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 Welcome to our FAQ page!
We know that you must have a thousand and one questions to ask. We've listed the most commonly asked ones below; hopefully you find the answer you're looking for.
If you don't, just send us an
email and we'll be happy to share our knowledge with you.
Where is the best place to go on safari?
You simply can't beat Kenya's many national parks and reserves for stunning different landscapes and environments, not to forget all the animals you'll see there on your safari. We have loved this country, our home, for years and not only do we value its beauty but we are encouraged by the positive feedback we get from our guests all the time.
When is the best time to go on safari?
Anytime is a wonderful time to be on Kenya safari. April and May and sometimes June tend to be rainy, but the landscape is lush and green. July and August are dry and ideal for moderate temperatures while December to March are the hottest and driest month and animals tend to come to the waterholes to drink more often. But whenever you choose to come to Kenya, we adjust your safari itinerary to take advantage of the best possible game viewing in accordance with the seasonal concentrations of wildlife.
What animals will I see on my Kenya safari?
Kenya is home to over 35 species of large mammals and has over 1,000 species of birds – a paradise for not only lovers of big game but also ornithologists. On a typical Kenya safari you can expect to see elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, baboon, other monkeys, warthog and a variety of plains game such as wildebeest, hartebeest, zebra, impala and gazelle. Most people see lion and hyena, and possibly cheetah or leopard. You'll undoubtedly also see mongoose, hyrax and other smaller mammals you may not expect on your Kenya safari; and undoubtedly you’ll see plenty of birds. You might also see one or more of the smaller cats, foxes, wild dog or the more reticent antelope like lesser kudu, bushbuck, oryx or eland.
What is the Wildebeest migration?
The Wildebeest migration is a spectacle no-where else to be seen on earth. Millions of animals move over great distances in search of pastures and water. The migration starts and ends in Tanzania, but Kenya is a fantastic place to watch the animals as they struggle to cross rivers and evade predators. Visit our dedicated Wildebeest migration page for in-depth information about this natural wonder.
What’s the weather like in Kenya?
Kenya's dry, sunny climate is nothing like the steamy African jungle one sees in movies. The weather is spring/summer-like for most of the year, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, evenings in the 60s. From June until August, temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from the upper 50s to the mid-70s during the day. The coastal and lowland areas however have a more tropical climate.
What if I want a tailor-made safari?
No problem! We at RawTrekk Safaris would be delighted to plan a Kenya safari that fits your interests and budget. The page Planning & Preparation will give you an overview of which factors need to be considered when planning your tailor-made trip and we will be happy to communicate with you in person to make your dream come true!
Can I take my children on safari?
Yes, and it will be a unique experience for you and your children to live the wonders of Kenya together. Although there might be restrictions in your accommodation choice as some camps don’t allow children below a certain age (normally below six years) it will be a truly wonderful trip on which you discover the many animal and plant species together.
Will I stay in tents or lodges?
This is really up to you! There is a wide array of accommodation to suit your interests and budget on your Kenya safari. Please see the Camps & Lodges pages for a description of the different types of accommodation available.
How big are the safari groups?
As with everything in life, this is a question of price. If you choose a tailor-made Kenya safari the minimum number of guests is one, however, cost will come down if there are two or more people in your party. Our scheduled safaris depart with a minimum of 4 participants but arrangements can also be made for less than 4 guests.
What if I want to travel on my own?
That is not a problem; you can always have your own tent and room when you pay a single supplement. Alternatively, if you choose to, we will do our best to fit you together with another guest travelling alone or in small groups.
What if I am disabled?
At this point we would like to introduce Go Africa Safaris & Travel, a company specializing in organizing safaris for special needs clients. Please get in touch with the Go Africa Safaris team for more information and some preliminary advice on how to get you started on your Kenya safari.
What vehicles do you use?
The vehicles we use are either adapted safari minibuses with pop-up roofs, which are ideal for game viewing and photography, or 4x4 land Rovers/Cruisers, which are ideal for touring. All are well maintained to provide maximum level of comfort and safety. Each of the vehicles is equipped with the newest state-of-the-art technology; VHF radio communication is fitted to help us get in touch with each driver/guide any time at any location. A standard Kenya safari uses adapted safari minibuses; 4x4s are available on request and incur a surcharge.
