KENYA OVERVIEW
- Home
- KENYA
Kenya is the most popular safari country in Africa and ATR Travel strive to offer a great choice of safari styles for ultimate enjoyment of the famous national parks and reserves. Options range from short fly-in safaris, private tailor-made safaris to group tours. One of our experienced specialists is looking forward to sharing this beautiful country with you.
TRAVELLING TO KENYA
ATR Travel can help you with comprehensive travel information for your inbound and outbound travel plans to Kenya. There are direct and one to two-stop flights from overseas to the airports of Nairobi and Mombasa. The below information will help you to plan your African safari.
GETTING AROUND BY AIR
It is easy to reach Kenya via frequent air connections to the Nairobi and Mombasa airports. All national parks have airstrips and there are several charter companies available.
Airports handling regional flights include Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta, Wilson (domestic airport in Nairobi), Mombasa and Malindi. There are many other small airstrips all over the country.
Domestic flights are the quickest and most comfortable option if you want to visit several parts of the country during your journey. There are daily scheduled flights linking key tourist gateways to various destinations and popular locations in Kenya, including game parks and the coast.
Predators Safaris handle all internal and domestic travel arrangements within Kenya. It includes:
- Kenya Airways (national carrier)
- Air Kenya
- Safarilink
- Jambo Jet
- Mombasa Air Safari
- Fly540
Predators Safari book all internal and domestic travel arrangements within Kenya.
- Airport transfers,
- Domestic Flights,
- Intercamp flights,
- Private Charter Plane,
- Road Transfer,
- Meet and greet services.
- Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO): Conveniently situated just about 16km (10 miles) south of Nairobi city centre. Nairobi is still the main arrival hub for most tourists who are doing Kenya safaris.
- Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA): Located approximately 10km (6 miles) west of Mombasa in south-eastern Kenya (on the coast).
Airlines that serve NAIROBI Airport with connections to the rest of Africa, Europe and the Middle East:
- British Airways from Heathrow & Manchester (England)
- Kenya Airways from Nairobi (Kenya)
- KLM from Amsterdam (Nederland)
- Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
- Turkish Airlines from Istanbul (Turkish)
- Qatar from Doha (Qatar)
- Emirates from Dubai
- Air France from Charles de Gaulle (France)
- Lufthansa Airlines from Munich (Germany)
- RwandAir from Kigali (Rwanda)
- Swiss Air from Zurich (Switzerland)
- Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
- SAA from Johannesburg (RSA)
Please note:
- Nairobi Airport (NBO) to Nairobi hotels. Private airport transfer cost: From US$70.00 per vehicle, 1-6 passengers.
Airlines that serve Mombasa Airport (most flights are via Nairobi) with connections to the rest of Africa, Europe and the Middle East:
- British Airways from Heathrow & Manchester (England)
- Kenya Airways from Nairobi (Kenya)
- KLM from Amsterdam (Nederland)
- Turkish Airlines from Istanbul (Turkish)
- Lufthansa Airlines from Munich (Germany)
- RwandAir from Kigali (Rwanda)
- Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
- Condor Airline – from Germany
- Meridiana – from Milan (Italy)
Please note:
- Mombasa Airport (MBO) to Coastal Resorts, private airport transfer cost: between US$70.00 and US$150 per vehicle, 1-5 passengers (depending on the location of the resort).
- Mombasa Airport (MBO) to Malindi Beach Resorts: about 3 hours’ drive. Private airport transfer cost: From US$150.00 per vehicle, 1-5 passengers.
KENYA BIG FIVE SAFARI
from US$2,898 per person sharing
BEST OF EAST AFRICA SAFARI
from US$4,668 per person sharing
KENYA BUSH & BEACH SAFARI
from US$2,898 per person sharing
LAKE NAIVASHA DAY TOUR
from US$180 pp
NAIROBI CITY DAY TOUR
from US$180 pp
KENYA DELUXE SAFARI
from US$2,898 per person sharing
LION KING FAMILY SAFARI
from US$2,898 per person sharing
RIFT VALLEY BIRDING SAFARI
from US$2,925 per person sharing
NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK DAY TOUR
from US$180 pp
BEST OF NAIROBI DAY TOUR
from US$180 pp
SAFARI PLANNING AND ITINERARIES
Travel experiences designed to give you more!
We have compiled a fairly comprehensive list of popular Kenya safari and tour routings. Most of our Kenya safaris are tailor-made and can be booked as per the itinerary or used as a guideline to create your own customise safari according to your requirements.
