What are accommodations like?
Safety is the number one priority. All accommodations are “affordable luxury” in conventional hotel rooms or luxury tents with an African twist. All rooms have running water, electricity and bathrooms. What sets them apart on safari is the view and noises from outside! Your safari will include at last one stay in a tented camp.
The local electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. Most hotels offer hair dryers and irons on request.
All our vehicles are 4 x 4 wheel drive with open roofs designed to sustain the tough terrain. The roads are not always smooth! Bumpy rides will be a part of your adventure.
Cash or Credit?
Visa and MasterCard are accepted in many locations. We recommend you travel with mostly cash. Cash should be crisp new $100 bills, issued after 2006. Negotiating with locals during shopping trips requires cash! You will have easy access to convert US$ to Kenyan Shillings at all times. Be sure to inform your credit card company that you will be traveling to Kenya so they do not hold authorizations. Also ensure the 3 digit security code is legible.
Is there a tipping requirement?
Wages are very low in Kenya and the high cost of basic consumables creates an incredible number of people with jobs living in poverty and most workers depend on your tips for their livelihood. For porters $2 is reasonable. If you are at a buffet , each person in your group can leave a tip of $1-$2 on the table for your waitstaff. Your driver/guide is your main service point. A reasonable tip is $15-20$ per person per day if you feel they have earned it by sharing their knowledge, finding the animals, driving safely etc. Remember just you being here is bringing economy to our country and is helping sustain the lives of many.
What’s the food like?
On safari, traditional European / North American buffets are the mainstay. In Mombasa, fresh seafood abounds and we will also take you for a meal to our favourite restaurant! Vegetarians and anyone with special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Local food is readily available for you to experience at the buffets.
Drink bottled water only- No compromises here!
What type of vehicles do we travel in?
Traveling to Kenya
Kenya is a peaceful, democratic multi party country. Due to the high unemployment rate, the crime rate in Nairobi is still high. All your hotels and routes have been hand picked to ensure your safety and comfort. Some basic precautions are always necessary much like anywhere else in the world. It is probably best to leave your sentimental jewelry items at home. Running with iPods is not advised. Walking at night is not recommended and your itinerary will be planned with safety as the highest priority. The new constitution and last elections has really given the country some hope.
We will do all the reservations for you and take care of all your domestic transportation. We would love to talk with you about all the options available.
Flight Plans
All flights stop in Europe depending on the airline.
- From North America – East Coast to Europe: 7-8 hrs
- From North America – West Coast to Europe: 12-13 hrs
- From Europe to Nairobi: 8-9 hrs
There is usually a layover of 5-8 hours in Europe. We will go over all the different options with you before you book.
Recommendation: most travelers fly through Amsterdam. We recommend KLM because of the affiliation with Kenya Airways, making the domestic transfers and check in process much easier when outbound from Kenya. We also recommend spending a few days in Amsterdam or another European destination on the way back to North America in order to break your journey a little.
A visa to enter Kenya is required and it can be obtained upon arrival or in advance through the respective embassy offices. We recommend you get these in advance to save huge line ups and hassle upon arrival in Kenya. Google search your local Kenyan embassy or High Commission office for more information.
What is involved in a game drive?
Photography
On safari, it’s up to the mood of the animals as to how close we get! Film and batteries are usually available along major roads, but it is wise to bring your own. A lens hood, ultra violet filter and a dust cover are also advisable. A digital camera minimum 10x optical zoom, and 3.2 megapixels. Some pictures on this website were taken with a canon digital elf, 2 megapixels, 3x optical zoom so it really depends on affordability and your picture taking goals!
Note: Some Rural people will often shy away from having their picture taken. Please be sensitive. Some locals may ask for a fee for having their photograph taken. Avoid photographing anything relating to the government or the military. No photographing at airports or around government buildings.
Will we experience African Culture?
Language
The local language is Swahili. Most people in tourist areas and hotels speak very good English. In the towns when we go shopping, Swahili (a language we are fluent in) is an asset for negotiations. Locals love to hear foreigners speaking Swahili. “Jambo” (hello) and “hakuna matata” (no problem) are some of the favourites. Kenya has lots to offer for any family. We do not recommend Safari’s for kids under the age of 7, but you can use your judgment. During game drives it is imperative to stay very quiet while viewing the game or we scare them off. Young children may become restless due to the bumpy terrain, or overly excited when they see a lion for the first time! (Who wouldn’t be excited?!!!)
Weather & Clothing
Busiest travel times in Kenya are July/Aug/Sept/Oct and December, coinciding with the school holidays. Early mornings and evenings are cool, especially at high altitudes on safari requiring a light jacket. During the day it may warm up so dress in layers. Socks and running shoes are recommended. Mombasa will be hot and humid and shorts are a necessity! The rainy season is April – June but animals can still be seen in plenty. Rainy season rates are lower due to lower traffic.
Immunizations
The government of KENYA maintains requirements for immunization against yellow fever and cholera. Please consult your family doctor for more advice. Don’t forget to bring enough prescription drugs and an extra pair of prescription eyewear. A course of the antibiotic Cipro is worth carrying with you.