Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Nelspruit
    Age
    70
    Posts
    432
    Thanked: 2

    Default Some Assistance with planning Trip to Kenya please

    This is a request from Nielbig5 that had been posted elsewhere:

    "I need help with planning for a tour from South Africa to Kenya by road. I have a web side running where people can c where we like to go. How can i get intouch with the people that have done such tour before . I would like to drive from South Africa to Kenya But would like to visit the following places
    1.South Luangwe NP - Zambia
    2.Kariba dam -Zambia
    3.Ruaha NP - Tanzania
    4.Tarangire NP -Tanzania
    5. Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania
    6. Serengeti Np - Tanzania
    7. Lake Victoria -Tanzania or Kenya
    8. Masai Mara - Kenya
    9. Lake Nakuru NP - Kenya
    10. Amboseli NP - Kenya
    11. Tsavo East NP Kenya
    12. Cahora Basa Dam Mozambique
    13.Lake Malawi - Malawi
    14. Gorongosa NP - Mozambique

    If some one give me advise on a good road and places to stay I will be grateful
    Best regards
    Niel

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Hartswater
    Age
    46
    Posts
    14
    Thanked: 0

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Gordons Bay as a base - travelling Africa
    Posts
    3,251
    Thanked: 640

    Default

    Firts of all it does look as youve taken too many places into planning
    for 6 weeks. But you can skip Malawi and MOZ if needed.

    Remember in Malawi are always fuel shortages to expect.

    1.South Luangwe NP - Zambia
    I would set Kariba Dam at the start and try to take the Kariba Ferry from West to Kariba, than go further to South Luangwa NP
    than go Lusaka and after that take the Old Petauke Road to Mfuwe.
    At Mfuwe I can highly recommend the Wildlife Camp, you can camp
    directly above the Luangwa River and see the Hippos and Elephants roam free and cross the river at Sunset.
    From there I would go up north-west via the Nsefu Sector of SL.
    Theres a ITS Wild Bushcamp at Chikwinda.
    From there go upt to North Luangwa.
    Thers another ITS Wild Bushcamp directly at the Border to North Luangwa.
    You than will need to cross North Luangwa.
    I highly recommend the Buffalo Camp.
    Prearrange the overnight stay with them. Its only 6 chalets or so.
    No camping and no selfdrives are allowed in NL.
    Arrange overnight stay with Mark Harvey from Kapishiya Lodge.
    Thes will give you an overnight rate including all walks and drives.
    You can do self catering.
    Theres a crossing / ferry into NL. You will need to get actual informations about the water level, best will be to call them from Mfuwe.
    2.Kariba dam -Zambia
    Havent been there yet


    3.Ruaha NP - Tanzania
    From North Luangwa go to Kapishiya Lodge/Shiwa Ngandu.
    Enjoy the hot spring

    The border crossing at Tunduma can be compared with Beit Bridge,
    be careful. Good overnight spots are Kisolanza Old Farmhouse or Little River Camp in Iringa
    .

    At the Ruaha National Park are two nice campsites,
    New Campsite Nr. 1 and Nr. 2

    Nr. 2 (Mdonya) lays underneath big trees
    wich are inhabited by baboons, the place is very nice but also very smelly.
    Nr. 1 is directly at the River. It has a beautiful view and you will see loads of birds.

    4.Tarangire NP -Tanzania
    So thers a big gap in your route between Ruaha and Tarangire.
    Don't drive through the country, roads are very bad.
    And you will need to stock up at Dar.
    Spend a night at Baobab Valley Camp or at Mikumi NP
    or both. Than drive to Dar. Careful at the road from Mikumi to Dar,
    they have Radar pistols at every village and try to rip you off,
    even if you are not too fast.

    At Daressalam stay at Kipepeo Campsite, South Beach.

    Don't miss Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

    Thers a nice campsite directly at the gate of Arusha NP (Colobus Mountain Lodge)
    and several at Mto Wa Mbu. I am not sure if Panorama Camp is still open, it was not the cleanest but you had a hell of a view down to Lake Manyara NP.
    Thers a campsite before Tarangire NP as well.

    5. Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania
    Buy the permit a day before and go in at 6. If you are at 7 at the
    Crater road, you might be lucky and theres no guide available.
    Otherwise be self confindent and tell them, youre a guide.
    Don't hesitate, otherwise they will give you a guide.
    We were lucky and could sty inside 12 hours.
    Don't go there at a weekend.

