I am furious. We are due to fly to Kenya 5 weeks tomorrow on a holiday that we booked some 9 months or so ago through Thomsons via AirMiles. We had a call from Airmiles yesterday to advise that our flight home with Kenya Airways was no longer running and therefore they were going to transfer us to a later flight - 11 hours later! This would then get us into Heathrow at 7am on Saturday instead of 6.30pm on Friday and we had booked a hotel for the Friday night. Fortunately, we have been able to cancel this without charge but to add insult to injury, Thomsons have charged us £124 for the privilege of changing our flights! Apparently their terms and conditions allow this. As we managed to cancel the hotel ok and as it does give us a few extra hours on hols, I was just going to let this be. However, I have just had another call from Airmiles now to inform me that my flight out (due to arrive Nairobi at 2200 and in Mombasa at 2300) has a problem. Thomsons believe it is too dangerous to transfer me from North to South Mombasa at 11pm and therefore want us to stop the Fri night in Nairobi and get a connecting flight to Mombasa in the morning which would effectively lose us most of that day holiday as we would not be arriving then until Sat afternoon and more importantly, we are due to get married on the Wednesday and have various plans and legals etc to go through which we had arranged to do at the hotel on the saturday morning. We can't delay these plans and legals as we have also arranged a two day safari which leaves at 5.30am on the Sun morning.
I have told Airmiles all the above - Thomsons are not aware of our wedding and safari etc as we have arranged all this independently. I have said that I would prefer to transfer to the hotel that night. I am now waiting for Airmiles to get through to Thomsons for a response....anyone any tips or ideas and, can they continue to keep changing our holiday like this? I am assuming that it is the ferry that they are not happy for me to go on - do you know if it's ok at night? Also, do you think it would be reaonable to suggest that if they refuse to transfer me at night, that I can still take the flight to Mombasa and stay in a hotel in N Mombasa and transfer to S Mombasa first thing in the morning. And guess what else - they want to charge me extra too for the hotel in Nairobi!!! Help!!!
just remember as you get off the plane that the Kenyan way is pole pole - slowly slowly.
Enjoy
Enjoy
that sounds rather stupid to me - sounds more like they have problems with rooms. IMO.
How's about phoning another company explain what you are trying to do and ask their advice? Don't mention Thompson to them just flight times, transfers, hotels etc.
How's about phoning another company explain what you are trying to do and ask their advice? Don't mention Thompson to them just flight times, transfers, hotels etc.
If you have booked through thomson then you shouldnt incurr extra charges as it is their error, i would contact someone in the customer relations department and discuss it further, and request that your flight home is a direct one from mombasa and not via nairobi. I can understand the issue with the transfer to the airport at that time of night.
Im a little confused though as to how your holiday had been booked through two different people - have you booked flights and accomodation seperately?
Give me a little more info and i will understand a bit more!
Caroline & Kirsten
Im a little confused though as to how your holiday had been booked through two different people - have you booked flights and accomodation seperately?
Give me a little more info and i will understand a bit more!
Caroline & Kirsten
Hiya Retsina.
We too looked at Gambia and Egypt but I was scared there might be snakes in Gambia and after reading up on egypt it really seems unless youre russian or italian then your not welcome. Well that was the impression I got anyway. My friend went to Kenya and says there arent any snakes by the hotel (hopefuly). I know it may sound daft but I really dont like them. But she did say that someone asked to buy her daughter who was 14 at the time. They wanted to pay 2 goats and a chicken.lol!! I think she now wishes she had taken them up on thier offer.lol!
I went to the chemist today and asked about malaria tablets and apparantly the ones we need (cant remember the name) are about £2 per pack of 20. 1 taken each day. Just need to go a couple of weeks before we need them to order them in.
