Thank you for that....will send off early september (going October 14th)

Am really looking forward to our holiday but very nervous about connecting flight being so tight!

We arrive in Mombasa eventually at 23.30. I believe with have to also catch a ferry to go south......does it run at night? do you know, with two teenagers in tow dont fancy waiting several hours once we get there! If it really looks like it might be a problem my try and change flight times (Hayes and Jarvis are really flexible)

Hi
The ferries to The South / Dianni Beach run at night, or did when we were there in March. Mombasa is a vibrant port that seems to work 24 hours. The only problem we had waiting for feries was countless Entrepreneurs trying to sell everything from drinks to model cars. When you eventually reach your hotel, which we found took much longer than brochure times, you will be starting a holiday in paradise.
Enjoy it, we booked our visas in advance and kept our blood pressure low!

Thank you. I have posted another query re wether or not to switch to a night flight and arrive early in the morning. The flight we are on now arrives in mombassa at 23.30 and it looks as if it may be a good few hours before we get to the hotel allowing for the ferry. Last year we went to Goa and got to the hotel at 5.30 and because of the time difference we sort of lost the first day as we were all so shattered. Kenya in October has only 2 hours time difference and I wonder if it would be as bad (Goa is 5 hours ahead with a 9 hour flight)
Shazzer

You don't require a photo if you get your visa in Nairobi. Q's for the visa counter can be lengthy, so might be best to get it before departure. Alternatively, save a bit of time by filling the application form in before you go. Otherwise, I would have thought an hour between flights would be enough.

Nippy,

thanks for all of the advice given earlier this year. I did go to Sun N Sand in April and had a great time. I also enjoyed being so close to the Kikambala village.

The people were very, very nice @ SNS. I did Tsavo East/West safari, I saw everything but the lion. I only did a 2 day safari though.
Stopped in Voi and visited a tribe there. It was nice as well.
I love africa.

I would like to go back to Sun N Sand again for sure. Next time I will try to see Masa as well.

We are booking a holiday to Kenya next year, together with a Safari. Should we book the safari with the Tour Operator here in the UK, or book locally in Kenya? Also are there toilet facilties of any kind en-route?

It can be cheaper to book locally, http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294206-i9216-Kenya.html
has plenty of advice on the subject and current topics cover various Kenyan safari operators complete with comments from people who have used them.

we are a family of three, our son will be 9 at the time of our trip to the voyager beach resort. I need advice as to whether to book our safari - a two night one, with our tour operator or in resort., (names of reputable guides in resort would be great!!)

If anyone can help it would be much appreciated as we want to make this holiday perfect as we are renewing our wedding vows there for our tenth anniversary.

Thanks

The first time we went, we booked a 3 or 4 day safari with the rep in resort and would have been cheaper booking it before we went.

The second time we booked a tented safari with a local company and it was cheaper. It was in March so off season. We had the whole safari for the two of us. Our own minibus and the whole camp including two chefs, a waiter, a guide and an armed guard. We felt like royalty!

luci

Hazman - try
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294206-i9216-Kenya.html
there is a 'go' list in there which gives several tour operators out of Mombasa so you could make enquiries on costs to help decide.

Opinion is generally mixed on whether you should maybe book via tour operator in advance (and pay more) or take a chance when you get there, some have even booked via beach boys and been OK (although personally I wouldn't).

I wouldn't recommend booking via the beach boys. We booked with a local firm at the shopping centre not far from the Diani Sea Resort.

luci

renewing your vows..now this is a special trip!! You're better off planning it in advance rather than being disappointed with no availability upon arrival. There are so many beautiful places to go to in Kenya... depends on what you want to see and how much you want to spend. To make your safari special, go for a tented camp that is small, intimate and offers personalized services...you can do some research on nice palces to stay....

We are travelling for the first time in Kenya in November this year - staying at Southern Palms (Diani Beach). We wondered if anyone could give us feedback either for the hotel, location i.e "whats on" or "things to do" or perhaps more importantly, not to do! in the area? Both myself and my partner have both holidayed in Europe, Med, Carribean and Goa but neither of us have ever been to Kenya. We havent prebooked a safari but are hoping to book a 2 day/3 night one whilst we are out there - any recommendations? Also we have had conflicting advice on taking malaria tablets. We know it is classed as a high risk malaria area but wonder does the slight chance of contracting malaria outweigh the risk of potentially becoming psychotic??!!! We do however plan to go "tooled up" with 50% Deet mosquito repellant. Help Please!!!!!

Hi there, we have some reviews of Southern Palm here

I hope they are helpful to you.

Sarah

Malaria kills. Take the tablets.

Better to take the malaria tabs than to contract malaria and die! Malarone has the least known side effects but is also the most expensive (we both took it this Sept, no problems).

I expect you are considering skipping the Yellow Fever vaccination as well given that it's about £45. Look at it this way, if there is a YF outbreak while you're there it'll ruin your holiday while you scurry about trying to get vaccinated.

We just had our first 'safari' experience in Kenya - FANTASTIC, you are going to have a brilliant time but don't put your health at risk. Take/have everything that is recommended/advisory - better safe than sorry. Don't forget some Immodium.

There is a lot of info on http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294206-i9216-Kenya.html including hints on tipping, local safari operators etc

There is a location map of Diani Beach area here http://www.dianibeach.com/map/index.htm We stayed at Leopard Beach. Forty Thieves bar is supposed to be good, we ate at the next door Ali Barbours Cave restaurant which was really nice. A lot of the more popular eating places (if you want a change from AI) have a pick up/drop off service. It isn't really advisable to be wandering about 'off resort' once its dark.

Beach boys a right royal pain in the backside. Totally impossible to go for a walk on the beach - pester, pester, pester. Lie about your 'leaving' date making it further ahead and tell them you'll only visit their shop the day before you leave, it'll take the pressure off a bit but you'll still be harrassed to death. Harmless and not threatening, just a nuisance. Don't buy shells, you can get into a lot of trouble if caught at the airport with them.

I have never been to Kenya and would quite like to visit in the future, can anybody recommend a hotel please? this is what I am loking for- a decent hotel based on all inclusive or half board on the beach, my main criteria is I would like it to be quiet and not like a holiday camp atmosphere, preferably with african style.
The most important thing is that I would like several restaurants if possible and not a hotel where you are forced to sit at tables with other guests!

I know this sounds like we are anti social but it's just that we do not get a great deal of time together at home as both are very busy and work long hours - therefore when we go on hols we like to be 'just the 2 of us'

Any recommendations would be welcome, thanks shirleyV

Hi Shirley we have quite a number of hotel reviews for Africa here

Sarah

Shirley, I sent you a PM - did you get it?