Kenya safari questions, answered
What a safari costs, when to go, what you need to enter Kenya, and what to expect at every place we travel to. Prices and trip lists here are read from our live trips, so they always match what you can book.
Planning your trip
How many days do I need for a Kenya safari?+
Safari Boyz trips run from a single day to 16 days. One day is enough for Nairobi National Park Safari, Wild Trails of Nairobi, Nairobi City Tour and Lake Naivasha Wildlife & Boat Adventure. Three days lets you see one park properly, as on Amboseli Safari and Explore Ol Pejeta. A week or so combines several parks, as on The Great Lakes & Masai Mara, The Great Tuskers and Explore Tsavo National Park & Diani. Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape covers most of Kenya in 16 days.
When is the best time to go on safari in Kenya?+
The dry seasons, roughly June to October and January to February, are the easiest for game viewing: the grass is shorter and animals gather at water. The wildebeest migration is usually in the Masai Mara from July to October. April and May are low season, with the lowest prices.
Can I combine a safari with a beach holiday?+
Yes. Explore Tsavo National Park & Diani (8 Days / 7 Nights) and Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape (16 Days / 15 Nights) finish with nights on Diani Beach on the Indian Ocean.
What is the difference between a national park and a conservancy?+
National parks and reserves, such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Nairobi National Park, are public protected areas. Conservancies such as Ol Pejeta are privately or community managed, often with fewer vehicles and some activities the parks do not offer.
Can a trip be changed to suit me?+
Yes. Use Customize This Route on any expedition page, or contact us, and the itinerary can be adapted to your dates, pace and budget.
How far in advance should I book?+
For peak season, July to October and the Christmas holidays, as early as you can: camps near the migration fill first. Outside peak season there is usually more flexibility.
Prices and payment
How much does a Kenya safari cost?+
Safari Boyz trips start from USD 125 per person for Lake Naivasha Wildlife & Boat Adventure. Multi-day safaris start from USD 720 per person. Every price is per person and depends on your group size, the season and, on some trips, the accommodation level.
Why is the price per person lower for bigger groups?+
The vehicle, driver-guide and fuel cost the same whether two people travel or seven, so the per-person price falls as the group grows. Each trip's page shows the price at each group size or season.
What are the travel seasons?+
Most trips use four seasons: high (2 January to 31 March, and June), low (1 April to 31 May), peak (July to October, and 21 December to 2 January) and shoulder (1 November to 20 December). Exact dates vary slightly by trip and are listed on each one.
What do Silver, Gold and Platinum mean?+
Some trips are offered at more than one level. The route is the same; the level sets the standard of the lodges and camps. On Explore Tsavo National Park & Diani, Platinum also includes flights between Nairobi, Tsavo West and the coast.
How do I pay?+
Securely online through Pesapal, by M-Pesa or by Visa or Mastercard. Prices can be shown in US dollars, Kenyan shillings, British pounds or Indian rupees.
What is usually included in the price?+
On multi-day safaris: accommodation, meals on safari, park fees, transport in a 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with an English-speaking driver-guide, airport transfers and drinking water. Each trip lists exactly what is and is not included.
What is not included?+
International flights and any domestic flights not listed, Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation, tips, drinks and personal extras, and travel insurance.
On safari
What vehicle will I travel in?+
A 4x4 safari Land Cruiser, not air-conditioned, with an English-speaking driver-guide. The Lake Naivasha day trip uses a comfortable Esquire van.
How many people share a vehicle?+
Safaris run for groups of up to 8, and Kilimanjaro treks for up to 10. You can also travel as a private group.
What is a game drive?+
A drive through a park or reserve with your guide, looking for wildlife. Most days have a morning and an afternoon drive, when animals are most active; some are full days with a picnic lunch.
Can I get out of the vehicle?+
In the parks you generally stay in the vehicle except at designated points. For time on foot there are walking safaris in the Masai Mara and guided walks at Sanctuary Farm on Lake Naivasha.
Can I take a hot air balloon ride?+
Yes, over the Masai Mara, as an optional extra on our Masai Mara trips, along with horse riding, a bush breakfast or dinner, and a walking safari. Prices differ slightly between trips and are listed in each itinerary.
Will I see the Big Five?+
Ol Pejeta and the Masai Mara are both home to all five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Rhinos are most reliably seen at Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru and Nairobi National Park. Leopards are the hardest to find anywhere.
Is drinking water provided?+
Yes. Vehicles carry mineral water for refills, and you are given a reusable bottle instead of disposable plastic ones.
Entry, health and safety
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?+
Kenya replaced visas with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) on 1 January 2024. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke up to 90 days and at least 3 days before you travel. Citizens of East African Community countries are exempt. Tanzania, for Kilimanjaro, has its own entry requirements.