What are the driver-guides like and which language do they speak?
We provide professional guides & tour managers who speak English and really know and love their country. They are very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna found here and contribute a great deal to the success of your Kenya safari. Your driver-guide will accompany you throughout your tour. Other foreign language speaking guides can be provided on request.
Are safaris in Kenya safe?
Kenya is one of Africa's most stable countries, where you'll receive a warm welcome from its gracious people. If you'd like to read more about Kenya visit our Kenya Information page. Today's modern safari is a far cry from the rugged safaris of the past and the images we see in old movies. The comfort level at the camps and lodges is a question of your choice – health and safety isn’t! Located right in the heart of scenic settings within wildlife reserves, the lodges and camps are close to nature, but not too close for comfort. Most have en-suite bathrooms while some even feature swimming pools. Askaris (night watchmen) patrol the grounds at night, just to make sure that all is well. Every care is taken to ensure your health and safety on your Kenya safari; read more about health and safety here.
Which vaccinations will I need?
For medical advice, it is always best to consult your doctor or travel clinic. Most travellers to Kenya choose anti-malarial medication but there are no vaccination regulations. Bear in mind that you will be staying in camps and lodges oriented to meet the needs of international guests. However, it is never wrong to be inoculated against Tetanus! Read more about health and safety here.
What's the food like on safari?
You will be pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the variety of the food available on your Kenya safari. In most lodges and some camps meals are served buffet-style so you can choose what you like. The food is prepared according to western tastes, with some curries and local cuisine included. Most fresh meat and produce is procured locally and then prepared by expert chefs to the highest standards. Returning guests are consistently amazed by the meals being prepared out in the bush!
Can special dietary requirements be accommodated?
Vegetarian or diabetic meals can easily be arranged with advanced notice. If you are vegetarian or vegan you may wish to bring along some alternative protein sources. If you have multiple food allergies, you'll definitely want to bring along supplemental snacks. It is important we know of any possible dietary restrictions as soon as possible in order to arrange everything to fit your needs.
Can I drink the water?
Please drink bottled water only. You can purchase good quality bottled water at all the lodges and camps and anywhere else you will be going.
What clothes should I bring on my Kenya safari?
Safari dress is comfortable and casual - layers are recommended. Keep it simple and bring things you don't mind getting dusty. For your convenience we’ve put together a comprehensive packing list in the Planning & Preparation section.
How far in advance should I book my Kenya safari?
It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel, especially during the peak seasons (June through to August and Christmas time). This is especially important for those wishing to travel on private custom safaris and those adding extensions to scheduled trips.
What's included in my Kenya safari costs?
Your Kenya safari will include all internal flights (where applicable), accommodation, meals as per itinerary, airport/hotel transfers, park fees and services of driver-guides.
What additional costs do I have to expect?
It is customary to tip your driver-guide. Tips will be talked about in your pre-departure briefing. However, tips are always at your digression and are not compulsory. You will need to pay for your own beverages and personal items like laundry service, phone calls and souvenirs. We also highly recommend you purchase travel insurance.
How do I get to Kenya?
We do not book international flights. However, there are many scheduled and chartered flights with destination Kenya (Nairobi or Mombasa); visit our Helpful links page (coming!) for a list of airlines. Once in Kenya there is an efficient network of internal flights between the safari areas, Nairobi and the coast. If your have booked an air safari all arrangements are made by us.
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
Visitors must carry passports valid for 6 months on their return date. UK/European passport holders require a visa for Kenya. Holders of passports which are not European should take particular care as visa requirements may differ and it is essential that your passport contains the correct visa for your journey. These cost £20 or $25 (no cost for children under 16) and can be arranged with the High Commission / Embassy before travel, or they can also be purchased on arrival in Nairobi or Mombasa. If you are uncertain about visa requirements for your country click here. Please be aware that it is your personal responsibility to make sure your passport is valid and contains the necessary visa for your journey.
Still haven’t found the answer to your question? Then send us an email and we will answer as promptly as possible.
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