Staying Tips for Kenya Safari Tours
Kenya is a magical and dazzlingly beautiful country. As African travel specialists, we find that travelers love Kenya for its stunning picturesque scenery, amazing variety of animals, its culture, and the friendliness of the people. Kenya safari tours are safe. When staying in Kenya however, especially for the first time, we have the following tips:
Visas and Passports
Australians need a visa. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Kenya and you need two or more consecutive unstamped visa pages on your passport. The visa costs around $50 and can be purchased in Nairobi. Ensure that you have the exact money in USD or Kenya shillings.
Medication and Vaccinations
We highly recommend anti-malarial medication when going on a Kenya safari.
Yellow fever vaccination is necessary for all people traveling in Africa and you may be required to show your vaccination certificate upon entering Kenya!Yellow fever vaccinations can be given to children 9 months and older. The vaccine lasts for 10 years and needs to be given at least 10 days before you leave Australia.
Water
In Kenya use bottled water for drinking at all times. Check with your Kenya safari guide as to whether the local tap water is safe for cleaning your teeth.
Language
English and Swahili are the two official languages of Kenya.
Weather
Kenya has a pleasant tropical climate averaging between 20 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius. Kenya is humid and hot in the coastal areas all year round. Monsoon winds can cool things down. There is a hotter and drier climate in the northern areas of Kenya.
Photography Restrictions
It is not permissible to take photos of Kenya’s president or his home, airports, the military, police or their barracks, railway stations or airports. If you wish to photograph a Masai warrior you will need his permission. He may ask for payment before allowing the photo!
Items to Pack for Your Kenya Safari
As African travel specialists we recommend that you bring the following items:
- A wide brimmed, well-made hat
- A bandana
- Thongs or sandals
- Runners or comfortable walking shoes
- T-shirts or polos in safari colours – khaki, beige, and green shades
- Long sleeved cotton shirts for protection against insects and mosquitos
- Shorts
- Jeans or safari pants
- A light jumper
- A sports bra is essential for travelling on bumpy safari roads
- Swimmers – choose a pair that are not too revealing
- Your usual personal toiletries, along with sunscreen and a high strength insect repellent
- A money belt
- Passport and passport copy
- Vaccination certification
Luggage Restrictions
When travelling to Kenya by air the amount of luggage permissible depends on your exact destination. 15kg including hand luggage may be all that is permitted. Bags must be soft and cannot contain wheels or hard frames. There is an option to purchase an additional seat on the plane to give you an extra 70kg of luggage allowance.
Accommodation
Aberdare Mountains and Mount Kenya National park are some of the greatest destinations in Africa. Overnight stays at Serena Mountain Lodge or The Ark are terrific stopovers as a part of your Kenya safari.
These lodges give you a wonderful opportunity to view stunning abundant wildlife from the comfort of viewing decks. There are great sighting opportunities for Black Rhino, Bushbuck and endangered bongo Antelope which are normally shy creatures. Elephants, buffalo,giant forest hogs and many more animal species are abundant.
Wildebeest Migration
As African travel specialists we cannot recommend too highly the Wildebeest migration. In this fantastic spectacle of nature nearly 1.5 million wildebeest along with zebras and gazelles cover a 1000km radius. The migration goes from Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania to Masai Mara game reserve in Southern Kenya.
Masai Maru Reserve is romantic and picturesque and is home to wildebeest migration. Spectacular scenery and open skies bring a variety of birdlife and abundant game.
Kenya is extremely picturesque, and the beautiful scenery can be seen across this broad country. To suit your personality, preferences and budget,our African travel specialists can custom design a Kenya safari to suit you.
