Why doesn't this site have a travel section? I'm guessing we all do a lot of travel etc, wouldn't it be beneficial? Anyhoo, Anyone been on Kenya Airlines? Heard its very good. Anyone know if there are any seats better than others in Business? My g/f and i are off to Africa for just over 2 weeks. Couple of night in Nairobi, then off on a 8 day Safari through Tanzania and finally for a week on Zanzibar before flying back out of Dar Es Salaam. Anyone done anything like this or could offer some must do's / do not's in these destinations, it would be greatly appreciated. In particular anyone done the ferry from Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam? I've heard it can be really dodgy and also thats its great fun and interesting. Usually i'd just hop on it and deal with whatever comes my way, but with my g/f there i don't want to get us into any bother and going to be careful. Thanks
I've never had the chance to go to Africa. A safari sounds fun though - do bring back a few pictures for us! Safe travels, Andrew.
I agree a travel section here would be pretty nice. As for your trip, have you tried this site for info ? http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa I've traveled into some pretty remote areas (not where you are going though) and found info from that site to be very good and accurate.
I used to have to go to West Africa a lot on business - and am very glad I don't have to any more :-o
I have been to Africa and have noticed South African Airways has updated their airlines and has fewer old prop jobs. I was generally happy with SA. Jo'burg Airport is completely renovated and not bad to get around. New Ferrari store in Joburg airport, nice guys! From another trip to Africa (Nigeria to be specific) and not on South African Airways, I can tell you to follow your gut. If you walk out out on the tarmac and the plane's engine is sputtering and skipping. Take a pass and don't get on! On that trip my friends and I heard the plane next to ours and said "that doesn't sound good, surely thats not going anywhere. That eveening on the news ...it had crashed in Abuja. Now you know damn well and good if we as novices can pick-up on a bad sounding engine you would think the workers and pilots would scrap the flight. not that day my friend. Be patient, don't expect alot, and remember your in Africa. Nuff said. Make sure you notify your embassy in the countries your visiting in advance so if there is trouble maybe someone will remember your out in the bush. Also check for any travel advisories like local coups, pirates etc. I would also check the US CDC website to see what vaccinations are advised and if you'll need anti malarial drugs. Take some antibiotics, immodium, sunscreen, insect repellant, flashlight and a handy knife with ya. I also bring a personal water purifier with just cause i don't trust the water bottled or not. I've seen bottles get filled on the street and then sold as purified water. I still get the crud, usually on the third or fourth day. Hope this helps. be safe and rememeber if you get that funny feeling something ain't right ..its probably not and get the F outta where ever you are. Oh and Take lots of pix. Enjoy! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'm in Africa atm, (rwanda, so not as good as it sounds). Flew here on Ethiopian and been on Kenya. The seats in economy are very small and the business class are a must, but not up to standard we're used to... Whatever you do, DON'T go to Rwanda. The Gorilla tours are a bloody rip off ($500 PP, and not a single gorilla in sight...) same as the jungle tours, $200 pp and you can see some plants and perhaps a butterfly. I heard nothing but good things about the area's you're going to though. Plenty of friends I know have been on safari's there and all want to go again. I'm of to Botswana next month before going to the UK which seems pretty good....just look at the top gear roadtrip for reference!
Yeah i use that and this one http://wateringhole.gapadventures.com/ If i go anywhere which is a bit dodgy, then i do all the research i can. I spent weeks in front of the laptop before going to Columbia !!!
Thanks for that. I have heard it depends which plane Kenyan airlines give you and most of the planes out of Heathrow are older planes with average business class seats where as they have new planes which have won awards for their business class package. Hope the seat at least goes nearly flat and not just one of those stupid larger normal seats. Kenyan was half the price of BA and i wasn't going to pay £6k for two BA returns.
Thanks for that. Got two injections in 30 mins, the rest i had when i went to South America. Deff do need malaria tablets, but luckily my g/f works in PR for pharmaceutical companies and we can get the best stuff free - malarone is the stuff we are getting.
I've never been, but one thing that comes highly recommended while in the bush is a hot air balloon ride - Supposedly worth every $ as it doesn't spook the critters....... Got plenty of memory cards as well as batteries? Are you taking a laptop? Maybe a dedicated backup device? Have fun, Cheers, Ian
I have flown on Kenya Airways to Nairobi 3 times, twice in 2006 and again in 2008. They were excellent the first two times, but not as good 3rd time. Plane has been allowed to get a bit tatty, screen did not work properly, and my light button operated the row in front. Having said that, I was flying economy, and the TV entertainment was all on demand. They fly 777's IIRC. Nairobi is safe during the day, but advise you stay in the hotel after dark. Safari is awesome, you should have a great time. Personally do not believe the balloon ride to be worth the money, you may end up not seeing as much wildlife as if you stay on the ground, and it is seriously expensive. Have fun!
Lots of memory cards and spare batteries. Not taking a laptop as i don't want to carry it around and be worrying about it all the time ! Hot air balloon noted - thanks
Thanks Nige - found this today which is a good site if your going on a flight. Tells you which seats to avoid etc http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Kenya_Airways/Kenya_Airways_Boeing_777-200ER.php
+1 I would then suggest an hour or so every night to delete the pix that don't "measure up" - I'd bet you'll delete at least 50% of 'em right away, and it's easier to do it right away than deal with it later (IMHO.) Both +ve and -ve it seems! We were talking to a couple high over Lake Tahoe who's previous balloon experience was over the Serengeti, and they said it was *the* highlight of their trip - Apparently got closer to the critters than at any other time. IIRC, they were also flying at sunset...... OTOH, I suspect our Tahoe experience would have pretty much sucked had the weather not been *perfect*, and they wouldn't have raved if all they saw was grass and blinding sun...... I guess it's a classic "YMMV" scenario..... Cheers, Ian PS - When I got all the shots etc to go there *many* years ago, the travel clinic sold me a "personal" medical kit - Some sterile stuff and a few syringes etc - Apparently, at least back then, if **** happened the local hospital would use that to try and keep you going. The local stuff may be a bit sketchy (?) Obviously (hopefully!), you donate it on the way out.... I dunno if that's still valid?
Thanks for that link, very useful. Flying to L.A. next weekend on a Virgin A340, just switched from row G to row D to avoid the restricted legroom.
Been twice on safari in Kenya (the best) you will love it mate, Can I come??? Wear dark clothes it gets very dusty at times. Regards Roy Got a match? Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have been to Kenya 3 times on safari, done most of the parks now. Masai Mara is by far the best in Kenya. Went to Botswana last year for a change, that was fantastic, can highly recommend. Took this Leopard picture there. Off to Namibia in September Image Unavailable, Please Login