Frequently Asked Questions

For peak migration season (July–October) and Christmas/New Year: 8–12 months ahead for the best camps.

For other times: 3–6 months ahead is usually fine.

For last-minute or off-season trips, we can sometimes put together excellent itineraries with a few weeks' notice, get in touch.

Standard process: 1. 20–30% deposit to confirm the booking (refundable up to 60 days before). 2. Balance due 45–60 days before travel. 3. We accept Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, M-Pesa (for Kenyan residents) and PayPal (4% fee).

Once confirmed, you receive: vouchers, detailed itinerary, packing list, a WhatsApp group with your guide and a 24/7 emergency contact.

Absolutely, that's how we work. Every itinerary on this site is a starting point, not a fixed package. We tailor:

• Pace (relax days, longer at favourite parks)
• Lodges (any tier and style)
• Dates and route
• Add-ons (balloon, helicopter, photography hides, beach extension)
• Special occasions (honeymoon, anniversary, birthday)

Tell us what your dream looks like and we'll build it.

Yes, Kenya is one of the most-visited safari destinations in Africa, and tourism is a major part of the economy. The areas you'll travel through on a safari (national parks, conservancies, lodges) are well-managed and very safe.

Standard travel-smart precautions apply in cities, don't walk around at night with valuables in Nairobi or Mombasa. Watch your bag in markets. Use a registered taxi or Uber rather than hailing on the street.

Your driver-guide is in radio contact with their company throughout, and lodges have 24/7 security. We've safely guided thousands of guests across the country.

Talk to a travel-medicine clinic 6–8 weeks before your trip. Common recommendations:

• Yellow fever, required if you're arriving from a yellow-fever country (most of South America, parts of Africa). Required certificate; not a problem if you're flying directly from Europe/US/UK/Asia/Australia.
• Hepatitis A & B, recommended.
• Typhoid, recommended.
• Tetanus, boosters up to date.
• Routine vaccines (MMR, polio), confirm up to date.
• Rabies pre-exposure, only if you'll be in remote areas long-term.

Malaria is present in safari areas, take prescription antimalarials (Malarone is most common). Use insect repellent (DEET 30%+).

Yes, non-negotiable. Make sure it covers:

• Medical emergencies and emergency evacuation (Flying Doctors Service of East Africa is the standard, your operator should brief you)
• Trip cancellation
• Lost luggage
• High-altitude trekking, if you're doing Mt Kenya

Cost is typically $50–$150 per person depending on duration and age. Consider providers like World Nomads, SafetyWing or Allianz.

Tipping is not compulsory but is genuinely appreciated. Industry guidelines (per person, in USD):

• Driver-guide: $20–$30 per day
• Camp guide / spotter: $10–$15 per day
• Camp staff (general): $5–$10 per day, given to camp manager for distribution
• Porter: $1–$2 per bag
• Hotel staff in Nairobi/Diani: 10% on restaurant bills

Bring small USD notes (1, 5, 10, 20). Tips can also be paid in Kenyan Shillings.

In a tented camp:

• 05:30 Wake up call with coffee/tea brought to your tent
• 06:00 Sunrise game drive (3–4 hours, best wildlife time)
• 09:30 Brunch at camp
• 10:30 Free time, pool, naps, optional walking safari
• 15:30 High tea
• 16:00 Afternoon game drive (3–4 hours)
• 19:00 Sundowners and dinner
• 22:00 Bed (you'll be tired!)

In a lodge, the rhythm is similar but pool and meal times are slightly more flexible.

Most mid-range and luxury camps have Wi-Fi in the main lounge area, but it's usually slow (satellite-based). Don't expect to stream Netflix. Many guests find it's actually a relief to be unplugged.

Most camps have charging stations for cameras and phones. Some tents include power; some only the lounge. Cellular coverage (Safaricom) is surprisingly good across the Mara, but spotty in Tsavo and northern parks.

In a typical 5-day safari covering the Maasai Mara plus Lake Nakuru or Ol Pejeta, the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) is highly likely. The trickiest is leopard, they're elusive but the Mara has Africa's densest leopard population. Rhinos are essentially guaranteed at Lake Nakuru and Ol Pejeta.

Wildlife is wild, there are no guarantees. But we plan itineraries around your priorities (Big Five, Big Cats, photography, etc.) and our guides are excellent at finding them.

Kenya is a year-round safari destination. The classic dry seasons are January–February and June–October, wildlife is concentrated near water, vegetation is thinner (better viewing), and skies are usually clear. The Great Migration is in the Maasai Mara from July to October, with the famous river crossings typically peaking in August and September.

Avoid mid-March to late May (long rains) unless you don't mind muddy roads and afternoon storms, it's the cheapest and quietest time but harder going.

For first-time visitors:

• 3–4 days: A focused single-park trip (Mara fly-in, or a Nairobi day extension), best as an add-on to a longer holiday.
• 5–7 days: The sweet spot, see two or three iconic parks without rushing.
• 8–10 days: A complete classic safari with good variety (Mara + Nakuru + Amboseli + Laikipia).
• 12–14 days: Combine with Tanzania, or add a Diani Beach finale.

Less than 3 days for a full safari is rarely worth the long transfers and cost.

A rough guide per person, all-inclusive (excluding international flights):

• Budget group camping: $150–$250/day → 7-day trip from $1,000–$1,800
• Mid-range private safari: $270–$450/day → 7-day trip from $1,800–$3,500
• Luxury safari: $500–$1,000/day → 7-day trip from $3,500–$7,000+
• Premier (private conservancies, fly-in): $1,000–$2,500/day → 7-day trip from $7,000+

Park fees alone in the Mara during peak season are $200/adult/day, so prices climb quickly in July–October.

Yes, almost all visitors need a visa or electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Apply online at etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before arrival. The eTA costs USD 30 (plus a small processing fee) and is valid for 90 days, single entry.

You'll need: passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), digital photo, hotel/itinerary details, return flight info.

East Africa Tourist Visa (Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda) is also available for $100 and lasts 90 days.