Kenya information
Kenya is a tourist paradise!
When you think of Africa with its beautiful wildlife, broad savannahs, snow-capped mountains and deep forests, you are picturing the land of Kenya.
Kenya is the heart and soul of Africa. In it, you can see the lives of the Maasai and Samburu people. They are still living their timeless traditions.
Kenya is where you can witness great herds of wildebeest, zebras, elephants and giraffes. You can also see lions and leopards hunting their prey.
No one that has witnessed these primal forces of nature has ever forgotten them. It’s no wonder that so many visitors travel back to Kenya again and again.
With its many inviting lodges and expert guides, friendly people and developed infrastructure, Kenya holds out its arms, welcoming visitors from around the world.
We at Malaika Travel want to share this special world with you.
Come and join us for your private safari!
We offer many choices of safari tours and excursions – from the Masai Mara and Mt. Kenya, to the coast of Mombasa and Mt. Kilimanjaro.
We invite you to join us in Kenya for the biggest adventure of your life. Famous for being the original safari country, Kenya can be considered a year-round safari holiday destination. However, in the peak months there is a much wider range of wildlife, and the hotter weather conditions often make for a better safari experience.
If you’re looking to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip, and want to know when the best time for you to visit is, we can help.
We have created a seasonal guide to East African Safaris that details the weather, animals, cost etc!
January – March (High Season)
- The start of the year is generally a good time to go on a safari if you’re looking to see the vast range of species that Kenya has to offer
- Animals begin to disperse over huge areas in search of waterholes, following the short rain season in previous months. This means that wildlife is easier to spot
- There will also be opportunities for you to encounter large elephant herds. February is also an excellent time to go bird watching in the Maasai Mara and Laikipia
- The wildlife, history, and culture that Kenya has to offer can be found in several of our safari packages. They can be tailored to suit your interests and needs as well as your budget
April – May (Low Season)
- April and May are considered to be the low season, since the bursts of tropical rain become unpredictable
- Kenya receives the most rainfall during these months, and the wet weather makes wildlife watching worse
- The rain does however mean that bushes and plants are fresh and green, which leaves beautiful scenery and an opportunity for you to spot a plethora of flora
- If you’re looking to go on a safari during the long rainy season, you will have the benefit of getting a lower price, as this is generally a time period where few tourists come to visit
June – September (the peak season & the time of the Great Wildebeest Migration)
All major Kenyan roads are tarred. However, road surfaces vary depending on how remote they are. Rain may also affect the state of the roads. Many roads within the National Parks and game reserves are quite navigable. Driving times on Kenyan roads vary from one safari point to another and they are approximate. They differ from each other depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and American Express) are widely accepted. In addition to credit cards, it is advisable for you to carry easily convertible currency in cash. USD currency is readily accepted in many local outlets and it can also easily be exchanged for Kenya shillings.
We advise you to contact a medical specialist or even a licensed vaccination clinic before travelling to Kenya.
Safari hotels/lodges/tented camps are carefully chosen and they are named on the safari itinerary/program. They are comfortable and sufficiently luxurious. Luxury lodges blend nicely with the landscape and have rooms with all the amenities that you would expect to have in a good hotel. The tented campsites are on permanent foundations and have en-suite bathrooms. The amenities can include hot water bottles as well as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Except for the tree lodges, most other lodges and campsites in economy, comfort & luxury options have swimming pools.
Avoid drinking water straight from the tap. Complimentary drinking water will be provided in your safari vehicle. Soft drinks, beer and other bottled beverages can be purchased at your accomodation.
All of your important items should be carried in your hand luggage such as your passport, visa, insurance, credit cards, money and prescriptions if necessary. You should carry information about any health conditions that you have, as well as malaria pills, any lifesaving medication, anything used to treat allergies and something to help a sudden stomach ache. Any expensive electrical equipment, such as a camera or a computer should be well looked after. Please note that all use, import and production of plastic bags, such as those from supermarkets, etc., is prohibited in Kenya. We therefore recommend that you avoid using plastic bags when packing your luggage. Use fabric bags instead, or bags made of a waterproof material other than plastic. If you are visibly carrying hand luggage in plastic bags upon your arrival in Kenya, you will be asked to hand them in. This also includes plastic bags from Duty Free shopping, etc. On light aircraft flights to Kenya, the baggage allowance is limited to a maximum of 15kg, including camera and video equipment. Any additional luggage can be stored at your hotel in Nairobi until end the of your safari. Any extra luggage costs $5 per kilogram. Any luggage and personal belongings are at the owner’s risk throughout the tour. For your peace of mind, baggage insurance is recommended.
