Planning a safari to Kenya is deeply exciting, but getting the logistics right makes all the difference. From Masai warriors draped in scarlet shukas and baby elephants playing in mud baths to glowing campfire nights under African sunsets, Kenya is completely captivating.
To help you prepare for dream list adventure, we’ve put together this practical, ground-level guide based on our own travels across Kenya.
📌 Kenya at a Glance
- The Vibe: Exceptionally warm, welcoming people and diverse landscapes ranging from savannas and wetlands to semi-deserts.
- The Wildlife: Home to over 1,000 bird species and the iconic “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and Cape buffalo).
- Local Greetings: A friendly “Jambo” (hello in Kiswahili) is always met with a warm smile. If you want to talk to younger locals, try “Mambo” or “Niaje” (informal “how’s it going?”).
🛂 Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
Kenya no longer issues traditional tourist visas. All foreign visitors must apply online for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) prior to departure.
- When to Apply: Submit your application at least 3 days to 30 days before your trip on the official portal (
etakenya.go.ke). - What You Need to Upload:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with 1 blank page.
- Recent passport-style color photo or clear selfie.
- Proof of return flight ticket.
- Accommodation details (hotel/camp names, addresses and contact numbers).
- Travel itinerary.
- Validity: Once approved, your eTA is valid for single-entry travel within 90 days of issuance.
💡 Pro Tip: Carrying Your Passport in Kenya
Always keep your physical passport or a clear printed copy (plus a digital scan on your phone) with you. Police officers—especially around Nairobi and major transport hubs—may occasionally conduct routine identity checks. Keep your original passport stored safely in a waterproof pouch inside your daypack during game drives!
💳 Money & Currency in Kenya
The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). While cards are accepted at major hotels, supermarkets and established safari lodges, carrying a mix of local cash and US Dollars (USD) is essential for smooth travel.
- Using ATMs: ATMs are widely available across major towns and airports. Absa (formerly Barclays) and Standard Chartered are generally the most reliable for foreign cards.
- Carrying US Dollars: Safaris, park fees and upscale lodges frequently quote prices in USD. It’s often cheaper to pay in USD when quoted, but keep local shillings for small tipping, street markets and roadside stops.
- Our Cash Strategy: We brought crisp US Dollars with us and withdrew the bulk of our Kenyan Shillings from an airport ATM right after landing.
💵 Critical USD Rule: Check Your Dates!
Kenyan banks, forex bureaus and safari operators strictly reject US Dollar bills printed prior to 2009 (and often prefer 2013 or newer). Ensure all your USD cash is clean, untorn and recent!
🏧 Pro Tip: Decline “Dynamic Currency Conversion”
When paying by card or withdrawing cash at an ATM, the screen may ask if you want to be charged in your home currency or Kenyan Shillings (KES). Always choose KES. Choosing your home currency triggers high hidden exchange fees!
💊 Health, Vaccinations & Anti-Malaria Prep
Staying healthy on safari comes down to a little advance planning. Visit a travel clinic or your healthcare provider 4–6 weeks before departure to ensure you have all necessary vaccinations and preventative medications.
- Recommended Vaccinations: Depending on your travel history and itinerary, your doctor may recommend routine boosters plus vaccines for Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Meningitis.
- Yellow Fever Certificate: If you are traveling to Kenya from (or transiting through) a Yellow Fever endemic country, you will be required to present an official Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon entry.
- Malaria Prevention: Many safari regions in Kenya carry a risk of malaria. Consult your doctor for prescription anti-malarial medication (such as Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam). Most regimens require starting pills a day or two before arriving in Kenya and continuing them for a short period after you return home.
🦟 Pro Tip: Mosquito Prevention in the Bush The best defense against mosquito-borne illness is avoiding bites altogether! Pack an insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin and wear long, lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts in neutral tones during early morning game drives and around the campfire at dusk.
