FAQ

Planning & Booking

The Dry Seasons (Best for Wildlife)

Months: June – October & January – March

  • Best Visibility: Low grass and dry bush make it much easier to spot lions, leopards, and rhinos.
  • Natural Magnets: Animals gather around the few remaining waterholes, creating “one-stop” viewing spots.
  • The Big Event: July–September is the peak for the Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara.
  • Sky & Sea: January–March offers the clearest skies (best for views of Mt. Kilimanjaro) and the calmest, clearest water for coastal diving and snorkeling.

2. The “Green” Seasons (Best for Value & Vibe)

Months: November – December & April – May

  • Luxury Discounts: You can save 30%–50% on top-tier lodges that are usually unaffordable.
  • Photographer’s Dream: The dust is gone, the air is crisp, and the savannah turns a brilliant emerald green.
  • The “Secret” Safari: You’ll have the parks to yourself. It’s a private, intimate experience without the “traffic jams” of safari vans.
  • New Life: April and May are the peak times to see baby animals and migratory birds in vibrant breeding plumage.

3. Special Interests

  • Birdwatching (October – April): Millions of migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia, joining Kenya’s resident species.

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.

The Core Essentials

  • 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.

On-the-Ground Logistics

  • 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.

Available Add-Ons (Customizable)

  • 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.

International airfare, Kenya entry visas, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, and staff gratuities..

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.

Flexible Payment Options

  • Cards: Secure online checkout with Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX.

  • Transfers: Direct bank/wire transfers accepted (details provided upon booking).

  • US Dollars (USD): The most widely accepted for tipping and at safari lodges. Important: Bills must be printed after 2006; older notes are often rejected due to counterfeit concerns.
  • Kenyan Shillings (KES): Best for local markets, small shops, and tipping in Nairobi.
  • Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most lodges and in cities.

How much should I tip? Tipping is customary and forms a significant part of staff income. Standard daily rates per person:

  • Safari Guide: $20
  • Lodge/Camp Staff: $10 per day (usually placed in a communal “Tip Box” at reception).

••Porters: $1–$2 per bag

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.

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.

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.

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.

Safari Lodge

Think of a lodge as a “Boutique Hotel in the Bush.”

  • Construction: Permanent structures made of stone, wood, and bricks with solid walls and glass windows.
  • Layout: Usually larger, with many rooms (30–80+) connected by paved walkways.
  • Amenities: More likely to have “hotel” features like large swimming pools, fitness centers, and multiple dining halls.
  • Vibe: Feels more secure and insulated from the sounds of the night. Better for those who prefer a traditional building over “sleeping under canvas.”

Tented Camp

These are not your typical camping tents; they are luxury “Glamping” suites.

  • Construction: High-quality canvas walls on a permanent wooden or stone base. They feature “real” doors, en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets, and proper beds.
  • Layout: Smaller and more intimate, typically hosting only 6–12 tents.
  • Amenities: Focused on “quiet luxury.” You’ll have a private veranda and high-end service, but facilities (like pools) are usually smaller.
  • Vibe: Maximum Immersion. You can hear the lions roar and the wind in the trees through the canvas. It is the “quintessential” safari experience.

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.

  • Open-Air Living: Safari lodges and tented camps are designed to be open to the elements. High thatched roofs and mesh walls allow the fresh savanna breeze to flow through your room constantly.
  • Eco-Friendly Peace: Most camps run on solar power. We trade the hum of a noisy machine for the natural sounds of the bush.
  • The Perfect Climate: Because our parks sit at high altitudes, the air is crisp and dry. Even if it’s sunny at noon, the shade is cool, and the evenings are refreshing (sometimes even chilly!).
  • On the Move: Your game drives take place in open-sided vehicles, ensuring you have a constant breeze and an unobstructed connection to the landscape.

Safari Vehicles

The short answer is no, and for a very good reason!

  • The Open-Air Advantage: To give you the best 360° views, our vehicles feature pop-up roofs and large open windows. You can’t track a leopard through a closed glass window!
  • Natural Ventilation: While moving, you enjoy a constant, fresh savanna breeze—the ultimate Natural AC.
  • The Full Experience: An enclosed, air-conditioned cabin blocks out the smells of the wild and the sounds of the bush. We want you to feel the safari, not just watch it on a screen.
  • Perfect Timing: We drive during the cool of the early morning and late afternoon, ensuring you’re always comfortable while on the move.

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.

Health & Safety

Mandatory Vaccination

  • Yellow Fever: This is the only legally required vaccine.
    • Required if: You are arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever (e.g., Ethiopia, Uganda) or transited through one for more than 12 hours.
    • Certificate: You must show your “Yellow Book” at immigration. It becomes valid 10 days after the shot.

 Safari Parks (The Safest Zones)

National Parks like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu are incredibly safe.

  • Controlled Access: These areas are gated, patrolled by armed rangers (KWS), and managed by professional lodges.
  • Low Risk: Crime against tourists in these remote areas is extremely rare. Your primary “danger” here is not following your guide’s instructions near wildlife.

