Kenya Travel Tips

Answers to questions on Kenya.com safaris

What is included in the safari price?

Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary (hotel, lodge, camp). All meals noted in the itinerary. Each day generally includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner buffets consisting of both western and local dishes. Transportation in a minivan fitted with a pop-up roof for game-viewing and photography. Every passenger is guaranteed a window seat. Your driver (who is also your guide) speaks English and has in-depth knowledge of the flora, fauna, landscape, and culture of East Africa. Minivans are outfitted with two-way, long range high frequency radio communications equipment. Each minivan carries safari accessories including wildlife books, beanbags to support cameras on car doors and window sills, binoculars, a first-aid kit, an ice-chest, and a fire extinguisher. Bottled mineral water during game drives. Park entrance fees and game drives as noted in the itinerary. All government taxes, levies, and fees. All arrival and departure transfer fees between airports, hotels, parks, etc. Twenty-four hour stand-by contact telephone number.

What is not included in the safari price?

Domestic and international airfares and departures taxes. Personal communications charges for telephone calls, faxes, email, etc. Tips and gratuities for hotel, lodge and camp staff and for your driver/guide. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. (Bottled mineral water is provided in the minivan while on game drives.) Laundry services. Holiday supplemental fee over the Christmas/New Year Holiday. Between meal snacks, additional entrance fees to reserves, parks, attractions, and events not included in your itinerary.

What shots do I need before I travel?

The Kenyan government only requires immunization against yellow fever. In addition, we strongly recommend immunization against malaria. Be sure to consult your family doctor and ask if he or she recommends any additional immunizations or shots for you or your family. For detailed, up-to-the-minute information on immunizations, shots, and health and safety advisories for travelers, visit the Centers for Disease Control Traveler’s Health website.

Do I need a visa?

A visa is required to enter Kenya. You can obtain a visa at the airport, upon arrival, or in advance from the Kenyan embassy. Visit www.kenyaembassy.com for details.

Does Kenya.com provide travel insurance?

While Kenya and Tanzania are generally safe places to visit, it's never a bad idea to purchase traveler's insurance to protect you and your property when traveling internationally. Kenya.com does not provide insurance, but we suggest Travel Guard International.

What are the departure dates?

Kenya.com safaris are not prescheduled safaris with fixed departure dates. Our safaris are customized to fit your schedule. When you choose a safari package, you’ll be asked to select a departure date. In other words, let us know when you’d like to visit East Africa, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. The itineraries available here are our most popular, but by no means fixed. We can adjust destinations, lodging, etc to fit your budget and schedule and preferences.

When is the best time to go on safari?

July through August and the month of December are the busiest times in Kenya and Tanzania. Lodges and parks can be crowded with tourists and reservations often must be made six to eight months in advance. July and August also happen to be the months when the wildebeest visit the Maasai Mara. Travel at other times of the year is easier, depending on the weather. East Africa is hottest from February through March. The heaviest rain falls March through May, with lighter rains occurring in November and December.

What should I pack?

When you book with Kenya.com, we’ll provide a detailed list of what to bring and what to leave behind. Briefly, do bring comfortable, mild temperature clothing (it’s not as hot in East Africa as many people think) and comfortable shoes. Don’t bring jewelry or anything else you’d really miss if lost.

Will Kenya.com provide information about the people, places, and wildlife I’m likely to meet?

We certainly will. After your trip is confirmed, we’ll forward information on local customs, safari etiquette, the local flora and fauna, and more.

How many other people will be on the safari?

Only members of your group will be on safari with you. We do not offer safaris to solo travelers. Groups must consist of a minimum of two travelers. Minivans carry a maximum of six passengers, while 4x4 safari jeeps carry four.

I'm a single traveler can I go on safari with Kenya.com?

Kenya.com safaris require a minimum of two travelers.

What is the minimum age for children to go on safari?

We recommend that a child be at least eight years old to go on safari.

Is there a discount for children?

Children ten and younger are charged at 70% of the adult rate when sharing a room with two full paying adults. If a child shares a room with one adult or with another child, the full adult rate applies.

Can you arrange a trip for persons located outside the United States?

Yes, our clients come from all over the world. We make all your arrangements for your stay in Africa including transportation, accommodation, and activities. However, we only arrange international flights originating in the United States.

What are the accommodations like?

The best way to learn more about our camps and lodges is to review the detailed day-to-day itineraries. Each day on the itinerary includes a link to a detailed description of the lodge or camp – just click on the link to learn more. Lodges and camps range from simple and clean to elegant and refined.

What are the meals like?

The meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are primarily European style buffets with African influences. Click here for more details.

What kind of vehicle will we be traveling in?

Our classic safari vehicle is a purpose built six-seat minivan specially designed for the terrain. It comes complete with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and plenty of windows for unobstructed views of the landscape. Click here for more details.

What is Kenya.com’s cancellation and refund policy?

While any cancellation is regrettable, significant planning and administration resources are committed long before departure and as a result, an administration charge is applicable for each cancellation. Upon receipt of written notice of cancellation, we will refund any fees you have paid for your safari less administration expenses as follows: Ninety days or more prior to departure: Full refund less $750 per traveler. 89 to 45 days prior to safari commencement date: Full refund less 33% of total safari cost. Less than 45 days prior to departure: No refund. Airfare, if applicable - Non refundable.

Do you have any references?

Kenya.com is Better Business Bureau member in good standing and has been since 2001. We have been in operation in Kenya for over 14 years. We have organized safaris for countless travelers over the years and have an extensive database of client testimonials. We would be happy to provide you with these upon request.

What is the next step?

There are two, actually, and an alternative: Browse the suggested safari itineraries, as well as the park and lodge descriptions, and select the safari package that fits your interests. At the bottom of each detailed itinerary, you’ll find a table of rates sorted into time of year and number of people in your party. When you’ve found a safari that intrigues you, select the rate that corresponds to the size of your party and complete the form at the linked webpage to initiate the reservation process. A Kenya.com safari consultant will check for availability and contact you with confirmation and additional information within 48-72 hours. Alternatively, call us directly at 1.866.ToKenya (1.866.865.3692) and speak to a consultant directly, or, if you like, send us an email attravel@kenya.com.

What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?

We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about traveling to East Africa. Send an email with your query to travel@kenya.com.

For answers to other questions please write to travel@kenya.com