Frequently Asked Questions About Safari in Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions About Safari in Kenya : Kenya is a popular safari destination attracting millions of travelers from all over the world, in this article. We have taken the liberty to answer most of the frequently asked questions you may need to know about visiting Kenya on an African safari.

When is the best time to visit Kenya?

Jus like the rest of Africa, Kenya is a year-round destination. But some months are best suited for game viewing safaris and the famous Great Migration while other months are ideal for scenery, bird watching and beach and bush combined safaris.

The best time to visit Kenya is all about your own interests and preferences, here are the seasonal highlights.

August – October

This is the best time to visit Kenya for wildlife safaris and to experience the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve, the migration is triggered by rainfall patterns and growth of new grass (pasture). The dry, wintry months are also best for general game viewing, so with or without witnessing the Great Migration, your Kenya safari experience will be amazing.

December – March

This is the best time to visit Kenya for beaches, scenery, birdlife and wildlife viewing outside of peak season that is from December to March. During these months, game viewing is still excellent with few travelers visiting the parks thus great deals.

Days are hot, mostly clear and not too humid along the tropical coastline of Kenya.

April – May

This is the so-called long rains drench Kenya with a wet monsoon that renders the coastline a muggy haze and the hinterland a boggy though seriously picturesque quagmire. This is the perfect time to visit Kenya if you want the place to yourself.

Before deciding when to travel to Kenya, contact our travel experts.

What makes Kenya safaris so special?

Kenya is famous for its wildlife-rich plains, classic African landscapes and the Great Wildebeest Migration which is on top of the best wildlife experiences in the world.

The Great Migration involves over millions of wildebeests, zebras, topi, Thomson’s gazelles and other plains on their annual movement in search for water and green pastures.
The “Samburu Special 5” consisting of unique species found nowhere else, these include Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, beisa oryx and reticulated giraffe.
Massive unfenced national parks where large herds of animals move freely along their ancient migration paths
The successful cohabitation of people and wildlife in conservancies surrounding national park
The people of Kenya have colorful and vibrant cultures and traditional African lifestyles worth witnessing, the Maasai and Samburu are the most fascinating tribes to visit in Kenya.
In addition to the incredible wildlife, there are many fascinating places to visit in Kenya including World Heritage Sites such as Lamu Old Town on Lamu Island, 13^thCentury ruins of Arab Port Cities, Mount Kenya and the magnificent Swahili Coastline.

Combined Kenya bush and beach safari offers easy access to the coastline and tropical islands like Lamu, Zanzibar Archipelago and Seychelles.

Kenya Safari Holidays are family – friendly thanks to the closed vehicles used on safaris, many lodges offering triple rooms, family units and children-only safari activities.

How to get to Kenya?

The capital of Kenya, Nairobi City is one of the largest commercial hubs in East Africa with international arrivals from many parts of the world, a couple of nights soaking up in Nairobi’s culture or just a single night to enjoy a proper bed after the long flight over. Depending on the arrival time of your international flight, you can skip out on the city and head straight to what you came for – a Kenya Safari.

Travelers can get to Kenya from the following great cities

Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways
Amsterdam with KLM or Kenya Airways
Bangkok with Kenya Airways
Doha with Qatar Airways
Dubai with Emirates or Kenya Airways
Frankfurt with Lufthansa
Istanbul with Turkish Airways
London with British Airways or Kenya Airways
Mumbai with Kenya Airways
New York with Kenya Airways
Paris with Air France or Kenya Airways
Zurich with Swiss Air

How to get around on your Kenya safari holiday?

On arrival in Nairobi after your long-haul flight, you can enjoy your Kenya Wildlife Safari by road, by air or a combination of both. Your decision will be influenced time, cost and convenience.

Flying around Kenya

Domestic flights/travel is by far the most comfortable, convenient and time – efficient mode of transport on your Kenya safari holiday or your classic bush and beach adventure.

Usually, aircrafts have smaller Cessna type and they are served by Wilson Airport, Nairobi’s domestic airport situated 90 minutes’ drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A fly-in safari is obviously a spectacular way to explore Kenya and see several attractions, remove a large chuck of traveling time and side-steps the discomforts of a long, bumpy drive.

Driving around Kenya

Kenya has a bit of a reputation for poor driving conditions, but for many travelers, this adds authenticity to their Kenya safari holidays. Driving is also a more affordable option.

Travelling by road, you can hire your own 4×4 for a private self-drive safari or book a road transfer.

A Self – drive safari in Kenya rewards visitors with the bragging rights to a unique, off-piste African experience that reduces your transport cost but can increase your hassle cost with long distances, rough roads, corrupt cops and inadequate roadside facilities. A scheduled departure removes the hassle factor, cuts costs and still gives you a unique, authentic Africa experience. Combining a fly-in where necessary with a self-drive safari or scheduled road transfer gives you the best of both worlds without breaking the bank.

How much does a safari in Kenya cost?

The cost for a Kenya safari ranges from $ 200 to $ 3,000 per person per day. Talk with one of our Travel Experts to ensure the best Kenya Safari Experience according to your time and budget. The final cost of a Kenya safari is influenced by the following factors

Time of year with great differences between low and high season prices
Your choice of safari lodges and camps
Duration of your stay with great specials for extended bookings
Where you go with the cost going up proportionally to the remoteness of your destination and your choice of transportation for example fly-in Vs overland safari vehicle.
Your choice of safari activities ranging from inclusive wildlife activities to exclusive hot air balloon rides.

Do I need any medication or preventative medication for Kenya?

Yes, we recommend anti-malarial medication no matter what time of year you plan to visit Kenya. Consult your health practitioner for advice on the right choice of prophylaxis for your body well in advance of your departure date. If you live in a yellow fever region or plan to travel through a region where it is endemic during your stay, you will need a vaccination and certificate.

In summary, the above are the frequently Asked Questions About Safari in Kenya