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KENYA SAFARI JOURNALS - GROUPED BY NATIONAL PARK
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The Masai Mara is one of the most popular safari areas in Kenya because of the excellent wildlife spotting opportunities to be found there.
You are almost assured of spotting lion in this reserve if you stay for a reasonable length of time.
Every year around August/September, millions of wildebeest visit the Mara in search of fresh grazing... a spectacle that has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
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Safari Company:
Another Land
12 July - 3 August, 2007
Three weeks total
K.C. Rautiainen, CanadaReview Source: E-mail interview |
Recently Added!!
K.C. spent 3 weeks in East Africa including a Kenya safari in Masai Mara during the wildebeest migration, which she saw from the air as well as the ground.
In her trip report, K.C. goes into detail about the accommodation, the unexpected wet weather and her experiences like getting to know cheetahs up close and personal.
Her most useful items were something we all have and that can make a huge difference to a safari experience! She also visited Uganda and Rwanda... Safari in East Africa » 
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Safari Company:
Ebright Travel
August 2006
Two weeks
Connie Ebright, CA, USAReview Source: Journal Submission |
Recently Added!!
"Africa is my catnip. I cannot resist it. Every day I hear the heart of Africa whispering my name and I must follow."
Flying from one luxury camp to the next, Connie had the perfect Kenya safari during the spectacular migration season and shares her love for Africa through her detailed journal...Luxury safari »
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Safari Company:
Rhino Safaris
July 2005
Nine Days
Laurel Byrne, UKReview Source: Telephone Interview |
Some amazing wildlife sightings (like seeing a python eat an impala and spotting leopards from a hot air balloon).
Laurel also gives great safari tips on accommodation, comments on the food and a warning to bring warm clothes... Africa can get cold!...Kenya Holiday Trip Report » 
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Safari Company:
Kuldip's Touring Company
February 2002 & 2005
5 days each
Ruth Osbourne, UKReview Source: Telephone Interview |
Some Kenya safari companies go above and beyond the call of duty and Ruth's this trip report of their private, tailor-made safari is definitely an example of that.
If you're planning to visit Kenya in similar fashion, prepare yourself for delicious omelettes and masses of fresh fruit...
...and find out what that one little item is that you shouldn't go on safari without. Magical East Africa safari » |
Safari Company:
African Safari Club
February 2005
Seven Days
Ken George, UKReview Source: Telephone Interview |
This interview reveals why sometimes going on a group safari can cause problems.
Fortunately Ken still had the time of his life watching lion cubs, elephant and giraffe and taking lots of video of it all...Kenya Africa Questions Answered »
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Safari Company:
Planet Safari
November 2004
3 Days
Jariya RasaputraReview Source: Website Submission |
A keen photographer, Jariya got plenty opportunity to photograph all kinds of animals including lion and cheetah on her Kenya safari.
She was keen on seeing lots of hippos and got more than she bargained for when 2 hippo males chased their boat.
Her trip report includes some excellent pictures...
Masai Mara national park journal »
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Safari Company:
Best Camping Ltd
October 2004
2 days
Jason & Tracey, CanadaReview Source: TravelBlog |
The recently married couple were lucky enough to catch the end of the wildebeest migration as well as see all of the "big 5" animals.
A journal that proves why the Mara is one of the top five destinations
in Africa...Masai Mara national reserve trip »
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Safari Company:
Self-drive
September 2004
2 weeks
Dave McKelvieReview Source: Website Submission |
Dave & Suzy saw a myriad of game during their self-drive camping safari across the Masai Mara, Naivasha, Aberdares and Loisaba, travelling in their old Land Cruiser.
Because they live in Kenya, they were lucky to visit friends along the way. For this reason his stunning journal provides lots of hidden gems, like where to go on your Kenya safari if you want to sleep (in luxury) under the starry skies of Africa. Dave's full Naivasha diary »
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Safari Company:
Kicheche Camp
September 2004
1 week
Siggi Hosenfeld, USAReview Source: Kenya Travel Ideas |
Siggi is mad about Kenya and timed this trip to coincide with the annual wildebeest migration.
There was no shortage of action during her safari, like seeing a wildebeest surviving a crocodile attack...Masai Mara reserve
adventure »
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Safari Company:
Raylenne Tours
July 2004
3 days
Laz, UKReview Source: TravelJournals |
Laz & Kate enjoyed extensive game viewing during their short visit to Kenya's most popular game reserve, for instance a pride of 8 lions including cubs.
If you are lucky enough to have a vacation like this one with its romantic lunches you should be well pleased...Masai Mara safari Kenya »
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Safari Company:
Suntrek Safari Tours
October 2002
3 days
Lee Stickler, CanadaReview Source: Blog |
Lee was quite surprised that Kenya wasn't as hot as he'd expected but warns that sun block is still one of the most important items to pack.
