Face to face with the world’s most majestic wildlife
On a Safari, you will find some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife. We will give you a unique opportunity to see and experience this rich abundance of wildlife up close and in person, in stunning natural scenery that will surpass your wildest dreams. Here, you will feel the essence of Out of Africa. Safari literally means journey, but by modern standards, a safari involves a visit by jeep to one or several wildlife (national) parks or sanctuaries. Depending on the selected itinerary, a safari usually takes between three and ten days. Based on the available time, the composition of the tour group, and the available budget, an itinerary will be prepared, tailored to your requirements. You can travel privately or in a (small) group, depending on your package.
The safari guides
Your safari guides will make sure that your trip will be an unforgettable experience. Without exception, they are experienced, safe drivers who have the skills necessary to conquer the sometimes bumpy roads of your destination. Once you hit the road, you will be amazed at their powers of perception. At times, they seem to have 360-degree vision, and at a distance where ordinary people can make out nothing but a dot, they can identify an animal. We choose partners who invest a lot of time and energy in their annual training and refresher courses. They can tell you myriads of fun and interesting facts about the flora and fauna as well as about the local culture, customs, and traditions. Even though most of the guides will be natives, they are proficient in English and have excellent social skills. They will enrich your safari with their in-depth expertise, their jokes, and their good cheer whenever that is called for, and respect your privacy where appropriate.
Safari jeeps
Rugged four-wheel drive safari jeeps are almost invariably Toyota Land Cruisers, converted into safari vehicles by a specialized coachworks company. In East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda) this means that some of them are stretched to seat 9 instead of 5, the top of the windows is raised for a better panoramic view, and the roof is replaced by a large pop-up roof to allow you to stand up straight to film or take pictures.
In Southern Africa the open 4x4 safari vehicles are most common: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and Malawi. The safari vehicles are most often Toyota Land Cruisers and carry 6 to 8 guests. They have open side and offer face to face encounters with nature. In rainy seasons or winter, the guide might decide to put on a canvas roof with side windows. Very often there is space for a tracker who sits on the bonnet reading animal tracks whist the guide drives and ensure your safety. These are the common vehicle type an private lodges and camps throughout Southern Africa. Safari Njema! (Have a pleasant journey!)
Accommodations on your safari
In our view, the accommodations on safari should be at least as enjoyable as the safari itself. Where overnight accommodations are concerned, you can choose from several options. The so-called tented camps consist of luxurious and elegantly decorated lodges. Other than the heavy-duty canvas canopy, these stylish glamping cabins have very little in common with an ordinary tent. They offer the luxury and all the amenities you need, including excellent private bathroom facilities. The biggest attraction, though, is the incomparable, traditional safari atmosphere. And those of you who want to take comfort to the extreme can decide to stay in a luxury hotel.
A typical day on safari
- 05h30 Wakeup call at the room
- 06h00 Light breakfast in the main area
- 06h30 Depart for your morning activity: game drive, nature walk, mokoro
- 10h30 Return from morning activity
- 11h00 Brunch Afternoon at leisure – possible activities: Swimming pool, curio shop, spa
- 15h30 Afternoon Tea
- 16h00 Depart on afternoon game drive
- 19h30 Return from game drive
- 20h00 Dinner under the stars (weather permitting)
- After dinner: optional night drive at certain destinations.
Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.
Entry Requirements
You can apply for a visa online via http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html. The visa cost US$50. If you travel further to Uganda and/or Rwanda, you can also apply for a East African Visa, which is valid in all of these three countries. This visa cost US$100 and you have to apply for this visa online as well. You have to apply at the embassy of the country where you first arrive. You will receive the necessary Invatition Letter from us when you've booked a group tour. Please note that when you travel from Kenya into Tanzania and after Tanzania into Rwanda, the East African Visa is not valid anymore!
Please note that Kenya as of now has banned all use of disposable plastic bags, so we recommend to make sure you do not have any plastic bags in your luggage or with you when you enter Kenya to avoid any inconvenience or fines.
Banking and Currency
Currency
The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh). 1 Kenyan Shilling = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at the major banks, bureaux de change or authorised hotels. The banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport have 24-hour exchange services. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent must be declared.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Friday 09h00-16h00, Saturday 09h00-12h00. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas typically open and close half an hour earlier.
