Before your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend visiting the U.S. Department of State website http://www.travel.state.gov/, specifically the section that addresses International Travel. It would help if you read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries you plan to visit.

 

You must adhere to your guide's instructions to ensure the group's safety while on safari. Your driver/guide will review "safari etiquette" before the first safari, including off-road driving, risks, and animal interaction.

 

The "Big 5" and other wildlife featured in the schedule are based on ideal conditions, but sightings are not guaranteed. Your tour guide will inform you about local safety and environmental precautions to ensure your safety and the preservation of the animals while you are on the excursion.

 

Regular safety measures include staying close to your driver/guide and vehicle, avoiding tall grass, and making as little noise as possible to avoid drawing attention. 

 

Avoid littering, feeding animals, and leaving food waste behind in parks because doing so can disrupt their natural diets and cause them to become reliant on humans. Additionally, kindly refrain from buying, gathering, or removing any rocks, seeds, plants, or nests.

 

Most roads leading to the game viewing locations are unpaved so they will be bumpy and dusty. Large pop-up rooftops or open sides are standard on safari vehicles, making observing wildlife from all directions simple.

 

There is no air conditioning in safari vehicles, which is ideal for game drives. You have an allocation of bottled water to drink during the game drive. Seatbelts are a requirement on public highways and are installed in vehicles.

 

Although safari vehicles generally move slowly, drivers warn passengers of bumps or potholes, and many passengers may decide not to buckle up; it is nevertheless highly advised to do so. When the car is moving, everyone inside should stay seated. 

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WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TRAVEL.

 

Your travel Manager usually handles most of your planning and preparation bit. Still, you are advised to know that you must address a few peculiar things to ensure your comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Please read through to identify the completeness of your checklist to avoid hiccups in your trip.

Find out the countries you are traveling to if they require a Visa; if so, do you have it ready? Also, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond travel dates. 

Make your passport applications at regional Passport Agencies and U.S. Post Offices. U.S. passport should be valid for at least six months beyond travel dates.

 

Please click here for assistance applying for a U.S. Passport and relevant processing services.

Most visas are best obtained before traveling to your destination. Therefore, you should make prior arrangements with the appropriate foreign consular representative to allow enough time between processing and the travel date.

 

There is, however, a fee-based service such as GEN VISA, which may help you obtain a visa should you wish to avoid the hustle of learning the curve. (NB: GEN VISA cannot assist travelers who have made their direct application for a Visa.)

 

Please find the details for the various countries based on the U.S. State Department information.

This information, however, is subject to change without notice.

 

Therefore, please check with the consular office of the countries you plan to visit and click here for updates.

U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents may opt to join the TSA PreCheck Program.

 

The initial enrollment fee is $85, and the renewal fee is $70.

TSA PreCheck Program offers a lot more convenience to travelers by saving time and avoiding lines when going through security at U.S. airports.

 

In addition, you will not be required to remove certain items from your luggage or personal, such as shoes, belts, laptops, and liquids.

Membership is valid for five years. For more information and to apply, please click here.

 

If you are a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, and travel abroad often, the CBP Global Entry Program may be an option for you to join. Membership is valid for five years; enrollment and renewal fees are $100.

 

It overrides the benefits of access to TSA PreCheck lines, where program members will additionally access the Global Entry kiosks.

This will, to a large extent, save time and avoid lines when returning to the U.S.

 

For more information and to apply, please click here.

 

Some itineraries might involve entering a country, leaving, and then later re-entering the same country. In such a case, you will require a double-entry or multiple-entry visa.

When contacting a foreign consular representative, describe your itinerary clearly.

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NON - U.S. CITIZENS.

 

All non-U.S. citizens are advised to check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.

 

The type of visa needed depends on the itinerary. Travelers to Kenya must provide a reference for their visa, including name, address, and phone number. To apply for a visa, click here and follow the instructions.

 

For more information, click here.

 

There are two types of visas, single entry and East Africa Tourist Visa. Please find your tour below to ensure you purchase the correct one.