A modern digital camera is good for taking excellent wildlife and landscape photographs, but it does not need to be expensive for you to get good photos. Getting good safari photos is more about practice, focus and concentration rather than having an expensive camera / gadget. A digital single lens reflex DSLR Camera with interchangeable lenses is a good option for a safari tour. Good lenses for wildlife photos fall within the range of 200-400mm. If you’re intending to take landscape photos or photos of animals in their environment, you should consider bringing wider angle lenses in the range of 24-100mm. A video camera is also good to bring to a safari. You may already have it in your DSLR as a built in extra. Safaris are in remote areas, so bring plenty of batteries and a charger in case you run out of power! You should also bring plenty of cleaning equipment like cleaning cloths and a blower brush as cameras get dirty quickly in the dusty safari environment. Lots of memory cards are necessary too – a safari adventure is exciting and you may take more shots than you had anticipated. A pair of binoculars is essential for you to see the birds and animals from a distance. The best size is 8/10 x 40. They need to be high quality.
Suggested equipment
- A camera
- Telephoto lenses (ideally in the 24-100mm and 200-400mm range)
- Cleaning equipment for your lens
- Extra batteries
- A battery charger
- Memory cards
- A camera bag
- Zip lock bags (dust proof) – not plastic bags as they are banned in Kenya, you use a cloth alternative instead
- Beanbag (to keep your camera stable when you’re taking photos)
You can go on a safari in Kenya at any time in the year.
January, February and March (High Season)
These three months are good for going on a safari. This period is just after the short rain season, you may catch some bird species from Europe. The grass is not high enough to hinder your view of the animals. There’ll be great opportunities for you to encounter large elephant herds.
April and May (low season)
This is the long rainy season. You can still enjoy your safari during this period. The tropical rain comes in bursts and lasts for a few hours, mostly in the mornings and afternoons. The rain freshens up the nature and often enhances the safari experience.
June
The month of June is a good time to experience a safari after the long rainy season. The large zebra herds cross from Tanzania to the Masai Mara game reserve ahead of the migration, which happens in mid July.
July to October (peak season)
Huge herds of wildebeest enter the Masai Mara from the Serengeti in Tanzania during this time. Due to the evolving climate, it’s a little difficult to give a specific time for the start of the migration. It is however safe to state that the great wildebeest migration starts in the Masai Mara by the middle of July. The wildebeest start their return journey to Tanzania around September / October.
November and December (low season)
This is the short rainy season in Kenya. The rain freshens the pastures and grass starts to grow. The national parks and game reserves regain their vegetation
STATS / MOMTH |
Rain (mm) |
Rain days |
Day temp ℃ |
Night temp ℃ |
Sunshine hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JAN |
58 |
4 |
26 |
11 |
288 |
FEB |
50 |
4 |
27 |
11 |
266 |
MAR |
92 |
8 |
27 |
12 |
267 |
APR |
242 |
15 |
25 |
13 |
204 |
MAY |
190 |
13 |
24 |
12 |
189 |
JUN |
39 |
5 |
23 |
10 |
159 |
JUL |
18 |
3 |
22 |
9 |
130 |
AUG |
24 |
4 |
23 |
9 |
127 |
SEP |
31 |
4 |
25 |
10 |
180 |
OCT |
61 |
7 |
26 |
11 |
226 |
NOV |
150 |
14 |
24 |
13 |
198 |
DEC |
108 |
9 |
24 |
12 |
257 |
We recommend that you bring casual summer clothes that are easy to launder and quick to dry. Go for neutral colours that do not reflect the heat and do not show the inevitable safari dust. Because of the cool mornings and evenings, layering is suggested. A laundry service is available in most safari lodges and tented camps. This can help you to clean your clothing as much as you need. Most of the time on your safari is spent in the vehicle, so lightweight and comfortable walking shoes are appropriate. The style is casual – even in the evening. For dinner in Nairobi, you should dress smart casual. You will be in the sun a lot and at these altitudes, it is easy to get sunburnt very quickly. Make sure you pack a swimsuit, as most of the safari accommodations have swimming pools.
Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KSH). Check online for the current exchange rate. You can exchange your foreign currency into shillings in a forex bureau. Small amounts of cash are handy for tipping and for minor expenses. You can also withdraw Kenyan shillings at an ATM (VISA & MasterCard). USD, Euros, and British pounds are readily accepted in many outlets. We recommend that you only exchange money whenneeded. You will find it easiest to make small purchases in local currencies, and you will usually receive a better price and change when required. You can exchange money at all lodges and hotels, but the best exchange rates are the ones that you get from the forex bureaus in Nairobi.
The customs regulations are quite straightforward. The usual one bottle of spirits, 200 cigarettes, a reasonable amount of camera equipment, film and one tape recorder are allowed to enter Kenya duty free.
