Kenya & Tanzania Camping Safari - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  The tour includes stays in simple hotels for 3 nights, full-service camping for 8 nights, and a permanent tented camp for 2 nights. During full-service camping, tents are pitched for you, meals are prepared, and washing up is handled by staff. Campsites are generally basic, with no electricity at Samburu, Serengeti, or Ngorongoro. The permanent tented camp in Masai Mara has single beds, mattresses, basic facilities, flushing toilets, and hot water (when working).

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 14 travellers, with an average group size of 10.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 10 dinners are included. Camp meals are prepared from fresh local produce by the crew. Breakfasts generally consist of cereals, while lunches are light meals like sandwiches or salads. Dinners are hot and offer a variety of continental and local dishes. Bottled drinking water is not included and is at your own expense.

• What type of transportation is used for safaris and transfers?

  We use private 7-seat 4x4 safari vans in Kenya and 5 or 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles in Tanzania, designed with sliding windows and pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing. The journey between Kenya and Tanzania is via a public shuttle (large mini buses). All vehicles have speed governors set to 80kph, and seat belts are mandatory. Drivers are trained mechanics in case of breakdowns.

• What are the minimum and maximum age requirements for participants?

  The minimum age to travel unaccompanied is 18. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for all participants. You will need a minimum medical coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. It is also highly recommended to cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What currency should I bring, and can I use credit cards?

  The local currencies are Kenyan Shilling (KES) and Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US Dollars (notes newer than 2006), British Pounds, and Euros can be exchanged locally. ATMs are available in major centers but are not guaranteed to work, and power outages can affect access. Credit cards are accepted in major cities and towns but often incur a 5-10% fee. It is recommended to bring a combination of foreign currency (USD for visas at borders) and debit/credit cards, and not rely solely on cards.

• Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

  Yes, a sleeping bag and liner are required for camping portions of the tour, though you have the option to rent a sleeping bag upon arrival.

• Will I have the same tour leader and staff throughout the entire trip?

  This tour is a combination of two tours in different countries. Due to local regulations, your local staff (driver/guide, cook) and vehicles will change halfway through the trip between Kenya and Tanzania. Your group CEO and fellow passengers may also change.

• What are the key wildlife and cultural highlights of the tour?

  Highlights include travelling across the Serengeti, searching for the "Big Five" in incredible wildlife parks like the Masai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater, savouring traditional cuisine, visiting a Samburu village, and meeting the Maasai people to discover their culture.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, optional activities include tours in Nairobi (Bomas of Kenya Tour, The Carnivore Restaurant, National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum) and hot air balloon safaris in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park.

• What health precautions should I be aware of?

  It is recommended to consult your physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A Yellow Fever certificate may be compulsory depending on your travel history. Malaria is present in some regions, so prophylaxis and insect repellent are advised. Medical facilities are basic, and it's important to inform your tour leader of any medical conditions.

• Is tipping customary, and what are the guidelines?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, part of the tour as it's an important source of income in the tourism industry. Recommended guidelines per person are: CEO: $5 USD/day, Driver: $5 USD/day, Supply crew: $2-5 USD/day, Local guides: $1 USD/couple of hours, and 10% of the bill for restaurant/café servers.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Kenya and Tanzania?

  All travellers need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. For Kenya, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is compulsory for all nationalities as of January 1st, 2024. For Tanzania, an online visa application is required, and specific host information will be provided by the tour operator. A Yellow Fever certificate may also be required upon entry to either country.

• What are the general safety guidelines for cities like Nairobi and Arusha?

  In cities like Nairobi and Arusha, it's advised to use hotel safe deposits for passports and valuables, avoid leaving bags unattended, and not flaunt expensive items. Avoid wandering at night and take taxis after sundown. Be wary of con men or persistent street vendors. Do not take photos of police stations, airports, military barracks, or government buildings.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Hand washing facilities are available at most campsites, and bringing biodegradable soap is recommended. Your start and end hotels also offer laundry services for a fee.

• What should I know about electricity during the tour?

  The power supply in Kenya and Tanzania is nominally 240VAC, 50hz. However, you should expect variable voltage, spikes, and sporadic, unscheduled power cuts of varying duration. There are no charging facilities at the Serengeti and Ngorongoro campsites; however, you may be able to charge portable power banks in the vehicle when it's in motion.

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

  It occasionally happens that luggage on international flights to Nairobi is delayed. It is recommended to keep important documents and valuables on your person and a change of clothes in your hand luggage. If your luggage doesn't arrive, it typically takes 48-72 hours. While the tour operator will assist in organizing retrieval, any associated costs are not their responsibility, and you should contact your airline or insurance provider for reimbursement.

• Is an 'emergency fund' recommended for this trip?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, in case circumstances outside of the tour operator's control require a change to the planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this safari?

