FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before booking.

BOOKING AND PAYMENTS

Booking Questions

For July to October, the Great Migration season, book three to six months ahead, because the best Masai Mara camps fill first. Green season trips from April to June can often be arranged with four to six weeks’ notice, usually at lower rates. Gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda sell out fastest, so allow six months for those.

Airport transfers, park and conservancy fees, game drives in a private 4×4 with a pop-up roof, a professional driver guide, accommodation, most meals and drinking water on game drives. International flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks and tips are quoted separately, so you can see exactly what you are paying for. Each package on our safaris page lists its own inclusions.

Yes. Every trip is built around your dates, budget and interests, whether that means more time in one park, a beach extension or a slower pace. Share your plans through our safari planner and a specialist will send a tailored itinerary and price within 24 hours.

A 30 per cent deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due 30 days before departure. Cancellations must reach us in writing. If you cancel 60 days or more before travel, we keep the deposit and refund any balance paid. From 30 to 59 days the charge is 70 per cent of the trip cost. From 15 to 29 days it is 90 per cent and within 14 days it is 100 per cent. Travel insurance may cover these charges. Full details are in our terms and conditions.

Yes. Groups of six or more receive discounted rates, because the vehicle and guide costs are shared across more people. Tell us your group size and travel dates and we will quote per person, with any single rooms shown separately.

TRAVEL PREPARATION

Before You Travel

Yes. Kenya is one of Africa’s most established safari destinations, and the parks and reserves we use have a long record of trouble-free tourism. Our vehicles are TRA licensed and inspected, our guides are trained in safety and first aid, and drivers stay in radio contact on every game drive. We also brief you on sensible precautions before you arrive.

Neutral-coloured layers, a warm fleece for early morning drives, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries. Avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies. If you are flying between parks, use a soft bag, as light aircraft usually limit luggage to 15 kg. Our Kenya packing guide has a full checklist.

Kenya no longer issues visas. Most visitors apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) at least 72 hours before travel. Tanzania requires an e-visa, and if you are also visiting Uganda or Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for one fee. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. See our visa requirements page for details. From 1 October 2026 Tanzania also requires its own inbound travel insurance, 44 US dollars per adult and 22 per child, bought online before you travel. Your own travel insurance does not replace it.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if you arrive from, or transit through, a country with a risk of the disease. Hepatitis A, typhoid and routine boosters are commonly advised, and malaria prevention is recommended for most safari areas. See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you travel for advice based on your health and itinerary.

Yes. Your policy should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation and curtailment for the whole of your trip, as set out in our terms and conditions. AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover can also be added locally for extra peace of mind. Tanzania also requires its own mandatory inbound travel insurance from 1 October 2026 (44 US dollars per adult and 22 per child), which does not replace this cover.

YOUR SAFARI

About the Safari Experience

July to October is peak season, when the Great Migration is in the reserve and river crossings are most likely in August and September. January to March is dry, quieter and excellent for big cats, while the wildebeest calve on the southern Serengeti plains in Tanzania. April and May are the long rains, with lower rates and fewer vehicles. Our Masai Mara guide covers each season.

Yes, and it is one of our most requested routes. Most trips cross by road at Isebania between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, or fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro. You switch to a Tanzanian vehicle and guide at the border, which we arrange. Allow at least seven days to do both properly. See our Kenya and Tanzania safaris.

Everything from budget camping and simple tented camps to mid-range lodges and luxury conservancy camps. Tented camps are the classic choice, with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms under canvas. We match the accommodation to your budget and travel style, and every property we use is vetted by our team.

Yes. We plan family safaris with shorter drives, flexible meal times and family rooms or tents. Some camps set minimum ages for game drives or walking activities, and gorilla trekking is limited to age 15 and over. Ask us for family-friendly camps and read our family safari guide.

Yes. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino are all found in Kenya. The Masai Mara gives you a good chance of four of them in a few days, and rhino are more reliable at Lake Nakuru or Ol Pejeta. Leopard is the hardest to find, so allow at least three nights in one area. See where to spot the Big Five in Kenya.

Three days is enough for a first taste of the Masai Mara. Five to seven days lets you add a second park such as Amboseli or Lake Nakuru without rushing, and ten days or more allows a Kenya and Tanzania combination or a beach finish in Diani or Zanzibar. Browse our safaris by length.

SOLO TRAVELLERS

Solo Safaris in Kenya

Yes. Kenya is one of the easiest countries in Africa for a solo safari, and many of our guests travel alone. Most choose a private safari, tailor-made around their dates and interests with a private vehicle and guide. If you would rather share costs and meet other travellers, we also run group safaris. Read our solo safari in Kenya guide for planning tips.

Often, yes. Most lodges and camps charge a single supplement for a room or tent for one, and a private vehicle costs the same whether it carries one person or four. We show these costs separately in your quote and can suggest camps that reduce or waive the supplement, especially in the green season from April to June.

Yes. On safari you are with your guide on every drive and stay in staffed camps with escorts after dark, so you are rarely truly alone. Book through a licensed operator, keep valuables in your camp safe and use registered transport in Nairobi. Our team in Nairobi is reachable 24 hours a day throughout your trip.

A private, tailor-made solo safari usually costs about USD 350 to USD 550 per day, including park fees, because you are not sharing the vehicle and guide. Joining one of our group safaris or travelling in the green season brings that down. See our guide to Kenya safari costs.

A three day Masai Mara trip from Nairobi is the simplest start, with four game drives and a strong chance of the Big Five. With a week, adding Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha or Amboseli gives more variety. See our 6 to 7 day solo itinerary or the 3 day Masai Mara safari.

FIRST TIME TRAVELLERS

First Time on Safari

Yes. Kenya is one of the easiest places for a first safari. Most parks are a short drive or flight from Nairobi. English is widely spoken. The Masai Mara has lions and cheetahs all year. Read our Kenya safari guide to see where to go.

Start with one big reserve and one park that feels different. The Masai Mara is best for big cats and the migration. Amboseli is known for elephants and views of Kilimanjaro. Lake Nakuru is good for rhinos and flamingos. Spend two nights in each so you are not rushed. Browse our Kenya safari itineraries for ready made routes.

Pick a company licensed by Kenya’s Tourism Regulatory Authority. Ask for a quote that lists park fees, lodges, vehicle and guide separately. Avoid one bundled price with no detail. Get the payment terms in writing and read recent reviews. Our Kenya Safari Cost Calculator shows how a safari price is built.

Both are correct. The official name is Maasai Mara National Reserve, named after the Maasai people. Masai Mara is the common English spelling. You will see both on maps, park tickets and lodge websites.

The Small Five are the elephant shrew, buffalo weaver, leopard tortoise, ant lion and rhinoceros beetle. The name is a playful nod to the Big Five. Ask your guide to point them out on walks and between drives. The buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise are the easiest to spot. Learn more in our Small Five animals guide.

A private safari suits most first timers. You set the pace and stop as long as you like at sightings. A shared group safari costs less and suits solo travellers who enjoy company. Both use 4×4 vehicles with a pop up roof for clear views.

Most days start with a game drive at about 6:30am, when animals are most active. You return to camp for breakfast and a rest in the middle of the day. A second drive runs from mid afternoon until sunset. Some days you stay out all day with a packed lunch.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is happy to help. Reach out and we respond within 24 hours.

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