Kenya is a year-round safari destination. It is busy during the dry season from June to October, when the sparse vegetation and limited water causes game to gather around water, making them easy to find and to view. However, this is the most crowded and busy time to go on safari, especially in the Masai Mara from the latter half of August to October, when the Great Migration usually arrives.

Safaris cost a premium during this time and the whole of Kenya is busy as guests do full safari circuits, combining Meru, Lewa, Samburu, Laikipia, the Rift Valley lakes and the coast into itineraries that can last as long as three months.

During the rest of the year, higher rainfall makes the vegetation thick, green and lush. The wildlife areas are uncrowded and most animals give birth to their young during this time. Lower rates mean longer and more leisurely safaris become feasible. However, when the rains really get heavy, usually between April and May, roads and airstrips become unusable and some lodges close until things dry out.

The decision when to travel depends mostly on your preferences and what you want to see. For those only wanting to see the Great Migration the choice is obvious. First-timers seeking the Big Five would also do well between June and November. However, anyone looking for a good safari experience can travel throughout the year. The wildlife, culture and landscapes are always there and a true Kenyan safari is about experiencing them in the way that most appeals to you.

While the Masai Mara boasts incredible year-round wildlife, the Great Migration is invariably a huge draw card for visitors. The peak season for Migration sightings in Kenya is considered to be between June and October and you are more likely to see river crossings during this time. However, the Migration is a year-round phenomenon and you are likely to see large herds of wildebeest at any time of year. There are far fewer visitors outside of peak season and sightings tend to be more leisurely and exclusive.

Please remember that the movements of the Migration are affected by the weather and may vary widely from year to year. The movement of the herds depends on the arrival of the rains and the animals may cross back and forth between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara a number of times in any given cycle. As it can be difficult to pinpoint specific times and accommodation tends to book up quickly for peak season, we recommend that you plan well ahead of time if you are travelling specifically to see the Migration. However, no matter what time of year you travel, the wildlife experience in the Masai Mara is guaranteed to be extraordinary.

Home of the classic safari, Kenya has been a prime safari destination for many years. Undoubtedly its most famous attraction is the renowned Masai Mara, home to rich resident wildlife and magnificent Maasai warriors. However, Kenya also has a range of other wildlife attractions, ranging from perennially popular and easily accessed reserves to more remote and secluded retreats. Our travel advice will ensure that you get the most out of your safari to Kenya.

Bear in mind that the Equator divides Kenya and the weather tends to be hot and humid, especially in summer.

Best time to travel to Kenya

Kenya is a year-round safari destination with excellent game viewing throughout. Guests wanting to witness the famous Great Migration must plan their travel to Kenya well in advance, as the migration path does vary from one year to the next depending on rainfall.

Currency

Banking hours at most commercial banks are Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 15h00 and on the first and last Saturday of the month.

ATMs are found throughout Kenya’s major city centres and shopping complexes.

The currency is the Kenyan Shilling, where KES1 is made up of 100 cents. Please check with your hotel for daily exchange rates. Foreign currencies such as the USD are widely accepted. However, please note that dollar bills printed before 2003 are not accepted in Kenya, as there was a large amount of illegal processing of dollar bills in the country at that time. High denomination notes may also not be accepted.

Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express are accepted by most restaurants, shops and hotels. Proof of identity may be requested, so be sure to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times.

Travel Insurance

It is highly recommended that you take out adequate travel insurance at the time of confirming your booking. This should cover any medical situation (such as hospitalisation), as well as cancellation or curtailment of arrangements and loss of your baggage. When you travel with &Beyond, you are automatically covered by our emergency evacuation insurance. This provides emergency medical services/evacuation to hospital should you suffer either severe illness or an injury whilst travelling with us. As this is for emergency evacuation only, it does not cover the cost of treatment once in hospital and in no way replaces your normal travel insurance, which must be purchased prior to travel.

Safety

The usual safety guidelines apply – don’t leave your luggage unattended and always keep your valuables close by or locked away. It is advised you check with your tour operator or hotel concierge – they will know if there are any potentially unsafe areas along your travel route.

It is wise to avoid deserted areas, particularly at night. Dress-down (i.e. don’t wear excessive jewellery) when exploring Africa’s diverse cities. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.

Photography

Please be sensitive when photographing people. Kenyans are renowned for being friendly; however it is courteous to ask permission before snapping away.