Do I need vaccinations?+
Speak to a travel health clinic six to eight weeks before you travel. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
Is there malaria in Kenya?+
Yes, in many safari areas and on the coast. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets, and use repellent and cover up from dusk.
Is Kenya safe for a safari?+
Kenya welcomes large numbers of safari visitors every year. On safari you are with your guide throughout; follow their instructions around wildlife, and check your government's current travel advice before you go.
Do I need travel insurance?+
Yes, it is strongly recommended and not included in any trip. Choose a policy that covers medical care, evacuation and cancellation.
Money and practicalities
What currency is used in Kenya?+
The Kenyan shilling (KES). US dollars are widely accepted in tourism, cards work in most lodges and hotels, and M-Pesa mobile money is used everywhere.
Should I tip?+
Tips are not included in the price. Tipping your guide and lodge staff is customary in Kenya, and how much is at your discretion.
What should I pack for a safari?+
Layers, because early game drives are cold; neutral-coloured clothing; a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses; binoculars; and a soft bag if you are taking a light-aircraft flight, where luggage allowances are small.
Can I charge my phone and camera?+
Yes. Lodges and camps have power, although some camps run generators at set times. Kenya uses UK-style three-pin sockets (type G, 240 V), so bring an adapter if you need one.
Can I bring a drone?+
Flying a drone in Kenya requires a permit from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, and drones are not allowed in national parks and reserves without separate authorisation. Unless you have arranged both, leave it at home.
What time zone is Kenya in?+
East Africa Time, three hours ahead of GMT (UTC+3), with no daylight saving.
Destinations
Every place Safari Boyz travels to, with the trips that go there and their current starting prices.
Masai Mara
What is Masai Mara known for?+
Kenya's best-known reserve: open savannah, big cats, and the wildebeest migration, usually from July to October.
When is the best time to visit Masai Mara?+
July to October is generally the best time to visit.
What wildlife can I see in Masai Mara?+
Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Wildebeest, Zebras and Hippos, among others. What you see depends on the season and on luck.
How far is Masai Mara from Nairobi?+
About 250 km by road from Nairobi.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Masai Mara?+
3 trips do: The Great Lakes & Masai Mara (7 Days / 6 Nights), Witness the Wildebeest Migration (4 Days / 3 Nights) and Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape (16 Days / 15 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 917 per person, on Witness the Wildebeest Migration.
Amboseli
What is Amboseli known for?+
Large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro rising behind them.
When is the best time to visit Amboseli?+
June to October is generally the best time to visit.
What wildlife can I see in Amboseli?+
Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Buffaloes and Giraffes, among others. What you see depends on the season and on luck.
How far is Amboseli from Nairobi?+
About 4 to 5 hours by road from Nairobi.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Amboseli?+
2 trips do: Amboseli Safari (3 Days / 2 Nights) and The Great Tuskers (8 Days / 7 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 720 per person, on Amboseli Safari.
Tsavo East & West
What is Tsavo East & West known for?+
Kenya's largest wilderness. Tsavo West has volcanic landscapes and Mzima Springs; Tsavo East has open plains, the Galana River and red-dust elephants.
When is the best time to visit Tsavo East & West?+
The dry months, roughly June to October and January to February, when animals gather at water.
What wildlife can I see in Tsavo East & West?+
Red-dust elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Antelopes and Lions, among others. What you see depends on the season and on luck.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Tsavo East & West?+
2 trips do: The Great Tuskers (8 Days / 7 Nights) and Explore Tsavo National Park & Diani (8 Days / 7 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 1,836 per person, on The Great Tuskers.
Lake Nakuru
What is Lake Nakuru known for?+
A Rift Valley lake inside a fenced national park, one of the best places in Kenya to see both black and white rhinos, with rich birdlife. Flamingo numbers rise and fall with the lake level.
When is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru?+
Good all year. The drier months, June to October and January to February, are the easiest for game drives.
What wildlife can I see in Lake Nakuru?+
Flamingos, White Rhinos, Black Rhinos, Leopards and Lions, among others. What you see depends on the season and on luck.
How far is Lake Nakuru from Nairobi?+
About 185 km by road from Nairobi.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Lake Nakuru?+
2 trips do: The Great Lakes & Masai Mara (7 Days / 6 Nights) and Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape (16 Days / 15 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 1,436 per person, on The Great Lakes & Masai Mara.
Lake Naivasha
What is Lake Naivasha known for?+
A freshwater Rift Valley lake with hippos, fish eagles and abundant birdlife, seen by boat and on guided walks.