    It is not necessary in the Crater to take a guide with you,
    all roads are clearly marked. They just make money.


    6. Serengeti Np - Tanzania
    We did not drive through but roads are bad.

    Stay at Seronera area (DIKDIK Campsite)
    and at Lobo Area (Lobo Campsite, be carfull about aggressive baboons)

    7. Lake Victoria -Tanzania or Kenya
    Lake Victoria is not very impressive. No need to go there.
    There are no supermarkets at Mwanza and also no
    adequate campsite.
    If you go out of Serengeti through the Western Corridor,
    thers a nice camp directly after the gate, Serengeti Stop Over.

    8. Masai Mara - Kenya
    It will take you a day to go to Masai Mara National Reserve
    the roads are very bad after the border and you will drive through the Mara Conservancy without noticing it,
    so I would recommend a stay at Olololo Gate Campsite
    .
    You might also stay two nights.
    If you drive than over to Talek, tell them you are doing a transit
    you will than only pay at the other side (Talek gate)
    and save a half day fees.
    Aruba Mara Camp is very nice at Talek

    You pay fees at the side where you sleep.

    9. Lake Nakuru NP - Kenya
    You might need to drive first to Nairobi to stock up
    Jungle Junction Camp is very nice. German owner.
    Not much space, but anyway, good garage.

    Don't miss Lake Naivasha ( Fish Eagle Inn Campsite)
    and Lake Elementeita ( Drive through, no campsite around)
    At Lake Nakuru camp at Makalia Falls Campsite,
    but be careful with the baboons and there ARE lions and Buffalos,
    although you hear childs playing and cars driving
    from over the fence.

    If you are already up there, drive up to Samburu NR
    Also be careful with the baboons there. But a wonderful place,
    campsites are directly at the Ewaso Ngiro River.
    You will only see there Grevy Zebra, Blue Legged Somalia Ostrich,
    Fringe Eared Oryx.
    Gerenuk you might see also at Tsavo.

    10. Amboseli NP - Kenya
    I would first go into Tsavo East and from there to Amboseli
    In Amboseli is a Masai Run community campsite which is very nice
    .

    11. Tsavo East NP Kenya
    Tsavo East has only onle public campsite,
    Ndololo, where the Elephants roam free through.
    VERY nice.

    12. Cahora Basa Dam Mozambique
    Haven't been there
    On the way back via Arusha
    i would reccom to go to Tanga
    than to Dar via Bagamoyo
    .

    13.Lake Malawi - Malawi
    If you want to skip Malawi
    Go from Dar to the border,
    take the Unity 1 bridge into MOZ.

    14. Gorongosa NP - Mozambique
    Gorongosa NP is now extremly expansive.
    But ist the only National Park in MOZ
    what you can call national park.


    From Lake Kariba to Unity 1 is will be 7600 km without any game drives.

    Hope it helps!





  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Gordons Bay as a base - travelling Africa
    Posts
    3,251
    Thanked: 640

    Default

    Why are you posting in this forum
    and than never answering our posts?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Pretoria
    Age
    50
    Posts
    10
    Thanked: 0

    Default Pretoria to Kenya 7Days!! HELP!!

    We are going to Nairobi, Kenya 24May. We were hoping to see a bit of Africa on our way to Nairobi and back. Unfortunately we only have 2weeks of which 4days will need to be spend at the conference. Is is feasible/possible/wortwhile to travel up in 7Days and possibly another route back? We have a Cruiser Troopy with normal&tooftop tents. What routes can you suggest? Maybe fastest route TO Nairobi and nicest route back? We would like to stop for SCUBA too if possible. Any suggestions, advice, warnings?? Please!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Centurion
    Age
    40
    Posts
    18
    Thanked: 5

    Default Re: Pretoria to Kenya 7Days!! HELP!!

