Unforgettable Safari Experiences in Maasai Mara

SAFARI CLOTHING:

We recommend bringing casual summer clothes that are easy to launder and dry quickly. Go for neutral colours that do not reflect the heat and do not show the inevitable safari dust. With cool mornings and evenings, layering is suggested. Laundry service is available in most safari lodges and tented camps, which can help you replenish your supply of clean clothing, as you need it. Much of the time spent on safari is in the vehicle, so lightweight and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The style is casual – even in the evening. You will be in the sun a great deal and at these altitudes, it is easy to sunburn very quickly. Pack a swimsuit and cover-up, as most of the safari accommodations have swimming pools.

SAFARI & ROADS IN KENYA :

All major Kenyan roads are tarred. However, road surfaces vary depending on remoteness from Nairobi city and sometimes due to regular maintenance. Rain may also affect the state of roads. Many roads within the National Parks and game reserves are quite navigable. Driving times on Kenyan roads vary from one safari point to another and are approximate. They vary depending on traffic and road conditions.

CREDIT CARDS :

Credit cards Kenya: Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and American Express) are widely accepted. In addition to credit cards, it is advisable to carry easily convertible currency in cash. USD currency is readily accepted in many local outlets and can also easily be exchanged for Kenya shillings

ACCOMMODATION ON SAFARI :

Safari hotels/ lodges/ tented camps are carefully chosen and are named on the safari itinerary/program. The choices are unique and add flavour/ romance to your safari tour. They are comfortable and sufficiently luxurious. They vary from economy, comfort, superior comfort (applies for Masai Mara accommodation), and luxury options. Luxury lodges blend nicely with the landscape and have rooms with all the amenities you would expect from a good hotel. Tented camps are on permanent foundations and have en-suite bathrooms. The amenities can include hot water bottles to warm your bed before you turn in, coffee, tea and hot chocolate served in your tent as part of your early morning wake-up call. Except for the tree lodges, most other lodges and camps in economy, comfort & luxury options have swimming pools.

DRINKING WATER & BOTTLED DRINKS:

Avoid drinking water straight from the tap. Complimentary bottled drinking water will be provided in the safari vehicle -there shall be a cooler box in your private safari car Soft drinks, beer and other bottled beverages can be purchased at the lodges and camps throughout the safari as they have bars and comfortable lounges with fireplaces for those cool evenings. Tea or coffee is served after meals.

SUGGESTED PACKING ON A SAFARI:

It is advisable to spread packing between you and your partner's suitcases. This is in case of loss of luggage –(in case you are travelling together) All the important items and information should be carried in your hand luggage: passport, visa, airfare, insurance, credit cards, money and prescriptions if necessary. You should carry information about your specific health condition plus malaria pills, any lifesaving medication (diabetics), anything used to treat allergies or a sudden stomach upset (maybe Imodium) and analgesic aspirin should all be kept accessible to you. Any expensive electrical equipment, such as a camera or computer should be well looked after. Please note that all use, import and production of plastic bags, such as those we know from supermarkets, etc., is prohibited in Kenya. We therefore recommend that you avoid using plastic bags when packing your luggage. Use fabric bags instead, or bags made of a waterproof material other than plastic. If, for example, you are visibly carrying hand luggage in plastic bags upon your arrival in Kenya, you will be asked to hand them in. This also includes plastic bags from “Duty-Free”, etc. On light aircraft flights in Kenya, the baggage allowance is limited to a maximum of 15 Kilograms, including camera and video equipment. Any additional luggage can be stored at the hotel in Nairobi until the end of the safari. Extra luggage is charged at $ 5 per kilogram and depends on space availability and weight Luggage and personal effects are at the owner’s risk throughout the tour. For your peace of mind, baggage insurance is recommended.

