What is the best time to visit Kenya for a safari?
The Dry Seasons (Best for Wildlife)
Months: June – October & January – March
2. The “Green” Seasons (Best for Value & Vibe)
Months: November – December & April – May
3. Special Interests
How far in advance should I book my Kenya tour?
It’s best to book your Kenya safari 6–12 months in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the peak season (July to October), when the Great Migration draws visitors from around the world and lodges fill up quickly.
During this high-demand period, park fees and accommodation rates are higher, particularly in the Masai Mara. For better availability and lower prices, consider traveling in the shoulder or green seasons (November to May), when landscapes are lush, crowds are thinner, and many lodges offer attractive discounts.
What is included in the price of your Kenya tour packages?
Accommodations: A curated selection of luxury lodges, boutique tented camps, or eco-friendly bush resorts.
All Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Full-Board) featuring local and international cuisine.
Transportation: Travel in custom 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for 360° wildlife viewing and photography.
Expert Guides: A professional, English-speaking driver-guide who is an expert in wildlife tracking and local ecology.
Park & Conservation Fees: All entry fees for National Parks (like Masai Mara or Amboseli) and private conservancy levies are pre-paid.
Game Drives: Multiple daily outings (sunrise and sunset) timed for the best lighting and animal activity.
Airport Transfers: Seamless pickup and drop-off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or your hotel.
Hydration: Unlimited bottled water provided in your safari vehicle throughout the journey.
Internal Flights: Flying between parks to maximize your time in the wild.
Signature Experiences: Hot air balloon safaris, guided bush walks, or cultural visits to Maasai and Samburu communities.
What is not included in the price?
International airfare, Kenya entry visas, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, and staff gratuities..
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation Policy
70-46 days before the trip date : 50% cancellation charges.
45-31 days before the trip date : 75% cancellation charges.
30 days or less before the trip date : 100% cancellation charges.
What payment methods do you accept?
Flexible Payment Options
Cards: Secure online checkout with Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX.
Transfers: Direct bank/wire transfers accepted (details provided upon booking).
What currency should I bring?
How much should I tip? Tipping is customary and forms a significant part of staff income. Standard daily rates per person:
••Porters: $1–$2 per bag
What is the plug situation?
Kenya uses Type G plugs (the rectangular 3-pin UK style). Standard voltage is 240V.
Note: Many remote “tented camps” run on solar power. They may only have charging stations in the main lounge rather than in your individual tent, and high-wattage items like hair dryers are often banned.
Will I have Wi-Fi? Most lodges have Wi-Fi in the common areas, but it can be spotty. In the deep bush, don’t expect a signal. If you need constant data, buy a local eSIM at the airport.
Can I use a drone?
Basically, no. Using a drone for recreation is strictly prohibited in almost all Kenyan National Parks and Reserves. Getting a permit is an expensive, multi-month process involving the KCAA and Ministry of Defense. Unlicensed drones will be confiscated, and you could face heavy fines.
Can I take photos of people?
Always ask first. It is considered very disrespectful to photograph local people (especially the Maasai or Samburu) without permission. In some areas, they may request a small fee ($1–$5) for a photo.
Can I smoke in public?
Nairobi and many other towns have strict public smoking bans. Smoking is only allowed in designated “Smoking Zones.” On safari, never smoke while in the vehicle or out in the dry grass—it’s a major fire hazard and ruins the experience for others.
What is the difference between lodge and safari tented camp?
Safari Lodge
Think of a lodge as a “Boutique Hotel in the Bush.”
⛺ Tented Camp
These are not your typical camping tents; they are luxury “Glamping” suites.
Are the rooms and vehicles air-conditioned?
Rooms
The “Natural AC” Experience
In Kenya’s wildlife areas, you won’t find traditional air conditioning—and you won’t miss it! Instead, we embrace the Natural AC.
Safari Vehicles
The short answer is no, and for a very good reason!
Pro Tip: If you are finishing your trip at the Kenya Coast (Mombasa or Diani), most hotels there do have air conditioning because the coast is much more humid than the safari plains.
What vaccinations are recommended or required for Kenya?
Mandatory Vaccination
Is it safe to travel to Kenya?
Safari Parks (The Safest Zones)
National Parks like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu are incredibly safe.
🌆 Nairobi & Major Cities
Like any major global city, Nairobi requires more vigilance.
Do I need travel insurance for Kenya?
Travel insurance is essential for a safari. Here is why:
••AMREF Flying Doctors: This is a specific Kenyan service that provides emergency airlifts. Check if your lodge includes this “Maisha” cover automatically.
What should I pack for my Kenya safari?
🚫 Do NOT Pack
What is the typical transportation used during a safari?
4×4 Safari Land Cruiser: The “Gold Standard.” It is rugged, has superior suspension for bumpy roads, and features a pop-up roof for 360-degree viewing. It’s more expensive than a van but essential for the rainy season or remote parks.