🛡️ Safety & Peace of Mind in Kenya
During our travels across Kenya, we have always felt safe and secure—from remote safari camps to shopping centres and cafes in town. Kenya is a warm and welcoming destination where thousands of travellers visit every year without any issues. However, as with travel anywhere in the world, staying aware of your surroundings ensures a smooth trip.
- National Parks & Safari Camps: Exceptionally safe. Lodges and camps are well-managed, secure and staffed by experienced teams who prioritise your comfort and safety in the bush.
- Urban Areas & Transit Hubs: Major cities like Nairobi have a visible security presence at airports, malls and public venues. Standard urban travel rules apply: keep valuables out of sight and stay vigilant in busy spots.
- Geographic Awareness: Official travel advisories mostly pertain to non-tourist border regions far removed from standard safari circuits and popular national parks.
🔒 Common-Sense Safety Checklist
Keep cash discrete: Carry only what you need for the day and avoid displaying large sums of money.
Secure your gear: Keep camera bags closed and zipped in crowded areas or markets.
Leave high-value jewelry at home: Flashy accessories draw unnecessary attention.
Use reliable transport at night: Avoid walking alone after dark; arrange trusted taxis or rideshares through your hotel/lodge.
🌱 Plastic Ban & Eco-Rules
Kenya is a global leader in environmental conservation and enforces a strict, countrywide ban on single-use plastic bags. Luggage scans are routinely conducted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) upon arrival, as well as at national park gates.
- 🚫 What is Banned: Single-use plastic carrier bags, plastic shopping bags and single-use plastic bottles inside Protected Areas (National Parks and Reserve gates).
- ✅ Safe Alternatives: Use reusable fabric packing cubes, dry bags, mesh bags, or canvas totes for organizing your gear and luggage.
- 💧 Water & Hydration: Bring a durable, reusable stainless-steel or BPA-free water bottle. Safaris lodges and safari vehicles provide large water carafes or refill stations so you can top up without relying on single-use bottles.
🎒 What About Toiletries & Ziplocs?
Transparent, reusable toilet bags with zippers (used for airport security liquids) are generally acceptable. However, avoid using disposable plastic grocery or shopping bags to wrap shoes or dirty laundry inside your suitcase!
🌤️ Kenya Weather & Seasons Breakdown
Kenya sits directly on the equator, meaning daytime temperatures stay pleasantly warm around 20°C to 30°C year-round. However, altitude plays a huge role — high-elevation parks like the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru drop below 10°C at night during winter months (June to August), requiring warm layers for early morning game drives.
| Season | Months | Daytime Temp | What to Expect & Wildlife Tips |
| ☀️ Long Dry Season (Peak Safari) | June – October | 23°C – 30°C | • Best weather: Sunny, clear skies, low humidity. • Wildlife viewing: Prime conditions as animals gather around rivers. • Note: Major parks and camps reach peak crowds. |
| 🌦️ Short Rains (Shoulder Season) | November – December | 24°C – 28°C | • Light afternoon showers: Quickly clear up for pleasant evenings. • Landscape: Beautiful, lush green scenery with lower tourist crowds. • Great for: Photographers seeking vibrant landscapes and migratory birds. |
| ☀️ Short Dry Season (High Season) | January – February | 26°C – 30°C | • Hot & Dry: Excellent wildlife viewing conditions. • Calving Season: Great time to spot newborns and predator action in the Mara. |
| 🌧️ Long Rains (Low Season) | March – May | 24°C – 30°C | • Heavy rainfall: Highest precipitation of the year. • Budget-friendly: Lower accommodation rates and empty parks. • Note: Some remote lodges close due to muddy tracks and road closures. |
🧥 Pro Tip: Layer Up for Sunrise Safaris
Don’t let the word “equator” fool you! Open-sided safari vehicles moving at 6:00 AM in high-altitude reserves like the Masai Mara feel freezing. Pack a fleece, lightweight jacket and a beanie for early morning game drives — you can peel them off as the sun warms up the savanna by midday.
🦒 The Great Migration & Wildlife Highlights
While Kenya offers spectacular game viewing year-round, timing your visit around specific wildlife events can completely transform your safari experience.
