FAQ's

What’s the best time to go to Kenya?

Busiest travel times in Kenya are July/Aug/Sept/ and December, coinciding with the school holidays. We do not travel in these time. We prefer Oct, Jan, Feb , March- it is not super busy and we see tonnes of baby animals and way less humans!

Google tells you the migration season is the best- it is also the busiest and the most expensive. We like to travel when we can actually experience the animals and not mass humanity. We like to travel October/November and Jan/Feb/March to see the baby animals and to miss the rainy season.

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.

Language

The local language is Swahili. Most people in tourist areas and hotels speak very good English. 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. 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?!!!)

Will we see the Migration?

The migration of the wildebeast is indeed a great sight. We do not travel during that time because of the vast number of vehicles and people that are present on safari. WE prefer private camps and having the land to ourselves! It truly enables you to actually experience the animals, their sounds and their mannerisms. You may not see many wildebeast when you travel with us, but you will see everything else as they all live there!

What’s the best flight path to take to Kenya?

There are several routes available to get to Kenya

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. There are also flights that go from JFK- Nairobi and flights going via Dubai, Ethiopia or Turkey. Please be sure to book with a travel agent. 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. You need an ETA electronic travel authorizattion to enter Kenya. WE will give you all the paperwork you need. It is an online application and super easy to do.

What type of vehicles do we travel in?

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. If you suffer from motion sickness please bring the necessary as the terrain on safari may be quite rough.

What is involved in a game drive?

What are the outlets like?

The local electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. Most hotels offer hair dryers and irons on request.

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.

What’s the food like?

While Kenya is not known for it’s Michelin star resteraunts or fine wine, you will be impressed at how good the food is. All special requests can be accommodated with advance notice. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, local cuisine and North American and Continental cuisine is available. There is something for everyone. Drink bottled water only- No compromises here! Tusker beer is excellent and most wines and spirits are readily available.

Photography

We may get really close to the animals if we are lucky and others may be a binocular view away. Having a decent optical zoom in a good idea. Please refrain from taking photos of children and other people blatantly- they may want compensation for their photo being taken. Masai village visit is open photography and definitely do not take photographs of any military officers or government buildings.

Grocery Store & Snacks

There is a grocery store not far from the hotel where you can stock up on some basic needs. If you are very brand specific on snacks please note that you may not find the brands you are used to. It is always advisable to have snacks on hand if you get hangry or if you suffer from blood sugar fluctuations

Is the water safe to drink?

We did not drink the water out of the taps while we were growing up in Kenya, so you won’t either! All our hotels will provide you with water and if you carry a refillable water bottle, we can fill them up for you in the safari cruisers. However, all the ice and vegetables and fruit are all made from filtered water so they are all safe to consume.

Will we experience African Culture?

Weather & Clothing

Early mornings and evenings are cool (15C), especially at high altitudes on safari requiring a light jacket. During the day it will warm up (25C) so dress in layers. Socks and running shoes are recommended. Mombasa will be hot and humid (35C) and shorts are a necessity!

How do we pack?

Once you book your adventure with us we will conduct some pre- trip preparation meetings on zoom and send you a packing list. We recommend you check one piece ( the medium size, not the massive one please!) and have a carryon that will be your daypack that you will have on you. Be sure to bring an empty duffel to bring back some souvenirs. Refer to the packing list section for a full packing guide.

What if I arrive a day early into Nairobi?

It is a long journey from to Kenya from North America, Europe or Asia. Coming in early is a good idea to rest and relax and get ahead on jetlag. You have some options:

1- we can pick you up and take you to the host hotel and you can check in to the same upgraded room category so you don’ t have to check out and check back in when the tour starts. This will cost $200 pp per day inclusive of airport pick up and breakfast the next morning.

2- you can book at the host hotel yourself online and save some money depending on the rates posted at the time of booking. You can arrange for airport pick up with them directly and then the next day check out and check back in again into the upgraded room category. The upgraded room category we block for our groups are not shown online.

3- You can easily book extra nights at the airport hotel in Nairobi online. They are also great and they will pick you up at the airport. The next day ask for a taxi or uber and get them to drop you off at the host hotel at 2pm.

To extend your stay at the end – for more all inclusive beach time at the end in Mombasa. It will be $200 pp per night plus transport to the airport ($100) as you will not be on the group transport bus. We are happy to make this booking for you and to arrange for the transport .

What do I do once I land at the airport

We will be there to pick you up. Before you leave your home country we will have given you our whats app contact. Please be sure to turn on your sim card when you land (refer to sim card section) and send us a whats app message when you land. There is also wifi at the airport. Once you have your bags, you will need to send them through xray one more time and then exit the terminal. Please ensure all your passport and wallet are tucked away and zipped up before you leave the airport. If you have not purchased an esim prior to landing and you need a physical sim you can get it at the airport. Prepare to wait about 30 min. Check

How much cash should I bring?

