Reviewed 01 Mar 2006 by June Taylor
It was simply the most perfect holiday. We were able to put together our own personal itinerary so we visited Lamu Island, Porini tented camp in the Selenkay conservation area, and Kicheche camp in the Masaai Mara. Everything was taken care of from flights to transfers and it all worked out perfectly (and pretty economically, all things considered).
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The highlight of the trip would have to be our 3 days at Kicheche. The Mara is truly amazing and even if you were to see no animals whatsoever it would still be a beautiful area to explore. (Of course the great thing about the Mara is that animals are pretty much guaranteed, and in great numbers too).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Tips to travellers thinking about booking this trip: just one really, and that's DO IT! Actually there is one other tip I can give and that's regarding Lamu. We stayed out at the beach area and wondered if this would be the best option for us as we like night life and the town is a 30 to 40 minute walk away (quicker by boat). It's more expensive to stay out at Shela (the beach area), but I must say it is worth it as the town itself, although fascinating and great to explore, is a little frenetic (in its own way. I mean there are no cars or anything, just donkeys), and it gets very hot. So the beach is a good option even if you're not a 'beachie' person.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Our holiday definitely benefited local people particularly, I would say, both at Kicheche and at Porini, as in both cases the local Masaai benefit directly from the camps. It's really interesting to meet the Masaai too and learn about their customs, which they are still fiercely proud of and keen to maintain.
As regards our trip benefiting the environment I think tourism is better for the animals than no tourism at all. Although it feels at times that you are intruding (sometimes 3 or 4 vehicles gathered round), and that the vehicles are churning up the land, there's no knowing what would happen if there was no tourism here. Would the animals survive at all? What would keep the conservation initiatives going, etc.? In any case, staying in a tent has got to be better than in a lodge, I would say, as the tents can be removed very easily and they are run in an eco-friendly way.