PHOTOGRAPHY / EQUIPMENT ON SAFARI

A digital Camera made during the last several years is good for taking excellent Wildlife and Landscape photographs, It does not need to be the most expensive camera to take good pictures on your Kenya Holiday Safari. Getting good safari photos is more about practice, focus and concentration than having an expensive camera/gadget A (digital Single Lens Reflex) DSLR Camera with interchangeable lenses is a good option during a Safari Tour. Good lenses for African wildlife photos fall in the range of 200-400mm, while those intending to make landscape or animal shots in their wild environment should consider bringing a wider angle lens in the range of 24-100mm. A video camera if available is a welcome gadget during safari, you may have it already in your DSLRs as a built-in extra. Safari Tours are in remote areas so bring plenty of batteries and a charger in case you run out of power! Bring plenty of cleaning equipment like cleaning cloths and a blower brush as Cameras get dirty quickly in the dusty safari environment. Plenty of memory cards are necessary too – safari adventure is exciting and you may take more shots than you had anticipated A pair of binoculars is essential to view the birds and animals at a distance. The best size is 8/10 x 40 they only need to be of good quality

Suggested equipment List for Safari

• Camera

• Telephoto lenses (ideally covering 24-100mm and 200-400mm range)

• Cleaning equipment for lens

• Extra batteries

• Battery charger

• Memory cards

• Camera bag

• Zip lock bags (dust proof ) Not plastic bags as they are banned in Kenya so you may use a cloth alternative

• Beanbag (for Camera stability during photography)

We're Flexible with Dates!

Kindly note that our dates are flexible. If your preferred date is not available, please don’t hesitate to contact me, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY (ETA) FOR KENYA

Fr om January 2024, travellers to Kenya will not require a Visa and will instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA system has replaced the eVisa system for Kenya and is currently in effect.

Visit www.etakenya.go.ke to experience this seamless new system, effective from 4th January 2024. This applies to all international travellers, including children . Kenyan citizens and East African Community (EAC) partner state residents are exempted.

Travellers may submit their applications as early as 3 months before travel. It is recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have reserved their flight tickets and accommodations/tour packages in Kenya.

Your ETA Application Checklist:

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date in Kenya and has one blank page.

• Photographic Identification: A recent passport-style photo or a clear selfie.

• Contact Essentials: Your email address and phone number.

• Travel Itinerary: Details of your arrival, departure, and wh ere you’ll be staying in Kenya.

• Payment Method: A credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay is ready to cover the $34.09 per person fee.

Additional Requirements for Certain Travelers:

• Yellow Fever Certificate: Necessary if you’re arriving from a Yellow Fever-endemic country.

• Additional Vaccinations: Based on your travel history or country of residence.

Application Timeline:

You can apply for your ETA up to 3 months before your planned arrival in Kenya.

What Happens After You Apply? Once you’ve submitted your application, look out for an email notification. Upon approval, you’ll receive an ETA receipt with a reference number, which you can use to check your application status on the ETA website.

Processing Time: It typically takes 3 working days to process your ETA.

Application Steps for Your Convenience:

1. Upload the information page of your passport.

2. Capture a selfie using your webcam.

3. Fill in your contact details.

4. Provide your arrival, departure, and accommodation details in Kenya.

5. Complete the general information section.

6. Make a customs declaration.

7. Complete the health declaration.

8. Provide your travel insurance information.

9. Upload your accommodation booking confirmation and flight ticket/confirmation.

10. Add any additional documents if required.

11. Agree to the terms and conditions.

Total Cost: The standard processing fee is $32.50, plus a bank fee of $1.59, Total = $34.09.

Benefits of Kenya’s eTA system:

Kenya eTA enables travellers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their home locations before starting their trip. Travellers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they meet the requirements for travel to Kenya.

Travellers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or at arrival anymore. Kenya’s eTA also benefits airlines by simplifying the check-in process. Transport carriers can easily verify that travellers have been authorized to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and have an approved eTA. Kenya eTA will improve arrival processes into the Republic of Kenya by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections. Kenya eTA supports the efforts of the Republic of Kenya to digitize its government processes.

What do I do if my eTA is denied:

If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment. Contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details

Do Children or Infants also require the Kenya eTA? Yes, all foreign visitors must apply for an eTA. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling in the application. We highly recommend that families apply as a group.