We bring you all the information you need to plan your safari in Kenya. We hope the information will help you to plan your safari to Kenya, a fascinating country, often described as the “land of contrasts” and as “all of Africa in one country”.
This special and up-to-date travel advisory – complete with maps, information on parks, safaris and resorts, hotels and tour operators – everything you would ever want or need to know about Kenya as a tourist destination – offers you an opportunity to explore the country within whose borders lies a world in microcosm, containing almost every known landform, from glacial ice to arid desert, mountain massifs to rich savannahs, lakes and dense forests.
Covering some 583,000 sq. km, bisected by the equator, inhabited by 48 different ethnic groups, and populated by some of the most numerous and varied wildlife species in the world, this “land of spectacular contrast” is also the “Cradle of Mankind”. From the pre-historic splendor of the Rift Valley to the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean, from the cultural hub of Nairobi to the game parks of Tsavo and the Masai Mara, this vast country is a traveler’s haven. In Hemingway’s words, “Unknowable, unimaginable, unbelievable. And completely unforgettable.”
Kenya National Parks
How to Get Around Kenya
Getting around Kenya involves navigating a diverse landscape, from bustling cities to remote wilderness areas, each offering its own set of transportation options. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Nairobi, embarking on a safari adventure in the Maasai Mara, or venturing to the coastal paradise of Mombasa, understanding how to get around Kenya efficiently and safely is essential.
Renting a Car:
The option of private transport by renting a car in Kenya provides travellers with flexibility, independence, and the freedom to explore Kenya at their own pace. It’s a popular option for those planning to visit remote areas or national parks where public transportation may be limited.
Exploring Kenya
In western Kenya, Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, are a perfect one-day trip from Nairobi. The hundreds of thousands of flamingos are worth viewing. Lake Bogoria features hot springs, the sight of fishermen in papyrus boats and the rare Greater Kudu. Nakuru boasts the rare Rothschild Giraffe and an extraordinary rhino sanctuary. While Naivasha is best seen by boat, further west is Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile, and the Afro-Alpine flora of Mt. Elgon National Reserve, both reached through the immense pre-historic landscape of the Rift Valley.
The world-famous Maasai Mara, offers the classic Kenya Safari. From July to September, the Mara provides one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles, the annual migration of more than a million wildebeest and zebras, from the south across the Mara River into the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The reserve is home to cheetahs, lions, antelopes, hippos, and crocodiles, among others.
The snow-capped Mt. Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain, is a stunning and challenging destination for climbers and trekkers. Below the mountain’s alpine meadows roam elephants, black rhinos, cape buffalos and antelopes. The Aberdares boast high alpine moorland and primeval aloe forest. The leopard is common in this region.
In the Amboseli, ever-present is the remarkable view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The park hosts a variety of wildlife. Hemmingway wrote of it as the essence of Africa. Elephants rummage in the lower forests, leopards prowl the salt flats, and antelopes graze in the open, all against Mt. Kilimanjaro’s majestic peak – a glimpse of the classic image of Africa.
The semi-arid northern Kenya is framed by volcanic mountain ranges and dotted with unique lakes. Throughout the region, rare animals abound; the Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s Zebra, and the long-necked Gerenuk.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks, situated halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa – making it ideal for those wanting to include both safari and beach tourism on their itinerary – are model parks in the geographic, plant, and animal diversity. In the evening “Tsavo Sunsets” spans the sky filling the horizon with incredible color.
The colourful palm-fringed coral coast is a playground of holiday fun-seekers. A variety of activities make it unique. Numerous water sports are available along the entire Coast. A spectacular coral reef, running almost uninterrupted for 480 km, teems with wonders of marine life, lagoons, creeks and overwhelming birdlife in mangrove forests or on overhanging cliffs. A holiday at the coast is not complete without a visit to the national monuments and museums which house relics of swahili civilization. These attractions make the Coast more than just sun, sand and surf for those going for Kenya Safari,
Kenya is an all year destination. The International Travel Agents voted Kenya the best destination in Africa, because it has a lot to offer, making it every holiday-goer’s dream destination.
Kenya Safari Travel Tips
Before proceeding for a Safari to Kenya, it is helpful to understand precisely what to anticipate or how you ought to get ready for your adventure holiday. Below are a few a quick tips and hints and information regarding safaris, the local customs, and traveling tips for Kenya.
Photography Tips
Visa Information
Accommodations
Food or Meals
Climate
Money
Tipping and Gratuities
Photography Tips
The early morning and late afternoon as from 1600hrs is ideal for photographing wildlife. During this period the sun is not very hot and the animals are not hiding. Most of the carnivorous are out hunting. Your safari guide if not driving yourself will be of aid to position the vehicle appropriately for the best shots. Wildlife photos must be captured from the vehicle and guests are not permitted to get out of the vehicle for a closer shot. In some instances, where it is safe, you may be able to get out of the vehicle to take a picture of scenery.
Accommodations
Places to stay on safari are typically a blending of lodges, hotels, Beach resorts, villas and cottages as well as permanent or portable tented camps. The Safari Accommodations are usually located far apart, stating from the city to the bush. A majority of these magnificence camp’s and holiday lodges are often all personalized and in outstanding locations. Lodge rooms comprise complete en-suite amenities as do most permanent tented camps. Mobile camps could have either private en-suite facilities or shared bathroom and shower tents.
Food or Meals
The meals taken while on safari is enticing and can vary from simple to gourmet. You can still expect to have large amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits as well as lovely homemade soups. You can also request food depending on your diet.
Climate
Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and extremely dry in the north and northeast areas of the country. There is also plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn all year around. Nevertheless, it is normally cool during the night and also early in the morning. The long rains start from April to June and short rains from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August.
Money
The local currency in Kenya is the shilling. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels and most lodges and camps. US dollars are also accepted in major lodges and hotels. It is usually advisable to carry some cash in small denominations with you.
Tipping and Gratuities
While on a safari, it is a custom, tipping is not compulsory or mandatory, but is usually expected as a sign of appreciation of good service.