Becky
We too looked at Gambia and Egypt but I was scared there might be snakes in Gambia and after reading up on egypt it really seems unless youre russian or italian then your not welcome. Well that was the impression I got anyway. My friend went to Kenya and says there arent any snakes by the hotel (hopefuly). I know it may sound daft but I really dont like them. But she did say that someone asked to buy her daughter who was 14 at the time. They wanted to pay 2 goats and a chicken.lol!! I think she now wishes she had taken them up on thier offer.lol!
I went to the chemist today and asked about malaria tablets and apparantly the ones we need (cant remember the name) are about £2 per pack of 20. 1 taken each day. Just need to go a couple of weeks before we need them to order them in.
Becky
Thanks for this both of you. The holiday was booked through Airmiles (I used airmiles to discount the cost) but airmiles do not have their own holidays - they just book through other brochures which makes things even more convoluted as I have to deal with Airmiles and they have to deal with Thomsons.
The flights were always via Nairobi and the flight times going out have not changed i.e. they have known for the 9 months or so (since I booked) that we were due to arrive into Mombasa at 11pm. The flight times coming home have changed and I have had to pay for it - have checked their terms and conditions and only have to pay me compo etc if flights are changed more than 12 hours (ours are 11 hours) or if they have changed day flights to night flights (which they have) but their formal definition of night flight is any which arrive back in the UK between midnight and 6 am (we arrive back at 6.45am) What a cop-out!!
Think we have reached a compromise now re flights out to kenya. They have agreed that we CAN take the second leg of the flight that night from Nairobi into Mombasa and then they'll put us up in Whitesands for the night and transfer us to S Mombasa at 9am next morning. Would you believe that they want MORE money off us for this though...have left this in the hands of Airmiles who seem to think they can get Thomsons to foot the bill for this. Bit rich really as we have already paid for the night at Pinewood that we won't be using + the suite supplement for the night + the all inclusive supplement for the night.
These T&Cs really are a complete cop-out though as they even say they can't be held responsible for any changes as a result of difficulties with transport etc and that they are entitled to pass all associated costs onto us. Well this has finally made my mind up never to book a package holiday again - you lose the flexibility but are supposed to gain some sort of protection and peace of mind!!
Well 5 weeks today and still really looking forward to it - just worried that these things tend to come in 3's and so much for running away to get married to save the hassle!!!
The flights were always via Nairobi and the flight times going out have not changed i.e. they have known for the 9 months or so (since I booked) that we were due to arrive into Mombasa at 11pm. The flight times coming home have changed and I have had to pay for it - have checked their terms and conditions and only have to pay me compo etc if flights are changed more than 12 hours (ours are 11 hours) or if they have changed day flights to night flights (which they have) but their formal definition of night flight is any which arrive back in the UK between midnight and 6 am (we arrive back at 6.45am) What a cop-out!!
Think we have reached a compromise now re flights out to kenya. They have agreed that we CAN take the second leg of the flight that night from Nairobi into Mombasa and then they'll put us up in Whitesands for the night and transfer us to S Mombasa at 9am next morning. Would you believe that they want MORE money off us for this though...have left this in the hands of Airmiles who seem to think they can get Thomsons to foot the bill for this. Bit rich really as we have already paid for the night at Pinewood that we won't be using + the suite supplement for the night + the all inclusive supplement for the night.
These T&Cs really are a complete cop-out though as they even say they can't be held responsible for any changes as a result of difficulties with transport etc and that they are entitled to pass all associated costs onto us. Well this has finally made my mind up never to book a package holiday again - you lose the flexibility but are supposed to gain some sort of protection and peace of mind!!
Well 5 weeks today and still really looking forward to it - just worried that these things tend to come in 3's and so much for running away to get married to save the hassle!!!
Hi Micky, only £2 per pack of malaria tablets, that sounds much better than £10 per private prescription and £2 per tablet!!! We might as well take them if they're that cheap 
LesandKev, I'm sure we'll cope very well with pole pole (slowly slowly) in Kenya.... we cope brilliantly with siga siga in Greece
LesandKev, I'm sure we'll cope very well with pole pole (slowly slowly) in Kenya.... we cope brilliantly with siga siga in Greece
We arrived in Nairobi at a similar time, and went down to Mombasa. Maybe even slightly later. Anyway, the point is there was no problem with the transfer even at that time. I actually found it quieter than normal, and not nearly as intimidating as my firs visit there.