- The Great Wildebeest Migration (July – October): Over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles trek from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara. This is prime time for dramatic river crossings and intense predator activity.
- Calving & Predator Season (January – February): Thousands of baby antelopes and herbivores are born. The dry, open terrain makes it fantastic for tracking lions, cheetahs and leopards on the hunt.
- Birdwatching & Green Season (November – April): Migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia. The lush green landscapes make for stunning wildlife photography with far fewer crowds.
📸 Our Experience: Catching the Start of the Migration in July
We visited Kenya in early July, which marks the very beginning of the dry, high season. Arriving just as the vanguard of the Great Migration was trickling into the Masai Mara allowed us to witness the early buildup of the herds without the absolute peak August crowd levels!
🥑 Dining & Vegetarian Food Options in Kenya
Travelling as a vegetarian or vegan in Kenya is surprisingly easy, delicious and budget-friendly. Local cuisine relies heavily on fresh agricultural produce, rice, flatbreads and hearty legume stews that make plant-based eating straightforward whether you are dining in major cities or camping on safari.
Local Vegetarian Dishes to Try
- Sukuma Wiki: A staple dish of leafy collard greens or kale, sauteed with diced tomatoes, onions and light spices.
- Chapati: Flaky, pan-grilled flatbread that pairs perfectly with vegetable stews (often sold roadside wrapped around fried eggs for breakfast).
- Ndengu: A rich, savory stew made from yellow or green mung beans cooked down with tomatoes, onions and aromatic spices.
- Maharagwe & Vegetable Stews: Creamy red kidney bean stews cooked in coconut milk or tomato-based vegetable curries served over rice or ugali (maize porridge).
- Roasted Maize (Corn on the Cob): A popular street snack roasted over open coals and rubbed with fresh lime juice and chili powder.
City Dining & Safari Tips
- Notify Your Tour Operator Early: Inform your safari company, camp, or lodge of your dietary requirements at least two weeks before departure so the bush chef can stock fresh ingredients.
- Hotel Breakfasts: Most safari lodges and city hotels serve a standard Western breakfast spread with fresh tropical fruit, eggs, cereal and toast.
- Nairobi Dining Scene: Major cities offer a mix of global cuisines. Highly recommended spots include Abyssinia Restaurant (for authentic Ethiopian dining with fresh-squeezed juices and coffee) and Clay Oven Restaurant (for outstanding North Indian cuisine).
🥦 Pro Tip: Safari Catering Safari chefs are exceptionally skilled at accommodating dietary preferences. By providing advance notice, you can expect creative plant-based meals ranging from lentil curries to fresh pasta and grilled vegetable skewers right out in the bush!
🗺️ Planning Your Itinerary & Internal Transport
Kenya is a vast country, so balancing travel days with time in the parks is key to avoiding safari fatigue. A classic circuit covering the big four—Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Aberdares and Amboseli—typically requires a 6-to-8-day driving itinerary.
Drive times between major national parks can take 6 to 8 hours on bumpy roads, so building in rest days or opting for internal flights or trains will help keep your trip comfortable.
Transport Options Compared
| Mode of Transport | Routes & Best Uses | Average Fares | Key Booking & Travel Tips |
| 🚘 Safari Vehicle / Driver | • Best for: The main game-viewing circuits and park-to-park transfers. | Included in safari packages | • Factor in long driving days on unpaved roads. • Ensure your vehicle has a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing. |
| 🚆 Madaraka Express (SGR Train) | • Best for: Traveling between Nairobi and the coast (Mombasa/Diani). | $10 – $30 USD (First / Economy) | • Highly scenic, safe and punctual route cutting through Tsavo National Park. • Book tickets online via the official SGR website. • Payment: Requires M-Pesa or a local agent to complete booking. |
| ✈️ Domestic Budget Flights | • Best for: Long distances (e.g., Nairobi to Mombasa, Malindi, or Kisumu). | $40 – $90+ USD | • Reliable budget carriers include Jambojet, Fly748, and Safarilink. • Note: Fly540 suspended operations, so stick to active regional airlines. |
📱 Pro Tip: How to Use M-Pesa for Train & Local Purchases
M-Pesa is Kenya’s primary mobile payment service used for everything from street markets to booking train tickets. Tourists can easily sign up at the airport or any official Safaricom store—just present your passport, purchase a local Safaricom SIM card and load cash onto your account!
