Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why use Kenya Wildlife Safaris as your travel agent?
We have trained and experienced Travel Consultants. We have insider tips and advice, using our training and experience to plan your itinerary in a way that provides you with the best possible travel for you and your hard-earned money. We have access to feedback from hundreds of clients and our own personal travel agent network, to provide insights you can’t get from online tour & travel booking platforms or social media sites. We leverage our relationships to get you things you can’t get on your own. That “sold out” room or “fully booked” hotels when the online sites say they aren’t available. In addition to getting you more on any particular trip, we step in and fix things when your trip goes awry.
Q. What are the benefits?
A. You save money. A strong working relationship with travel vendors and the latest in computer reservations technology enables us to access the the most up-to-date information on how to get you the best value for your travel needs.
We are your travel advocates. Your best interests are our priority. Kenya Wildlife Safaris has a long standing record of successfully performing for our clients value for money. We also take pride in adhering to a strict code of professional and personal ethics. We value our clients privacy and never share your plans or itineraries.
We are knowledgeable and active in the tours & travel industry and equip our travel consultants with the best and latest tools to ensure the highest quality of service. Our travel consultants are there for you, going the extra mile to do all they can to ensure your travel is as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Q. What services do we offer?
A. Kenya Wildlife Safaris arranges all types of domestic and international travel, hotel and resort accommodations, ground and air transportation, car rental, conferencing, team building and tour packages.
Itineraries can also be tailored to suit business and vacation objectives, personal interests and budget concerns. Additionally, we also specialize in areas such as family travel, group travel, adventure travel as well as incentive travel.
Q. When is the best time of year to visit Kenya and East Africa?
A. Kenya and East Africa are great year round destinations. The main tourist season is in January and February, since the hot, dry weather at this time of year is generally considered to be the most pleasant. It’s also when bird life flocks to the Rift Valley lakes in the greatest numbers. June to September could be called the ‘shoulder season’ as the weather is still dry. The rains hit from March to May (and to a lesser extent from October to December). During these months things are much quieter – places tend to have rooms available and prices may decrease. The rains generally don’t affect travelers’ ability to get around.
July/August and December are the busiest times when parks and lodges get a bit crowded and reservations often must be made at least 6 to 8 months in advance. Travel during rest of the year primarily depends on the weather.
Q. What is the weather like in Kenya and East Africa?
A. Kenya and East Africa enjoy a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the region. The average annual temperature in Nairobi (altitude 4,980 feet/1,518 meters) is 77°F(25°C) max 56°F(13°C) min. The coastal town of Mombasa (altitude 50 feet/15 meters) is 86°F(30°C) max and 73°F(22°C) min.
There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and when it does come, it often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and the coolest from July to August.
Q. When does the famous animal migration take place?
A. The annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place between June and September. The migration of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and other species is nature’s greatest spectacle on earth. During the rest of the year the herd can be seen in different parts of the massive Serengeti National Park.
Q. Is a Visa required for entry into Kenya and neighbouring countries?
A. YES, you require a visa to enter Kenya and countries in the region depending on home your country. Please check with your embassies. Visa can be obtained upon arrival or in advance through the respective embassy offices close to you.
Q. What is the mode of payment when i want to book a safari?
A. We require 50% deposit to confirm a booking, sent by wire transfer to our bank account, and balance is payable at least 30 days prior to commencement of the safari or can be paid in cash, US dollars on arrival.
Q. Do I have to pay a departure tax at the airport?
A. Like most international destinations, Kenya and countries in the region charge an airport departure tax for all international flights.The tax may be included in the airline ticket price. If it is not included, visitors must pay the tax in cash at the airport upon arrival. Departure taxes can be paid in local currency or U.S. Dollars.
Q. Is tipping required in Kenya and neighboring countries?
A. Most major hotels and restaurants include a service charge. Tipping is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion. Porters at airports, hotels or lodges may be tipped a $1.00 per piece of baggage. A gratuity of 10% is customary at restaurants and bars where a service charge is not included.
Note that on safaris, tips are considered almost part of the pay. A tip for your guide of $10.00 and above per day is appropriate.
Q. Will I be able to use my electrical equipment while on Safari?
A. The local electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and plug adapters where appropriate. Major hotels usually provide hair dryers, irons and other electrical amenities upon request.
Q. How many people do you take on a safari?
A. Most of our safaris operate on private basis with a minimum of two persons booking, and we recommend not more than 7 persons for maximum comfort and guaranteed window seats.
Q. What is Safari accommodation like?
A. The type of accommodation is either basic camping, luxury tented camps or lodges depending on your budget.
Q. What are the meals like?
A. The meals are primarily European style buffets with African influences.
Q. What kind of vehicle will we be traveling during the Safari?
A. Our classic safari vehicle is a purpose built 7 seater minibus specially designed for easy photographing. It comes complete with a pop up roof for easy game viewing.
Q. Do we require Travel Insurance?
A. We strongly recommend that you take out all the necessary Travel Insurance before commencing on your journey.However, we can assist with local insurance companies to cover health, baggage and any other insurance related issues