REQ.: Military spotting in Kenya and Tanzania

Hilco · Post by **Hilco** » 15 Apr 2012, 19:05

Hi,

Since I am currently planning summer holidays I was wondering if somebody has any information about spotting of military aircraft in Kenya and Tanzania...
Thought the main goal of the trip will not be aircraft spotting, it is always good to know up front what is around.

Any help like locations, security, allowance of spotting, museums and more information is much appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Hilco

Wildpicture · Post by **Wildpicture** » 15 Apr 2012, 19:42

Be very, very careful! In these countries spotting is absolutely nood understood. People there just can't imagine why you would want to take a picture of military aircraft, unless you are a spy. Or these days, a terrorist. Remember both Kenya and Tanzania had Al Quaida bombings. Photographing a soldier, vehicle or even small object is already forbidden. Let alone a military jet.

More than 20 years ago I was in Kenya and saw their F5's flying from Mombassa. The atmosphere back then was much more relaxed than these days.

PH-BRAD · Post by **PH-BRAD** » 15 Apr 2012, 19:48

In countries like that, you must always be careful, but I experienced in countries LIKE that, that when you walk from the plane to the terminal, you can take pictures if you "act like a tourist" (unless they say its not allowed), but I don't suggest going near the fence and shoot!

Hilco · Post by **Hilco** » 18 Apr 2012, 00:14

Thank you both for the quick replies.

Of course I know the current situation in these countries and that spotting is not highly appreciated is even an understatement. I just hope that somebody is able to give me a recent report/update about the situation there and if there are any, possbilities of seeing aircraft either airworthy or not.

If there is any info available, please let me know.

Kind regards,

Hilco

CJ · Post by CJ » 26 Apr 2012, 21:46

Ref Kenya, I passed through NBO a few times in the last year or so: never saw any military a/c. Wilson may have the odd KAF helicoptervisiting, but don't count on it. Moi air base (in the north of Nairobi) has transports and helicopters, but is surrounded by slums. Not sure of your ethnic origin, but chances are you will be conspicuous.... In February I noted frequent low flying Pumas; with bins your should be able to read those. BTW, taxis, in spite of what you might think, are relatively expensive; drivers are fun though.
The F-5s are based at Nanyuki, which is in the middle of nowhere...
Have fun and take care !

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