ATR TRAVEL OFFER THE FOLLOWING KENYA SAFARIS
- Type of Safari (travelling by light aircraft or by road in private 4×4 vehicle)
- The number of nights you want to spend on safari
- Type of accommodation you prefer (Budget, Intermediate, Luxury or Ultra-luxury)
- When you travel (lodges in Kenya offers different seasonal rates)
- Activities & local cultural interactions
- Add-on stays or beach holidays
Still not sure about what to do or where to stay?
KENYA ATTRACTIONS & HIGHLIGHTS
Kenya is renowned for its wide-open spaces and golden beaches, but it is best known for some of the most dramatic wildlife viewing in Africa. But there are a few things that can make your visit to Kenya an even more unique experience.
WILDEBEEST MIGRATION
WHALE WATCHING – MAFIA ISLAND
HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI
OLDUVAI GORGE
BIRDING
STONE TOWN - ZANZIBAR
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
WALKING SAFARIS
STONE TOWN - ZANZIBAR
TRACK WILD CHIMPANZEES
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Kenya is a year-round safari destination that offers beautiful sighting of the Big 5. It is an exceptional holiday experience, whether you want to explore the wilderness in search of wildlife, climb mountains or relax on the beach.
This year-round phenomenon is dictated by rainfall, which sees the herds moving in constant clockwise motion throughout the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
The following information will give you a better idea of where and when to see the migration:
December to beginning of April - Herds are found in the Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation area (forms part of the Serengeti/Mara eco-system). The Calving Season from January to March showcases unforgettable scenes of thousands of wildebeest calves joining the already massive herds.
April to May - Typically presents the first signs of millions of wildebeest beginning their journey across the central plains of the Serengeti. You can expect rain showers during this period, but they are usually short and intense but certainly don’t last for hours.
June to July - Experience the Great Migration in the mid- and western parts of the Serengeti.
July to October - The migration moves to the northern section of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara (in Kenya). You might be lucky enough to see herds crossing the Mara river.
- Tanzania is one of Africa's best birding destinations. It has the most bird species in Africa - over 1,100, of which over 800 species are resident and nearly 200 are regular migrants. There are 24 species endemic to Tanzania and a further 52 near-endemic species, restricted to Tanzania and its neighbouring countries. The best time for birding is during or just after the short rains from December to April. During this time the migratory birds move through different areas of the country and the scenery is lush and green, making it a birders paradise.
The sunny islands of Zanzibar are renowned for their idyllic white sand beaches and azure waters. Although the island and beaches of Tanzania are accessible year-round, different seasons offer different experiences.
The island and coastal areas are best enjoyed from June to October when the climate is cool and dry. August and September offer the best water clarity with incredible snorkelling and diving conditions. Another popular time to visit these tropical islands is from December to February when it is hot and dry.
It is essential to understand that the weather on Kilimanjaro is as changeable and unpredictable as mountain weather all over the world can be. The best climbing seasons are from December to March and June to October. The only real recommendation to climbers is to avoid the long rainy season between April and May as the mountain becomes slippery and treacherous. The average day temperature on the lower slopes is around 30°C, while temperatures can range from 5 to 15°C at 3000m in altitude during daytime. Night-time temperatures on the mountain can be well below freezing, even at your first campsite.
KENYA SAFARI PRICING EXPLAINED
The cost of a Kenya safari depends on the duration of your trip, the season, the standard of accommodation you choose and your preferred means of transport (vehicle, light aircraft, etc.). Safari itineraries offer a typical routine but the final price will vary based on the factors mentioned.
Your choice of accommodation has the biggest influence on the cost of your safari. We offer extensive accommodation options in Tanzania - from adventurous tented camps to luxurious safari lodges. Our ability to do this is based entirely on our extremely in-depth knowledge of Tanzania. Safari lodges offer mostly full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner included), but you also have lodges offering all-inclusive rates (drinks included). We know which hotels and lodges offer the best value for money and these are the ones we'll recommend.
Things to consider when travelling to Tanzania is the type of holiday you are interested in (bush or beach), specific wildlife and animals you wish to see and the activities you would like to do. Some of the game reserves and national parks offer good game viewing all year round while others have particularly good sightings (migratory animals) at specific times of the year.
High season – June to October is the dry season with cooler temperatures. This is a great time for game viewing and see the wildebeest migration in Northern Serengeti with possible river crossings. High season is also the more expensive and busy time of the year. If you want to climb Kilimanjaro and visit Zanzibar, we recommend June-October.
Shoulder season - November to March is known as shoulder season. It is popular among clients who appreciate quieter travelling that offer reasonable prices. Keep in mind that the festive months (mid-December to mid-January) do become busier and pricey. Be advised to book well in advance.
Low season - During the low season game parks are less crowded and hotels and lodges offer discounted rates. Bird watchers can optimise the quietness and focus on enjoying the variety of rare bird species. You can also witness the wildebeest migration on the plain of the central Serengeti during this period.
