Kenya

Kenya offers world-class wildlife viewing in game reserves such as the Masai Mara National Reserve, which has the country’s highest concentrations of lions, wildebeest and elephants. Known for its elephant population, Amboseli National Park also shelters giraffe, zebra and cheetah. while private conservancies like Oj Pejeta provide unique experiences such as nighttime game drives.

While internet access is available in many hotels in Nairobi, there are no “business centers” at bush lodgings in the Kenyan bush. It is rare to find a camp or lodge offering a computer for guest use while on safari. While intermittent internet access might be available at certain times, it is impossible to predict so it’s best to assume you will not have reliable internet access while out on safari.

Kenya will be a visa-free country from January 2024

East Africa safari visa and entry requirements vary by country, but generally, travelers may need a visa for entry. Countries can change their requirements and advice at short notice, so check the latest information.

Commonly visited countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda often require a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival or online, but specific regulations should be checked at relevant authorities sites to get the most up-to-date visa information. Make sure you have everything you need to travel to and from your destination with ease.

The amount of cash to bring on an Africa safari depends on personal spending habits and the destination, something often overlooked in trip preparations. It’s advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards, you will find it easiest to make small purchases in local currencies and will usually receive a better price and also change when required. Carrying cards for larger expenses is advisable due to safety and convenience.

Local cash comes in handy when you want to buy meals, drinks, and any activities not included in your itinerary. If you want to tip your guide/driver, this is always done in cash. But also keep in mind tipping in an African safari is ALWAYS completely optional, and you should feel free to tip however you see fit.

Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Kenyan safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.

Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:

• Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
• Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
• Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
• Hiking shoes

Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:

• Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
• Comfy Shoes / Sandals
• Flip Flops to wear during the day
• A Torch / Lamp
• Binoculars
• Phone/laptop charger
• Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.

The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.

Checkout our Migration safari offers.

Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.

Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.

We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.

Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.

Costs vary depending on whether you want a private safari or group safari. A no-frills safari with basic accommodations starts at $220 per person, per day. A mid-range safari with lodging costs $350 to $400 per person, per day while luxury safari and accommodation ranges from $600 to $1,000 per person, per day. African Vulture Safaris  can accommodate almost any budget. 

We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.

Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.

It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.