 

The eVisa costs $51 and must be obtained in advance. You will await approval via email (approx. two days), then download and print the eVisa to be presented upon entry to Kenya. The eVisa is valid for three months before travel.

 

Applicable on the following tours: 7 Day Classic Kenya, 10 Day Classic Kenya & Tanzania, 11 Day Kenya Safari Exploration, 16 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Zanzibar.

 

The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $101 and must be obtained in advance. This will allow travelers to enter Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda multiple times.

 

You will await approval via email (approx. two days), then download and print the eVisa to be presented upon entry to Kenya. The eVisa is valid for three months before travel.

 

Please note: The East Africa Tourist Visa can be used as a multi-entry visa for Kenya.

 

Kenya Airways, Kenya's flagship carrier, announced direct flights from the USA to Kenya beginning in October 2018.

However, several airlines offer itineraries to Kenya, and their bookings are all available online for your convenience. We have shared the most commonly used carriers with you, but this is not to limit you. Your discretion is allowed.

 

 You may not necessarily call your airline to reconfirm your Flight, but we recommend you check your airline's website 24 hours before your flight to ensure that your flights remain on schedule and that flight times are unchanged.

 

Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26 "+26 "+10" = 62") and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg).

 

Lost luggage and missed connections are more frequent than ever. We urge you to pack the items you would be without if your checked bags were lost in your carry-on bag.

 

Prescription medications, eyeglasses, a change of clothes, a mobile phone and charger, valuables (including jewelry and cash), a passport, keys, insurance cards, and local contact information are a few things to remember.

 

Additionally, we advise you to pack a change of clothing in your carry-on suitcase if your luggage is delayed or misplaced.

 

Please pack your items in a soft-sided duffel bag and pack lightly due to the constrained space in safari vehicles. Using conventional luggage with rigid frames or hard plastic panels is not recommended.

 

Please be aware that there is an environmental prohibition on single-use plastic bags.

 

There is a 50 lb (23kg). There is a weight limit per piece of luggage on flights between Kenya, mainland Tanzania, and Zanzibar, and each passenger is only allowed one piece of checked baggage.

 

There is a 33 lb. per person limit on luggage weight for domestic flights in Uganda, including hand luggage.

 

When planning your vacation, keep in mind that these regulations differ from those for foreign flights when it comes to luggage restrictions.

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Arrive On Time.  

Due to additional security checks, you should plan to check in at least three hours before the scheduled departure time for international flights and two hours before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights.

 

Many airlines don't let passengers check in any later than one hour before the departure time. You are responsible for being on time for all flights that are planned.

All flights into the United States now have enhanced security measures in place, including passenger screening, dog inspections, and inspections of passengers' electronic devices. As a result, security checks may take longer than usual.

 

They are connecting Passengers. Connecting passengers from other U.S. locations should check their bags at their final destination. Some airlines do not permit the "interlining" of checked bags; each destination flight's luggage is checked separately.

 

Returning travelers to the USA might need to pick up their luggage at the first airport of entry and recheck it for their subsequent flights.

 

Please finish all immigration procedures upon arrival and retrieve your bags. Check your voucher for detailed instructions if your program involves airport arrival shuttles, as they differ depending on the destination.

 

A local representative with a company sign and a sign with your name on it will meet you once you pick up your bags or leave Customs. 

We kindly suggest that you give our representative 30 minutes extra time from the time of your booked transfer due to local traffic and other unavoidable situations.

Transfers to and from the airport are included.

 

It would help if you didn't worry about being late for your tour because such potential delays are considered when booking transfers.

 

If you are waiting for a transfer from a hotel, let the concierge or reception desk know. If a transfer is missed, you may be reimbursed for your out-of-pocket charges if you provide a documented statement from the hotel's front desk attesting to your wait time, departure time, and a receipt for your transportation with a time and date.

