Planning your safari trip to Kenya, every traveler taking part in adventure in Africa, would like to how safe and all the relevant information required to make that once in a life time changing trip. Look no further, here is all the quidding information you will need for Kenya safaris. Wit the number of our travel expertise to offer you all the information you will need a bout, Kenya.

Safety and security

Yes! Kenya is a secure place to go safari. Although there have been horrific terrorist attacks in the past, the most of al-Shabab’s issues are located along the Kenya-Somali border. Nairobi and the major safari locations, such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Mount Kenya, Lamu, or Samburu, are far distant from this region. Kenya takes your safety and the security of Kenya extremely seriously since it is largely dependent on the safari sector. Particularly in Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta, security has improved in recent years. To go to the safe wildlife reserves spread out throughout the nation, the majority of safari packages pass via Nairobi.

Kenya’s climate  

Kenya’s varied terrain, which includes mountains, savannahs, coasts, and dry deserts, causes significant variations in its climate. Along the coast, the nation has a tropical environment with year-round warm, muggy temperatures and intense rains from April to June. The climate is more variable and warmer inland.

The two major rainy seasons in central and western Kenya—the “long rains” from March to May and the “short rains” from October to December—have moderate rainfall and a colder, more temperate temperature, particularly in the hills around Nairobi. The evenings are colder, and the temperatures are often pleasant.

The arid and semi-arid northern and eastern parts are hot and dry all year round with little rainfall, which may cause protracted droughts. The Great Rift Valley region, on the other hand, has distinct climates that change with elevation, enabling a combination of warmer lowlands and colder highlands.

Money and Spending

Although foreign currencies like US dollars are widely accepted and are even needed for activities like hot-air balloon safaris, we would advise using local currency to cover bar bills, souvenirs, and meals that are not part of your itinerary. The Kenyan Shilling is the country’s currency.

Please be aware that no US dollar bills produced before 2003 are accepted in Kenya owing to the large quantity of counterfeit notes in circulation. In fact, carrying notes printed after 2006 is your best chance.

All major credit cards, including American Express, MasterCard, and Visa, are widely accepted, and there are banking facilities and ATMs in all of Kenya’s popular tourist locations.

Most banks have 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the first and last Saturday of each month.

Local Etiquette and Culture

The people of Kenya are hospitable and kind. It is crucial to greet people with a smile and consideration for regional traditions. Shaking hands is usual when greeting new people, and showing respect for seniors means nodding or bowing slightly. Wear modest clothing to prevent attracting undue attention or upsetting local sensibilities, particularly in rural regions and places of worship.

Respectful photography involves always getting someone is permission before shooting their picture. Avoid shooting photos in restricted places to avoid getting into problems since certain government or military locations, such bridges and border crossings, are off-limits to photography.

Tipping

Although it is entirely up to you, tipping for excellent service is usual in Kenya. Keep in mind that some bigger hotels may tack on a service fee to your bill. It is typical to tip 10% at city pubs and restaurants that do not impose a service fee.

What to pack for the safari in Kenya

Think about the season, the destination, and the baggage limitations of the mode of transportation you have selected while packing for your Kenyan safari. Laundry services are available at many hotels and lodges to assist you throughout your stay.

Kenya is mostly informal yet traditional. In places of worship and cultural centers, jeans and t-shirts are appropriate with a little additional modesty, with the exception of the rare smart-casual dress requirement for certain hotels and restaurants.

When preparing for your Kenyan safari, keep in mind that you may only bring 15 kilograms of baggage on a fly-in safari. It is crucial to pay close attention to your packing list of reasonable but lightweight items. Layers are a good way to think about a safari packing list.

In the first place, game drives in open cars in the early morning may be rather cold. If you are prone to cold, you will need a scarf, gloves, and a thick cap. A fleece jacket with a hard or soft shell or a lightweight puffer jacket should work. It is crucial to be able to take off your jacket and have something cold and light beneath since things do heat up rapidly. It is crucial to have a breathable, cool clothing. With zip-off pants, you can effortlessly transition from pants to shorts, keeping you cool and cozy. Consider this procedure in reverse when it becomes dark and you go on a game drive.

Keep your color scheme natural; the ideal colors are khakis, browns, greens, and beige. Avoid everything loud, white, and black. Loud colors like bright yellow or red may upset animals and draw bees, black becomes very hot and draws mosquitoes at night, and white gets dirty very fast.

For your safari days, closed-toe shoes are ideal, and a decent pair of trainers or sneakers is ideal. Hiking boots are not essential unless you want to engage in strenuous hiking. When spending time at lodges and campgrounds, flip-flops, sometimes known as slip-slops, may be a relaxing addition.

Flights and getting around

Here are the main details about flights and transportation while visiting Kenya for a safari or for general tourism:

Flights to Kenya’s International Airports: Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi are Kenya’s two major international airports. Nairobi, the primary entry point to safaris, is where the majority of foreign aircraft land.

Well-known Airlines: Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines are among the major airlines that regularly fly to Kenya. The national airline, Kenya Airways, operates flights across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America.

Domestic Flights: Domestic flights save time for safaris, particularly when traveling to far-flung national parks. From Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, carriers such as SafariLink, AirKenya, and Fly540 provide flights to well-known safari locations such the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Diani Beach.

How to Navigate Kenya

Domestic Flights: In order to get to parks fast, many tourists choose for short-haul flights. When compared to driving, the airline network saves hours and covers all of the main tourist destinations.

Safari Vehicles: Four-wheel drive safari vehicles, often Land Cruisers, are most frequently employed for park exploration. These vehicles provide excellent wildlife viewing because to their unique off-road design.

Train Travel: The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) offers a picturesque mode of transportation between Nairobi and Mombasa, including stops at Tsavo. The train is typically safe and reasonably priced, and first-class tickets provide a more pleasant experience.

vehicle Rentals with Private Drivers: Renting a vehicle with a driver is an option if you value flexibility. Although it is conceivable, self-driving cars are uncommon since they need local knowledge to navigate through parks and between them.

Public Transportation: Although buses and matatus (shared minibuses) are popular among residents, visitors should not use them because of their restricted routes, risk for congestion, and lack of scheduling.

Travel Advice: Reserve Flights in Advance: Domestic flights to well-known parks tend to fill up fast, particularly from June to October when demand is at its highest.

Make Transportation Arrangements with a Tour Operator: Conveniently, a lot of safari packages include airport transfers and all forms of transportation throughout Kenya.

Local Security: Rely on reliable transportation services and stay away from nighttime travel in isolated locations for extra protection.

Combining aircraft, safari cars, and maybe the SGR rail can make your journey more pleasant and effective.