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any of the conservation areas we manage until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule will apply throughout Africa, as our partners in various countries and regions have adopted a similar stance.

Passport & Visa Requirements

As of 02 July 2015, anyone who requires a VISA to enter Kenya must apply for an eVisa via https://immigration.ecitizen.go.ke/index.php?id=5

This includes visas previously obtained at port of entry into Kenya. Processing time is 1 week and after 01 September 2015 travellers may be denied boarding of their flight if not in possession of a valid eVisa.

Passports are required by all foreign visitors and must be valid for 6 months after the intended length of stay. Please ensure that you have at least 2 consecutive blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport. Our recommendation is 3 or even 4 blank pages if you are travelling through more than one country. If there is insufficient space in the passport then entry could be denied.

Where visas can be obtained at port of entry (excluding Kenya), fees are payable in US dollars cash only; we recommend small denominations as officials are not in the position to give change.

It is recommended to obtain visas prior to arrival as there is a likelihood of long queues at all airports.

Guests travelling from Tanzania to Kenya must obtain a valid Kenyan visa before travel in order to confirm domestic flights between Nairobi and the Masai Mara National Park. This is due to the delays in the processing of visas for guests connecting between Arusha, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya and the knock on effect on domestic flight schedules.

Guests arriving at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro Airports (Tanzania) and subsequently traveling to Kenya are required to obtain a Kenyan visa before travel.

Depending on nationality and country of origin, visa requirements may vary or change without notice. We advise checking with the appropriate consular authority prior to departure. Should the appropriate authority confirm that visas can be obtained on arrival, please ensure you have the applicable fee available.

Officials may not have sufficient change – it is recommended that all fees be carried in small-denomination US Dollar bills issued after 2008.

If connecting between Kenya and Tanzania in particular it is advised to obtain visas before travel to save connecting time.

What should I bring with me?

Your curiosity and sense of adventure, an open mind and enough memory cards for the camera! As a general guide, comfortable and casual clothing that you can wash and wear is recommended while on safari. Muted colours are best for game viewing. Game drives are generally conducted in the early morning and the late afternoon, which can be cold, especially in winter. The temperature often warms up during the day, so it is best to dress in layers.

The most practical items to pack for your Kenya safari are:

• Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colours
• Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
• T-shirts
• Shorts or a light skirt
• Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
• Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
• A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
• Swim and beachwear
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturiser and lip salve
• Binoculars and camera equipment

The luggage allowance on small flights is usually limited to a maximum of 15 kg (33 lbs), which includes hand luggage, so please bear this in mind when packing. Most lodges and camps provide a same-day laundry service for your clothes.

If you would like to purchase safari clothing, luggage or accessories to prepare for your trip, please visit www.andBeyondsafarishop.com, where a wide selection of quality products is available for your convenience.

With a number of airline connections, Kenya is comparatively easy to get to. Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a hub for East Africa and most international flights will land there. Several transport options exist from there. Local airlines offer daily scheduled light aircraft flights to most areas, meaning one can have breakfast in Nairobi and lunch on safari, be it in the Masai Mara, looking out over a Rift Valley lake or deep within tranquil Samburu National Park. For those that don’t want to fly, overland safari in Kenya is a wonderful way to get a feel for the country. Road networks are sound, though in places the going may be a little slower and bumpier, especially in more isolated areas. Private vehicles with a driver-guide are a good option, although it’s important to book with a reputable company as there are unprofessional operators that take advantage of the uninformed.

International Connections

Nairobi is the main airport for international flights from South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands and Dubai. From Nairobi, local carriers connect to the major tourist destinations in both National Parks and beach areas.

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Flights

Scheduled Flights

Nairobi is the main airport for international flights. From Nairobi, local carriers connect to major tourist destinations in both National Parks and beach areas.

Shuttle/Charter Flight

There is a reliable network of light aircraft flights that connect Nairobi with the majority of National Parks in Kenya, as well as with Tanzania and Zanzibar. These are sold on a scheduled seat in plane basis. For those with time restraints there are private charters that can be arranged throughout.

TRANSFERS

Self Drive

Road conditions are very variable, there are long distances to be covered and 4×4 transport is required for most areas. We do not recommend this mode of travel in Kenya.

Guided Safaris

Perfect for those with more time looking for an in-depth exploration of the country. We have a fleet of vehicles available and can tailor-make itineraries throughout the country.