Kenyan currency is called shillings and the denominations are 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shs bills. USD are also accepted at most hotels. It is advisable to order some shillings in advance from your bank prior to arrival in Kenya. Here’s how much cash we advise you to bring. The below suggestions are per person based on best practise.

1. For Golf Safaris:

$250 USD for your major tips to drivers, guides, camp staff and security. You can give that to your ground coordinator in cash after you land and we will do the major tipping for you to ensure that it is fair and appropriate for all that work so hard to keep us safe.

Caddy Fees: 3000 shillings per round is what we advise. This is more than the posted caddy fees, and we do this because it is a job for the caddy for the day, and you may be the only bag he/she gets for a whole week. You must pay your caddy in shillings after each round. Therefore bring 15,000 shs in 1000 shs denomination for caddy fees and maybe another 5000 shs in 500 and 200 sh denomination to have on hand for incidental things you may need to purchase.

Drinks and Shopping: this is your discretion- anywhere between $500-$1000 USD pp depending on your spending habits.

Tips: $50usd in $1 bills. This is for tips to folks that you interact with personally like waiters, porters, bar tenders, room stewards, butlers etc.

Please ensure any USD money that you bring is in crisp clean notes later than 2016 or they may not be accepted.

2. For Best of Kenya Safaris:

5000 shillings in 500 and 200 sh denomination to have on hand for incidental spending.

Drinks and Shopping: this is your discretion- anywhere between $500-$1000 USD depending on your spending habits.

Tips: $50usd in $1 bills. This is for tips to folks that you interact with personally like waiters, porters, bar tenders, room stewards, butlers etc.

Please ensure any USD money that you bring is in crisp clean notes later than 2016 or they may not be accepted.

3. For Kutana Wema

5000 shillings in 500 and 200 sh denomination to have on hand for incidental spending.

Drinks and Shopping: this is your discretion- anywhere between $500-$1000 USD depending on your spending habits.

Tips: $50usd in $1 bills. This is for tips to folks that you interact with personally like waiters, porters, bar tenders, room stewards, butlers etc.

If you are going on the optional safari retreat – $150 USD for your major tips to drivers, guides, camp staff and security. You can give that to your ground coordinator in cash after you land and we will do the major tipping for you to ensure that it is fair and appropriate for all that work so hard to keep us safe.

Are credit cards accepted?

Visa and Mastercard are accepted but the issue is always that it requires electricity and a network connection to function. It is always faster to have cash on hand to pay for your drinks at meal times. Grocery stores and restaurants will accept credit cards readily.

Is there wifi easily available?

Wifi is usually available in the main reception areas on safari but it is not super reliable. Your best bet is to get an e- sim package loaded up and then activate it when you land. We like the app Airalo and if you use discount code FAREEN1153 you get a $4.50 cad discount off your package. Get the 2gb package valid for 15 days . There is a great article on how to download Airalo and we highly recommend that you check it out. You can get a local sim card in Kenya as well, just be prepared to wait about 30 minutes after you clear baggage claim. With Airalo you have it all done and loaded and it’s super easy.

Click HERE for an easy to ready Airalo guide

What vaccinations do I need?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for Kenya. Please consult with your physician to discuss your own health needs. Do your research! Travel clinics will try and sell you all sorts of things you don’t need. We do recommend the following:

a course of antibiotic like Cipro or similar
Tums or any GI related relief
Antihistamine for allergies
be sure your tetanus shot is up to date
Immodium
Gravol or motion sickness relief for the car rides and small plane rides.

Do we need a VISA for Kenya?

Most countries from North America or Europe or Asia will need an ETA to enter Kenya. It is an easy application process and takes about 2 days to get online. We recommend you apply for your ETA 30-60 days prior to your journey. They are valid for 90 days. In order to apply you will need some information from us which we will share with you at the relevant time.

you will need the following before you start your ETA application

1- a clear headshot ( this can be a selfie..see their website for details)

2- scan of your passport bio data page.

3- your flight itinerary

4-accommodation itinerary which we will provide to you.

Go to https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

Go through each option slowly and make sure you are inputting the correct dates.

For flight details – don’t get too hung up- some are codeshare flights so your flight numbers may not be listed. If you are not technically savvy we would recommend that you have someone with you assisting.

Tipping Requirements

Tipping is important in Kenya and the people that serve you depend on tips for their livelihood. Here is our recommended tipping guide.

1. At every meal, everyone should leave $1 USD bill on the table. The meals are buffets, and if everyone leaves $1 it makes a tremendous difference.

2. Tip your room stewards $10pp and leave in your room on the day of departure.

3. Porters – $1 per bag

4. Bartenders – $1 per drink

5. Major tips for your guides and drivers and camp and security staff you will give to your ground coordinator to handle for you at the appropriate time. See the Cash Faq section for details.