Frequently Asked Questions

Kenya offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. July to October is peak season featuring the great wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara. January to February offers quieter parks with excellent game viewing. The main dry seasons, roughly June to October and January to February, give the easiest game viewing as animals gather near water; the long rains fall around March to May and the short rains around November and December. See where the migration is each month.

It depends mainly on park fees, accommodation level, season, whether you fly or drive, and how many people share the vehicle. Park fees alone are significant: as of October 2026 the Masai Mara reserve charges non-resident adults USD 100 a day from January to June and USD 200 a day from July to December. Our quotes include accommodation, meals, transport in a private 4x4, a professional guide and park fees. Read how much a Kenya safari costs for a full breakdown, or ask for a tailored quote.

Booking timing depends on your preferred travel season:

• Peak season (July-October): Book 6-12 months in advance as lodges fill quickly
• Other months: 3-6 months advance booking is typically sufficient
• Last-minute: Sometimes possible but with limited lodge and itinerary options

Early booking also allows time to arrange visas and vaccinations comfortably.

Yes, absolutely. Kenya-Tanzania combinations are very popular and highly recommended. A typical itinerary spans 10-14 days, combining the Masai Mara (Kenya) with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania), and optionally Zanzibar for beach time. This allows you to experience diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and cultures across two incredible countries.

Our tailor-made safari packages include:

• All accommodation at carefully selected lodges
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Transport in our 4x4 vehicles
• Professional English-speaking guides
• All national park fees and entrance fees
• Airport transfers in Kenya/Tanzania

You arrange your own international flights to Kenya or Tanzania.

Most visitors no longer need a visa: since January 2024 Kenya has used an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) instead. Apply only through the official portal at etakenya.go.ke, at least 3 days before travel (the authorities recommend 2 weeks). Citizens of East African Community states, and since May 2025 most other African nationals (except Libya and Somalia), are exempt. From 5 October 2026 most visitors must also buy Kenyan Government travel health insurance during the eTA application. Rules change, so check the official portal and your government’s travel advice before you book.

Kenya and Tanzania require a yellow fever certificate only if you are arriving from (or, for Tanzania, transiting for more than 12 hours through) a country with yellow fever risk. Kenya is itself classed as a risk country, so if you are combining Kenya with Tanzania or Zanzibar, carry a certificate. Yellow fever vaccination is also recommended for some safari areas, including the Masai Mara, and malaria prevention is advised for most safari regions. See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for advice on your own itinerary; our first-safari guide has more detail and sources.

Kenya welcomes large numbers of safari travellers every year, and the main parks and reserves are well set up for visitors. Conditions can change, though, so check your government’s current advice before you book and again before you travel — for example the UK FCDO or the US State Department. Advice for some northern and eastern border areas is stricter than for the rest of the country, and health advisories are updated as situations develop — several governments updated their Kenya advice in October 2026, so read the latest version before you book. Take normal precautions in cities, follow your guide’s advice in the parks, and we will tell you about anything that affects your itinerary.

Colors: Pack neutral earth tones (greens, browns, tans) rather than bright colors.

Clothing: Bring layers for early morning and evening drives, and light clothing for daytime heat.

Essential items: High-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, binoculars, camera and extra batteries, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, medications, and a light rain jacket for rainy season. Light-aircraft flights allow 15 kg per person in soft bags — see our full Kenya safari packing list.

Two main options are available:

• Light aircraft flight: Approximately 45 minutes from Wilson Airport. Fast and comfortable, ideal for most visitors.
• Road transfer: 5-6 hours by 4x4 vehicle via the scenic Great Rift Valley. A beautiful drive with opportunities to see landscapes and wildlife en route.

Most visitors prefer the flight for comfort and time efficiency. We arrange both options depending on your preference and budget.

Early morning game drive: from around sunrise (about 6:00–6:45 AM near the equator) until mid-morning, when animals are most active. Return for a full brunch.

Midday rest: Relaxation during the hottest hours. Perfect time for rest, lunch, and exploring the lodge.

Afternoon game drive: from about 4:00 PM until sunset (park rules mean drives inside reserves such as the Masai Mara end by 6:00–6:30 PM). Includes 'sundowners' (drinks at a scenic spot as the sun sets). Return to lodge for dinner.

Most lodges offer optional bush walks and other activities during rest periods.

The Masai Mara is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino). While sightings are never guaranteed in the wild, our experienced guides have excellent knowledge of animal behavior and movement patterns. Lion, elephant and buffalo are seen by most visitors, leopard takes more luck, and rhino are scarce in the Mara itself — if seeing all five matters to you, we can add a rhino sanctuary such as Ol Pejeta or Lake Nakuru.

Yes, we specialize in family safaris. We partner with child-friendly lodges that offer family suites and proper facilities. Game drives can be shortened to suit young attention spans. We offer educational bush walks and activities designed to engage children with wildlife and nature. Children as young as 6 typically enjoy safari experiences tremendously.

We use modified 4x4 Land Cruisers specifically equipped for safari. All vehicles feature:

• Pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife photography and viewing
• Charging points for cameras and devices
• Cool boxes for refreshments
• Experienced drivers familiar with wildlife behavior

Vehicles are regularly maintained to ensure reliability and comfort in remote areas.

Yes. All Safari World Africa safaris are private by default. You are not grouped with strangers. Your safari vehicle is dedicated to your group, and your guide focuses entirely on your interests, pace, and preferences. This is one of our core principles: tailor-made means just for you.