TRAVEL TIMES

When travelling through Kenya it is useful to have the correct expectation as to how distance and time relate. Please reference our guidelines below when calculating how far you can travel in a given amount of time.

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What to remember when travelling around Kenya

Driving in Kenya is on the left, giving way to traffic on the right at intersections. Kenyan roads are renowned for their many “driving obstacles” and drivers are cautioned to be vigilant at all times. Most of the roads are eroded at the edges and often converge into a single lane. Hazards include pedestrians, animals (both domestic and wild) and the notorious matatus (Kenya’s public transport vehicles).

Travelling by train or bus is not recommended in Kenya.
It is highly advisable to drive a 4WD vehicle in National Parks, where dirt roads feature potholes and teeth-chattering corrugations. After heavy rains, all roads should be treated with care, as flash floods can cause wash-aways.

The most famous and revered safari destination, a journey to Kenya is a step back in time to a world inhabited by characters that are larger than life, from famed explorers and big game hunters to presidents and Hollywood stars.

Adventure in its purest form, Kenya safaris are imbued with more than a century of nostalgia, steeped with tales of romantic journeys, perilous expeditions and pioneers of conservation. Add to this the modern principles of sustainability and community involvement, as well as Kenya’s warm and welcoming people, and you are virtually guaranteed a holiday or vacation filled with unforgettable moments and extraordinary adventures.

Why Visit?

• The Masai Mara National Reserve is arguably Kenya’s safari hotspot, and is most widely renowned for the annual Great Migration of millions of herbivores across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, moving from the Masai Mara National Park to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park from June – October.
• Depending on the time of year you book your Kenyan Safari, being in the thick of the Great Migration promises nail-biting wildebeest, zebra and antelope water crossings as resourceful predators make the most of the millions of migrating herbivores.
• Kenya is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 1 000 species recorded.
• Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city and is a vibrant city boasting numerous tourist attractions that range from visiting an elephant orphanage sanctuary to a Karen Blixen museum tour.
• A short scenic drive to the north of Nairobi is home to the sweeping wilderness of Laikipia, a paradise for walkers, birders and safari enthusiasts.
• Kenya is situated on the East African coastline known for its immense natural beauty, boasting pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters. The stunning Kenyan coastline is home to superb marine reserves and some of the best diving and fishing on the African continent.

Kenya is a year-round destination and it is possible to see wildlife at all times of the year. Depending on your interests, certain times may be better than others. For instance, if you want to see the Great Migration, this tends to travel through Kenya between June and October. However, even this can be difficult to determine, as the movements of the wildebeest depend on rain and weather conditions.

Adventure in its purest form, Kenya safari tours are imbued with more than a century of nostalgia, steeped with tales of romantic journeys, perilous expeditions and pioneers of conservation. Add to this the modern principles of sustainability and community involvement, as well as Kenya’s warm and welcoming people, and you are virtually guaranteed a holiday or vacation filled with unforgettable moments and extraordinary adventures.

From the craggy majesty of Mount Kenya to the sultry white beaches of the Swahili coast and the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara to the rugged scenery of the Rift Valley, even Kenya’s landscapes appear surreal and dreamlike, as though conjured from sheer fantasy by a magician. In the Laikipia district deep in the heart of Kenya, cattle ranchers and tribal elders work shoulder by shoulder, united by a passion to preserve Africa’s precious wildlife. The open, sweeping lands of the interior welcome the adventurous at heart, who set off into the wilderness on foot, accompanied by a camel train carrying their mobile camp and led by Samburu warrior-guides who know every inch of the land with the sure certainty of someone who has walked it since birth.

Sharing unfenced borders where wildlife wanders free, the linked parks of Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs are home to the unusual variety of species known as the Samburu Five, showcased against the backdrop of their striking scenery. Famed for its heart-warming story of Elsa the Lioness, Meru boasts rich birding and rewarding game sightings. Further south, the lush mountainsides of the Mathews Ranger invite hikers to lose themselves in tranquillity. In nearby Sarara a ritual older than Kenya itself takes place as half-clad warriors dig for water in the dry riverbanks, summoning their cattle down to drink with ancient songs, each herd responding to the individual melody and voice of its owner. Critically endangered black rhino roam the plains in safety in the picturesque sanctuary of Lewa.