Your safari guide / driver will be an integral part of your safari tour experience. You will spend many days together and they’ll teach you about the wonders of Kenya’s geography, history and of course the wildlife. Each safari guide is a local Kenyan, experienced in the traditions and folklore of their country as well as exceptionally knowledgeable in areas such as local flora and fauna, tribal lore and regional geography.
The voltage is 220. However, the plugs are different from those in North America and Europe. Due to the variety of outlets, we suggest that you travel with a variety of international adapter plugs as well as a voltage converter, which can be purchased as a set. The most commonly used adapter plug has 3 square prongs.
Important Info: Lodges in the game parks may turn off their generators during the day and late at night (11pm – 6am). This means that there will be no electricity at this time. Please recharge your video camera batteries at other times of the day, or carry extra batteries.
The safari tour price includes government taxes and service charges based on the accommodation and meals provided, the entrance fees to national parks and game reserves, and game ranger services (where obligatory).We’ll itemize all of theinclusions / exclusions after your safari booking / confirmation.
In Kenya, it is illegal to sell any product made from wild animals, including hides and skins, rhinoceros horns, elephant-hair bracelets, crocodile handbags, etc. Please note also that ivory is not legally sold in Kenya. It is illegal to bring anything made from elephant, rhino or crocodile products into the U.S.
All hotel, lodges and porterage gratuities are included in the price of your safari – they are referred to as a service charge. Individual waiters, porters and other service providers may provide exemplary service and it is your decision whether or not you decide to tip. However, it is customary to tip the driver / guide at the end of your safari. The amount that you tip depends on the quality of the service provided. An average of $10 per guest per day is suggested. The amount is your choice, you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staff that have provided you with special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You should have medical insurance, since you will be responsible for all medical expenses.
Kenya has many different dialects and local languages. English is the official language while Kiswahili (Swahili) is the national language. English is the language used in all schools. If you learn a few Swahili phrases in advance, it shall enhance your local interactions.
Laundry services are available at safari lodges and camps where you spend more than one night. Dry cleaning is only available in Nairobi and Mombasa.
All meals are included while you’re on your safari. This starts from lunch on day 1 and ends with lunch on the last day. During your safari, all meals shall be provided by your lodge or tented campsite, or at restaurant along the safari route. Packed / picnic lunches are provided during full day game drives and on long all day drives. The quality of the cuisine in East African game lodges and camps is superb. All meats, vegetables and fruits arrive fresh daily from the surrounding farmland areas. Individual dietary requests can be catered for.
Nairobi has excellent international medical facilities. Most camps and lodges have a doctor on site who is experienced with common travel related ailments. We suggest that you make certain that your health insurance has adequate coverage, as once you return to Nairobi, any further medical expenses will need to be covered by you.
You should exercise the same common sense that would in any other part of the world. Sensible precautions should be taken. Please do not leave cash, jewellery or valuables unattended in hotel rooms. Every lodge or hotel has a safe deposit facility for your valuables. Do not wear flashy jewellery, or leave handbags and photographic equipment unattended in public places.
Affordable and pretty baskets, copper jewellery, batik cloth, beads, carvings, Kenyan coffee and tea are all for sale in the shops and markets of Nairobi. Boutiques sell fine art and handicrafts, gemstones and jewellery- including a locally mined semiprecious stone called tanzanite. The most popular items are the ones carved from wood, which range from small trinkets such as animal head salad spoons and letter openers, to world-class ebony sculptures. Bags woven from sisal and baobab are available in lots of colours, sizes, styles and shapes. They are much more unique than those reaching the US Market. East African artisans have responded to the increased appreciation of tribal artifacts with a variety of stunning original pieces and reproductions- drums, headrests, stools, shields, and beaded necklaces and belts from various parts of the region. Some of the most prized pieces feature elaborate silver, malachite and amber beads. We suggest that you take all goods you purchase with you as the shipping and duty cost may easily exceed the cost of the item. When purchasing large pieces, if you must have the items shipped, please note that it can cost hundreds of dollars.
Our experienced and knowledgeable safari driver/guide will pick you up from Nairobi Airport or your accomodation in Nairobi. They will take you on your safari and on other sightseeing adventures and then they’ll take you back to the hotel or the airport on your last day. Because most of the safari journey includes hours of driving, the quality of the safari vehicle is highly important. Each safari vehicle carries a maximum of 6/7 guests, thus providing a guaranteed window seat and access to the pop up roof hatch. Our safari drivers/guides are somewhat experienced in mechanics and they can call skilled mechanics in case of emergencies.