Sounds like holiday company BS to me as well........
Sounds like holiday company BS to me as well........
Im understanding how it was booked now, i really hope it works out well for you! The issue with the transfer is that because youre going south of Mombasa, the Likoni ferry only operates until a certain time, hence them having to make alternative arrangements.
The Likoni ferry is an experience!
Have a great trip, keep us posted if you have any more worries!
Caroline & Kirsten
The Likoni ferry is an experience!
Have a great trip, keep us posted if you have any more worries!
Caroline & Kirsten
I have to tell you guys - there are snakes in the coastal areas of Kenya 
seen one with my own eyes and a couple of dead ones that the security guys at the hotel showed us.
Also, do tell what your malaria tablets are, and where youre getting them from, ive looked into cheaper ones and have never found them THAT cheap before!!
Caroline & Kirsten :Wave
seen one with my own eyes and a couple of dead ones that the security guys at the hotel showed us.Also, do tell what your malaria tablets are, and where youre getting them from, ive looked into cheaper ones and have never found them THAT cheap before!!
Caroline & Kirsten :Wave
Hi all. thanks for the responses and support etc.
The ferry does actually operate still at night - apparently the problem is that the company that operates the transfer is now refusing to go on the ferry at night for security reasons - no idea what (if anything) has changed over the last 9 months or so since I booked and have re-checked the FCO website and there are no additional warnings etc on there. To be honest, wasn't looking forward to a night time ferry crossing anyway so maybe it's all for the best. Just really frustrating with so many changes at this late stage. Thanks all again.
The ferry does actually operate still at night - apparently the problem is that the company that operates the transfer is now refusing to go on the ferry at night for security reasons - no idea what (if anything) has changed over the last 9 months or so since I booked and have re-checked the FCO website and there are no additional warnings etc on there. To be honest, wasn't looking forward to a night time ferry crossing anyway so maybe it's all for the best. Just really frustrating with so many changes at this late stage. Thanks all again.
It must have changed since i last went south, almost 10 years ago, was north last year.
Give em hell!!
Caroline & Kirsten
Give em hell!!
Caroline & Kirsten
Hi Tills. Sorry about my post. I hope I didnt offend anyone. It was just the impression I got after reading trip advisor. I know loads of people really like it but it didnt appeal after what I read.
Hi Caroline and Kirsten, you must be having a laugh with me about the snakes. Where abouts did you see them. Were they on your balconie? I really hate them. What sort were they? Why was the dead one dead? Had they been attacked by really bad other snakes? Oh I feel sick now. Maybe the canaries arent so bad after all.
Did the one you see chase you? Please be honest with me I'd rather know so that I can avoid them. Are there sea snakes? Are they in the hotel grounds? My friend has one in her garden and I wont go round there anymore. I hate them.
Thanks, Becky
Hi Caroline and Kirsten, you must be having a laugh with me about the snakes. Where abouts did you see them. Were they on your balconie? I really hate them. What sort were they? Why was the dead one dead? Had they been attacked by really bad other snakes? Oh I feel sick now. Maybe the canaries arent so bad after all.
Did the one you see chase you? Please be honest with me I'd rather know so that I can avoid them. Are there sea snakes? Are they in the hotel grounds? My friend has one in her garden and I wont go round there anymore. I hate them.
Thanks, Becky
No, im sorry to say i wasnt teasing you about the snakes! The dead ones, one had been battered to death and one had been shot with a bow and arrow - which many of the security guards use as protection when patroling the hotel grounds at night - havent a clue what it was but i was told it was poisonous. I was staying in Kilifi Bay, and apparently Kilifi is known as snake country. The secuity guards use bows and arrows, as guns would 'disturb the guests!!' (dont get me wrong its nice to know that youre protected should you need it while youre away)
I havent heard anything about sea snakes, but there are sharks out over the breakwater - theyre nothing to worry about as they dont come in closer to land - but we have those off cornwall so dont worry!!