Weather aside; this is a lion finding reserve almost without equal in Africa. Find
out why...Masai Mara lion safari »
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Safari Company:
Express Travel Group
March 2002
4 days
Corbin Ball, USAReview Source: Corbin Ball Associates |
Corbin says that out of 40 trips on 5 continents his Kenya safari
"was by far the most exciting trip that we have ever taken". Was it the dinner by moonlight or the variety of animals and birds that made him say that?
Read his safari journal for the details as well as some very practical tips...Masai Mara Kenya holiday »
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The serene, off the beaten track Samburu National Reserve is situated in the centre of Kenya, about 300km north of Nairobi. It is adjacent to Buffalo Springs National Reserve (separated only by the Ewaso Ngiro River) and the Shaba National Reserve is also only a stone's throw away.
The reserve consists of a mix of wood and grassland with riverine forest and swamp ... a
haven for elephants and leopards in particular.
Animals to look out for: gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, oryx.
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May 2007
3 days
Nancy Abella, USAReview Source: Fancypatella |
The first animal that Nancy saw on her Samburu safari was an antelope called a Dikdik and from then on they spotted almost everything the reserve has to offer in spite of the fact that recent rains had caused the grass to grow long and dense.
The highlight was finding a mating pair of leopard which was the first time in three weeks that even Charles the guide had seen the shy and reclusive cats... 
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Safari Company:
Intrepids Lodge
January 2007
3 days
Danni, USAReview Source: Realtravel |
The easiest way to reach Samburu is by light aircraft and Danni felt like they were in the middle of nowhere when they landed at the single landing strip with one small hut which serves as the airport.
Her Kenya safari guide, JJ, was very informative about all the wildlife, plants and the surrounding area, much more so than a previous safari that she had been on...
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July 2006
2 days
Lara Robbins, CanadaReview Source: Travelpod |
Driving to Samburu can be a tiring affair because the roads are very bumpy and it was a seven hour journey to get there for Lara on her Kenya safari.
But the service at the camp was excellent, the meals were top class and the wildlife sightings more than made up for the discomfort of the road trip...
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Safari Company:
Globus
April 1997
2.5 days
Diane Ross, USAReview Source: DCR Images, Diane's own site |
Diane visited various parks in Kenya but Samburu was her favourite.
She also found out what to do when your safari van breaks down right next to a
pride of lions...Samburu National Reserve Adventure »
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A scenic park west of Mt Kenya, with steep valleys and waterfalls, forests and moorlands. It's quite a wet park with high annual rainfall so plan your trip carefully as much of the park becomes inaccessible during the rains.
There's a good variety of accommodation (including a lodge where you can watch game all night long on a "buzzer" system) and apart from game viewing you can also enjoy walks and trout fishing.
Animals to watch out for: bongo, giant forest hog, red duiker, colobus monkey.
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Safari Company:
Tatum International;
Naked Wilderness
October 2006
10 days
John, CA (USA)Review Source: Telephone interview |
Booking a Kenya safari is easy when you find the right company. John found his safari so wonderful that he gave it a 10 out of 10 rating.
Find out why in his Kenya wildlife safari trip report. Apart from Aberdare, his tour also covered Mt Kenya, Samburu, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara.
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Safari Company:
Aberdare Country Club
April
2 days
Jill ThompsonReview Source: Blog |
Jill enjoyed some amazing wildlife viewing during her Kenya safari, from horseback as well as during the night from the lodge.
She also saw to her amazement, how a bushbuck got away from two hyena intent on hunting it down...Aberdare National
Park trip report »
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Together Tsavo East & West form the largest park in Kenya, divided only by the Nairobi-Mombasa railway and road.
Tsavo is easily accessible from the coast making it the perfect choice for a Kenya safari & beach combo holiday. There are wildlife, mountains and hills, large lava flows, lakes, savannah, woodlands and caves to enjoy.
You can stay at anything from public campsites to bandas to luxury lodges. A pool would be a bonus as Tsavo is situated in a hot, dry region.
Special about Tsavo: In the East, look out for the endangered Hirola (Hunters Hartebeest). The lucky might catch a glimpse of the endangered wild dog in the West where you can also do a boat excursion, go walking or climbing or if you're looking for something different, go to Mzima Springs and watch hippos from underwater viewing hides.
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Safari Company:
Self Drive
May 2007
3 days
Jeff Muran, USAReview Source: Blogspot |
Jeff went on a self drive camping safari in Tsavo and stayed at the Mtito Ande and Chyulu Camp sites and had a great time. One of the big cats in the form of a leopard put in an appearance but lions were elusive.
This is an excellent trip report for information about how to conduct a self guided Kenya safari in your own 4x4 vehicle...
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Safari Company:
Kuoni Travel Ltd
June 2006
4 days
Shaun Keenan, UKReview Source: Telephone interview |
Recently Added!!
