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No, it doesn't mean that you need to pay for 2 people to have a room by yourself.

There will be a single rate that will, of course be higher than someone in a shared room, but it is usually considerably less. I suggest you email the safari companies and ask them for the single rate. Don't use those forms to fill in - they are rarely looked at. Find the actual email address and phone #.

Thanks!  By chance do you have any recommendations on tour companies?  Thanks!

Kenyans would agree that bonfire adventures is a great travel company

Thanks!  I'll look them up and see if I can get in contact with them.  Thanks again!

Hi!  Is there a different tour company you could recommend.  It was the weirdest thing.  I contacted Bonfire Adventures - they assigned me to a James Jambo.  James sent me a whatsapp message asking for the number of days and dates, etc.  I sent him the information and he sent me a sample itinerary.  I sent him a message asking a couple of questions - and then he completely disappeared on me.  I have sent him 4 different whatsapp messages over the past 3 days and still not a word.  I sent a message to Bonfire adventure asking if they could assign me a different person but I am not real keen on the service from them so far so interested in exploring  different tour companies.  Thanks!

If you haven't already found another safari company, try nairobidrivers@gmail.com - phone 254 728 906 446.

They are friends of mine and organise safaris.

Hi, African Spice Safaris are great. Try them

africanspicesafaris

@sarnia78 and @carolhms - thanks.  I haven't booked the safari yet.  I will reach out to them.

I am struggling with the Bonfire Adventures place.  The person finally got back to me.  He sent me a quote for about $2800 USD with 2 nights at Amboseli Serna Lodge and 4 nights at Flamingo Beach Hotel.  The safari part would be at Amboseli National Park.  I feel a little weird about this company because when I asked him for a breakdown of the itinerary - he indicated that he can't do that because if he did he would have to add a service charge for each service making it more expensive?  I was actually more interested in the breakdown of what the tour would actually be like since literally the only description is: Game Drives Amboseli National Park.

Here is my questions for the group:

1. Is it advisable to book the safari now (I plan to go in September).  Or - is it just as easy to book when I get to Kenya?  I am not sure if it gets difficult to find spots once there.  Appreciate your advice. 
2. Is it better just to take care of accommodations myself and just hire a tour guide?  Again - is hiring a tour guide easy to do in the country?  What type of prices should I expect?
3. First time in Kenya - would it be better for me to do a Nairobi Safari in Masa Mara for a few days and then perhaps go to Monbasa for 3 or 4 days just to relax and enjoy the beach?  Should I go to Monbasa the entire time, etc.

Thanks!

If its your first time, I'd rather you pre-book. You 'd get cheaper rates & a proper itinerary. Would advice you travel to Masai Mara & Mombasa (North or South Coast). But next trips, you can plan the trip as you' d like.

@hkdman

Hello and sorry for the late reply,for clarity are you talking about the safari fee or the accommodation fee.because all in all you can still pay as a solo traveller in both cases and actually for accommodation you can get for 5k a night so let me know what you looking for and i can get you the details.thanks

@sammymary58 -sorry for the delay in responding.  I had submitted a reply but for some reason it did not go through.  Here is what I was given by Bonfire Travel:

$2860 USD for a single room for 6 nights

Includes:

1. Full board meal plan at Amboseli hotel. 2 Nights. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
2. All inclusive at Mombasa hotel. 4 nights
3. Game drives at Amboseli National Prk
4. Service of an English speaking professional driver guide for Amboseli safari
5. Transport in a opened roofed private safari land cruiser vehicle for 4 days
6. One way sgr train ticket from Mombasa to Nairobi in economy class
7. One way transfer from the hotel to the Mombasa sgr station

Not included:

1. Amboseli Park entrance fee
2. Drinks
3. Tips

I don't have a great feeling about Bonfire because it has been hard to get detailed answers.  For example - I asked for a day by day breakdown/itinerary of the safair (i.e. day 1 we do this, day 2, etc.) - the response is that he cannot break down he individual services because then he would need to charge a service charge which makes it more expensive?  Also - he has me on a one way from Mombasa to Nairobi -but I asked him what about Nairobi to Mombasa (because I land in Nairobi) and he never responded.  I have also heard mixed reviews of the safety of the trains - so I asked him if it was the Madaraka express (because I read that it is very reliable and safe) - no response.

Here is what I am looking for:

1.    I think I will do 4 or 5 days in Nairobi for the safari part and then spend 3 days in Mombasa to enjoy the beach.

2.I am open to either booking my own hotel and transport to Mombasa and just hiring a safari guide OR having a company do everything for me.

3.this will be my first safari, so I am somewhat open to suggestions but I think it would make sense to try to see the big 5 as a starting point.

Any help or assistance you can provide would be HUGELY helpful!  Beers on me when I get there!

Hello everyone,

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Regards

Bhavna