  This safari focuses on seeing abundant wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania. You'll search for Africa's "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) in places like Masai Mara and Serengeti, as well as Samburu's "special five" (beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk).

• What type of accommodation will be used during the tour?

  The tour includes a mix of simple hotels (3 nights), full-service camping (8 nights), and permanent tented camps (2 nights). Full-service camping means staff will pitch tents and prepare meals. Campsites can be basic, with shared bathrooms, long-drop toilets, and cold showers, and may not have electricity. Some camps are open to the natural environment.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 10 dinners. Camp meals are prepared from fresh local produce by the crew. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements should be specified prior to arrival. You will be asked to wash your own dishes.

• What is the typical group size for this safari?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 14 travelers, with an average group size of 10.

• What types of vehicles are used for transportation and safaris?

  Transportation within Kenya utilizes private 7-seat 4x4 safari vans, and in Tanzania, 5 or 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles are used. These vehicles have sliding windows and large pop-up roofs designed for optimal wildlife viewing. Travel between Kenya and Tanzania is via a public minibus/shuttle.

• Who will be leading our tour?

  You will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who manages the group. Certified driver/guides lead the safaris and provide local knowledge. There will also be camp crew for full-service camping. Please note that due to local regulations, staff and vehicles may change between the Kenyan and Tanzanian sections of the trip.

• What is the physical difficulty level of this tour?

  This tour is not physically demanding, with a physical rating of 2. However, be prepared for long drives and potentially poor road conditions in both Kenya and Tanzania.

• Are there any optional activities available during the trip?

  Yes, optional activities are available at an additional cost. These include tours in Nairobi (Bomas of Kenya, The Carnivore Restaurant, National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum) and optional balloon safaris in both the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park.

• What are the guidelines for tipping during the tour?

  Tipping is expected, though not compulsory, 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, $2-5 USD per day for supply crew, $1 USD per couple of hours for local guides, and 10% of the bill for restaurant/café servers.

• What currencies are accepted and how should I manage my money?

  The local currencies are Kenyan Shilling (KES/KSH) and Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US Dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange, but British Pounds and Euros are also accepted. Please note that US Dollar notes older than 2006 are not accepted. ATMs are available in major centers but may run out of cash, and credit cards are generally not widely accepted outside major cities, often incurring a 5-10% fee. It's recommended to bring a combination of foreign currency (USD for visas at borders) and debit/credit cards, plus an emergency fund of at least USD $200.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for all participants. You must have medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Proof of insurance will be required by your CEO.

• What are the age restrictions for this safari?

  Travelers must be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above may join if accompanied by a guardian who is at least 21 years old.

• Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

  Yes, this tour is designed for shared accommodation, and solo travelers are paired with someone of the same sex without an extra single supplement. There is an option to book a "My Own Room/Tent" for single occupancy at an additional cost for all night stops.

• What are the health and visa requirements for Kenya and Tanzania?

  It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present, and prophylaxis combined with insect repellent is recommended. You should consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least one month before departure for the most up-to-date health information and required inoculations. For visas, all travelers to Kenya must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to arrival. For Tanzania, visa requirements vary by nationality, and online application host details are provided. A valid passport with at least 6 months validity is required for both countries.

• What should I know about electricity and charging devices on the trip?

  The power supply in Kenya is 220VAC/50hz and in Tanzania is 230V/50Hz. Variable voltage, spikes, and power cuts are common. There are no charging facilities at the Serengeti and Ngorongoro campsites. You can charge portable power banks in the vehicle while it is in motion.

• What is a "G for Good Moment" on this tour?

  "G for Good Moments" are opportunities to interact with local communities and contribute positively through tourism. On this tour, these include lunch at the Planeterra-supported Amani Ya Juu in Nairobi, and a community visit and traditional lunch in Mto wa Mbu, along with a visit to the Clean Cookstove Project.

• When is the best time to see the wildebeest migration on this safari?

  The wildebeest typically disperse into the Seronera plains (Serengeti/Ngorongoro Conservation Area) from late November to early May, with calving in January. They then begin their northward migration in late April, crossing the Grumeti River around June-early July, and the Mara River into Kenya's Masai Mara from July to October. They return south by late October/November.

• What safety precautions should I be aware of in cities like Nairobi and Arusha?

  In cities like Nairobi and Arusha, it's recommended to leave your passport (carry a photocopy instead), traveler's cheques, and excess money in your hotel safe. Avoid wandering through cities at night and take taxis after sundown. Be wary of con artists and safari touts on the street. Do not take photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, border crossings, army barracks, personnel, or any government building, as it is against the law.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Hand washing of clothes can be done at campsites, as most have simple facilities for this. It's recommended to bring biodegradable soap and a roll of string for a drying line. Your start/end hotels also offer laundry service for a fee.