Shaun went to Tsavo West on his first African wildlife safari where he stayed in a different lodge every night. He had a great time and saw almost everything (except rhino).
Despite taking anti-malaria tablets, he got very sick with all the right (or rather, wrong) symptoms but not the disease itself. Has this scared him away from Africa? Find out in his Tsavo West trip report »
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Safari Company:
Ingula Lodge
May 2006
2 days
Sehail SheikhReview Source: TravelBlog |
Sehail was excited about seeing the place which was the basis for the film, "The Ghost and the Darkness" about two man eating lions that killed over 28 people who were working on the railway bridge over the Tsavo river.
He found the Kenya safari lodge to be excellent with luxury tents containing four poster beds and en-suite bathrooms...
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Safari Accommodation:
Ngulia and Voi lodges
March 2006
3 days
Carol Jane & Dianna, USAReview Source: Realtravel |
Their first game drive in Tsavo delivered not one but two leopard sightings on different occasions. The first was two of these beautiful cats that were in the process of hunting impala and the second sighting was a leopard right next to the road.
The following day they found Simba (lion) and in so doing completed their Kenya safari big five tally including the very rare black rhino...
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Safari Company:
Booked from Mombasa
3 days
David Gardener, UKReview Source: Telephone Interview |
Although his Kenya safari was brief, David offers good tips for a Tsavo safari.
He and his sons were lucky enough to witness something that not many people have ever seen on safari. Tsavo Lions Make A Kill »
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Safari Company:
African Safari Club
1 month, 2004
Angela Bowen, UKReview Source: Telephone Interview |
Recently Added!!
Angela spent a whole month in Kenya and undertook several short safaris of which her stay at the Crocodile Camp was her highlight.
She didn't get to see any lions but understands you can't order wildlife sightings and went away satisfied with what she did see. Crocodile Camp & Tsavo safari review »
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November 2004
3 days
Steve Roberts, WalesReview Source: Postal Submission |
At first game was a bit scarce, but after only 3 days, Steve and his wife left very satisfied with the amount of wildlife they saw on their Kenya safari.
Get great lodge recommendations - for scenery, service and great food. An advantage of going in the low season is that they had one of the lodges to themselves and as a result received very dedicated service! His safari story »
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The park is surrounded by the larger Amboseli ecosystem, allowing wildlife to roam quite freely. The eastern parts are best for game viewing; look for the fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk and black rhino among others, and a variety of vulture species.
You will find here an interesting and beautiful landscape: swamps dotted with elephant herds, marshes and the temporary Lake Amboseli. One of the best places to enjoy good views of Mt Kilimanjaro, which is situated across the border in Tanzania.
Protect your camera against the loose ashy volcanic dust in the dry season. Accommodation is at campsites or luxury lodges.
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Safari Company
Gibran Safaris Ltd22-28 March 2007
1 week
David Templar, UKReview Source: Review Submission |
Recently Added!!
David's experience of Kenya was one of "paradise on earth". He stayed at lodges in Amboseli, Tsavo West and the Masai Mara and reviews them all in detail.
Although he loved Amboseli, its variety of animals and birds, and was fortunate enjoy a cloudless view of Mt Kilimanjaro, he feels that the Serena Lodge there needs to be improved.
His trip report is packed with useful information and handy tips. Read David's Kenya safari lodge review »
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February 2007
Half day
Cyn and John, USAReview Source: Travelpod |
Cyn and John took a chartered small plane from their cruise ship to get to Amboseli. They saw cheetah stalking impala, thousands of flamingos, elephant by the dozen and of course the majestic Kilimanjaro mountain cloaked in a mantle of cloud...
Lunch on their Kenya safari was a buffet at the Ol Tukai lodge and the Masai people paraded their local dress and offered crafts for sale...
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Safari Company:
African Safari Company &
Tour Africa Safaris
March 2006
6 days
Elsie S, USAReview Source: Trip Report Submission |
Elsie's Kenya safari trip report offers much detail about her and her family's safari to Amboseli, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara: elephants wading through the swamps, the rare black rhino, mating lions, lion cubs, a personal encounter with a cheeky vervet monkey...
Not to mention how she wouldn't let the rain stop her from seeing a Nile crocodile, demonstrating the advantage of going on a private, tailor-made safari.
The family were impressed by the landscapes as much as by its sometimes weird inhabitants...
Read her full report - What's Making Those Noises? »
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Safari Company:
Willbell Tours and Safaris
25 Dec 2005 to 1 Jan 2006
7 days
Jacobus Van Spijk, The NetherlandsReview Source: Review Submission |
Recently Added!!
Seeing all of the "big 5" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) plus a wide variety of other animals and birds resulted in a 10 out of 10 score for this safari to Amboseli and Tsavo.
Jacobus has learnt a few things after having been on two African safaris and shares some tips for those still planning to go in his Kenyan lodge safari review Willbell Tours »
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