Booking your Kenyan Safari can be an overwhelming experience with so many tour packages, accommodations, activities and destinations to choose from. Kenya, renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, offers some of the most unforgettable safari experiences in Africa. From the iconic savannahs to lush wetlands, each destination presents unique opportunities to witness the splendor of nature.
Whether you’re tracking the Big Five, marveling at the vast bird migrations, or simply soaking in breathtaking vistas, Kenya’s safari parks promise an adventure of a lifetime.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, the country’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity promises an unforgettable experience. This guide will ensure you have a seamless and hustle free experience while preparing and booking your safari to Kenya.
Decide on the best time to visit
This is the first step in planning your Kenyan safari. It’s crucial as it guides on the best time for your Safari depending on the activities you wish to engage in and the places you wish to visit. Kenya’s climate varies throughout the year and each season offers distinct advantages.
The peak season (July to October) is perfect for game viewing, especially in Maasai Mara, as this season where great wildebeest migration happens. The season comes with higher costs and more tourists.
The mid-season (January to March) is quieter and affordable and ideal as the parks are less crowded hence giving an intimate safari experience. The weather is warm, dry and fewer crowds making your safari more enjoyable.
The low season (April to June) is the perfect season if you are looking for budget friendly options and lower accommodation rates. It’s a rainy season making some parks to be less accessible.
The best time to go on safari in Kenya depends on your preferences for wildlife sighting, budget and overall experience. Witnessing Great Migration in peak season, enjoying a quieter and affordable safari in mid-season or taking advantage of the low rates during low season. Understanding the different seasons allows you to tailor your safari to best suit your interests.
Choose your safari destination
Choosing the right safari destination in Kenya is very essential to ensure you experience unique landscapes and wildlife. Kenya boasts of a variety of national parks and reserves each offering unique experiences.
Some popular destinations include:
The Maasai Mara, renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a top choice for those looking to witness nature’s most spectacular events.
Amboseli National Park ideal for seeing large herds of elephants and magnificent tuskers set against the iconic backdrop of the snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro.
Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for the vast flocks of flamingos and other bird species making it the best destination for bird enthusiasts.
Diani Beach with a mix of adventure and relaxation, along with the tranquility of Indian Ocean.
Tsavo National Park, Kenya’s largest park famous for its red elephants due to soil rich in iron.
Each destination has something special to offer, allowing you choose your safari based on your interests and preferences.
Determine your budget and length of stay
A clear budget and determining the length of your stay is a fundamental step in planning your Kenyan safari, these factors influence your overall experience.
Accommodation options in Kenya cater to various budgets such as:
Budget accommodations; include simple campsites or lodges with basic facilities
Midrange options offer comfortable lodges or tented camps with additional amenities
Luxury options provide exclusive lodges, private villas or high-end tented camps with superior services.
Mode of transport:
Transportation choices affect costs and convenience: road safaris by jeep most popular for flexibility, flights used for covering longer distances quickly but more expensive and rail travel offers a unique experience as it is less common.
The safari type – group shared safaris are generally more affordable while private safaris offer a personalized custom tailored experience at a higher cost.
Planning a safari involves careful consideration of your budget and the length of stay. These factors significantly influence your accommodation choices, transportation and overall experience
Choose your safari operator
Selecting the right safari operator is very crucial to ensuring a memorable and seamless experience. A reputable and licensed tour operator that adheres to tourism industry standards and demonstrates commitment to safety and quality is highly recommended.
Ensuring the safari operator possesses a valid Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) license and membership for the relevant tourism associations such as – the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) affirms their legitimacy and professionalism.
The quality of the safari vehicle significantly affects your comfort; opt for a well-maintained, spacious vehicle with a pop-up roof to enhance wildlife viewing.
Exceptional customer service – an indicative of tour operator’s dedication to guest satisfaction and perusing reviews on platforms like Google, Safari Bookings or TripAdvisor provides valuable insight for the expected level of service.
Choose your accommodation
Selecting the appropriate accommodation is a pivotal aspect of planning your Kenyan safari. It significantly influences your overall experience as Kenya offers various lodging options to suit your budgets.
Budget accommodation is best for travelers seeking affordable options such as simple campsites providing basic facilities and offering no-frills experience allowing guests to connect with nature without compromising essential comfort.
Midrange: these are comfortable lodges or tented camps with amenities like private bathrooms and hot water striking the balance between affordability and comfort.
Luxury accommodation, that include five-star lodges or private villas offering all-inclusive services such as gourmet meals, drinks, bush meals and sundowners.
Book and reserve your safari
This involves finalizing and customizing your itinerary allowing you tailor the experience based on interests and focusing on specific wildlife. It’s crucial to finalize pricing by clarifying all costs involved and understanding any exclusions such as park fees, meals or tips to avoid unexpected expenses. Reviewing the inclusions such as meals, transportation and game drives ensures that your expectations are aligning with services provided. After addressing these aspects then you can book and reserve your safari.
Get your travel documents in order
Ensure that your travel documents are valid and up to date – such as your passport. While travelling to Kenya you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (VISA) prior to your safari. Applications should be submitted at least three days before your travel. Passport should be valid for at least six months from date of entry.
Health precautions such as yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travelers aged over one year arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. It is advisable to consult with your travel health specialist at least eight weeks before your trip to receive recommended vaccinations.
Securing a travel insurance covers your medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage. It’s highly recommended to safeguard against any unforeseen circumstances during your safari.
Pack appropriately
Packing appropriately is very important to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable safari, preparedness for varying weather conditions and activities. Opting for light and breathable fabrics in neutral earth colors like beige, green or brown that blend with the environment
Layering is also essential, mornings and evenings are very chilly, in the midday temperatures rise. Pack comfortable walking shoes with good grip for safaris and consider bringing flip-flops or sandals for relaxation periods.
Essential items such as a good binoculars and DSLR or mirrorless cameras are necessary for wildlife viewing and to ensure you capture unique safari moments and sightings.
Also bring insect repellent to protect yourself against mosquitoes and sunscreen along with wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
Embrace Responsible Safari Practices
Support Local Communities
Supporting local communities during your safari enriches your experience and contributes positively to the conservation efforts. By Purchasing souvenirs and artefacts crafted by local artisans ensures you are giving back to the community and supporting locals such as the ‘Bead Mamas’ and Maasai artisans.
Understand Tipping Etiquette
Incorporating tipping during your safari experience to acknowledges the exceptional service provided by guides and hotel staff during your safari.
Respect wildlife and Their Habitat
Respecting wildlife is paramount by maintaining a safe distance from wild animals and avoiding disturbances ensuring their natural behaviors are not disrupted. Proper waste disposal is essential, visitors are required to carry all trash and dispose appropriately avoiding littering, to ensure that the parks remain clean and natural for the future visitors.
Adhere to Kenyan Laws and Regulations
Abiding by the Kenya’s rules and regulations during your safari is essential to ensure a respectful and safe experience during your stay.
Ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime? Booking your Kenyan safari is an adventure itself, and with the right expert advice, it’s a breeze. For an unforgettable and hassle-free experience, look no further than Bison Safaris. Let our expertise and passion for Kenya’s wildlife make your dream safari come alive. Contact us today and let the adventure begin!