Questions, answered
The practical details that help you travel with confidence.
What is the best time to visit Kenya for a safari?
The peak season is July to October for the Great Migration. January to March is excellent for general wildlife viewing with dry conditions. November to December offers dramatic green landscapes and fewer crowds at lower prices.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Most nationalities require an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) which can be obtained online before travel. Visit https://www.etakenya.go.ke/ to apply. Processing is typically 3 business days. We provide guidance for all our clients.
Is it safe to travel in Kenya?
Yes — when travelling with a reputable operator in the established parks and reserves. Nairobi requires normal urban precautions. Our driver-guides are trained in safety protocols and we monitor government travel advisories daily.
What vaccinations do I need?
Yellow Fever vaccination is required if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Anti-malarial medication is recommended for most parks. Consult your travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. We provide a full health briefing.
What is the currency in Kenya? Can I use USD?
Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). USD is widely accepted in tourist areas — bring post-2013 bills in good condition. ATMs are available in Nairobi and major towns. Credit cards work in lodges and larger restaurants.
How much should I tip my guide?
Tipping is customary. Recommended: $10–15 per traveller per day for safari guides; $80–120 total for a mountain crew of 6–8 on a Mount Kenya trek. Tipping is optional and at your discretion — we provide guidelines in our pre-trip pack.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free meals are all accommodated with advance notice. Please inform us of any allergies at the time of booking.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
We monitor all arriving flights. If your flight is delayed, our airport representative will adjust the pickup time automatically. For overnight delays, we can arrange airport transit hotels.
Do you arrange travel insurance?
We do not sell insurance directly, but we require all travellers to have evacuation and medical cover. We recommend World Nomads, Allianz, or your home country provider. Mount Kenya treks require additional altitude evacuation cover.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation 60+ days before departure: full refund less $100 admin fee. 30–59 days: 50% refund. Less than 30 days: no refund. We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation for any reason.
Can I combine multiple countries in one trip?
Yes — we run cross-border Kenya-Tanzania-Uganda-Rwanda itineraries. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100, valid 90 days) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Tanzania requires a separate visa. We handle all border logistics.
What is the single biggest tip you can give a first-time visitor?
Book through a local operator, not an international agency. Local operators have better guides, newer vehicles, and lower margins. You get more for less, and the money stays in East Africa.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We accept 30% deposit on booking, balance 30 days before departure. For trips over $3,000, we can split into 3-4 instalments. Ask us when booking.
What happens if I get sick on safari?
All our vehicles carry first aid kits. For anything serious, we evacuate to the nearest hospital (Nairobi, Arusha, or Kampala). Travel insurance with medical evacuation is mandatory on all our trips.
Can I extend my trip with a beach finish?
Yes — Diani Beach, Watamu, Lamu (Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania), and Mafia Island (Tanzania) are all easy add-ons. A 3-night Diani package costs $420 per person including flights from the Mara.
Do you arrange gorilla trekking permits?
Yes. We book Uganda (Bwindi, $800 permit) and Rwanda (Volcanoes NP, $1,500 permit) gorilla permits as part of 3-day packages. Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season.