When is the best time to visit Lake Naivasha?+
Good all year. Boat rides and walks run in every season; the long rains usually fall from April to June.
What wildlife can I see in Lake Naivasha?+
Hippos, Fish eagles and Water birds, among others. What you see depends on the season and on luck.
How far is Lake Naivasha from Nairobi?+
Close enough for a day trip from Nairobi.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Lake Naivasha?+
3 trips do: The Great Lakes & Masai Mara (7 Days / 6 Nights), Lake Naivasha Wildlife & Boat Adventure (1 Day) and Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape (16 Days / 15 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 125 per person, on Lake Naivasha Wildlife & Boat Adventure.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
What is Ol Pejeta Conservancy known for?+
A conservancy in Laikipia, in the foothills of Mount Kenya, known for its rhino conservation and home to the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary.
When is the best time to visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy?+
June to October is generally the best time to visit.
What wildlife can I see in Ol Pejeta Conservancy?+
Black and white rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras and Chimpanzees at the sanctuary, among others. What you see depends on the season and on luck.
How far is Ol Pejeta Conservancy from Nairobi?+
About 4 to 5 hours by road from Nairobi.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Ol Pejeta Conservancy?+
2 trips do: Explore Ol Pejeta (3 Days / 2 Nights) and Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape (16 Days / 15 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 893 per person, on Explore Ol Pejeta.
Samburu
What is Samburu known for?+
A semi-arid northern reserve along the Ewaso Nyiro River, home to species found mainly in northern Kenya: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Beisa oryx.
When is the best time to visit Samburu?+
June to September is generally the best time to visit.
What wildlife can I see in Samburu?+
Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, Somali Ostrich and Beisa Oryx, among others. What you see depends on the season and on luck.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Samburu?+
One trip does: Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape (16 Days / 15 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 4,577 per person, on Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape.
The Aberdares
What is The Aberdares known for?+
The forested highlands of central Kenya around the Treetops area, a quiet change from the open savannah.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to The Aberdares?+
One trip does: Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape (16 Days / 15 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 4,577 per person, on Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape.
Nairobi National Park & Nairobi
What is Nairobi National Park & Nairobi known for?+
A national park on the edge of the city, with the skyline behind the wildlife, plus the Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick elephant orphanage.
What wildlife can I see in Nairobi National Park & Nairobi?+
Lions, Rhinos, Giraffes, Zebras, Buffaloes, Ostriches and Warthogs, among others. What you see depends on the season and on luck.
How far is Nairobi National Park & Nairobi from Nairobi?+
About 30 minutes from the city: pick-up at 7:00 AM puts you in the park by about 7:30.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Nairobi National Park & Nairobi?+
4 trips do: Nairobi National Park Safari (1 Day), Wild Trails of Nairobi (1 Day), Nairobi City Tour (1 Day) and Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape (16 Days / 15 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 189 per person, on Nairobi National Park Safari.
Diani Beach
What is Diani Beach known for?+
A white-sand Indian Ocean beach south of Mombasa, with snorkelling, diving and dolphin trips.
When is the best time to visit Diani Beach?+
Warm all year; the long rains usually fall from April to June.
What wildlife can I see in Diani Beach?+
Tropical fish and Coral, among others. What you see depends on the season and on luck.
How far is Diani Beach from Nairobi?+
A short flight from Nairobi to Ukunda, the airstrip for Diani.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Diani Beach?+
2 trips do: Explore Tsavo National Park & Diani (8 Days / 7 Nights) and Ultimate 16-Day Kenya Safari & Diani Escape (16 Days / 15 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 2,215 per person, on Explore Tsavo National Park & Diani.
Mount Kenya
What is Mount Kenya known for?+
Africa's second-highest mountain, trekked by the Chogoria, Sirimon and Naro Moru routes.
When is the best time to visit Mount Kenya?+
January to February and July to October is generally the best time to visit.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Mount Kenya?+
One trip does: Mount Kenya Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 742 per person, on Mount Kenya Trek.
Mount Kilimanjaro
What is Mount Kilimanjaro known for?+
Africa's highest mountain, in Tanzania. All Safari Boyz routes finish at Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m.
When is the best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro?+
January to October is generally the best time to visit.
Which Safari Boyz trips go to Mount Kilimanjaro?+
4 trips do: Kilimanjaro · Lemosho Route (8 Days / 7 Nights), Kilimanjaro · Machame Route (7 Days / 6 Nights), Kilimanjaro · Marangu Route, 6 Days (6 Days / 5 Nights) and Kilimanjaro · Marangu Route, 5 Days (5 Days / 4 Nights). The lowest starting price is USD 1,880 per person, on Kilimanjaro · Marangu Route, 5 Days.
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