Your driver, vehicle and fuel costs on safari remain consistent and are divided by the number of people in the vehicle. As a general rule, the more people per vehicle (we offer six-seater vehicles with guaranteed window seats), the lower the cost.
Transport on your safari is priced per vehicle and not per person.
Private tailor-made safaris’ cost is based on the exclusive use of a safari vehicle and your own driver-guide. Your safari can also include a combination of flights by light aircraft or using lodge vehicles on a shared base. It all depends on your itinerary and requirements.
Scheduled departure safaris with up to 6 guest per vehicles (all with guaranteed window seats) and the transport cost divided between passengers.
Flying safaris’ cost is based on flights by light aircraft between the areas you visit. You then have the option of sharing or exclusive use of a private vehicle (at an additional cost).
TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION ON KENYA SAFARI
Kenya safari accommodation consists of a mix of bush lodges, tented camps and mobile camps. Resort & hotel-style accommodation is generally found on the coast of Kenya and in the cities. The accommodation varies significantly from a three to five-star level, with the smaller and more exclusive properties being more costly.
ATR
The hotels have everything you need with restaurants, swimming pools, etc. They are ideally located to explore the cities, are close to the main airports and used to overnight before or after a safari. Tanzanian cities offer different standards of hotels - from budget to ultra-luxury.
Larger, permanent structures built of brick and mortar. They often have fabulous facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools and even spas. Lodges offer facilities and experiences that can range from offering pure comfort up to ultimate five-star luxury. For first-timers and families who want all the modern conveniences and excellent facilities, lodges are usually the best choice.
This option provide the best of both worlds: closeness to nature by camping without sacrificing the superb comfort of a traditional lodge. The campsite consists of individual canvas tents and a communal main tent where meals are served. Many of these camps offer a level of luxury that would typically only be found in the very best five-star hotels with ‘tents' boasting air-conditioning, luxury bathrooms and even private plunge pools! Tented camps suit clients who long for an excellent safari experience. Options range from basic to luxurious.
The significant advantage of mobile tented camps is that it takes you closer to nature. You can enjoy wildlife while sitting at your dining table and enjoy the ambience of Africa. These small, intimate camps are mobile and are set up as the wildebeest migration progresses. camps are constructed in the open bush and there are no barriers. Even though animals roam free, our guests' safety is a top priority. Despite sleeping in the heart of one of the world's vastest wildernesses, you will feel completely safe snuggled up in bed in your canvas tent shelter. Camps are fully serviced by permanent staff who continuously aim to offer a luxury experience in the wilderness. We use bucket showers and our staff will ensure that you have enough warm water for an exhilarating experience! Solar and back-up generators supply power. As the sun sets over the savannah, you'll enjoy a delicious chef prepared dinner by a crackling campfire as the distant sounds of Wildebeest drift across the plains. Even if you are not a camper, it is worth spending at least a few nights under canvas. Although there are no air conditioning or main electricity, most mobile camps are very comfortable.
Experience a unique experience of sleeping out in the wild with only the sounds of the African bush, the stars being your only light. This is one of the most amazing experiences you can have on safari! The fly camping tents are made of see-through mosquito net to offer a 360degree view of one of the most unique settings you will ever sleep in. Camp staff set up the fly camps in advance and you can either walk there as part of your safari activity or drive there after your last game drive. Fly camping is about adventure, not luxury. Your tent is simple, the bed is very comfortable and the crew prepare fantastic meals in the middle of the wilderness. There is an outside bucket shower and bathroom facilities.
Campsites are the most basic of accommodation in terms of facilities and amenities. There are public and private campsites. At public campsites you might have to share the site with other travellers. There is an ablution block with showers and toilets. While you share the ablution block with other campers, showers and toilets are arranged as single cabins. Dome tents usually have simple beds/mattresses with linen and duvets. There will be a kitchen block where meals are prepared and your camping crew will wash the dishes
Round off your safari with a beach holiday at the Indian ocean Island of Zanzibar, Pemba Island, Mafia Island or the Tanzanian coast. All resorts are superbly located and offer white sandy beaches. Unwind entirely and experience a high level of service, excellent facilities, beautiful surroundings and exciting activities. We highly recommend that you end your safari or trekking holiday with a few days on the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Tanzanian coast.
SAFARI CIRCUITS (National Parks)
With 23 national parks, 4 national marine parks, 28 national reserves, 6 national marine reserves, and 4 national sanctuaries, there is a wealth of protected areas for travellers to explore in Kenya. Geographically, Kenya can be divided into two circuits. Southern Kenya has rolling grasslands, acacia savannahs and pristine coastlines with tropical beaches. Northern Kenya (north of the equator) is known as a semi-arid region.
