Safari FAQs
The practical answers - accommodation, luggage, visas, money, tipping and vehicles.
Getting around on safari
What safari vehicle do you use?
A custom 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep with a pop-up roof, seating a maximum of 6 so every guest gets a window seat and pop-up access. Vehicles carry long-range radios, cooler boxes and first aid kits.
Do you offer group sharing safaris?
Most tours are private per booking. We also run short group tours departing Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week - see our group safari page for details.
Is there Wi-Fi in the safari jeep and at lodges?
Yes - free Wi-Fi is available in public areas at almost all lodges (not usually in individual rooms), and in our 4x4 jeeps around 70% of the time, depending on network coverage.
What are typical driving distances and times like?
Roads to the parks are often narrow and not always well maintained, so listed driving times are estimates that can vary with road conditions and traffic.
Lodges, tents and room details
What's the difference between a safari lodge and a tented camp?
Lodges have en-suite cottages clustered around a main building with restaurant and bar. Tented camps use large en-suite canvas tents on solid floors, grouped the same way - both range from economy to luxury.
What's the difference between economy, comfort and luxury?
Luxury sits in the best park locations with high-end design and amenities. Comfort is inside or within 30 minutes of the park entrance. Economy is just outside the park boundary - all three are private, en-suite, and mostly have pools.
Are mosquito nets provided?
Yes - every room or tent is fitted with mosquito nets or is insect-proofed. We still recommend using repellent, especially outdoors in the evening.
How many people can share one room or tent?
Up to 3 (a double bed plus a single, or 3 singles). Groups of 4+ are usually booked into two interconnecting rooms, or a family unit at select lodges for an extra charge.
What is a single room supplement?
An extra fee for single occupancy of a room priced for two sharing - the amount is listed on each tour's pricing section.
What you can bring, and where to store the rest
What's the luggage limit in the safari jeep?
The jeep's rear compartment holds up to 6 suitcases averaging 25-30kg each, plus hand luggage inside the cabin. Soft-sided bags are recommended for easier storage and less damage on rough roads.
What's the baggage allowance on domestic flights?
15kg per person, excluding hand luggage. Extra baggage can be flown for around $5/kg (subject to capacity), or stored free at our Nairobi or Mombasa offices.
Can I store extra luggage during my safari?
Yes - free storage at our Nairobi or Mombasa offices for anything you don't need on the road.
Practical logistics before you land
What are the Kenya visa requirements?
A valid eVisa is required (apply at evisa.go.ke), with your passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival. The processing fee is $50 plus a $1 service charge, applied for up to 3 months ahead, issued in about 5 days, and valid 3 months with multiple entries - covering combined Kenya/Tanzania or Rwanda/Uganda trips on the same visa.
What currency should I bring, and how do I get local cash?
Kenya's currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KSH). Exchange at Forex Bureaus (best rates at the airport) or withdraw at ATMs with Visa/Mastercard. USD, EUR and GBP cash are widely accepted, but local currency gets better prices for small purchases.
Can I get a local SIM card?
Yes - Safaricom offers the best coverage. SIMs are available at Nairobi airport for about $1, with 1GB of data averaging around $5. You'll need a SIM-unlocked GSM phone.
What are typical tipping guidelines?
Hotel and porterage service charges are included in your safari price. For your driver-guide, around $10 per guest per day (or 5-10% of your safari cost) is customary, at your discretion. $1-5 per meal for waitstaff, and $1 for bar service, is appropriate.
What to expect from game viewing
Is the Big Five guaranteed?
No sighting can be guaranteed, since animals live wild and free - but Amboseli (elephants), Tsavo West (hippos), Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru (rhinos) and Ol Pejeta all offer strong odds for specific species.
What's the difference between Masai Mara Reserve and its conservancies?
The Reserve is where the Migration river crossings happen (July-September) and where rhino can be spotted, especially in the Mara Triangle. Conservancies allow off-road driving and night drives until 10pm, with fewer guests and a strict 5-vehicles-per-sighting rule.
Do you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes - vegetarian, kosher, halal and gluten-free meals are available at lodges alongside the standard continental menu. Let us know your requirements at booking.
Can guests with special needs join a safari?
We can't guarantee every listed property is fully accessible, but we work to match equal-standard accommodation and facilities to your needs - please specify requirements at booking.