Trip to Africa (Kenya and Uganda)

Society Travel & Tourism
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My husband and I have planned a trip to Uganda en Kenya early next year (Jan/Feb).
My in-laws (aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents of my husband) are established there and we’ve decided this is a good time to visit.
Now this will my first time visiting the ‘inner’ parts of Africa and am excited and nervous at the same time.

I would like to know if anyone here has stayed in these countries and has some tips/advice for me. We are planning to do a lot of sightseeing (Victoria waterfalls, safari trips etc.). Is there anything we should not miss out on?

I like to be well prepared before I take any trips, I have already read through lot’s of information but some first-hand experiences would be nice.

Thanks in advance!

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Re: Trip to Africa (Kenya and Uganda)

I was pretty apprehensive too when I was going. I went to Tanzania. But when I got there I noticed that there were tons of desis there, so you don't stick out like a sore thumb. And most ppl speak english. It would remind you of Pakistan actually. Try and drink bottled water.

Bring good zoom lens for your camera for the safari or you'd miss out on great shots, like I did :(. Its going to summer at that time so pack accordingly.

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Re: Trip to Africa (Kenya and Uganda)

i heard jungli hate white and beautiful womanz :bummer:

so look as ugly as you can :smiley:

see your doc, get required shorts. get ready to deal with bugs and water :smiley:

and i will try to contact my frnd in kenya for these concerns. (lets hope for this) :slight_smile:

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Re: Trip to Africa (Kenya and Uganda)

Thanks for the reply!
Yes, I know that there are a lot of desis there and I was hoping it would have a 'pakistan' feel to it. At least it'll be something I can 'relate' to. Anywayz, thanks for the camera tip, I'll see if I can buy a good one!
Oh and I'm definitely only drinking bottled water! Even in Pakistan I only drink nestle water.

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Re: Trip to Africa (Kenya and Uganda)

We’re getting our shots next week. Hope the bugs won’t cause much of a problem!

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Re: Trip to Africa (Kenya and Uganda)

Bring bug repellents and lots of sun-screen too.

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Re: Trip to Africa (Kenya and Uganda)

Khasa tajrba hi Afreqa ky janglon ka; Kuch kahanian share bhi ker lain:D

Why do some people over-react so much?
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Re: Trip to Africa (Kenya and Uganda)

Shinoo, do post dets upon your return, i'm planning on a week trip to Namibia for some time early next year, i can do with some tips if need be.

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Re: Trip to Africa (Kenya and Uganda)

shinoo, a friend who is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer, just returned from a 12 day honeymoon in kenya. i got some great info out of him, as i am planning a trip there next year… some of it may be irrelevant to you as u will likely be staying with ur ILS but i thought i’d post it anyway for other pplz benefit.

he stayed at: http://www.sarovahotels.com/mara/
rates include lodging and all meals, they have buffet and a great variety of cuisines including limited desi fare. he is a pure veg, so he had trouble convincing them that fish is not vegetarian, but otherwise fish/meat eaters should not have any problems. water is pretty expensive at 5-6 USD per half litre, as game parks are a remote location and they also tag on taxes etc. You should prolly buy ur water in the city (the qty costs 1 USD). same for other beverages. 10 minutes of gmail costs 6 USD, but lol i’m just happy to know that GS/AD/email will be within reach!

i’m considering booking this place for my trip, as i have a timeshare… it might be more economical than shelling out 500 a nite at other 4-5 star places… this one certainly has great reviews and is a Gold Crown resort.

kenya’s most famous park is the masai mara.
it has beaut snow capped mountains, and it was pretty cold there late october, be sure to check the weather and pack accordingly.
August-Sept is the best time to see the great wildlife migration. It’s also peak season and very expensive.
Jan-Feb is summer, offseason, rates are lower, but sighting can be good too, esp since there will be less ppl.
Lake Nakuru is where you will find millions of flamingoes.
other things you might want to do besides see the game parks - visit tribal settlements. Also chk out Nairobi city, but beware of theft/pickpockets.
He also visited Samburu where he stayed at Serena Lodge, and spent 1 night at Mount Kenya Safari Club, where ur windows will afford a spectacular view of Mt.Kenya.

I asked abt renting a car to go places, he suggesting getting a local operator and retaining him for the entire trip. He will be sending me a list of his contacts/services used in Kenya, so if anyone wants to know abt weekly rates/recommended operators, PM me.

He also recommended visiting Amboseli park. Also, at Arberdare national park’s “THE ARC”, u can stay in the middle of the forest where ur windows open out to a waterhole with strobes lit to enable u to see visiting animals in the dark. I think he has a video of it, i’ll ask him to put it on youtube when he gets a chance..

He is going to write up his Africa trip report details along with pics in a few days’ time.. will update you then.