🛬 Nairobi Logistics & Getting Around
Nairobi is East Africa’s major travel hub, but navigating its traffic and two separate airports requires a bit of smart strategy.
- JKIA vs. Wilson Airport:
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA): Kenya’s main international gateway.
- Wilson Airport (WIL): The domestic hub for bush flights to the Masai Mara, Amboseli and the coast. Transferring between JKIA and Wilson can take 40 to 90 minutes depending on traffic, so leave at least a 3-to-4-hour buffer for domestic connections!
- Airport Transfers: Use Uber or a pre-arranged transfer via your hotel or safari guide for the safest and most reliable rides. Avoid unmetered street taxis outside terminal exits.
- Using the Nairobi Expressway: When travelling between JKIA and Westlands/City Centre, instruct your driver to take the Nairobi Expressway. The toll is minimal (payable via cash or M-Pesa) and it bypasses major gridlock!
🚗 Pro Tip: Plan Around Nairobi Traffic
Nairobi traffic is notorious. Rush hours run from 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM. During these windows, a 20-minute drive can easily stretch to nearly two hours. Always build generous buffer times when heading back to the airport!
🏨 Accommodation Options in Nairobi
Nairobi offers a wide spectrum of places to stay—from cosy eco-camps and boutique suburban retreats to luxury 5-star airport hotels. Choosing the right stay depends entirely on your travel itinerary and how much time you want to spend in Nairobi traffic.
💡 Private Driver Advantage
No matter where you stay—whether a budget tented camp or a 5-star hotel—you can retain the private services of your dedicated driver, guide and 4WD safari vehicle for custom city tours and airport transfers.
Top Stays Near Karen & Lang’ata Attractions
If you plan to visit local wildlife highlights—such as the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre, or Nairobi National Park—staying in the quiet, green suburbs of Karen or Lang’ata keeps you close to the action without facing city traffic:
- Wildebeest Eco Camp (Budget to Mid-Range): A popular safari-style tented camp with lush tropical gardens, a swimming pool and comfortable options ranging from dorms to deluxe safari tents.
- The Giraffe Cottages (Boutique & Tranquil): Elegant, luxury cottage rooms nestled in quiet greenery along Karen, located just minutes from the Giraffe Centre.
- Deerpark Luxury Stays (4-Star Boutique Haven): A highly rated boutique hotel set in a peaceful garden setting featuring a year-round outdoor pool, spa amenities and personalised service.
Airport Hotels for Early Arrivals & Late Departures
If you land late at night or have an early morning flight out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), booking a stay near the airport terminal is a stress-free strategy:
- Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport (5-Star Convenience): Located right inside the JKIA airport complex, offering plush modern rooms, an upscale restaurant, a rooftop pool and a complimentary round-trip airport shuttle.
🦁 Safari Planning & Booking Strategy
Not all safaris are created equal. Taking time to evaluate tour providers, vehicle types and campsite locations will directly impact how much time you spend enjoying wildlife versus sitting stuck in crowds.
1. Group vs. Private Safaris
- Group Safaris: Budget-friendly and great for solo travellers looking to connect with others. However, schedules are fixed and route decisions are made by majority rule.
- Private Safaris: More expensive up front, but you have 100% control over daily schedules, how long you linger at a sighting and where you travel. Having our own private Land Cruiser with our guide, Martin, allowed us to set our own pace without compromising for strangers.
2. Choosing the Right Vehicle
Always ask your tour company specific questions about their fleet before booking.
- Shade Roofs are Essential: Ensure the vehicle has a pop-top roof. Many open-top designs lack shade structures, forcing guests to sit inside seats to escape the midday heat rather than standing to spot wildlife.
