FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What do I need to bring along for a safari to Kenya National Parks and Reserves?
Visitors to our wide network of Parks and Reserves will experience a wide range of Climatic Conditions. These will depend on the time/seasons of visit. Clothes to bring along should therefore be adaptable. However, many of the parks are located in low altitude areas and have temperatures ranging from warm to hot in the day and cool to cold in the night. Take outfits that layer so that you start well rugged and can “peal of” as the day warms up. Basic clothing include, loose fitting long trousers and shirt/ T-shirts, a hat and sunglasses against the sun, lace up shoes. Clothing should be natural, earthly colored or Khaki. Locally made safari outfits are available in a number of shops.
You will also find a bird guide, mammals guide and a map of the country quite handy. These can be purchased from our gift shops.
Other essential things to include in your safari bag include a torch, insect repellant, binoculars and plenty of camera film. It is advisable to travel with a small medical kit that includes any basic remedies you may need, such as antacids, painkillers, anti-histamines and cold remedies
What health precautions do I need to observe while on or before taking a safari to your Parks and Reserves?
Visitors to the country require vaccination against cholera and yellow fever. Other Vaccinations recommended are against typhoid, tetanus, and hepatitis. Some vaccination may need a course of injections, allow sufficient time for this.
As a precaution against Malaria, prophylactics should be taken before, during and after a visit to Kenya. Prevention consists of using effective protection against bites such as an insect repellant and mosquito nets.
Other than taking obvious precaution, a visit to the park should present very limited health hazards.
What is the security situation in your parks and reserves?
Security for our visitors to and in the parks and reserves is our most important concern, through intensified patrols on the wildlife viewing circuits, campsites around guests’ houses and bandas and on park/reserve access roads. We ensure excellent security for our visitors.
By observing simple park rules and regulations, our visitors are assured of minimum accidents during their visit and stay in the Parks and Reserves.
Although security for our park visitors is high, visitors need to observe the basic precautions in urban centers i.e. avoid walking in dark/isolated areas at night, do not wear flashy jewelry, avoid carrying valuables around, etc
Do your prices also include Air-Fare?
No, not normally but can be arranged on request.
What is the weather pattern in Kenya/ When is the best time to visit your Parks and Reserves
Kenya experiences varied weather conditions in the year. Most of the Parks and Reserves with the exemption of mountain and forests parks are located in areas that predominantly experience dry, warm to hot conditions.
Generally the climate is warm and humid at the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east. These climatic variations are due to differences in topography across the country.
Our Parks and Reserves offer year round attractions and activities to suite your interest and schedule. However, there are two distinct tourist seasons, which generally correspond to local climatic conditions;
High season: – July-December and December to March, these are the best months to visit our parks for wildlife viewing and other activities. (Easy wildlife viewing because of short grasses in the parks, plenty of food for wildlife, good sunny climate)
Low Season: April-June. Long rains are experienced during this time. Most park roads may require use of four Wheel drive vehicles.
How do I get to East Africa?
Please, refer to a reliable World Map.
Is the water safe to drink?
On the whole safari, it is recommended that you use only mineral water for drinking. Tap water may be used for shower and brushing of teeth, but we do not recommend that you drink it. Hotels and lodges have enough mineral water and you may also purchase this en-route when you make short breaks between the destinations.
When does the migration occur?
Between July and August, they cross the Mara River from the northern Serengeti where some are lost in surging floodwaters and others are seized by waiting crocs. They move into Kenya, typically reaching the abundant greenery of the Masai Mara in August or September, a dazzling number of animals within a single nature preserve.
What accommodation facilities are available in the Parks/ Reserves
There are a variety of visitor accommodation facilities in our Parks and Reserves to suite your taste, budget and safari style.
Within the Parks and Reserves, Visitor accommodation range from Luxury lodges and tented campsites to private budget campsites operated by individual operators.
Do I require a visa?
There is no visa requirement for citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Commonwealth countries with EXCEPTION to citizens of the following countries who do require visas:
Antigua, Bermuda, Guyana, India, South Africa (for visitors staying more than 30 days), Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, San Marino, Turkey, Eritrea, Uruguay.
Citizens of the following countries need to have a visa PRIOR to arriving in Kenya:
Afghanistan, Somali, Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Mali, Sudan, Nigeria, Yemen, Cameroon, Pakistan, North Korea.
N/B: Visas are readily obtained at the Airport upon arrival as well as from the Kenya Embassies and High Commissions abroad prior to departure.
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