As a travel advisor, I have come to realize that to Plan and book a Kenya safari is easy yet very hard. Some questions  will seem very obvious to me. But they are the most nagging issues for clients planning a safari. They seem obvious because I am in the field and on location. For someone miles away they are not.  They ask the questions to paint a clear picture of their safari expectations. A safari is a once in a life time trip. An investment  for most of the safari seekers. We endeavor to plan the perfect Kenya safari for our guests.  Below is our expert advice on some of the questions.

Kenya is known for safari, are there any other engaging activities other than the game drives and sitting in vehicles for long hours?
Yes, we have a variety of activities . The  choice will depend on your interests, budget and fitness for some. For the adventurous, go on a walking safari, biking or hiking in the conservancies. It Is a good way to study animal behaviors, identify animal spoors and scats. You will also learn about vegetation and it’s use in the surrounding.  Engage in horseback riding or balloon safaris. It is good if you  an interest in local cultures and communities.  You can visit the local villages and local schools. Conservation efforts include tree planting activities, conservation trusts for wildlife including gravy zebra, rhinos, lions and wild dogs.

safari experiences in Kenya

Will an elderly couple or senior citizen manage the drives?
Our safaris at Premier safaris are custom made to fit the specific client travel needs. For older couples and citizen, we prefer the short drives and flights between destinations. The vehicles are very comfortable for the long drives.  The wild destinations can be too long at times due to the weather conditions. We shall give you the specific drive between destination and flight options too. We also advise that you stay longer at a destination .When you pack and go after a night or two it becomes tedious.
For the camps, we request rooms that are close to the common areas to avoid a lot of walking.

Which parks do we recommend for First time travelers in Kenya.
The aim of coming on safari is to see wildlife in its natural habitat. We therefore encourage you to visit the parks . Here you stand better chance of seeing most wildlife. Our choice is mainly Maasai Mara. This is the most famous game reserve in Kenya. It is home to the big five, large wild cat families . The wildebeest migration happens in the months of July to September.  Samburu and Amboseli follow in the list each with its own unique features.  For those ones short of time, we recommend Olpajeta conservancy.  Here You also get to see Chimpanzee in addition to the big five.

What currencies are acceptable?
You can pay in either Kshs, US dollars or using your credit cards. USD dollar bills are acceptable in the souvenir shops and within the camp and lodges. Credit cards are used in the malls and local stores. To enjoy the local markets and practice your bargaining skills, you can pay with the local currencies. However, have your guide enlighten you on the costs of some of the items. We do have ATMs where you can get currency in USD and in the local Currency.

How much baggage allowance do we have?
If you are entirely on a driving safari in Kenya, the vehicles have more than enough room for luggage.  We encourage medium sized suitcases or duffle bags. It’s good to note that for local flights you have a baggege limit of 15-20kgs depending. At times due to remoteness of the distance covered on a Kenya safari, some clients will choose to fly back. Therefore, pack light just in case you need that flight back.

What are the camp or lodge Inclusions?
This entirely depends on the Kenya safari package that you chose. Exclusive safari lodges in Kenya will include conservation fees, foods, drinks, laundry services and a few activities within the conservation the costs. In line with conservation, a majority of the lodges are solar powered. Therefore, laundry is done by hand and dried under the sun. Drinks may include tea coffee, soft drinks, local wines and beers. Premium drinks are payable.

What happens if I have a health condition and need evacuation?
We usually have an inclusion of the flying doctors evacuation services. Please note this is emergency travel to the nearest health facility in case of an emergency. Please travel with your travel insurance cover. You should have the contact within reach. Your health is important . We always recommend visiting your physician before you embark on your safari. It’s always good to inform your travel advisor of any dietary requirements .  Carry your medication and supplements as instructed.

Do we have family friendly safari options?
For generational groups, we have family travel packages, specifically customized for you.  We carefully choose camp and lodges that have activities to fit everyone. As adults enjoy game drives,  children can enjoy the adventurer’s clubs with the guides. The Maasai guides  engage the teens in various activities. These include nature walks, hiking and community visits and volunteer activities. Exclusive use villas are highly recommended . Families who book such have the entire properties to themselves.

Which vaccinations are required?
Currently, proof of Covid vaccination is a requirement. If you are taking a direct flight with no stop overs in yellow fever prone destinations, you do not need the vaccination. However, if you are going into Tanzania via the Kenya border, then yellow fever is mandatory. Other vaccinations depend on your physicians. Every evening, we have a turn down in the rooms to eliminate all bugs.

How long does it take to get a Kenyan Visa.
The Kenya visa is applied online. While planning a safari, it is among the requirements. You can get a Kenyan visa online easily. The Tanzania visa can be applied online too. You can also get it at  the entry points at the Kenyan borders. This is when you are going on a Kenya Tanzania safari. Ensure you have a reservation voucher from your first hotel first night stay in Kenya) during your application.

We are waiting for you to plan and book your Kenya safari with us. Rest assured you will get back home with a memorable and beautiful safari experience.