 

The number of participants on your trip may change as we accommodate visitors at various points along the schedule. Some participants will leave Nairobi after the tour in Kenya, while others will travel to Tanzania to extend their vacation.

 

Each hotel is chosen carefully, considering its overall quality, location, cost, food, service, and cleanliness. Standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private bathrooms are available in every room.

 

Special requests, such as preferred smoking areas, connecting rooms, and particular types of beds, are subject to availability. Unless otherwise specified, choosing a room is always entirely up to the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. 

Some camps and lodges rely on generators to supply electricity, which may not always be available.

 

Travelers using power-dependent devices must inform the travel manager in advance so that arrangements can be made to keep them plugged in through the night.

Hotel check-in times are typically after 4:00 p.m., and check-out times are before midday. Hotels will generally let you store your stuff in their luggage room if you arrive early or leave late.

 

If the hotel can check you in earlier or let you stay later, inquire at the front desk.

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Gratuities.

Tipping is always an individual decision. 

 

Where applicable, gratuities may be paid in the equivalent of U.S. dollars or local currency. 

 

Please be advised that many locals view tips as a part of their standard pay, and some may approach you asking for further "compensation." You shouldn't feel frightened by the request or compelled to pay more than is suggested. 

 

Please inform your tour manager or contact our office if any behavior makes you uncomfortable. For your convenience, numbers are provided in your documents.

 

Please refer to the summary below for a suggested tipping scale.

 

Safari Driver/Guide: U.S. $10 per person per day

Hotel porters and wait staff: Included

 

Kenya - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists and on safaris. Hotels and restaurants frequented mainly by tourists often add a gratuity to your bill; additional tipping is at your discretion.

 

Tanzania - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places catering to tourists and safaris.

 

There is a required seat rotation policy on our Customized Tour Vehicles, which your Tour Manager will coordinate to ensure that travelers on tour-guided safaris have a positive and equitable experience.

 

During the tour-guided safaris, the guides may market optional tours to visitors who haven't already made a reservation for them. Unless otherwise specified, payment may be made in cash or by credit card.

 

This does not cover Independent packages. 

 

The schedule might suggest things to do in your free time, but this is not a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular vendor. 

Participation in such activities should only be decided upon voluntarily and carefully. 

 

Any activities not explicitly mentioned in your program are not the responsibility of the travel manager. 

 

When choosing specific activities involving physical exertion, coordination, or strength, caution should be used. More caution should be exercised when considering animal rides, such as those on camels, mules, or horses.

Before you leave your country, we advise that you get a small quantity of currency for the first country you'll be visiting. A smart strategy is to avoid carrying too much cash.

ATMs accept most ATM cards in many countries but only in the local currency.

Even while credit cards are generally accepted, having local cash on hand is still a good idea. Let your credit card issuer know you will be traveling to prevent your card from being stopped for security concerns.

Most tourists like to bring back at least one souvenir from their travels. However, some people consider shopping excessive, and others never seem to have enough possibilities.

 

Our itinerary has included a few shopping points at suggested locations. These stops are intended to improve your experience by allowing you to buy high-quality, locally-made goods that you might not be able to locate alone. We restrict our guides from visiting other shops as we verify shops to ensure the caliber and authenticity of the goods they sell.

 

Sometimes, we schedule these stops to allow you to use hygienic restrooms and stretch your legs. 

 

All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult your healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), and the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations.

You can take several easy steps to stay healthy while traveling, which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.

 

Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables, and fruits unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.

 

Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.

 

If you are allergic to foods, medications, or insect bites or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and a physician's note detailing required treatment should you become ill.

 

Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.

 

Pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for active and warm destinations).

 

You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with band-aids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine.

 

This is in addition to any prescription medications, which should be adequate for the entire trip.

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You should see your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip. Malaria is present throughout Kenya. The CDC recommends that malaria prophylaxis and preventative measures be taken when traveling in Kenya.

 

Travelers are encouraged to wear insect repellent and clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. Passengers traveling to Kenya must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination if traveling through or from a country with a risk of yellow fever.

