Kenya Camping Safari - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of accommodation is provided during the safari?

  The tour includes stays in simple hotels for 2 nights, full-service camping for 4 nights, and permanent tented camps for 2 nights. During full-service camping, tents are pitched, meals are prepared, and washing up is handled by the staff.

• What facilities are available at the campsites?

  At Samburu campsite, there is electricity throughout the day and evening, along with shared bathrooms featuring flush toilets. Wi-Fi is available with a variable signal. In Masai Mara, you will stay in permanent walk-in 'safari tents' equipped with single beds, mattresses, solar power for lights and charging, flush toilets, and hot and cold showers inside the tents.

• Do I need to bring a sleeping bag for the camping portions of the tour?

  No, sleeping bags are not required. The tour provides tents, mattresses, small pillows, and bedding in Masai Mara, and tents, small pillows, sleeping sheets, and sleeping pads for the other camping nights.

• How many meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners.

• What kind of food can I expect, and can dietary requirements be accommodated?

  All camp meals are prepared by the crew using fresh local produce. Breakfasts are generally cereals, sometimes warm. Lunches are often light meals like sandwiches or salads, and evening meals are hot, featuring a variety of continental and local dishes. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified prior to arrival.

• Is bottled drinking water included?

  No, all bottled drinking water is at your own expense.

• What type of transportation is used for the safari?

  Private 7-seat 4x4 safari vans are used, which feature sliding windows and large pop-up roofs designed for optimal wildlife viewing. For larger groups, two vehicles may be utilized.

• What are the road conditions typically like during the tour?

  Road conditions can vary significantly, ranging from new to very poor. During dry seasons, roads can become very dusty, and long drives are common.

• Who will be guiding and assisting us during the tour?

  You will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who manages the trip, an expert certified driver/guide, and a camp cook. This team ensures a well-organized and enriching experience.

• What currency is used in Kenya, and how can I access money?

  The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES or KSH). You can obtain shillings by exchanging foreign currency (USD, British Pound, Euro are easiest; however, USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted) or by using ATMs in major centers. Credit cards are accepted in major cities only, usually with a 5-10% fee. It's advisable to carry a combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards, along with an emergency fund.

• What are the tipping guidelines for the tour staff?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, expression of appreciation. Suggested daily guidelines per person are: CEO: $5 USD, Driver: $5 USD, Supply crew: $2-5 USD. For local guides, $1 USD per couple of hours, and for restaurant/café servers, 10% of the bill.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 12 years and the maximum age is 100 years.

• How physically demanding is this trip?

  This is not a physically demanding journey, but an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers must be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage.

• Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate?

  It may be compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are traveling to Kenya from a Yellow Fever endemic country or have traveled through an endemic country's airport for more than 12 hours. It is recommended to consult your local health expert for the most up-to-date advice.

• Is malaria a concern on this tour?

  Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease present in some regions of Africa. You should speak to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis) and regularly use insect repellent.

• What happens if my luggage is delayed upon arrival in Nairobi?

  Luggage delays can occasionally occur. It is highly recommended to keep all important documentation, valuables, and a change of clothes in your hand luggage. If your luggage is delayed, you should be entitled to initial compensation from your airline. You may need to purchase essential items locally and arrange for local assistance to retrieve and forward your luggage. The tour operator will assist, but is not responsible for any incurred costs.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are not included in the tour price.

• What kind of accommodation is provided during the Kenya Camping Safari?

  The tour includes a mix of simple hotels (2 nights), full-service camping (4 nights), and permanent tented camps (2 nights). During full-service camping in Samburu and Lake Nakuru, dome tents are provided and pitched for you, with approximately 4cm thick mattresses. Permanent tented camps in Masai Mara are walk-in safari tents with single beds, mattresses, a small pillow, and bedding, along with basic facilities like flush toilets and hot/cold water showers inside the tents. Sleeping bags are not required.

• What is the meal arrangement for the tour, and can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

  The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners. All camp meals are prepared from fresh local produce by the crew. Breakfasts are generally cereals, sometimes warm. Lunches are light meals like sandwiches or salads, and evening meals are hot continental and local dishes. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified prior to arrival. Bottled drinking water, ice, and firewood are not provided but can be bought locally.

• What type of transportation is used for the safari and travel between destinations?

  Transportation is primarily in private 7-seat 4x4 safari vans, equipped with sliding windows and large pop-up roofs designed for optimal wildlife viewing. If there's a large group, two vehicles may be used. Seat belts are mandatory at all times. Vehicles are regularly serviced, but occasional mechanical faults can occur on Africa's varied road conditions, which drivers (trained mechanics) will rectify as quickly as possible.

• What is the typical group size and age range for this safari?

  The tour accommodates a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 14 participants. The minimum age for participants is 12 years old, and the maximum age is 100.

• Is this tour suitable for solo travelers, and what are the accommodation arrangements?

  Yes, this tour is suitable for solo travelers. Group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travelers are typically paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, without an additional single supplement. If you prefer a private room or tent, you can book the 'My Own Room/Tent' option for an extra cost.

• What is the physical activity level required for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2, which indicates an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers should be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage.

• Who will be leading and assisting the tour group?

  You will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who manages the trip and assists the group. An expert certified driver/guide is responsible for driving and safari guiding. A camp cook will prepare your meals, adding local flavor to the trip.

• Are there any optional activities available during the safari?

  Yes, optional activities in Nairobi include the Bomas of Kenya Tour, The Carnivore Restaurant, National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, and Railway Museum. In Masai Mara, you have the option to take a thrilling hot air balloon safari for a different perspective of the landscape.

• What currency is used, and how can I manage my money during the trip?

  The local currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES or KSH). US Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros can be exchanged locally, but US Dollar notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Large notes ($US50, $US100) often get the best exchange rate but can be harder to change in some places. Visas typically require payment in US Dollar cash. Travelers' cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus debit cards are most widely accepted, while Mastercard/Cirrus cards are less common. ATMs are available in major centers but can be unreliable. Credit cards can be used in major cities only and often incur a 5-10% fee. A combination of foreign currency cash and debit/credit cards for cash advances is recommended, along with an emergency fund of at least USD $200.

• Is tipping customary on this tour?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, part of the tour and serves as an expression of appreciation for service. Suggested guidelines per person are $5 USD per day for the CEO, $5 USD per day for the driver, and $2-5 USD per day for the supply crew. For local guides, $1 USD per couple of hours is suggested, and 10% of the bill for restaurant/café servers.

• What health information should I be aware of before traveling to Kenya?

  It is strongly recommended to consult your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for the most up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, so discuss preventative medication (prophylaxis) and the use of insect repellent with your doctor. Always carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers. Medical facilities are basic, and you should advise your tour leader of any medical conditions.

• What are the general travel conditions and potential challenges during the safari?

  While not physically demanding, travel can involve long drives over varying road conditions, which can range from new to very poor and dusty, especially during dry seasons. Occasional power outages are also possible at campsites and in larger centers, which may affect access to electricity or ATMs. Despite these challenges, the diverse scenery, local culture, and abundant wildlife make the travel well worth the experience.

• What key experiences and services are included in the tour price?

  The tour price includes a visit to a Samburu village, wildlife safari drives in Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve. It also includes a G for Good supported Amani Ya Juu Lunch in Nairobi, all transportation between destinations and to/from included activities, 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners, and accommodation as specified. International flights are not included.