Nairobi – Amboseli: 240 km, approx. 4 hours
Amboseli – Lake Naivasha: 350 km, approx. 6-7 hours
Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara: 250 km, approx. 4-5 hours
Masai Mara – Nairobi: 265 km, approx. 6 hours
Nairobi – Samburu: 320 km, approx. 6-7 hours
Samburu – Lake Naivasha: 340 km, approx. 6-7 hours
Nairobi – Ol Pejeta: 220 km approx. 4 hours
Nairobi – Lake Nakuru: 160 kms approx. 3 hours
Nairobi – Lake Naivasha: 100 kms, approx. 2 hours
Mombasa – Tsavo East: 120Km, approx. 3 hours
Mombasa – Tsavo West: 240Km, approx. 4 hours
Tsavo West – Amboseli: 100Km, approx. 2 hours
Amboseli – Masai Mara: 520 Km, approx. 9 hours
Tsavo East – Amboseli: 300 Km, approx. 5 hours
Note that all driving times are approximate and that they may vary depending on the weather, condition of road and density of traffic.
If you want visit a Masai village, please discuss this with your safari guide. It’s suggested to pay a donation of 25 USD directly to the village chief. Despite the introduction of money and some other modern influences, the Masai culture still retains much of its original authenticity.
All meals including picnic lunches are included in the tour price. Bottled drinks including beers, colas, wines and spirits are not included in the cost.
Kenya is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
Mosquitoes appear during the sunset, once the temperatures drop and the evening night sets in. This is when most mosquito bites happen. We advise that you wear long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. It is also important to make sure that any exposed parts of the body are protected with insect repellent. All safari lodges and camps have mosquito nets over their beds.
Most hotels and lodges generally have their generators switched off after 11pm. You should take a small flashlight with you. The sockets are 240 volts and they have 3 flat pin plugs.
When you check in at your hotel / lodge, you should always fill out one of registration cards at the front desk before collecting your key. You need to check in after 11am and check out before 10am. When you’re checking out, you’ll pay the extra bills for drinks from the restaurant and the bar. There shall be an induction / instruction talk at all of your hotels / lodges / camps at check-in.
- Bright summer clothes for safari trips (strong colours can attract unwanted attention from flies found in certain areas of the parks). It is cheap to get clothes washed, so do not bring much with you
- Nicer clothes for evenings at the hotel and lodge, such as long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to protect you against mosquitoes after the sunset and, if necessary, against the sun
- A good jacket, as it can be cool in the morning and evening
- Summer footwear (e.g. sports shoes and cotton socks). Avoid having bare feet and legs at night due to mosquitoes
- A power adaptor with 3-4 sockets
- A small flashlight and extra batteries
- A hat that shields you from the sun
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- A mosquito repellent
- Nail clippers and a nail file
- Passports, money, tickets
- Sunglasses
- Any medication that you use at home (always keep it in your hand luggage, just in case you lose your suitcase!)
- Other medicine: allergy pills, a remedy for diarrhea, malaria pills, plasters and disinfectant wipes
- Binoculars
- A camera, memory cards, battery charger and a bag to protect the camera from Africa’s fine, red dust
- A shoulder bag with sturdy strap and zip.
- A few photocopies of all personal documents such as passports, visas, flights, travel insurance, vaccination cards, international debit cards, (Master Card, Visa credit cards etc.) driving licenses
- A telephone list to immediately block a lost debit card
- Mail addresses of those whom you wish to send postcards or send messages
- A notebook and pens
- A good book or something to keep you entertained on the flight
In summary
Don’t worry, as the rainy season doesn’t last long! June is right around the corner, followed by months of dry, hot days and a variety of wildlife species gracing their natural habitat.
June, July, August and September are regarded as the peak season in Kenya, where you can expect to see the “Big Five” across locations such as Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Maasai Mara, Tsavo, Meru, Laikipia, the Aberdares and Mount Kenya.
During your chosen safari, you will have the opportunity to get up close to the Big Five in their natural habitat, including lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos and leopards.
One of the most famous wildlife spectacles Kenya has to offer is the Wildebeest migration, where huge herds of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras, enter the Masai Mara from the Serengeti in Tanzania. Herds make regular swims across croc-filled rivers, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the true essence of Kenya’s wildlife.
Due to evolving climatic situations, it may be a little difficult to give a specific time for the start of migration. However, the wildebeest will be active from mid-July, before they start their return journey to Tanzania around September and October.
At Malaika Travel we have a range of wildebeest safaris to choose from, covering all months of the high season and varying in length of stay and price, so you can choose what suits you best. As the high season is the best time to experience the full Kenyan culture, it is considered the busiest time for tourists to visit, so prices can be slightly higher. In some areas of Kenya, short rains begin and national parks and reserves come back to life with vegetation. However, the rain does not usually affect the quality of the safari and can often be a welcome relief from the high temperatures of the previous high season. This makes it an ideal environment for migratory birds and newborn animals. As the game viewing is still excellent at this time of year, this is a good opportunity to take advantage of the great prices on safaris, which are reduced due to the decrease in tourist numbers.