What is the best season for a safari?

Just about any time of year, however the most popular seasons are:
-    mid December to mid March as its considered hot and dry weather
-    July to mid September as the weather is still dry

The rains hit from March to May (and to a lesser extent from October to December). During these months things are much quieter - places tend to have rooms available and prices drop. The rains generally don't affect travellers' ability to get around.

When and where can I see the great migration?

Their location largely depends on the weather, which can vary considerably from year to year.  In general the herds assemble south of the Serengeti during January and February, the season which they give birth to their young.  Starting around March they begin moving North and West in search of fresh grazing through the Serengeti Park.  The bulk of the animals reach the Masai Mara in Kenya, towards the end of July where they tend to remain during August / September / October, before starting their return trek south back through the Serengeti in November.

 

Arrival & Departure

Visitors must be in possession of a valid visa and health documentation on arrival in Kenya and / or Tanzania, Uganda. Different regulations are applied according to Nationality and country of origin. These should be checked with the nearest Kenya Tourist Office or Diplomatic Mission. Inoculation Centers in the country of origin will provide information and advise on health recommendations.

Health

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda enjoy a healthy, invigorating climate and visitors need feel no concern for their general health during their stay. The sun in Africa is hotter than you may imagine. One can get sun burnt even on a cloudy day. Please take care, and on first exposure, use a protective lotion. Piped water supplies are safe practically everywhere but local advice should be taken when on safari. You will find that in most safari lodges, there will be a flask of drinking water on your bedside table. There are small field hospitals and clinics in most parts of the countries, but it is advisable to purchase all your requirements in Nairobi or Mombasa before setting out on a tour. Please remember to take Malaria preventives and continue these for the required weeks after your departure from East Africa.

Shopping

You will find that East Africa has a wealth of fascinating curio shops, clothes stores and shops specializing in Africana. Some shopping areas: Nairobi main streets and arcades in the city centre and within major hotels, City Market and streets around the Market; if you are going to the Rift Valley then there are some interesting curio shops there. Nearly every main shop in the city centres and in hotels/lodges will accept major credit cards and travellers cheques.

Business and Shopping Hours

Usual business hours throughout East Africa are 08:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday and 08:30 to 12:30 on Saturday. Apart from Nairobi and Mombasa airport banks, which are open 24 hours, banks open only up until 15:00.

Currency and Credit Cards

The unit of currency here is the Kenya or Tanzania or Uganda shillings. The Shilling is divided into 100 cents. Notes are available in the denominations of Shs. 1000/=, Shs. 500/=, Shs. 200/=, Shs. 100/=, Shs. 50/= and Shs. 20/=. Coins are available in denominations of Shs 40/=, Shs 20/=, Shs. 10/=, Shs. 5/=, Shs. 1/= and Shs. =/50. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout East Africa. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign exchange. Only banks, hotels and lodges are authorized dealers to change money.

A Few Helpful Hints

Please show respect for local laws and customs, and the sensitivities of your host country. Remember for religious reasons, many people consider scanty dress a discourtesy (restrict wearing of swimsuits and beachwear to the swimming pools and beaches) - this applies particularly to northern and eastern Kenya, as well as the coastal areas. Do not leave valuables, including cameras and binoculars, anywhere. Make use of hotel safes as much us possible. Try not to make a flagrant display of wealth - your normal holiday spending money amounts to a small fortune to most Kenyans. When on safari never get out of your vehicle, unless you are told it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to go for walks when staying in game lodges.

Photography

Please do not photograph the president, police, soldiers, military installations, prisons, prisoners and airports. Please always enlist the co-operation of your subject before photographing strangers as people do not like to be regarded as exhibits and many may not understand that your photos are merely a personal record of your trip. Your driver/guide will be able to advise you on this.

Baggage

If you are travelling by small charter aircraft, only one suitcase or soft bag of not more than 15 kg may be carried. Depending on where you visit the baggage limit may be different so please check these details carefully.  Storeage facilities are available at most city hotels for your larger luggage.

Languages

State official language and the most popular languages are SWAHILI (a mixture of African, English and Arabic) and English. Your driver/guide and all people in the hotel industry will speak reasonable to good English.

Weather and Clothes

During a safari to Kenya you will cross several weather zones: Mombasa and the Coast - hot and humid, Nairobi - cool and dry, Mt. Kenya - chilly, Samburu and the Maasai Mara - pleasant weather but chilly during the early morning game drives, Tsavo and Amboseli - pleasant. If you travel during rainy seasons (November - December and April - June) - expect rains everywhere. Prepare your clothes accordingly. Informality is the keynote, be prepared for cool evenings at higher altitudes, on safari try to wear neutral colors as much as possible green, beige and khaki are best not to startle the game. A hat and a pair of sunglasses are advisable for protection against the sun. Laundry can be done at most lodges. Light comfortable shoes are important.

Food and Restaurants

In general, the food served in hotels and lodges is European food. Breakfast and lunch will be buffet and dinner is usually a set menu. In Mombasa and Nairobi you will find a variety of restaurants - European, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, African, and Seafood. The degree of cleanliness in restaurants is very high, as is the quality of food.

Electricity Supply

Both the mains and generated (in lodges and camps) supplies of electricity are 240 volts / 50 cycles, using three square pin plugs. Most large hotels in the city and some parks will have an electric razor point for 110 volts / 60 cycles.

Communication and Postage

City and town hotels mostly have telephones and faxes. On the most part international calls are very expensive. Game lodges and camps mostly rely on H.F. radios for communication, which is sufficient for emergencies, but not recommended for a casual call. Recently some lodges have installed telephones, which are usually very expensive.

Kenyan postage system is very reliable but fairly slow; for example a letter to the USA usually takes approximately two weeks.

Letters (per 10gms) - Africa: kshs 40.00
Europe and Asia: kshs 50.00
Far East, USA and Australia. : Kshs 59.00
East Africa: kshs 35.00

Public Holidays

January 01, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May 01, June 01, October 10, October 20, December 12, December 25 and 26. The Muslim festival of Idd-Ul-Fitr is also a public holiday. When the designated date falls on a Sunday, then the next day is normally declared a public holiday.


East Africa for the most, is an undeveloped region. It is therefore important to understand and accept that even the most meticulously planned arrangements can go wrong due to natural conditions.