Advice from our safari experts please

[dizzymcfarlane]

Hi. We are off to Kenya in 10 weeks time for whats described as an expedition safari ! We are away for 12 nights and spend 2 nights in each place. We are staying in lodges but camping 2 nights. It looks like we are out from early morning to late afternoon then I’m assuming back to accommodation for showers and meal. What do people wear at night ? Are we good with clean trousers and T-shirt ? And another question - I intend wearing trousers all the time as I don’t want to take risks of insects bites but am I good with shoes or are lightweight walking boots recommended ? Any advice gratefully received…..

[merlinsmum]

Hi, back from a Kenya trip at Easter. We just wore cleaner fresher clothes at night , t shirts and trousers fine but in the nicer mid range lodges (serena type) you could equally have worn a nice top / pants or a dress. Anything goes really. Unless you are doing any real trekking / hiking trainer type shoes will be fine, we took walking shoes and spare trainers as it was rainy season. We did very little walking - apart from a few short strolls that were permitted in the parks , most of the time you are in vehicle.

[Scaramouche]

Hiya!

We were fine in trainers, I always wore trousers, OH wore shorts in the day. We always covered up at night. Bug spray was the best thing since sliced bread. The one night I forgot to put it on one hand was less than ideal.

We always changed for dinner, into jeans and a nice top. Some people didn’t. Some people really dressed up.

You will have the most incredible time. Take binoculars!

[dizzymcfarlane]

Thanks both. Next question - which bug spray ?

[merlinsmum]

Bug spray - something with deet like jungle formula high protection.
Also, for maleria tablets we saved a lot of ££ using TravelPharm for generic malerone. If you have time in Nairobi do remember to book Sheldricks as it was visiting by reservation only and we saw some disappointed people who couldn’t access the sanctuary. Have an amazing time, it’s the most amazing country with amazing people, scenery and animals.

[skalexander]

Originally Posted by dizzymcfarlane

Thanks both. Next question - which bug spray ?

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I used this - boots/boots-repel-ma...100ml-10277148

I thought I was more likely to get full coverage with a lotion. I only got bitten twice - once on my leg when I changed from full length trousers into cropped trousers and didn’t add more repellant, and once when a bold creature bit me on my face despite the layers of repellant! I thought that was good going as I normally struggle desperately with insect bites.

[dizzymcfarlane]

Hi. We have a trip organised to an elephant orphanage, assuming it’s Sheldricks ! Husband is very keen wildlife photographer so he’s very excited about it all. Thanks for recommendations so far. We’ve just been for start of our inoculations this morning.

[katiec68]

Sounds like a fabulous trip!

Did you put it together yourself or use an agent.

Its something id really love to do but i think it would need lots of research - or loads of money to get someone to do the research for you!

[dizzymcfarlane]

We, for the first time in 30 years, have used an agent. I’ve always organised our trips myself but didn’t feel confident for what we wanted to do. A friend has used this company and sung their praises. We are booked thru freedom destinations. We also had a fab quote from them precovid for 5 weeks in Australia.

I’ll be back with more questions !

[shysarah]

Originally Posted by dizzymcfarlane

We, for the first time in 30 years, have used an agent. I’ve always organised our trips myself but didn’t feel confident for what we wanted to do. A friend has used this company and sung their praises. We are booked thru freedom destinations. We also had a fab quote from them precovid for 5 weeks in Australia.

I’ll be back with more questions !

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We used Freedom Destinations for a Safari trip and South Africa in March. They were absolutely brilliant from start to finish. We had booked pre Covid and subsequently had to delay and make changes, no problems at all. Enjoy your trip!