As magnificent as they are, none of these other nature sanctuaries can compare to the fabled Masai Mara, home to swaggering lion, elusive leopard and stately elephant, where vast herds of antelope stretch as far as the eye can see and birds of every shape, size and colour dazzle with their plumage. Home to Africa’s Big Five, this is also the land of the Maasai, regal overlords and striking custodians of an ancient culture. As endless as they appear, for a few months each year the Mara’s wide open spaces are thronged with the massive herds of wildebeest and zebra that make up the Great Migration, known as the Greatest Show on Earth. Whether from an open safari vehicle, close enough the taste the dust and hear the grunts of the jostling beast or encountered from a different angle while serenely gliding above in a hot air balloon, the Migration is a sight never to be forgotten.

Great glistening mirrors of water, Lakes Nakuru, Naivasha, Elementaita and Baringo are scenic havens for big game, as well as the backdrop for pink swathes of stately flamingos. Just south of the border yet still clearly visible, snow-capped Kilimanjaro, towers over the open plains of Amboseli, with its mighty elephant herds. Guided horseback safaris pick their way through the twisted volcanic rock of the Chyulu Hills, taking your breath away with the striking contrasts in the constantly changing landscape and the intimate game encounters. A truly enormous wilderness area, Tsavo sweeps towards the coastline, a remote and lonely landscape inhabited by elephants painted red by its ochre dust.

Climate

Summer (September – April)
34˚C/194˚F 20˚C/68˚F

Winter (May – August)
25˚C/77˚F 11˚C/52˚F

Rainfall: April – May (long rains), November – Mid December (short rains)

Home of classical safari, Kenya combines some of the richest Big Five areas on the planet with landscapes that are truly grand and iconic. The Kenyan safari experience is highly developed, with a wide range of tour operators, lodges and transport companies welcoming thousands of visitors every year. For the budget conscious there are overland tours in modified trucks or minibus taxis, as well as large hotel-style lodges offering competitive rates and standard accommodation. For those who can afford it, Kenya boasts a number of camps that rival the world’s top boutique hotels in terms of service, location and dining, offering experiences tailored to the exacting standards and tastes of their high-end clientele.

Kenya’s varied landscapes offer a multitude of thrilling safari activities. Guests can walk through some of the most remote and isolated regions in the world guided by tribesmen for whom these natural wonders are an ancestral home. Helicopter flights that reach the pristine shores of the high-altitude lakes around Mount Kenya can take keen trout anglers to spots rarely ever touched by man. Traditional morning and evening game drives unveil a host of rich wildlife, rounded off with scenic sundowners and superb dining. Fly-camps made up of small tents set up in the bush or bed set up on high platforms in the open invite guests to enjoy a night directly beneath a galaxy of stars.

A safari in Kenya can take place on foot, on horseback, by bicycle, by boat, on a quad bike or in a customized open safari vehicle. Keen nature photographers can set off with specialized guides who combine knowledge of wildlife and photography. Those looking for a more active thrill can run with Maasai warriors or hike up some of Africa’s highest mountain slopes. Birding enthusiasts can lose themselves in plethora of resident and migrant species found in Kenya.

One of the most thrilling natural spectacles in the world, during the late winter months the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra crosses into southern Kenya from Tanzania, with vast herds of animals plunging across rivers and braving the jaws of some of Africa’s biggest crocodiles. Predators such as lion, leopard, hyena and the occasional cheetah follow the Migration, their watchful presence heightening the drama as they wait and watch for the weak, sick or simply unwary. Hundreds of vehicles enter the Masai Mara daily, seeking to witness a lion kill or a dramatic river crossing. This is one of the most sought-after times to travel and accommodation must be booked far in advance. While tourist numbers are high and sightings are almost always shared with a number of other vehicles, the wildlife viewing during this time is truly spectacular. Smaller and more intimate camps set on exclusive concessions or deep in the remote reaches of the national parks can lessen the impact of other tourist while still providing an exceptional wildlife experience.

While the Masai Mara is a definite highlight of any journey in this country, most Kenya safaris will visit several different areas, travelling either by road or by scheduled light aircraft flights. It is possible to include a number of experiences in any itinerary, from exploring the vast Laikipia plateau on foot to seeking out unusual species in Samburu. A relaxing spa or yoga retreat might be the ideal way to end your itinerary, while you could also choose to spend some time delving into Kenya’s fascinating colonial history or discovering its conservation heroes, such as the Adamsons and their famous lions. Indulge in a round of golf on a verdant fairway that straddles the equator at the base of Mount Kenya or saddle up to ride through the stark Chyulu hills, camping out beneath the stars along the way.