Welcome to our travel guide, where we’ll answer some of Kenya safari frequently asked questions for anyone planning a Kenya safari holidays. Kenya is a safe place to visit on a wildlife safari which has been arranged by our reputable tour company – Arrow Adventures. The country offers beautiful scenery, impressive wildlife, fascinating culture and generous and welcoming locals.
A1. Generally, Kenya is warm and sunny throughout the year. But certain regions experience a variety of climates.
Kenya safari tours are at their best between January and the end of March as well as June to October, when the climate is mild and dry. However, a safari in the short rainy season (mid October to early December) is worth considering. Game viewing is still great, the parks are less crowded, and you can take advantage of lower rates.
July/August and December are the busiest times in Kenya and Tanzania when parks and lodges get a bit crowded and reservations often must be made at least 6 to 8 months in advance. Travel during rest of the year primarily depends on the weather.
A2. The best clothes to pack for your safari should be casual wear, loose fitting and lightweight. When it comes to colors pick neutral shades over brighter colors for optimum camouflage in the bush. Khaki and green colors are safari favorite and most recommended. Ensure you bring one good fleece or jacket for the very chilly early morning game drives. When packing keep in mind that most lodges and camps will provide laundry services (some at a nominal fee).
A3. It all depends where you go, but in most of the bigger parks and reserves you’ll see lions, elephants, rhinos if you’re lucky, leopards if you are lucky, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, jackals, giraffes, buffalos, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, baboons, monkeys, crocodiles and a variety of antelopes and gazelles.
Nocturnal animals include the striped hyenas, aardvarks, genets, bat-eared foxed, civets, honey badgers, snakes, etc.
A4. Kenya enjoy a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. The average annual temperature in Nairobi (altitude 1,517m) is 25°C maximum and 13°C minimum. The coastal town of Mombasa (altitude 15m) is 30°C maximum and 22°C minimum.
Frequently asked questions traveling Kenya, Faq safaris Kenya, Masai Mara Safaris
There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and when it does come it often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coolest in July to August.
A5. We require 50-60% deposit to confirm a booking, sent by swift transfer to our bank account, and balance is payable at least 30 days prior to commencement of the safari or can be paid in cash US dollars on arrival.
A6. Absolutely! Our safari itineraries are fully customizable to suit your interests, preferences, and travel goals. Whether you want a private guided tour, specific accommodations, or unique activities, we can create a personalized itinerary just for you.
A7. The annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place between July and September. The migration of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and other species is nature’s greatest spectacle on earth. During the rest of the year the herd can be seen in different parts of the massive Serengeti National Park.
A8. Yes, you require a visa to enter Kenya depending on your country. can apply for an eVisa so enable you pass through immigration upon arrival. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visas website.
A9. Most major hotels and restaurants include a service charge. Tipping is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion. Porters at airports, hotels or lodges may be tipped a $1.00 per piece of baggage. A gratuity of 10% is customary at restaurants and bars where a service charge is not included. This is one of the most Kenya safari frequently asked questions.
Note that on safaris, tips are considered almost part of the pay. A tip for your safari guide of $10.00 to $20.00 per person per day is appropriate.
A10. The local electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate. Major hotels usually provide hair dryers, irons and other electrical amenities upon request.
A11. Most of our safaris are privately guided safaris with a minimum of two persons booking, and we recommend not more than 6 guests in one safari jeep for maximum comfort and guaranteed window seats.
A12. The type of accommodation is either basic camping, luxury tented camps or lodges depending on your budget.
A13. Our classic safari vehicles are customized safari Landcruiser jeeps specially designed for easy photographing. It comes complete with a pop up roof for easy game viewing.
A14. We strongly recommend that you take out all of the necessary Travel Insurance before commencing on your journey.