommodations myself and just hire a tour guide?  Again - is hiring a tour guide easy to do in the country?  What type of prices should I expect?
3. First time in Kenya - would it be better for me to do a Nairobi Safari in Masa Mara for a few days and then perhaps go to Monbasa for 3 or 4 days just to relax and enjoy the beach?  Should I go to Monbasa the entire time, etc.

Thanks!

If its your first time, I'd rather you pre-book. You 'd get cheaper rates & a proper itinerary. Would advice you travel to Masai Mara & Mombasa (North or South Coast). But next trips, you can plan the trip as you' d like.

@hkdman

Hello and sorry for the late reply,for clarity are you talking about the safari fee or the accommodation fee.because all in all you can still pay as a solo traveller in both cases and actually for accommodation you can get for 5k a night so let me know what you looking for and i can get you the details.thanks

@sammymary58 -sorry for the delay in responding.  I had submitted a reply but for some reason it did not go through.  Here is what I was given by Bonfire Travel:

$2860 USD for a single room for 6 nights

Includes:

1. Full board meal plan at Amboseli hotel. 2 Nights. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
2. All inclusive at Mombasa hotel. 4 nights
3. Game drives at Amboseli National Prk
4. Service of an English speaking professional driver guide for Amboseli safari
5. Transport in a opened roofed private safari land cruiser vehicle for 4 days
6. One way sgr train ticket from Mombasa to Nairobi in economy class
7. One way transfer from the hotel to the Mombasa sgr station

Not included:

1. Amboseli Park entrance fee
2. Drinks
3. Tips

I don't have a great feeling about Bonfire because it has been hard to get detailed answers.  For example - I asked for a day by day breakdown/itinerary of the safair (i.e. day 1 we do this, day 2, etc.) - the response is that he cannot break down he individual services because then he would need to charge a service charge which makes it more expensive?  Also - he has me on a one way from Mombasa to Nairobi -but I asked him what about Nairobi to Mombasa (because I land in Nairobi) and he never responded.  I have also heard mixed reviews of the safety of the trains - so I asked him if it was the Madaraka express (because I read that it is very reliable and safe) - no response.

Here is what I am looking for:

1.    I think I will do 4 or 5 days in Nairobi for the safari part and then spend 3 days in Mombasa to enjoy the beach.

2.I am open to either booking my own hotel and transport to Mombasa and just hiring a safari guide OR having a company do everything for me.

3.this will be my first safari, so I am somewhat open to suggestions but I think it would make sense to try to see the big 5 as a starting point.

Any help or assistance you can provide would be HUGELY helpful!  Beers on me when I get there!

Hello everyone,

Please note that professionals are not allowed to use the forum to promote their services and that contact details should not be posted on the open forum.

Please use the private messaging system for the above. Click on any member's photo to send a message in private

Regards

Bhavna

I'd also add that this really isn't a travel forum, being aimed at people either living or wanting to live in Kenya.  I would recommend engaging with a travel orientated site such as Tripadvisor, where you are more likely to find the advice that you are looking for.

@hkdman

Just joined now and seeing this post from 3 months ago. Hope you managed to go and had a great time! Safaris in Africa are the best. I recommend Kruger in SA if you get the chance one dday. Once in a lifetime experience, no regret! Safari fan here that want to do lots lots of Safaris! Next on my list is all safaris in Kenya. Can't wait!