    Quote Originally Posted by P4L View Post
    We are going to Nairobi, Kenya 24May. We were hoping to see a bit of Africa on our way to Nairobi and back. Unfortunately we only have 2weeks of which 4days will need to be spend at the conference. Is is feasible/possible/wortwhile to travel up in 7Days and possibly another route back? We have a Cruiser Troopy with normal&tooftop tents. What routes can you suggest? Maybe fastest route TO Nairobi and nicest route back? We would like to stop for SCUBA too if possible. Any suggestions, advice, warnings?? Please!
    Hi
    Did you finally do this trip? I am interested in how it went please.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Etten-Leur, Netherlands
    Age
    68
    Posts
    16
    Thanked: 8

    Default Re: Some Assistance with planning Trip to Kenya please

    Quote Originally Posted by Southerndreams View Post
    Firts of all it does look as youve taken too many places into planning
    for 6 weeks. But you can skip Malawi and MOZ if needed.

    Remember in Malawi are always fuel shortages to expect.

    1.South Luangwe NP - Zambia
    I would set Kariba Dam at the start and try to take the Kariba Ferry from West to Kariba, than go further to South Luangwa NP
    than go Lusaka and after that take the Old Petauke Road to Mfuwe.
    At Mfuwe I can highly recommend the Wildlife Camp, you can camp
    directly above the Luangwa River and see the Hippos and Elephants roam free and cross the river at Sunset.
    From there I would go up north-west via the Nsefu Sector of SL.
    Theres a ITS Wild Bushcamp at Chikwinda.
    From there go upt to North Luangwa.
    Thers another ITS Wild Bushcamp directly at the Border to North Luangwa.
    You than will need to cross North Luangwa.
    I highly recommend the Buffalo Camp.
    Prearrange the overnight stay with them. Its only 6 chalets or so.
    No camping and no selfdrives are allowed in NL.
    Arrange overnight stay with Mark Harvey from Kapishiya Lodge.
    Thes will give you an overnight rate including all walks and drives.
    You can do self catering.
    Theres a crossing / ferry into NL. You will need to get actual informations about the water level, best will be to call them from Mfuwe.
    2.Kariba dam -Zambia
    Havent been there yet


    3.Ruaha NP - Tanzania
    From North Luangwa go to Kapishiya Lodge/Shiwa Ngandu.
    Enjoy the hot spring

    The border crossing at Tunduma can be compared with Beit Bridge,
    be careful. Good overnight spots are Kisolanza Old Farmhouse or Little River Camp in Iringa
    .

    At the Ruaha National Park are two nice campsites,
    New Campsite Nr. 1 and Nr. 2

    Nr. 2 (Mdonya) lays underneath big trees
    wich are inhabited by baboons, the place is very nice but also very smelly.
    Nr. 1 is directly at the River. It has a beautiful view and you will see loads of birds.

    4.Tarangire NP -Tanzania
    So thers a big gap in your route between Ruaha and Tarangire.
    Don't drive through the country, roads are very bad.
    And you will need to stock up at Dar.
    Spend a night at Baobab Valley Camp or at Mikumi NP
    or both. Than drive to Dar. Careful at the road from Mikumi to Dar,
    they have Radar pistols at every village and try to rip you off,
    even if you are not too fast.

    At Daressalam stay at Kipepeo Campsite, South Beach.

    Don't miss Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.

    Thers a nice campsite directly at the gate of Arusha NP (Colobus Mountain Lodge)
    and several at Mto Wa Mbu. I am not sure if Panorama Camp is still open, it was not the cleanest but you had a hell of a view down to Lake Manyara NP.
    Thers a campsite before Tarangire NP as well.

    5. Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania
    Buy the permit a day before and go in at 6. If you are at 7 at the
    Crater road, you might be lucky and theres no guide available.
    Otherwise be self confindent and tell them, youre a guide.
    Don't hesitate, otherwise they will give you a guide.
    We were lucky and could sty inside 12 hours.
    Don't go there at a weekend.

    It is not necessary in the Crater to take a guide with you,
    all roads are clearly marked. They just make money.


    6. Serengeti Np - Tanzania
    We did not drive through but roads are bad.

    Stay at Seronera area (DIKDIK Campsite)
    and at Lobo Area (Lobo Campsite, be carfull about aggressive baboons)

    7. Lake Victoria -Tanzania or Kenya
    Lake Victoria is not very impressive. No need to go there.
    There are no supermarkets at Mwanza and also no
    adequate campsite.
    If you go out of Serengeti through the Western Corridor,
    thers a nice camp directly after the gate, Serengeti Stop Over.

