A safari in Kenya is an unforgettable experience that can fulfill the dreams of many travelers. However, it’s essential to be well-prepared and choose the right timing.
In general, what can you see on a safari? Much depends on the visited park, which I’ll explain further. Certainly, many tourists dream of seeing the so-called “Big Five” of Africa. The Big Five of Africa is a term that encompasses five species of large mammals: elephants, black rhinos, lions, buffalos, and leopards.
If you’re planning a safari trip to Kenya, you’ll find some important information in this post that can help you with trip planning.
Cost of Safari in Kenya
The cost of a safari in Kenya can vary significantly. The price depends on factors such as the type of park you visit, the duration of your stay, and the standard of accommodation. Additionally, it greatly depends on the tour company you choose (I’ll explain why using such a company is valuable later). The timing is also important; during migration season, accommodation costs can significantly increase.
For example, during our safari, the cost of accommodation was a minimum of $150, and for two days of park entry, we paid $120 per person.
What To Do Before Safari
Formalities are a crucial aspect before traveling to Kenya. Essential documents include a passport, visas, and potentially vaccinations against tropical diseases. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with a travel medicine specialist before your safari and consider malaria prophylaxis. Pack appropriate clothing and gear, including long pants, a warm sweater for chilly mornings and evenings, and layers for the daytime. Don’t forget a sun hat, UV sunscreen, mosquito repellent (Mugga Deet), a camera, and binoculars.
When it comes to clothing, it’s best to avoid wearing navy blue, as it attracts insects. ?
Internet on Safari
While sleeping in lodges, you may have access to Wi-Fi, but its quality can vary depending on the location and demand. However, using roaming in Kenya can be costly.
Fortunately, obtaining a SIM card, such as from Safaricom, is easy. For 1,100 Kenyan shillings, along with the card, you’ll get a package (e.g., the 2023 package) containing 400 minutes of talk time, 1,000 SMS, 8.0 GB of data, and free access to WhatsApp. To purchase such a card, simply visit a store and have your passport with you.
A noteworthy point is that network coverage is practically available everywhere, even in many safari locations. I highly recommend this option. ?
Best Times for Safari
The best time for a safari in Kenya is during the period of the great animal migration, which typically occurs from July to October. However, this timing isn’t fixed, and it’s hard to predict precisely. It’s advisable to avoid the rainy season due to increased mosquito activity. The rainy season occurs from April to June and from November to December. However, on the coast, especially during the “small rainy season” from November to December, the rain is barely noticeable. When we were in Kenya at the end of September and early October, we had two rainy days, but the rest was sunny.
Which Park to Choose for Safari
Kenya is famous for its many magnificent national parks and nature reserves where you can admire the wildlife and flora. Kenya has 24 national parks and additional reserves. One of the most well-known is Maasai Mara National Reserve, where the great animal migration takes place.
It’s worth noting that not every park will offer sightings of all the animals, so it’s essential to research and understand each park’s characteristics to match your preferences. For example, in Tsavo West, you can see the Big Five of Africa, as I mentioned at the beginning. However, even in Tsavo West, spotting all these species isn’t straightforward, especially animals like leopards that are challenging to spot and require patience and luck.
During my safari, I also visited Amboseli National Park, which I recommend.
Tsavo West National Park: Encounter Africa’s Big Five
Explore Amboseli National Park: Wildlife and More in Kenya
Wildlife Observation on Safari
Why do I believe it’s worthwhile to go with a reputable tour company? Because good eyesight alone isn’t enough on a safari; you need to know where to look for animals and understand their habits. While you can explore Kenya on your own, spotting wildlife independently, in my opinion, is a waste of time. Guides have experience, knowledge about where to find animals, and communication with others through radios, so in my view, a safari without an expert is not a good choice. I watched many YouTube videos, and safaris without guides were much less impressive and yielded fewer animal sightings.
We traveled with a group of six and a driver experienced in tracking animals. Everyone was on the lookout for wildlife, and it was truly wonderful. Of course, the driver, as the most experienced, spotted the most.
Accommodation on Safari
Accommodation on safari can be an extraordinary experience that allows you to get close to wildlife and enjoy the charms of an African adventure. You can book lodging within the park or nearby. These accommodations offer various room types, from luxurious apartments to more standard but still comfortable options.
You can book accommodations here:
Is Safari in Kenya Safe?
Generally speaking, Kenya is a popular safari destination, and safaris are conducted under suitable conditions: you stay in the vehicle, avoid touching animals, etc. However, you are interacting with wild nature, so it’s important to be aware of this. Using guides who know the area and can provide safety and distance is advisable.
It’s essential to purchase additional insurance before going on safari, preferably one that can evacuate you from remote areas, such as Flying Doctors (recommended by Agnieszka, who runs her travel agency, in Kenya). It’s affordable and definitely worth it.
Safari in Kenya
It’s an extraordinary adventure where you can encounter wild animals in their natural habitat. However, it’s essential to be well-prepared, follow local regulations and customs, and exercise caution to enjoy a safe and fascinating trip to this beautiful country.
During the safari, it’s also worth trying local cuisine and getting to know the Maasai culture, one of the most famous ethnic groups in Kenya.
You can find more posts about Kenya here:
Best Things To Do in Mombasa, Kenya
The Akamba Tribe’s Manufactory – An Unusual Place in Mombasa