- Seating Space: Confirm how many guests will share the vehicle. Removing middle seats leaves crucial floor space for camera gear, lenses and comfortable positioning.
3. Location Matters: Escaping the Crowds
- Strategic Gates: Staying at quieter sites like Ndovu Campsite (Oloololo Gate side) in the western Mara puts you away from heavily commercialized lodge hubs. You can enjoy lion sightings with a handful of cars rather than 30+ vehicles competing for position.
- In-Park Camping Perks: Camping inside reserve boundaries allows you to stay out late for sunset predator activity (lions often move between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM) and start game drives right at dawn before outside gates open.
📐 Pro Tip: Ask in Hours, Not Kilometres!
When planning driving routes in Kenya, never ask how far a destination is in kilometres. Dirt tracks, corrugations and weather conditions vary wildly. Always ask how far it is in hours or minutes.
🦩 Wildlife & Photo Etiquette
| Subject | Safari Rules & Insider Tips |
| Flamingos | • Dynamic Movement: Due to changing water levels across Rift Valley lakes, flamingos move daily. Always have your guide call ahead to confirm whether they are currently at Lake Bogoria, Nakuru, or Elementaita. • Early Arrival: Arrive right at sunrise before crowds spook the flocks along the shoreline. |
| Great Migration | • Predictability: Herd movements depend entirely on rain. While herds generally inhabit the Mara from July to October, peak density is often seen in September. • Tracking Tool: Check HerdTracker (a real-time Google Maps tool) to monitor live herd locations. |
| People & Photography | • Photography Permission: Most locals do not mind having their photo taken if you politely ask first—and share the image with them on your display screen afterwards! • Strict Bans: Never photograph military personnel, police officers, or government buildings. Cameras can be confiscated and travellers detained. |
💰 Check Park Fee Inclusions
Park entrance fees in Kenya are substantial (e.g., $100–$200 USD per day for international visitors depending on the season and reserve). Double-check with your tour operator that quoted package rates explicitly include all park and conservation fees!
📸 Photography & Tech Gear for Safari
Capturing wildlife on the savanna comes with unique challenges: severe fine dust, harsh tropical light, distant subjects and frequent power cuts. Protecting your gear and having the right focal reach will make all the difference.
Camera Gear Breakdown
- Focal Length & Lenses:
- A 400mm focal length is sufficient for most large mammals like lions, elephants and giraffes.
- However, a telephoto reaching up to 600mm is ideal for skittish wildlife and distant birdlife (especially shy flamingo flocks along Rift Valley lakes).
- Lens Hoods are Mandatory: Always attach your lens hood. Safari photography frequently involves tracking animals in harsh midday glare or direct backlighting against open savanna skies.
- Camera Stabilization in Vehicles: Large tripods are awkward in crowded 4WD vehicles. Instead, bring a small bean bag mount to rest your telephoto lens directly on the roof hatch or open window frame.
- Dust Protection: Fine volcanic dust on unpaved safari roads gets everywhere. Pack high-quality dust-proof dry bags or protective covers for your camera bodies, lenses and drone gear when driving between locations.
Power & Field Observation
| Essential Gear | Why You Need It |
| 🔋 High-Capacity Power Banks | • Grid blackouts are frequent across Kenya and remote tented camps often run generators for only a few hours a day. • Carry a high-capacity power bank to keep smartphones, camera batteries and GPS units charged overnight. |
| 🔭 Quality Binoculars | • Essential for scanning distant ridges for predators and observing behavior long before moving the vehicle. |
| 📖 Regional Field Guide | • A dedicated East Africa birding or mammal guide is invaluable for identification on the fly. |
💡 Pro Tip: Managing Battery Life in the Bush
Cold morning temperatures in high-altitude parks like the Mara can drain battery performance faster than expected. Keep spare camera batteries warm inside your inner coat pockets during dawn game drives until you are ready to shoot!
