Endowed with some of the best game reserves and beach destinations in Africa, Kenya is a great safari destination.
But before you book the next flight to Kenya, consider the following important tips for planning the best Kenya safari.
1.) Attractions
The most famous attractions of Kenya is the Masai Mara Game Reserve, which borders the Serengeti in Tanzania. The game reserve is home to the annual wildebeest migration, in which over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle trek from Serengeti to Masai Mara in Kenya in search of fresh grazing. Read more on Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Other tourist attractions on a Kenya safari include the Amboseli National Park with its stunning backdrop of the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro. Closer to the capital Nairobi is the seductive beauty of Mount Kenya, the second tallest mountain in Africa, while in the coastal city of Mombasa sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean beckon visitors to put up their feet and unwind in the sun.
2.) Visas
All visitors to Kenya are required to have a visa, except nationals of Commonwealth countries (including the UK and Canada). Visas can be obtained at the airport or the border crossing when they arrive in the country. You may also apply for a visa at the Kenyan Embassy in your country. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days.
The cost of a single-entry visa is US$50 and that of a multiple entry is US$100. A single-entry visa is sufficient for those planning to visit just Kenya, but if your safari includes crossing over to the Serengeti or Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania then you’ll need a multiple-entry visa to re-enter Kenya.
3.) Health
There are no immunizations required by law to enter Kenya for visitors travelling directly from the US or Europe. However, if you are travelling from a region where Yellow Fever is common you’ll need to carry evidence to show you have had the inoculation.
Vaccinations against Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio, Diptheria and Typhoid are highly recommended. It is also advisable to consult your physician at least 3 months before you plan to travel.
There is the risk of catching Malaria in Kenya. The country is home to the chloroquine-resistant strain of malaria, and you should therefore inform your doctor that you’re travelling to Kenya so he can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication.
4.) Safety
Generally Kenyans are friendly and you will be touched by their hospitality. However, you should take some precautions:
* Make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.
* Don’t walk alone at night in the major cities or on empty beaches.
* Don’t wear too much jewellery.
* Don’t carry too much money with you.
* Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
* Don’t carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities.
* Beware of conmen posing as police officers.
5.) When to go
Kenya has two rainy seasons; the short rainy season in November and the long rainy season from the end of March to May. Though it does not necessarily get too cold, the roads especially those leading to wildlife parks can become impassable during the rainy season.
The dry season, December to early March and June to October, is usually the best time to go on safari to Kenya. During this period visitors are assured of seeing animals since they tend to congregate around waterholes. If you want to watch the Masai Mara Migration you should schedule your safari between end of July and September.
6.) Getting there
Kenya is served by many international airlines, including Kenya Airways (Kenyan national carrier), British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Ethiopia Airlines and many others. The country has two international airports; the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) and the Moi International Airport (Mombasa).
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