Shivani Bhalla, the lion researcher in Samburu, wrote yesterday that she had managed to get from Nairobi to Samburu. She states:

"I am finally in Samburu! An 8 hr drive through torrential rain! It rained
7.5 hrs out of the 8 and the roads were a total nightmare. Apart from that,
as soon as we headed North of Nairobi, all the chaos and violence was far away
from us, it was hard to even imagine the things going on in the rest of the
country. Samburu, very peaceful and Isiolo as well. Everyone just working
and talking non stop of the poltics. There were no blocks or rioters this
direction. Its only western kenya. These sides all very calm. Lodges have
closed here... And many people gone home. I went for a drive this morning
and saw 5 cars. Compared to the usual 50. So, we will see what happens.

Saw a spectacular leopard yesterday and 2 cheetahs the day I arrived.."

Shivani will be reporting on her website from now on so you may check out:
www.ewasolions.org

Thus it points out for people who may be intersted in a Kenyan safari but are
afraid to go due to the crisis, please work with a Kenyan tour operator who
knows the country well, where it is safe to go and where not. You can still
have a very safe and wonderful time. No Kenyan tour operator would allow
their clients to go into an unsafe area. If you have already booked and are
considering cancelling, please be in touch with your tour operator, let him
know your concerns and they will be able to work out a safe trip for you.
From what I'm hearing, since there are few tourists there now, you are treated
like kings and queens with all the attention you receive.

WOw - pole sana for such a long drive. I was there in December and thought the drive wasn't too bad. We stopped for breakfast along the way adn enjoyed spectacular views of Mt Kenya. The road was also not too bad - in total, it took us 5 1/2 hours to get there!
But you couldn't be more right, its important to work with a tour operator who knows what they are doing. Twiga Tours is a great company in Kenya who take care of all my travel needs. I know they have a few american groups in the country. None of their clients have had any problems as far as i know.

Update from Shivani in Samburu:

Saturday, January 19, 2008

It was actually an 8 hr drive on bad roads coz of the
torrential rains and the poor visibility. Generally it is a 6 hr drive. But
on this occasion, terrible weather and mud, and water everywhere made it
hard going!

Sunday, January 27, 2008
I have been in Samburu for just over one week now. It rained during the
first 2 days and then began to dry up slowly. Samburu is now green and the
animals are back! After a few quiet days of almost no animals (not even a
dik dik!), the reserves are now teaming with wildlife. Elephants are back in
their hundreds, lions emerging from the hills and cheetah and leopard seen
almost on a daily basis. The birdlife has also been spectacular, flowers
blooming and butterflies everywhere. It is really beautiful.

The saddest thing however is that there is no one here to see this magical
place teaming with wildlife. Over the week, I have seen 1 or 2 tourist
vehicles. This is understandable with all major governments advising
everyone not to travel here. However I wanted to send this message in case
you know of anyone who is coming to Samburu to not be worried. The roads are
fine and there are no road blocks all the way to Samburu. This is probably
the most peaceful part of the country. Everyone is just going about their
work. The 2 main safari airlines are also still flying here.

I encourage you all to visit Samburu. This is probably the best time to be
here.