Packing & Safari Wear
🧳 Safari Attire, Layers & Essentials
Packing for a safari requires a balance between sun protection, breathability and warmth for early morning drives.
- Layering for Morning Drives: Early 6:00 AM game drives in open vehicles are unexpectedly freezing. Pack a warm fleece or hoodie that you can easily strip off by 10:00 AM as the savanna heats up.
- Wind & Sun Gear: Bring a wide-brim sun hat with an adjustable chin drawstring to stop it from blowing off in moving safari trucks. Pack plenty of lip balm and heavy moisturizer to fight the drying combination of wind and dust.
- Dust & Hair Control: Tie back long hair with clips or scrunchies—dust and wind during game drives will quickly tangle loose hair.
- Mosquito Protection: High-strength insect repellent and lightweight long-sleeve shirts/pants for protection around campsites at dusk.
🎒 What to Pack for a Camping Safari
When on a safari, space inside the 4WD vehicle is strictly limited—especially on group trips with multiple passengers and shared luggage space. Stick to soft-sided duffel bags (which squash easily into boot spaces) and keep your gear lightweight, durable and dust-resistant.
The Essential Safari Packing Checklist
1. Safari Attire & Layers
- Cargo Long Pants: Durable and practical for daytime game drives.
- Lightweight Long-Sleeved Shirt: Essential for sun protection and warding off evening mosquitoes.
- Stretch Long Pants / Track Pants: Perfect for relaxing comfortably around the campfire at night.
- Shorts & T-Shirts: Breathable layers for warm afternoons back at camp.
- Fleece or Hoodie: Crucial for freezing early morning game drives.
- Walking Shoes / Trail Runners: Sturdy closed-toe shoes for camp walking and dust.
- Flip-Flops / Sandals: Easy to slip on around camp or in shared shower facilities.
- Socks: Extra pairs to keep feet warm on early morning drives and clean around camp.
- Broad-Brimmed Hat: With an adjustable chin strap so it won’t blow off in open-top vehicles.
2. Toiletries & Personal Care
- Heavy-Duty Moisturizer & Lip Balm: Crucial for fighting harsh, drying savanna winds.
- High-SPF Sunscreen: Protects against intense equatorial rays.
- Wet Wipes / Body Wipes: An absolute lifesaver for wiping off fine red dust before meals and between game drives.
- Personal Toiletries: Biodegradable soaps and essential personal items.
3. Tech, Protection & Camp Gear
- Camera Bag + Dust-Proof Cover: Place primary camera bags inside heavy-duty, dust-proof dry bags during transit.
- Binoculars: A pair per person keeps everyone engaged on the lookout.
- Headlamp or Torch (Flashlight): Essential for navigating unlit campsites after dark.
- Small Cash (KES Shillings): Keep small bills handy for tips, roadside fruit stalls and handmade souvenirs at local markets.
🧳 Pro Tip: Soft Luggage is Mandatory Avoid hard-shell suitcases at all costs! Soft-sided duffel bags are much easier to stack and compress into crowded safari vehicles or small domestic aircraft compartments.
🌍 Final Thoughts: The Magic of Kenya
Travelling to Kenya is an experience you will never forget. You will meet some of the friendliest people, experience world-leading safaris, see incredible wildlife and taste outstanding African cuisine.
A safari is so much more than checking animals off a list—it’s about stepping into the rhythm of the wild. Whether it’s sitting in the early morning stillness as the savanna wakes, hearing the far-off roar of a lion from your tent at night, or sharing stories with your guide, Kenya leaves a lasting mark.
A massive shoutout to our incredible driver and guide, Martin Maina from Nairobi Specialist. His expertise, flexibility and deep knowledge of the terrain made our trip seamless and a trip of a lifetime. If you are planning a private or custom Kenyan safari, we couldn’t recommend him more highly!
🚐 Guide Recommendation: Nairobi Specialist
🌿 Continue Exploring Africa
Whether you are in the middle of planning your first safari or continuing your travel research, dive into our detailed destination guides and firsthand stories to build your dream Kenya adventure.
