Kenya|Frequently Asked Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions?
How long are the flights to Kenya?
There are direct flights from London Heathrow to Kenya, Nairobi which take 8 hours. There is a choice of overnight or daytime flights.
Can I fly from a regional UK Airport?
There are no direct flights from other UK regional airports you would need to fly via Heathrow.
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
This will depend on which nationality passport that you have, but British Passports need a visitor’s visa. You can arrange this at the Kenyan High Commission in London or buy one on arrival in Nairobi, the process there is usually quick, so long as you have the right money. The fee is currently US$25 per person, and it is best to have new(ish) notes. Your passport must also have a minimum of 6 months validity from your date of departure.
When is the best time to visit Kenya?
Kenya sits astride the equator and has fairly constant temperatures all the year around, however it has 2 rainy seasons. The ‘long rains’ occur from late March to late May and the ‘short rain’ from late October to late November. For game viewing, the most popular time is during the months of July and October when the annual Wildebeest migration reaches the Masai Mara. However there is much more to experience in Kenya, with a number of other excellent reserves and national parks where you can see the Big 5, (rhino, leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo) as well as all the favourite plains animals such as giraffe and zebras.
Where is the best place to go on safari?
The Masai Mara during the migration is undoubtedly one of the defining safari experiences that anyone can see. It is also a wonderful place to visit out of high season, with top game viewing throughout the year. Amboseli is a another top reserve famous for its large herds of elephant and the magnificent back drop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Further north are the smaller reserves of Samburu, Meru and Laikapia, where visitors will get the chance to see some species that are not in the Mara such as the Gerenuk antelope. These reserves are also home to the Big 5 and tend to be quieter than the ever-popular Mara. To the east, about 1 hour’s drive inland from Mombasa is the vast Tsavo National Park, offering the ability to combine safari with a beach stay, without too much travelling.
Can I take my children on safari?
Most lodges will accept children over 12 years old. There are a few lodges which cater specifically for families, including those with young children but it would be unwise to travel with infants or toddlers. Often lodges will require that families with children under 12 have a private game vehicle at additional cost.
Can I combine a safari in Kenya with a safari in Tanzania?
Yes, but it is not as simple as we would all like it to be! Firstly the presence of Mount Kilimanjaro means that visitors must travel around the mountain, so what looks like a short distance on a map as the crow flies, is very different in reality! Secondly even though the herds of animals cross borders freely between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, visitors are required to cross at designated border points, so that they can clear immigration. If you chose to fly, you will also have to fly via an airport which has full immigration and customs facilities as you will be moving between countries. This might mean that you have to fly via Nairobi or Kilimanjaro.
How much luggage can I take?
The international airlines mostly work on an allowance of 23Kg for checked bags and 1 piece of hand luggage plus a camera bag or handbag. This is the same for scheduled domestic flights. However if you are travelling by light aircraft between locations in Kenya you will be allowed a total of 15Kg including your hand luggage. This allowance is at the Captain’s discretion and will depend on whether the flight is full, but we advise to err on the side of caution and assume this is your weight limit. Most lodges offer a laundry service which is either free or very reasonable, so our advice is to take advantage of this to reduce your luggage.
What should I take on safari?
For safari holidays in Kenya we would recommend packing cotton layers such as vest t-shirts, t-shirts, a light fleece, shorts and a pair of long trousers are the key items. The temperature can vary quite a bit from the early morning game drive to the heat of the day. Sun screen, a hat and a swimming costume are the other necessities. It is best to avoid bright colours for a safari. Footwear should include a pair of sandals or flip flops and some walking shoes if you wnat to join a guided nature walk, trainers would be fine. We also recommend taking the following items; insect repellent, some headache/pain killer tablets, some anti-diarrhoea tablets as a precaution, also some rehydration sachets are handy to have. It is easy to get dehydrated without noticing, even though drinking water will be readily available. Kenya can be quite cold at night as some of the reserves are at quite a high altitude, so a couple of extra long sleeved items are a good idea.
Do I need any immunisations or malaria tablets?
The best person to speak to is your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner as the advice can change. Kenya is affected by malaria and you will need a course of tablets.
Can I charge my camera/phone/ipod on safari?
In the more remote tented camps where electricity is supplied by generator or solar panels, there may not be plug points in your accommodation. Generally in this instance there is a facility to charge batteries in the Managers office. Larger safari lodges are connected to the mains and there will be power points in your room. It is best to take an adaptor with you although they will often have ones which you can borrow.
Is it safe to drive?
We do not advocate self drive holidays in Kenya, but we can arrange a private driver for any transfers you wish to make.
Can I use my credit card?
Most lodges will accept credit cards for purchases such as souvenirs. It is also wise to carry some cash for staff gratuities. The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling, but US Dollars are widely accepted or can be converted. There are a number of Bureau de Change in Nairobi Airport on arrival, just tell the person meeting you that you need to change some cash and he will take you to one of the offices before you depart from the airport.
Is my holiday protected when booking via my travel agent or directly with Visions of Africa and Southern Africa Vacations?
Yes. Visions Of Africa and Southern Africa Vacations are part of the Visions Holiday Group Ltd – Visions Travel Group which holds an ATOL licence no: 5889. This licence has been granted to us by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This licence offers complete financial protection but only for holiday vacation packages that include flights commencing in and returning to the UK only. Ground arrangement only holiday vacation packages, accommodation only arrangements and other non-flight packages excluding the pre-arranged travel to and from your destination are financially protected through a bond that we have placed with the Association Of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT).
We are also members of ABTA – the Travel Association, IATA, ASTA and AITO – The Association of Independent Tours Operators.