Credits Cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and more upmarket establishments, with the most recognized being Master Card and Visa. American Express and Diners Club cards are occasionally accepted. However, you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.
Almost every bank now has an ATM, and they are increasingly being installed at petrol stations in cities and large towns.
Travellers cheques are no longer accepted in Kenya.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport (www.kaa.go.ke). Kenya has over 150 domestic airports and airstrips and there are daily flights to the most popular destinations. In addition to the scheduled airlines, several private charter companies operate out of Wilson Airport.
Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com), Air Kenya (www.airkenya.com), Fly 540 (www.fly540.com), Mombasa Air Safari (www.mombasaairsafari.com) and Safarilink (www.flysafarilink.com) serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others such as Lake Victoria.
On smaller, domestic planes the baggage allowance is restricted to 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). Arrangements can be made to leave excess luggage with hotels or airlines.
Main roads between the major cities and towns are generally in good condition, and easily navigable in a normal saloon car. Most highways in the south are paved, but that’s not the case in the north.Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road.
While major roads are generally in a good condition, most minor gravel roads have deep potholes which deteriorate further in the rainy season. Dirt roads, including those in the parks and reserves, are extremely rough, and some are only passable with a 4-wheel drive.
You can hire self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars from travel agents and international hire companies. Drivers must be at least 23 years of age. Budget (www.budget.com) and Europcar (www.europcar.com) have outlets at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Budget also has a desk at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, while Europcar has an office in town. Car hire can be expensive and rates vary significantly.
A driving licence from a home country (and a translation if this is not in English) or an International Driving Permit is required. Third-party insurance is mandatory when hiring a car and it’s recommended to take out the additional collision damage waiver. A valid credit card is also needed.
Matatus (shared minibus taxis) hop from town to town, starting and finishing at bus stations. Fares are paid to the conductor. Private taxis can also be hired for long-distance journeys.
It is not possible to rent motorbikes or mopeds but some of the beach resorts hire out bicycles.
Numerous private bus companies operate in Kenya. Most vehicles are old and tend to depart when full, which means there are no set timetables. Petty theft on the vehicles and at bus stations can be a problem. Nevertheless, buses are cheap and link all long-distance destinations. Plus, seatbelts are now mandatory, so buses are relatively safe.
Nairobi and Mombasa have efficient local bus systems and there are also frequent matatus, but reckless driving and petty theft makes them a dodgy option for tourists. Three-wheeled auto rickshaws are popular in town centres and carry up to three passengers.
The newer fleets of taxis (usually painted white with a yellow band) are reliable and have meters. The older yellow taxis do not have meters, so fares should be agreed in advance. In Nairobi, there is a fleet of London-style black cabs. A 10% tip is expected. Cabs cannot be hailed in the street, but can be found parked in taxi ranks.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Bottled water is advisable for the first few weeks of your stay. When buying bottled water, check the seal of the bottle is intact. Never drink tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected (such as with iodine tablets). Never drink from streams, rivers and lakes. It’s also best to avoid drinking from pumps and wells – some do bring pure water to the surface, but the presence of animals can still contaminate supplies. Avoid ice and washed salads and fruit except in upmarket hotels and restaurants. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all times.
Nairobi has some of the finest eating establishments in Africa. Many different cuisines and types of restaurants are available, from fast food to fancy. Many five-star hotels have excellent restaurants. Restaurants are called "hotels" and there are many in Nairobi. The local cuisine is also worth trying out, particullarly Pilau-a chicken and rice dish, cabbage and rice; and the staple food in Kenya-Ugali, made from maze flour.
Many restaurants can be found downtown and in the areas of Westlands and Hurlingham but these areas are filled with tourists and places like Ayani, Olympic, Kibera, and other places have more authentic food. Among the many cuisines available are Indian, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, German and French restaurants. Fast food restaurants, mostly by South African chains (Steers, Nandos), are common in the larger urban areas.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 680 mm
Average temperature: 25°C - 29°C
Summer: December-March
Average in highs: 26°C
Average in lows: 16°C
Winter: July-October
Average in highs: 21°C
Average in lows: 12°C
* Kenya, due to its equatorial location, does not experience traditional summer and winter seasons. Instead, it has periods that are cooler and drier. The climate is generally characterized by wet and dry seasons.
