FAQs

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KENYA?

As a result of its diverse geography, Kenya has a variable climate across the country. It also lies on the equator and is therefore considered a year-round destination for both safari and beach holidays.

The climate is mild, mostly dry between January and the end of March, making it the best time to go on a safari for game viewing. However, if it’s a case of choosing when to go to Kenya for Maasai Mara wildebeest migration, then it should be between mid-August and late October when the herds have returned from Tanzania’s Serengeti.

A rainy season can also be considered between mid-March to June and again between October to December to avoid peak season crowds and to take advantage of cheaper, off-season rates on accommodations and tour services. There are fewer visitors, and you can admire the striking emerald visitation.

WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN IN KENYA?

The two official languages in Kenya are English and Swahili, also known as Kiswahili.

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY IN KENYA?

The currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and the main towns, and credit cards are widely accepted. The US dollar is the second most used currency in Kenya.

WILL I NEED TO TAKE US DOLLARS WITH ME OR HOW DO I GET LOCAL CURRENCY?

Some safari lodges/camps or rural hotels may not accept credit cards or cash in US dollars, and where they do, they may add a surcharge or give an unfavorable exchange rate. We therefore recommend that you obtain whatever local currency that you may need on your safari in advance by withdrawing cash from an ATM machine at the bank or at the airport when you arrive using an international Visa Card with a PIN. ATM cash machines are also available in most major towns for withdrawing cash in local currency.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES SHOULD I CARRY FOR MY SAFARI TO KENYA?

As a general guide, we recommend comfortable and casual clothing that you can wash and wear. Muted colors are best for game viewing. Game drives are normally conducted in the early morning and late afternoons, which can be chilly. Although Kenya is at the Equator, the temperatures normally warm up in the day but you may also be surprised at how cold it can get at night and in the early morning, especially in some higher locations and therefore we recommend dressing in layers.

Some of the most practical things that you need to carry are:

• Clothes in khaki, green, beige, and neutral colors.
• T-shirts.
• Shorts or a light skirt.
• Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days.
• Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent…
• Binoculars and camera equipment.

When packing, bear this in mind that the luggage allowance on small flights is usually limited to a maximum of 15 kg, which includes hand luggage. Most lodges and camps provide a same-day laundry service also.

Don’t forget your curiosity and sense of adventure, an open mind, and enough memory cards for the camera!

WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY WHILE ON SAFARI IN KENYA?

In the unlikely event of an illness or injury while you are on safari, the drivers/tour guides and most hotel/lodge/camp staff are normally trained in First Aid procedures. While we offer Emergency Medical Evacuation Cover, in which case an aircraft can be dispatched to the lodges/camps, Medical Travel insurance is a necessity to cover the emergency treatment in case of hospitalization. There are good quality medical facilities in the bigger cities should you require medical attention while on your trip/safari.

WHAT TYPE OF FOOD WILL I HAVE ON MY SAFARI IN KENYA?

Most of the hotels/camps/lodges offer good quality food and with an international style. Breakfasts mostly include fresh fruits, eggs, bacon, cereals, sausages, fresh bread, milk, tea, coffee, etc. Lunches and dinners may include soups, meat and fish dishes, fresh fruits, and vegetables, among other things. Larger lodges/hotels/camps tend to offer a buffet selection while smaller ones have a more personal service. Some properties offer bush breakfast, picnic lunch, sundowners, or even dinners for experiencing dining in the wild.

Special diets can also be arranged for in advance in most of the hotels/lodges.