🦁 Experience Magical Kenya: The Perfect 14-Day Safari Itinerary Follow our complete 2-week route covering Nairobi, the red elephant herds of Ithumba, sunrise game drives in the Masai Mara and flamingo tracking at Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria.
🐘 Meeting Our Foster Babies: Inside Nairobi’s Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Get an insider look at visiting the world-famous Sheldrick Wildlife Trust—from morning bottle-feeding sessions to how you can foster a rescued orphan calf.
This is such an informative blog. You’ve done right by the animals, the country and the tourist industry. Not to mention your followers! Once again I enjoyed the ride on your word images AND the photos! You took me there. And at no small effort on your own behalves. The blog is so jam packed with the variety of animals and changing scenes, it is easy to see it was a ‘working holiday’ for you. And that you loved every bit of it. Not that the comfort wasn’t available, you just didn’t opt to get out of the wind or rain if it meant missing the magic! You have the gift of seeing what many miss. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you Gypsy.Kenya is a beautiful country. The wildlife and people are amazing.
We will definitely be going back if we ever have the opportunity!
Ray & Sue,
My wife and I were fortunate enough to go to Kenya in 2002. We were also fortunate that we were the only two people on the safari and thus had the whole vehicle(8 seater bus), the guide and the cook all to ourselves for the 10 days of the safari. We camped in the national parks and that was probably the best part of the trip because you are out there 24/7 and see and hear everything that happens, including having lions around the tent during the night. If you have to go to the toilet at night, that can be interesting. The best part of being the only clients was that we could stay and watch a leopard sleeping as long as we wanted, or simply watch giraffe browsing without consulting anyone else about their preferences. Our favourite park was Samburu where we got to see Kaminyak the lioness who tried to adopt several Oryx calves. Sadly she disappeared just after we left. I am so looking forward to going back soon. By the way,our visit to the elephant orphanage was wonderful.
Hi Ian. Thanks for your comment. Lucky you to get the safari all to yourself! We would never do it any other way. The guide to ourselves, the cook & not to mention all the wildlife! Yes, going to the toilet at night is interesting but all part of the adventure! It would have been a great experience to see Kaminyak and it is so sad she has disappeared. We never made it to Samburu but that is definitely on our list for our next visit to Kenya. It is too much of a beautiful country not to go back.
Do you have more photographs of the camping? We are adding on a trip to Amboselli and Masai Mara to our other activities in Kenya and like bush camping. Was the toilet away from your tent or attached to it, short drop type thing? not so worried about the shower. Also going to Ithumba and Umani Springs, August 2017
Hi Christine. Thanks for your comment. The toilet was away from the tent and was bush style with a hole dug in the ground. This is what a lot of bush camping in Africa involves and this was by no means a luxurious camp. Depending on your budget you can go more upmarket if you want. If you go on a private camping safari, it is up to you what camping equipment you hire. No matter what way you choose to go Kenya is a magical destination!
Great article! Kenya is one of the places that I want to visit the most in Africa. I’m sure that this information can be very useful for me when I’m finally starting planning a trip to Kenya. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Bilyana. We hope our information can be helpful. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch. Thanks!
Good Evening! I have stumbled upon your website as I prepare for my trip to volunteer in Kenya in June-July. We’re going on game drive and I am looking to upgrade my camera. What camera did you use for these photos? They’re beautiful!
Hi Taylor! Thanks for your comment and visiting our site. I (Sue) have a Nikon D7100 and Ray has a Nikon D800. Any other questions, please don’t hesitation to contact us again.
Thank you so much for the reply, Sue! Is there a camera you would recommend more than the other? Anything you dislike about either of the cameras? I have a Nikon D3000 right now and it just doesn’t take the best quality photos. I was in Korea in September and the photos I took just weren’t as sharp as I would have liked them to be.
To be honest Taylor, the only difference that I see in the images is the D800 file size is a lot bigger. By just looking at the images I cannot tell which camera they were taken from. The D7100 also makes an excellent video camera and is highly rated for this. Hope this helps!
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