KENYA SAFARIS & TOURS

The July to October dry season is largely considered to be the best time to visit most areas. However, the two months of August and September can be extremely busy, especially in the Masai Mara where tourists congregate to witness the Great Migration. One can also visit in early November, before the short rains begin for a quieter, more exclusive experience. Alternatively, around Christmas and into January and February, before the long rains start in March.

From Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, you can visit the renowned Masai Mara Reserve, where wildlife enthusiasts can witness the great migration.For bird watchers, Lake Naivasha is a haven.

Nearby is the Hell’s Gate National Park, which offers excellent walking safari and climbing opportunities, with two extinct volcanoes and the red cliffs of Hell’s Gate Gorge. The park also harbors obsidian caves and hisses with natural geysers and hot springs.

If it is the grasslands that interest you, then Amboseli National Park is the place for you.

Renowned for its gigantic elephants, Amboseli also rewards its visitors with the magnificent view of Tanzania’s snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain.

Mountaineers, enjoy climbing and trekking the snow-cloaked equatorial peaks of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak.

Explore Tsavo, the country’s largest wildlife park sliced in two: Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Midway between Nairobi and Mombasa, Tsavo East is famous for photo-worthy sightings of large elephant herds rolling and bathing in red dust. On the other hand, Tsavo West is a beautiful, rugged wilderness.

Samburu National Park is remote, hot and arid with rugged hills and undulating plains. Visitors are rewarded with the unique sighting of wildlife such as the long-necked gerenuk, gravy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and the Beisa oryx that can only be found here. However, the highlight for the visit to Samburu could be an encounter with the Samburu people who call this place home.

Head to the coast to find Diani Beach, Mombasa. Stretching along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast like a ribbon of brilliant white, Diani Beach is a gorgeous setting for a beach vacation, honeymoon or pure relaxation.

The bottom line is that Kenya is well endowed with attractions and the list can go on and on…

While on a safari in Kenya, one may (depending on interest) undertake any of the following activities: Game drives, walking safaris, hot-air balloon safaris, community and cultural encounters, birdwatching, mountain trekking, beach relaxation, snorkelling and even a boat cruise.

Statistically, the East African nation is very safe indeed. The country has one of the best tourist infrastructures of anywhere on the continent, and though crime is higher than in Europe and North America, it is rarely deliberately targeted at visitors.

You’ll find most major establishments have a good security presence, while many hotels also ask people to pass through a metal detector on arrival. Whether it’s the beaches of the Indian Ocean coast, or the plains of its national parks, visitors to Kenya therefore have little to worry about.

From experience, most people incur no health problems during their visit, but rather enjoy themselves during the time on Safari. Nevertheless, you may consider the following in your packing:

• Anti-malaria medicines, pain reliever, insect repellent and a simple first aid kit wouldn’t go amiss.
• Pack your sunscreen, hand sanitizers, hat, sunglasses, body creams and lotions of your choice.

A Yellow fever vaccination is required. When applying for a visa, you will be required to upload proof in addition to other requirements such as copy of passport bio-data page, most recent passport photograph, travel itinerary (in place of invitation letter).

IMPORTANT: Please double check and make sure that you have all the proper vaccinations and that you have renewed all essential prescriptions. Please also ask your medical insurance provider if your policy applies overseas for any emergencies.

The main entry point into Kenya is through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You have to present your identification documents – such as passport – and depending on the country of origin, a stamped visa. The visa must be obtained prior to the arrival.

IMPORTANT: It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months and has several clear pages for visas prior to the departure to Kenya.