Frequently Asked Questions

Kenya is a year-round safari destination, but the best time depends on what you want to see. July to October is the peak season — dry weather, excellent wildlife viewing, and the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. January to March is warm and dry with fewer tourists and lower prices. The short rains (November) and long rains (April-May) bring lush landscapes and newborn animals, though some roads may be challenging. Amboseli is spectacular from June to October when Kilimanjaro views are clearest.

Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter Kenya, which replaced the previous eVisa system in January 2024. You can apply online at etakenya.go.ke. The process takes 3-7 days and costs approximately $30. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Some nationalities (e.g., certain East African and Commonwealth citizens) may be exempt. We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your trip.

Essential items include: neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige — avoid bright colours and white), layered clothing for cool mornings and warm afternoons, a warm fleece or jacket for early game drives, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, binoculars, a good camera with a zoom lens, and any personal medications. Most lodges and camps offer laundry services, so you can pack lighter than you think.

Most international visitors fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. From Nairobi, you can reach safari destinations by domestic flights (45 minutes to the Masai Mara via Wilson Airport), road transfers (4-6 hours to the Mara by road), or the SGR train to Mombasa for coastal trips. We arrange all internal transfers as part of your safari package — including airport pickups, domestic flights, and game-drive vehicles.

Kenya is one of Africa's most popular and well-established safari destinations, welcoming over 2 million tourists annually. Safari areas — the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo, Laikipia — are very safe and well-managed. Standard travel precautions apply in Nairobi and Mombasa (as in any large city). Our verified operators handle all logistics, transfers, and security considerations. We do not send travellers to any areas with active travel advisories.

Game drives are the heart of a Kenya safari. You will set out in a 4x4 safari vehicle (usually a Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography) with an experienced driver-guide who knows the local wildlife intimately. Morning drives typically depart at 6:00-6:30am (the best time for predator activity) and return to camp for brunch. Afternoon drives go out around 3:30-4:00pm and return at sunset. Each drive lasts 3-4 hours. Full-day drives with picnic lunches are available in most parks.

Kenya is one of the best countries in Africa for Big Five sightings (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino). The Masai Mara is exceptional for lions and leopards. Amboseli is famous for elephants with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Lake Nakuru and Ol Pejeta Conservancy are strongholds for rhino (both black and white). Buffalo are common across most parks. With a well-planned itinerary covering 2-3 parks over 5-7 days, seeing all five is very achievable.

The Great Migration — the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras — arrives in Kenya's Masai Mara from approximately July to October. The dramatic Mara River crossings typically happen between late July and September, though the exact timing varies each year depending on rainfall. The herds move south back into Tanzania's Serengeti around November. For the best chance of witnessing river crossings, we recommend visiting in August or September.

Bring a zoom lens of at least 200mm (a 100-400mm is ideal for wildlife). Use burst mode for action shots like river crossings and predator hunts. Shoot during golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) for the best light. A beanbag or window mount gives you stability in the vehicle — tripods are impractical in safari vehicles. Keep your camera accessible at all times — the best sightings often happen without warning. Charge all batteries overnight and bring extra memory cards.

Night drives are not permitted inside Kenya's national parks (Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli, etc.) as park gates close at 6:30pm. However, private conservancies — such as the Mara conservancies (Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, Mara North), Laikipia ranches, and Ol Pejeta — offer excellent night drives where you can spot nocturnal species like aardvark, honey badger, bushbaby, genet, and leopard on the hunt. We highly recommend including at least one conservancy stay in your itinerary.

Kenya safari costs vary widely depending on accommodation level, season, and duration. Budget safaris (camping and basic lodges) start from $150-250 per person per day. Mid-range safaris (comfortable lodges and tented camps) run $300-500 per day. Luxury safaris (premium camps and conservancy lodges) range from $500-1,500+ per day. A typical 7-day mid-range safari covering the Masai Mara and Amboseli costs approximately $2,500-4,000 per person sharing. All our quotes include transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Our safari packages typically include: airport transfers, all ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle, an English-speaking driver-guide, all accommodation, all meals (full board), park entry and conservancy fees, game drives as per the itinerary, drinking water during drives, and 24/7 support. Not typically included: international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, tips, personal shopping, and optional activities (balloon safaris, walking safaris, cultural visits) unless specified.

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated. Recommended guidelines per person per day: driver-guide $15-20, camp/lodge staff $10-15 (placed in a communal tip box), tracker/walking guide $10-15, and optional tips for outstanding service from individual staff. For a 7-day safari, budget approximately $150-250 per person in tips. Tips can be given in USD, Kenya Shillings, or a combination. We provide detailed tipping guidance before your trip.

The Masai Mara offers the most diverse wildlife viewing in Kenya — lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, the Great Migration (Jul-Oct), and vast open savanna landscapes. It is ideal for first-time safari-goers. Amboseli is smaller and more intimate, famous for its large elephant herds set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is drier and less vegetated, making wildlife easier to spot but with fewer species overall. Most 5-7 day itineraries include both parks, as they complement each other beautifully.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) park fees for non-residents: Masai Mara National Reserve $80/day (adults), Amboseli National Park $60/day, Tsavo East/West $52/day, Lake Nakuru $60/day, Samburu/Buffalo Springs $70/day. Children (3-17) typically pay about half the adult rate. Private conservancy fees range from $80-150/day and are usually included in your camp rate. All park fees are included in our safari packages — you will never be asked to pay them separately at the gate.

Cancellation policies vary by operator, but typical terms are: 60+ days before departure — full refund minus a small administrative fee; 30-59 days — 50% refund; under 30 days — no refund (unless covered by travel insurance). Peak season (July-October) bookings may have stricter terms. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and emergency evacuation. In case of force majeure, rescheduling is offered at no additional cost.