    8. Masai Mara - Kenya
    It will take you a day to go to Masai Mara National Reserve
    the roads are very bad after the border and you will drive through the Mara Conservancy without noticing it,
    so I would recommend a stay at Olololo Gate Campsite
    .
    You might also stay two nights.
    If you drive than over to Talek, tell them you are doing a transit
    you will than only pay at the other side (Talek gate)
    and save a half day fees.
    Aruba Mara Camp is very nice at Talek

    You pay fees at the side where you sleep.

    9. Lake Nakuru NP - Kenya
    You might need to drive first to Nairobi to stock up
    Jungle Junction Camp is very nice. German owner.
    Not much space, but anyway, good garage.

    Don't miss Lake Naivasha ( Fish Eagle Inn Campsite)
    and Lake Elementeita ( Drive through, no campsite around)
    At Lake Nakuru camp at Makalia Falls Campsite,
    but be careful with the baboons and there ARE lions and Buffalos,
    although you hear childs playing and cars driving
    from over the fence.

    If you are already up there, drive up to Samburu NR
    Also be careful with the baboons there. But a wonderful place,
    campsites are directly at the Ewaso Ngiro River.
    You will only see there Grevy Zebra, Blue Legged Somalia Ostrich,
    Fringe Eared Oryx.
    Gerenuk you might see also at Tsavo.

    10. Amboseli NP - Kenya
    I would first go into Tsavo East and from there to Amboseli
    In Amboseli is a Masai Run community campsite which is very nice
    .

    11. Tsavo East NP Kenya
    Tsavo East has only onle public campsite,
    Ndololo, where the Elephants roam free through.
    VERY nice.

    12. Cahora Basa Dam Mozambique
    Haven't been there
    On the way back via Arusha
    i would reccom to go to Tanga
    than to Dar via Bagamoyo
    .

    13.Lake Malawi - Malawi
    If you want to skip Malawi
    Go from Dar to the border,
    take the Unity 1 bridge into MOZ.

    14. Gorongosa NP - Mozambique
    Gorongosa NP is now extremly expansive.
    But ist the only National Park in MOZ
    what you can call national park.


    From Lake Kariba to Unity 1 is will be 7600 km without any game drives.

    Hope it helps!

    Whow, that is a nice report Southerndreams, I will certainly use your above information about Zambia and Kenia. Thanks.
    Gert Jan ter Haar

    Proud owner of Milady Landy
    Travel blog on www.miladylandy.nl
    Find us on Facebook.com/miladylandy

  8. The Following User Says Thank You to GertJantH For This Useful Post:


  9. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    UK
    Age
    66
    Posts
    2,605
    Thanked: 2550

    Default Re: Some Assistance with planning Trip to Kenya please

    Gert

    This thread is quite old. How about starting a new thread and I will comment on what's new in Kenya and, if you would like, Tanzania?

    Stan Weakley's blog at http://www.slowdonkey.com/blog is very comprehensive and informative. They drove from South Africa to Sudan and back again in 2015-early 2016. He would, no doubt, be commenting on this forum, but I know he is away travelling at the moment. He was kind enough to acknowledge the help I gave him in planning his trip through East Africa and, in particular, the off the beaten track places and routes in Kenya.

    I see you will be with your daughter near Shinyanga, TZ. There is very nice camping at Mwanza at the Mwanza Yacht Club and there are many small shops ("dukas") and a great fruit and vegetable market in Mwanza. It has all the civilisation you need.

    Safari njema!

Similar Threads

  1. Planning a 1st trip, into CKGR
    By Keith Newnham in forum Botswana
    Replies: 102
    Last Post: 2013/07/10, 01:34 PM
  2. EA Fly - Inn Trip Report
    By Goose 23 in forum East Africa
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 2011/11/28, 04:31 PM
  3. Trip planning help needed please!!!
    By nick85 in forum Botswana
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 2011/02/15, 02:55 PM
  4. A Quick few notes on Kenya: November 2010
    By freeflyd in forum Kenya
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 2010/12/22, 03:43 PM
  5. Help with Moz. Trip Planning
    By Fabfender in forum Mozambique
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 2009/01/05, 10:12 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may post new threads
  • You may post replies
  • You may post attachments
  • You may edit your posts
  •