In case you have been dreaming about going on safari in Kenya. To make sure you get the most out of the country’s great wildlife and jaw dropping landscapes, below is the information you will need to have a great safari.
The average day on a safari
Every though every accommodation is unique , most camps have got a similar schedule being led by a wildlife guide, you will go on at least two game drives per day with other tourists for 3 to 4 hours per ride. You will also stop at picturesque locations to stretch your legs, get a snack and reveal the incredible scenery. During the day, when the predators and other species are hiding in the shade, you will be in the camp relaxing. More so expect to take your meals at the camp and you can also dine in the wild. The night time, you will cozy up to a warm fire and mingle with the other tourists to share your day’s activity adventure.
About the Activities and Extra costs
The game drives the root of the most safaris, but there are many other activities for you to enjoy, from the guided walks and the visits to the tribal villages to hot air balloon rides over the Masai Mara or camel safaris in the northern Frontier. Some of the activities are included in your daily rate, but it’s good to know ahead of time. Also keep in mind that you might be charged for park entry fees, premium liquors, laundry and many other amenities.
Wildlife viewing offers
Kenya is known not for its great concentration of game but for its vast open plains. You can see and track wildlife from a fair distance and there is always something to see and some interaction between species. There are also certain areas that contain larger concentrations of specific species. If you love elephants, consider Amboseli where herds can reach 100 members or more. And from August to October, the Masai Mara plays host to millions of wildebeest during the Migration, while species like the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, reticulated giraffe and the gerenuk can only be found in the north.
Family
Taking your child along on a safari can be one of the best ways to instil a lifelong love for wildlife and respect for the environment. In the past years, more companies are tempting families with larger tents or villas as well as special programs that are designed with families in mind. It’s therefore vital to ask if children are allowed or there is a minimum age required. In case your child is very young, you might be required to reserve a private vehicle.
Photography
A good camera with the long lenses are the best for wildlife photography, but in case that’s not your objective, we advice getting a point and shoot with the maximum optical zoom. Don’t bother looking at the digital zoom features as this is basically a crop of the image. Carry many memory cards since there is nothing irritating like having to delete some photos from the camera in order to take more.
Safety
When it comes to the bush, safety at the lodging facility and upon arrival, you will be given all the dos and don’ts and it’s vital to follow directions. Even the safaris are safe, but there are wild animals.
Preparing four your safari
The paperwork; you need a passport that is valid for at least six months prior to your arrival. The passport must have a minimum of two blank pages for stamps. You will also need $50 visa. The visa can be applied for online at Evisa or you can get it on arrival at any airport in Kenya.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travel to Kenya though you might be required to get a yellow fever shot in case your travels take you through the endemic zones prior to your arrival. You can as well immunize against Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies and Meningitis. Also carry some pills for malaria.
Packing
Pack enough light casual attire for a long weekend and take advantage of the same-day laundry service the majority of camps provide. It’s chilly in the morning and evening, but hot in the afternoon, so dress in layers. A good sunscreen is also a must-have, in addition to a wide brim hat and a good pair of polarized sunglasses. And flip-flops are fine for the jeep, but also pack a pair of comfortable sneakers.
Luggage
The small commuter planes are the main mode of transport into the bush and all the domestic carriers are sticklers about baggage restrictions. The bags must be soft, no longer than 26 inches and wheel-free, and the total luggage weight per person cannot exceed 15 kilograms (33 pounds), including your carry-on.
Money issues
The Kenya shillings is the local currency and you can pick up some shillings from the airport upon arrival, but USD are also used and accepted. The hotels will accept; Visa or Master card as well.