If you want to skip the 6-hour dusty drives between parks, you “fly-in.”
Boat Safaris: Common on Lake Naivasha or Lake Baringo to see hippos and eagles.
Hot Air Balloon: A sunrise tradition in the Masai Mara—quiet, aerial, and usually followed by a champagne breakfast in the grass.
What is the role of the guides and drivers?
On a Kenyan safari, your guide and driver (often the same person, called a Driver-Guide) are the most important people for the success of your trip. They are far more than just chauffeurs; they are your protectors, teachers, and ultimate spotters.
Wildlife Tracker: Interprets tracks, alarm calls, and scents to locate elusive animals (especially predators).
Safety Officer: Reads animal body language to maintain safe distances and handles all 4×4 navigation through rugged terrain.
Naturalist: Provides expert education on animal behavior, ecology, and the “Big Five”
Logistics Manager: Handles park entry, schedules, and vehicle maintenance, ensuring you arrive at sightings at the best light for photography.
Cultural Bridge: Offers authentic insights into Kenyan history, local communities, and modern conservation.
Since your guide is often with you for 8–10 hours a day and is responsible for your entire experience, the industry standard for tipping in Kenya is $20 per person, per day. This is usually given as a lump sum at the very end of your safari.
What are the opportunities for wildlife viewing?
The “Big Five” Hotspots
🌵 The “Samburu Special Five”
In Northern Kenya, you’ll find rare species unique to the arid landscape:
💧 Lakes & Landscapes
🕵️ Unique Encounters
What is the Great Migration and when is the best time to witness it?
The Great Migration is often called the “Greatest Show on Earth.” It is a continuous, year-round circular journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 350,000 gazelles across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
While it is an eternal loop, for a Kenyan safari, you are likely looking for the dramatic Mara River crossings and the time the herds spend in the Masai Mara.
📅 Best Time to Visit (Kenya Focus)
Because the timing depends on seasonal rainfall, it varies slightly every year. For 2026, here is the predicted calendar for the Kenyan side:
••October (The Return): As the grass is grazed down, the herds begin to move back south toward Tanzania. You can often see “mini-crossings” as they head back across the river.
What is the local currency and where can I exchange money?
The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). While US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted for larger safari payments and tips, you will need Shillings for smaller purchases, local markets, and smaller restaurants.
Most Convenient: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has several 24/7 forex counters in the arrivals hall.The rates are slightly lower than in the city, but it’s perfect for getting your initial “pocket money.”
Is tipping customary in Kenya? If so, what is the general guideline?
While not mandatory, tipping is a standard way to show appreciation in the tourism industry:
Safari Guides: Usually $25–$30 per day per group.
Camp Staff: Most lodges have a “General Tip Box” in the lobby for the behind-the-scenes team (chefs, cleaners). $20–$30 per day is a good average.
Restaurants: A 10% tip is customary in Nairobi and tourist-centric spots.
What are the safari etiquettes?
Do I need a visa to enter Kenya?
Yes: Almost all foreign nationals (including infants) must have an approved eTA before boarding their flight.
Exemptions: Only citizens of East African Community (EAC) partner states (like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, etc.) are generally exempt.
Where to apply: Only use the official government website: etakenya.go.ke.
When to apply: It is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before your trip, though processing usually takes 3 business days. You can apply up to 3 months in advance.
Cost: Approximately $32.50 USD (subject to minor changes in processing fees).
Validity: It is usually valid for a single entry and stays up to 90 days.
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
Photo: A recent passport-style digital photo or a clear selfie.
Travel Details: Your flight itinerary and proof of accommodation (hotel bookings).
Contact Info: Your home address and phone number.
What is the local language? Is English widely spoken?
Yes, English is very widely spoken in Kenya. It is one of the two official languages (alongside Swahili)
What are some of the cultural customs I should be aware of?
Greetings are not just a formality; they are a sign of respect.
Don’t Rush: It is considered impolite to jump straight into business or a request. Always start with a “Jambo” (Hello) or “Habari?” (How are you?) and a firm handshake.
The “Double Handshake”: When greeting an elder, it is respectful to place your left hand on your right wrist or elbow while shaking hands.
Holding Hands: Don’t be surprised if a local continues to hold your hand for several minutes during a conversation. This is a sign of friendship and trust, not a romantic gesture.
What is the baggage allowance for internal flights (if applicable)?
The limit is strictly 15kg (33 lbs) per person. This is a total weight allowance that includes your checked bag, hand luggage, and camera equipment.
What kind of bag can I use? You must use soft-sided duffel bags (no hard frames or wheels). Small “bush planes” have tiny, irregular cargo pods where rigid suitcases simply won’t fit.
What are the dimensions?
Freight Seat: You can book an extra seat for roughly the price of a child’s ticket to gain an additional 75kg of allowance.
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