🌆 Nairobi & Major Cities

Like any major global city, Nairobi requires more vigilance.

  • Daytime: Safe for exploring popular spots like the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, or Nairobi National Park.
  • Nighttime: Do not walk after dark. Use reputable ride-hailing apps like Uber or hotel-arranged transfers.

Travel insurance is essential for a safari. Here is why:

  • Medical Evacuation: In remote parks, an air ambulance to Nairobi is the only fast option. This can cost over $5,000 without insurance.
  • Trip Protection: Safaris are high-cost. Insurance covers you if you have to cancel or if “bush flights” are delayed by weather.
  • High-Value Gear: Cameras, lenses, and binoculars are expensive to replace if lost or stolen during transit.

••AMREF Flying Doctors: This is a specific Kenyan service that provides emergency airlifts. Check if your lodge includes this “Maisha” cover automatically.

During the Tour

  • Colors: Khaki, Tan, Olive, or Grey. (Avoid Blue/Black to repel Tsetse flies; avoid Camo as it’s illegal).
  • Safari Hat: Wide-brimmed with a chin strap (crucial for wind in open vehicles). Pick a “crushable” style that packs easily.
  • Layers: 1 warm fleece/jacket (mornings are cold), 1 windbreaker, and 2–3 long-sleeve shirts.
  • Bottoms: 2 pairs of lightweight trousers (zip-offs are ideal) and 1 pair of shorts.
  • Footwear: 1 pair of closed sneakers/hiking boots and 1 pair of sandals for the lodge.
  • Binoculars: Essential (8×42 is the best all-rounder).
  • Camera: Zoom lens (200mm+) with extra memory cards/batteries.
  • Power: Type G adapter (UK-style) and a portable power bank.
  • Protection: A scarf or “buff” for dust and a dry bag for electronics.
  • Sun/Insects: High-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and repellent with DEET.
  • First Aid: Anti-diarrheal meds, malaria prophylaxis, and basic painkillers.

🚫 Do NOT Pack

  • Plastic Bags: Strictly illegal in Kenya (including Ziplocs). Use reusable silicone or cloth bags.
  • Drones: Prohibited without extensive, pre-arranged commercial permits.

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.”

  • Bush Planes: Small aircraft (Cessna Caravans) operate out of Wilson Airport (Nairobi) and land on dirt airstrips inside the parks.
  • Open-Sided 4x4s: When you fly in, you don’t bring a vehicle. Instead, you use the lodge’s own vehicles for game drives. These are often fully open on the sides (no windows), providing the most immersive photography experience.

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.

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.

The “Big Five” Hotspots

  • Masai Mara: Best for Big Cats (Lion, Leopard, Cheetah) and the Great Migration.
  • Amboseli: Famous for massive Elephants and views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
  • Ol Pejeta: The top destination for Rhinos (Black and White).

🌵 The “Samburu Special Five”

In Northern Kenya, you’ll find rare species unique to the arid landscape:

  • Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and Gerenuk.

💧 Lakes & Landscapes

  • Lake Nakuru: Iconic for Flamingos and leopards in fever trees.
  • Lake Naivasha: Boat safaris with Hippos and walking among giraffes on Crescent Island.

🕵️ Unique Encounters

  • Nairobi National Park: Wild lions and rhinos against a city skyline.
  • Tsavo: Home to the famous “Red Elephants” and underwater hippo viewing.
  • Laikipia: One of the few places to spot the rare African Wild Dog or the elusive Black Panther.

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:

  • Mid-July to August (Peak Drama): This is the best time to witness the iconic river crossings. The herds arrive from Tanzania, facing massive Nile crocodiles and high currents to reach the green grass of the Mara.
  • September (The “Big Green”): The herds are usually fully settled in the Masai Mara. You’ll see endless “black seas” of wildebeest across the plains. This is prime time for predator action (lions and cheetahs).

••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.

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.”

 

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.

  • Stay inside: Never exit the vehicle unless your guide explicitly says it is a designated safe spot.
  • Quiet, please: Keep voices low near animals. Loud noises can cause predators to abandon a hunt or become aggressive.
  • No flash: Flash photography is strictly prohibited as it blinds and confuses the animals.

Other Important Information:

  • 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.

The Application Process

  • 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.

What you’ll need ready:

  1. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.

  2. Photo: A recent passport-style digital photo or a clear selfie.

  3. Travel Details: Your flight itinerary and proof of accommodation (hotel bookings).

  4. Contact Info: Your home address and phone number.

Yes, English is very widely spoken in Kenya. It is one of the two official languages (alongside Swahili)

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.

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?

  • Checked Bag: Approx. 60cm x 45cm x 33cm (24″ x 18″ x 13″).
  • Hand Luggage: Small backpacks/handbags only (max 5kg of your 15kg total).
  • What if I have excess luggage?

    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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