Hotels FAQ

Question:

Any advice on visiting Djibouti, Eritrea (Asmara) & Kenya (Nairobi) in July? I have travelled extensively elsewhere in the world, but this is my first foray into continental East Africa – and I’m slightly nervous! I shall be travelling alone, spending a week in Djibouti, plus a couple of days each in Nairobi and Asmara. I hear that it can be unbearably hot in Djibouti and very wet in Asmara at this time of year, but would still like to know whether independent travel is sensible/feasible, particularly in Djibouti where I’m concerned that hotels, restaurants, tour agencies etc. may close down for the hottest months. I’m also after travel, accommodation and safety advice for trips around Djibouti, e.g. to Lac Abbe, Lac Assal, Foret du Day, Moucha & Masakli Islands, Djibouti Town, Tadjoura & Arta. Is public transport a viable option, or would an escorted tour (recommendations?) to some places be better? I’ve read that the border regions and railway are prone to bandit attacks… Visas – I’ve heard conflicting advice that on the one hand British citizens can get a visa on arrival at Djibouti airport, & on the other hand that it must be obtained from the French embassy in London prior to departure. I’ve even been told that you must show a hotel letter of invitation/confirmed reservation, in addition to onward/return air tickets. Can anyone put the record straight please? Finally, I’m planning on transiting Nairobi & Asmara on the way to/from Djibouti, so would appreciate any useful tips/things to do/avoid in both these places – particularly avoiding running into trouble in Nairobi, as well as the pros/cons of getting visas on arrival for both Kenya & Eritrea. Thanks in advance.

Response:

> Finally, I’m planning on transiting Nairobi & Asmara on the way > to/from Djibouti, so would appreciate any useful tips/things to > do/avoid in both these places – particularly avoiding running into > trouble in Nairobi, as well as the pros/cons of getting visas on > arrival for both Kenya & Eritrea.

IMO, Nairobi isn’t a particularly attractive or interesting city, so no need to wander around it, which isn’t a good idea, anyway.  You can get visas on arrival at JKAirport. By far the best thing to do in Nairobi is make a visit to Nairobi National Park.  Safari companies offer this trip from all the main hotels (3 hour morning or afternoon trips) or you could phone any of them.  A full day is far better, and you still won’t have seen anything. Other options are the Museum, Karen Blixen House & Giraffe Manor, the Bomas of Kenya (dancing) or going up to one of the night lodges, or down to e.g. Delamere Camp if you have a couple of nights. Liz — Website: http://www.argonet.co.uk/users/lizleyden – Safaris (Kenya & Tanzania), Seychelles & India (under construction) Image manipulation and some basic computer calligraphy.

Response:

My stop in Djibouti was not as interesting as I had expected. There would be more to it, I suppose, with the help of a guide. It WILL be hot, and seem even hotter unless you find more to do than I did. Nairobi? any idea where you will stay? Maybe the best mid-range hotel is the 680, if you are comfortable with a mostly African clientele. The hotel that used to be the Mayfair and is now a Holiday Inn is also a good value (it’s in a suburb). Midday downtown is safe enough, but I can’t see any point in being on the streets at night. If you need a Kenya visa (British, you say) get it in London before you go.. but you can obtain it at the airport. Also, check on yellow fever shot requirements. If you are staying over in Kenya after spending time in Eritrea and/or Djibouti, you may need to prove you’ve had a yellow fever inoculation. You might get more out of Asmara than you expect. Eritrean people are fantastic, and the city is sort of charming. Good luck. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

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