I was lucky enough to spend time in Kenya with some local friends. It is possible to get some incredibly reasonable deals whilst you are out there, but yes there are some crooks out there who you have to be careful of. If you're a seasoned traveller it wouldn't be hard to tell these guys apart from the real deal and be careful what money you go away before you've had the service. Though an alternative is to hire your own vehicle and driver/safari tour guide and visit the parks that way. A lot of the parks have accommodation in or nearby and it would be possible to book last minute accommodation. By booking your own "tour" instead of letting them do it all for you, you will do it the cheapest way and are less likely to be ripped off because you're not putting all your trust in their hands! Also, if you're aiming to spend time in Mombasa, don't book your hotel beforehand! I turned up at the end of January last year and got a great deal at a beautiful hotel in Malindi for 4 days.. I got money off by bargaining and ended up saving lots. I prefer further up the coast (Malindi in particular) to Mombasa - it's a much better climate too and the beaches are quieter.

i traveled with cheltif tour and safari,they are cheap ready to give good services to there customer.try it www.cheltiftours.com info@cheltiftours.com

We are a full service African Safari Outfitter based in the U.S. We work with our affilliates and friends to arrive at the best packages to ensure you fully enjoy your trip. Check out our website for more information. www.JDsafari.com. We have some specials you may be interested in also. South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe,

Try Kobo Safaris, one of the best ones! www.kobo-safaris.com

am a tour guide by proffetion, and i can asure you, its more cheaper an safe to buy your safari at a local company.i live in kenya an my email is gptech2158@yahoo.com

go to nairobi and get a mini-bus north to lake nav-ee-shaw. spend the night very near (or on) the lake. then rent mountain bikes and take water and snacks and spend 9 hours doing a self-guided "safari" of hell's gate. no big meat-eaters, but everything else. and very quiet. and lovely.

Hello Mandi.. We want to go on a camp safari, about 4 - 6 days, and then 4 - 6 days on the beach in Mombasa. I have an offer from a company called Explorer Kenya. See mail below. For me this looks like a fair price, but will there be someone waiting for us when we get to Nairobi. I do not want to end up like "Undefined" wrote below. ""Hello Kurt, Thank you for the safari request. We can offer you a safari as follows. Day 1: Pick up from airport and transfer to your Nairobi hotel for rest and overnight. Day 2: Pick up from Nairobi hotel. Drive to Maasai Mara arriving in time for lunch. Have an afternoon game drive before settling at campsite for the night. Day 3: Full day Maasai Mara. All meals and overnight at campsite. Day 4: Depart from Maasai Mara for Lake Nakuru. Arrive early afternoon for an evening game drive overnight at camp site Day 5: Drive to Amboseli with lunch in Nairobi. You will have an afternoon game drive before settling in at campsite for the night Day 6: Full day Amboseli. All meals and overnight at campsite Day 7: Leave for Nairobi where you will take an evening flight to Mombasa arriving to transfer to Papillon Lagoon Reef in South Coast Mombasa for rest and overnight. Days 8-12: Full days at Papillon Lagoon Reef at an all inclusive rate. Day13: Transfer to Mombasa airport for a flight to nairobi for your flight home. Price for this safari is US$ 1825 per person sharing for a 2 person private safari. The cost of this safari will be US $ 865 for a group safari with 2-6 other persons. This price is inclusive of: -Transport & Transfers in a safari van with a pop-up roof -Three meals a day -Park entrance fees -Driver's allowances -Accommodation Full board in a two man tent. All inclusive at Papillon Lagoon Reef. -Service of an English speaking professional guide/driver -Services of an English speaking professional safari cook - Bottled drinking water during the duration of the safari. -Kitchen box -Toilet papers -Camping fees Our Pricing Excludes International Flights Tips & gratitude's Please get back to me with any questions you may have. Regards, Robert Murigi Safari Director Explorer Kenya ""

In response to a previous post... Guerba was bought out by Intrepid. So if you search for them, don't be confused when it takes you to Intrepid's site. My question for you is, what style of safari do you want? Do you want to camp? Stay in lodges? If planning a higher end safari I'd definitely book ahead of time at home. I was a travel agent for 2 years so still know a lot about various companies. So I can help recomend a few based on your trip style if you want... (moved in Sept and had to quit my job)

BUY IT FROM HOME OR FROM EUROPE. We didn't, and ended up getting gypped left and right. Many tour shops are available in Nairobi, but how to know the honest ones? And, there are no Better Business Bureaus either. Our "tour company" turned out to be a conman who took our money and did not show up to take us on safari. We did find another company which delivered an okay service, but I know our travel would have been much better with a "western" company booked from Europe. February may not have a lot of migratory activity, but the weather will be pleasant. You ARE right at the equator.

Booking locally will usually get you a better deal, but do your homework ahead of time to make sure you go with someone reputable. I did a trip with Savuka (http://www.savuka-travels.com/) and was very happy with them.

Hi! you get really good prices at local companies, but you should go to a major town and make sure you don't get a "tourist-prize". Make sure you know how much you want to spend and don't pay more for it.

Hey Kurt, both options are great. You might save some money if you book it locally, but that is not guaranteed. The benefit of booking ahead is you "know" what to expect. But if you are flexible with your time, I suggest just watching and waiting for a sale from one of the companies you like. It seems everything is on sale right now!

I travelled with a company called guerba, well worth it

I travelled with a company called guerba, well worth it