 

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food, water precautions, and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) website is also helpful and provides information on outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad.

 

Kenya has 54 National parks, enabling Kenya to be referred to as the "home of the safari." Visitors and tourists experience the best Kenyan safaris in these parks.

These National Parks and reserves are major tourist attractions and have national parks spreading over various parts of the country.

The pristine and vast scenic landscapes, plus the many wildlife and bird life, are the prime reasons for making Kenya famous. With over 1,000 bird species, both native and migratory, combined with the Big Five (Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard), the endangered species, and the marine life, you are assured of the experience of your life.

 

A visit to a Kenyan jungle enables you to see all the prominent five members within as short as a 3-day Kenya wildlife safari package. 

Kenya is also known for its picturesque and pristine award-winning beaches, with a coastline measuring 300 miles, translating into a lot of varied marine life exposure during your visit. 

 

One of these is the award-winning Diani Beach, which has been voted Africa's leading beach destination for the sixth time in a row by the World Travel Awards.

On a beach holiday in Kenya, you will see the Whale shark, the Octopus, Stingrays, and over 1000 species of Fish.

Kenya has over 54 National parks and Reserves and the award-winning Diani Beach.

The most popular destination in Kenya among the 54 National Parks and reserves is the award-winning Maasai Mara National Park, one of the best places to go on Kenya's wildlife safari.

 

You will experience the great wildebeest migration, which was named the 8th wonder of the world in 2007, the Big Five, Hot air balloon safaris, and game drives, among other activities like interacting and learning the culture of the Masai tribe.

January, February, and July to October are the best times to travel to Kenya for wildlife safari. These seasons are dry – hot and cool, respectively.

 

This draws animals to water points and offers conducive road conditions to navigate the weather roads to and inside the parks.

November, December, and April to June are the short and long rainy months.

 

However, the Mara is excellent for animal viewing all year round. Masai Mara comprises the National Reserve and the greater conservancies.

During the low season, we recommend booking a 5 to 6-day Masai Mara safari that takes you to Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara.

 

This way, you have a good chance of seeing most Kenyan animals, including the big five and the big cats.

 

 

City		Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Nairobi, Kenya	Low	63	64	66	68	66	63	63	63	64	66	66	63
	High	77	78	77	75	73	73	72	72	74	78	76	80
Samburu, Kenya	Low	75	75	73	75	73	73	70	70	73	73	75	80
	High	88	88	87	85	82	82	80	84	84	85	85	90
Masai Mara, Kenya	Low	63	64	66	68	66	63	63	63	64	66	66	63
	High	81	81	81	80	80	78	77	77	78	80	81	81

 

The weather in Kenya varies according to geographical area. Generally, the weather is warm, with cooler weather in the early morning and evenings.

The hottest is from February to March, and the coolest is from July to August.

 

The rainy season is from April to June, and short rains occur from October to December.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket.

 

Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. A bandanna or light scarf is recommended as protection against dust and dirt on game drives.

Pack a DEET-based repellant to prevent mosquito bites.

 

On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors like brown, khaki, and beige.

 

In some areas, mainly along the coast, wearing shorts or short-sleeved shirts is inappropriate.

 

To blend and be immersed with the visited environment, choices for neutral colors, particularly khaki or tan, are advised during your safari.

 

Your dressing mode also significantly impacts optimizing your game-viewing experience and should not distract or scare away the animals.

 

We invite you to contact us to book your wildlife Safari in Kenya or a combination of the best of Kenya's wildlife safari packages and beach holidays.

 

Mobile networks differ from country to country.

 

We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. You may want to consider purchasing an international plan to avoid roaming charges.

 

With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home.

 

If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype.

 

When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a "+254" sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number.

Wi-Fi is available in most airports, hotels, on some flights, trains, and buses.

 

There may be an access fee, and service quality and speed may vary significantly, especially while on moving vehicles.

 

NB: Wi-Fi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries.

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