Best time to visit: Visiting between June and September, during the long dry season, will allow you to experience a milder climate and witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The short dry season, from January to March, provides excellent opportunities for beach visits and outdoor activities. During the rainy seasons, you’ll find fewer tourists and stunning, lush landscapes. The long rainy season runs from March to May, and the short rainy season runs from October to December.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight is the best bet while on safari. It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you'll want to dress warmly in layers, until the sun has a chance to warm up the air. "Kenya Convertibles", khaki pants with zip-off legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you're back in camp. Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. A cotton bush jacket or wind-breaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for the cool nights. And, a hat that ties on is a must. There is not a good deal of long walking or hiking on most safaris, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate. You will need thorn-proof soles.
In Kenya's major cities the dress code is conservative but not overly formal – jeans and decent tops for women are fine. Swimsuits are acceptable on the beach but you’ll need to cover up in public places.
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes, in cities.
Electricity and Plug Standards
Electric Power is 220V - 240V running at 50Hz. The Plug type used in Kenya is the 3 large flat prong (UK). If your appliances are compatible with 220V-240V electrical output, an adapter is all that you will need, if not a voltage converter will be necessary.
General Guidance
It is always African Travels aim to:
- Supply all non-‐alcoholic beverages inclusive in your tour price (soft drink, water or juices) during periods outside of your hotel stay.
- Wherever possible make all hotel/lodge bookings inclusive of meals and included in your tour price. Also referred to as Full Board. It will be noted on your itinerary where this is included or not.
- We will supply inclusive of tour price any lunches (usually packed/picnic style) on activities outside your hotel/lodge that are not supplied in the activity you are doing.
What you should allow for is:
- Purchases of any snack food -‐ $5 a day.
- Hotel/lodge alcoholic beverages – see your lodgings beverage menu list.
- Room service surcharges – see your lodgings compendium or information desk.
- Laundry costs -‐ $1-‐$3 USD per item is a guide.
CARRYING & STORING CASH
It’s a good idea to carry both USD’s and KES’s (or other local currency) on your travels. A good guide is USD$50 per day. Most travellers find it prudent to keep cash on them (neck and waste belts are great). At the least keep your luggage/back packs locked if keeping valuables in them.
If using hotel safes ensure they are bolted in and don’t share the code or key with anyone. If the safe is not bolted most hotels will allow you to use their safes. Take a photo or sign an agreed register for valuables kept at hotel receptions.
If you are heading away from major towns for more than a day talk to your guide about how much currency you should carry or about availability of International ATM’s. International ATM’s are available in major towns and cities.
TIPPING
Tipping is a part of Kenyan culture & surrounding countries. Bear in mind that most people are on very low wages, but the Kenyan are not demanding or rude about tipping and have no expectation other than tipping what you feel is appropriate and within your means. Quite often if you ask or seek guidance on how much to tip you will get the answer “Whatever you feel is right”. The below guide will help.
Tipping can be done in USD or KES, however if in USD please ensure the notes are in excellent condition and post 2009. Kenyans can find it difficult to exchange USD’s outside of these parameters.
Also note that for more regional or rural trips tipping it’s preferred in KES as money exchanges may not be nearby. So it’s best to carry a bit of USD and KES’s. That leaves a lot of leeway, anything from $0 to large amounts and can at times be confusing especially for visitors from non-‐tipping nations.
Therefore to help assist our visitors below is a guide, but please bear in mind that you are entitled to tip however little or much you desire or budget for.
Activity
Safari Guide/Gorilla trekking guides/Monkey guides/Porters: (Normally given at the end of the tour)
- 1 traveller: $15 to $30 per person per day
- 2 travellers $12 to $22 per person per day
- 3 travellers $11 to $18 per person per day
- 4 travellers $10 to $16 per person per day
- 5 travellers $9 to $14 per person per day
- 6 travellers $8 to $12 per person per day
Cook on camping safari
Some people feel that it is appropriate to tip a camping cook a little less than the safari guide and some may prefer to tip roughly the same.
Service Tips at lodges
Best to put in a central tip box. That way unseen staff get a share. $2-‐$5 a day