Im really sorry to have worried you! but forewarned is forearmed!
Im sure you wont even encounter any, it was monsoon when we were there and apparently theyre spotted more frequently at that time.
Caroline & Kirsten
PS My first bit of roadkill was a snake, a poisonous one on the island of thassos in greece, so they do get everywhere!
I havent heard anything about sea snakes, but there are sharks out over the breakwater - theyre nothing to worry about as they dont come in closer to land - but we have those off cornwall so dont worry!!
Im really sorry to have worried you! but forewarned is forearmed!
Im sure you wont even encounter any, it was monsoon when we were there and apparently theyre spotted more frequently at that time.
Caroline & Kirsten
PS My first bit of roadkill was a snake, a poisonous one on the island of thassos in greece, so they do get everywhere!
Hi Caroline and Kirsten.
No seriously I would rather know if theyre there. Thanks for the info. We have them here in essex too. At least the guards seem to get to them before the public. I'm not scared of sharks, although I wouldnt want to swim with one but snakes!! Thats a different story. However I wont let it stop me from going but I will be keeping my eyes open. My friend has them in her garden and apparantly the vibration of people on the ground frightens them away. So if anyone at the bamburi beach hotel in november comes across a mad looking woman stamping up and down all the time dont worry it is only me!
Thanks, Becky.
No seriously I would rather know if theyre there. Thanks for the info. We have them here in essex too. At least the guards seem to get to them before the public. I'm not scared of sharks, although I wouldnt want to swim with one but snakes!! Thats a different story. However I wont let it stop me from going but I will be keeping my eyes open. My friend has them in her garden and apparantly the vibration of people on the ground frightens them away. So if anyone at the bamburi beach hotel in november comes across a mad looking woman stamping up and down all the time dont worry it is only me!
Thanks, Becky.
Hi,
We are looking at going to Kenya next April - does anyone have experience of the weather at this time of year?
We are looking at Bamburi Beach Hotel or Sun 'n' Sand Beach Resort. If anyone has any info on these places I would be really grateful.
Thanks
We are looking at going to Kenya next April - does anyone have experience of the weather at this time of year?
We are looking at Bamburi Beach Hotel or Sun 'n' Sand Beach Resort. If anyone has any info on these places I would be really grateful.
Thanks
you should be ok at that time of year, monsoon hits end of may, beginning of june - avoid at all costs!!
Caroline & Kirsten
Caroline & Kirsten
HI. I was looking for some advice. We're off to mombasa in november and I know that yellow fever vaccination is recommended but not essential and I am in two minds whether to have this jab or not. Part of me says yes to be on the safe side but the other part says not to if it isnt essential. I will talk to my GP but wondered what other peoples opinions were. Also does anyone know if there are any side effects of this jab and what actually causes yellow fever.
Thanks
Thanks
I went to Mombasa some years ago and although the yellow fever vaccination was only recommended it did point out that in the event of a yellow fever outbreak in Kenya that I would have to have this vaccination before I was allowed to return to the UK. I booked straight in at my local BA clinic and had the vaccination before going.
I had no side effects at all with it and didn't even feel the injection (I've got a major needle phobia so if I say it doesn't hurt then it really doesn't!).
Karen
I had no side effects at all with it and didn't even feel the injection (I've got a major needle phobia so if I say it doesn't hurt then it really doesn't!).
Karen
We too had the yellow fever jab before we went out to Mombasa; like you we were in 2 minds, but eventually decided to play safe. So glad we did, as one of the first locals we got talking to had lost his 3 year old to yellow fever only a month or so before 
. Just proves it DOES happen.
. Just proves it DOES happen.
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