KENYA FAQ
Kenya FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Kenya, Things you need to know about a Kenya Safari, How best to plan your Kenya Safari, Kenya Travel Advice.
WHY TRAVEL TO KENYA?
Kenya is globally considered the “home of safari” – it all started here and the annual migration in the Masai Mara is not to bee missed on any Kenya Safari. The television show Big Cat Diary really put the Mara on the map and you can see all the Big-Five here too, elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. We varying animal habitats that you find in Kenya – the Rift valley cuts right through the country creating everything from deserts to glacial peaks, lush rainforests to open plains and of course, Kenya has a long Indian Ocean coastline with many beaches. There are tons of other things to see & do In Kenya as well…. everything from camel trekking, hot-air ballooning to horse riding, kite-surfing, and diving – the list is endless.
Browse our selection of Kenya Holidays and Tours.
HOW TO GET TO KENYA?
Kenya Airways operates daily overnight flights in & out of Nairobi with a huge network of onward flights to the Kenyan coast, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and also to Seychelles.
British Airways operates daily flights to and from London. In addition to a number of services from the rest of UK via Europe and the Middle East.
HOW DO PEOPLE GET AROUND THE COUNTRY?
While on safari you’ll get around by four-wheel drive vehicle with open pop-up roofs allowing for all-around game watching and giving you the best chance to get great photos. An excellent network of smaller planes can transport you to and from all the main Kenya national parks.
IF THERE WAS ONE THING I SHOULDN’T MISS, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?
A Safari in the Masai Mara definitely, and if you have some cash to Spend, a balloon flight over the Mara would top our list as it’s a fabulous way to see the animals and get a better view of the topography of the whole area. If you’re on honeymoon in the Mara, put this on your Honeymoon gift list… you won’t regret it.
IS KENYA A SAFE DESTINATION?
We always follow Foreign Office advice and currently don’t advise travel in the far north but the main game reserves and southern beaches are hundreds of kilometers south of Kenya’s northern border. As with travel in most countries, don’t leave your valuables unattended or on show. On safari always listen carefully to your guide(s) and follow instructions. Whilst you are on holiday we’ll look after all the transfers to and from your hotel or lodge and our expert team on the ground are fabulous hosts who know the country well, so you’ll feel well looked after.
CAN I DRINK THE TAP WATER?
No! we advise not drinking the tap water. Whilst on safari we always provided bottled drinking water in the cars (for your transfer trips). The lodges and hotels you will stay at will provide a bottle or two in your tent or lodge and if you need extra at any point you’ll be able to purchase it – speak to your guide about this.
IS ENGLISH WIDELY SPOKEN IN KENYA?
Kenyans who work in the tourism sector do speak good English, but the main language is Kiswahili and if you do learn a few words you will make plenty of friends!
WHAT IS THERE TO EXPECT OF THE ACCOMMODATION?
We use lodges that offer a high standard of comfort and all have en-suite facilities but the properties range from basic camping to luxury, depending on your budget. We always concentrate on the quality of your experience though so you will have incredible game-viewing even on a camping safari but there won’t be anywhere to plug in a hairdryer, so it depends on what matters to you!
WHAT IS THE LOCAL FOOD LIKE ON A KENYA SAFARI?
Most of the time you’ll eat at your lodge as you’ll be miles from anywhere, and here western cuisine is served with the occasional African dish. In Nairobi there are many restaurants to choose from and on the coast the seafood is excellent. If you have a specific dietary requirement, make sure you let us know well ahead of time to ensure there’s a choice of food available to you when you arrive.
HOW MUCH OF A CULTURAL DIFFERENCE SHOULD I EXPECT
Whilst you visit Kenya on Safari, be prepared to see people who have very little in terms of material possessions (of course in comparison to the Western world). Despite what you will see, you will notice that the people a friendly and often want to talk with you and this is one of the most enjoyable parts of any holiday.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY & CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES?
If you stay at a camp that borders the Masai Mara you will be paying a conservation fee that goes to the local Masai people, as the land is in fact rented from them. Throughout Kenya many lodges are closely involved with the local community and you can choose a lodge that not only employs its staff from the immediate locality but is also owned by the community. Whilst staying at many of the camps country-wide you can visit a local village or school and they are always delighted to receive books, pens, and footballs. Ask us during the planning stage of your Kenya Safari and we can give you more specific advice.
DO IN NEED TO GET ANY VACCINATIONS OR BRING MALARIA TABLETS?
Yes, you will vaccinations prior to your travel. The best thing to do is to visit your doctor at least six weeks in advance of travel as they can give you the most up to date advice.