SOUTHERN KENYA CIRCUIT
(South of the Equator)
Southern Kenya offers some of the country’s most exceptional wildlife viewing. The region is a showcase for three of East Africa’s most thrilling safari highlights: the migratory wildebeest in the Masai Mara between July and October, the equally prolific lesser flamingo that sporadically seen in the shallows of Lake Bogoria and the elephant herds that sweep across the Amboseli plains below the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro. The Rift Valley lakes in the South, Bogoria, Nakuru, Elmenteita and Naivasha are all unique and support a large proportion of Kenya’s wildlife.
NORTHERN KENYA CIRCUIT
North of the Equator)
Kenya’s most exceptional reserves are those lying north of the equator. The national parks and game reserves of Northern Kenya tend to be large, wild and visited by far fewer visitors than those of Southern Kenya. Unique to Kenya’s arid north are the Special Five: the rare Grevy’s zebra, beisa oryx, long-necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich and the reticulated giraffe with its striking red pattern. Top safari destinations include the Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Mount Kenya and the Laikipia region. The North also includes the rarely visited Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world that supports Africa’s biggest population of Nile crocodiles.
KENYA SOUTHERN CIRCUIT
National Parks in the Southern Circuit of Kenya
KENYA NORTHERN CIRCUIT
National Parks in the Northern Circuit of Kenya
THE PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Most people associate Kenya with an abundance of wildlife and one of the most well-known tribes in Africa, the Maasai. They are easily recognisable by the distinct red robe wrapped around their tall and slender bodies. With the help of tourism, the Maasai and the closely related Samburu tribe have become the symbol of Kenyan culture.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
FAQ
If this is your first time on safari, you probably have countless queries. To get you started, our safari experts have assembled a list of frequently asked.
The majority of lodges and safari camps have fitted mosquito nets around their beds to reduce the risk of insect bites.
The drive times from lodge to lodge will vary, but most of the lodges in Tanzania are between five- and seven-hour drive apart. There are, however, several lodges that are only an approximate three-hour drive from one another. Where long drives are involved, we recommend that you fly between these areas. All the parks in Tanzania can be reached by light aircraft and there are frequent flights between the parks.
Temperatures are generally mild but can become considerably cooler in the evenings. Always pack something warm as places like Ngorongoro Crater can get very cold. Bring comfortable clothing for game drives and walks.
Your packing list should include:
- A small flashlight and batteries
- Adapter plugs and convertors for electrical devices
- Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
- Long-sleeved shirts, pants, t-shirts, shorts, sweaters and tops
- Good walking shoes
- A good camera, batteries and a charger
- Insect repellent
- Light rain gear
- Warm clothes for the mornings and evenings
- Binoculars
- Basic medical kit
*When you book with Predators Safaris, we will send you a detailed packing list according to the areas you visit.
The Great Migration, also known as the "Wildebeest Migration," has been listed as one of the seven natural wonders of Africa. Over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move through the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) ecosystems in search of green pasture, in a regular pattern. It is the greatest show on earth, a natural spectacle like no other and a life-changing experience.
You can see the Great Migration in the Serengeti all year round (in different areas of the park). The wildebeest migrate in a circular motion around the Serengeti National Park as such it is an ongoing event.
Please click here for detailed information on the wildebeest migration patterns.
You must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of entry and with at least three remaining blank pages. Most nationalities require visas for Tanzania. You can apply for your visa to Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar through the online visa link. You are required to complete and pay your application online. We recommended applying at least a month prior to your visit.
Predators Safaris utilises a fleet of modern vehicles consisting of mostly 4X4 Land Cruisers. The majority is less than 2 years old and undergo an extensive pre-safari inspection in our workshop to ensure the safety of our clients. Vehicles accommodate up to 6 clients in 3 rows of seating (guaranteed window seat for all) with a pop-up roof that can be raised for wildlife viewing. Our Land Cruisers are equipped with reference books on African mammals and birds. We offer unlimited kilometres to make sure you get the best game viewing opportunities while on safari.
Our safari guides are the ones who make the difference between a standard safari in East Africa and a once in a lifetime experience! Our specialist safari guides are permanently employed and of the best calibre. Their life spent in Africa has equipped them with immense knowledge of local conditions, customs and natives. They are naturalists who know and love the country and wildlife. Their benefit to the client regarding enjoyment and an intensified personal experience of their African journey will exceed all expectations. We proudly offer an excellent, hand-picked team, able to provide superior service to our clients.
Tanzania and Zanzibar offer fantastic opportunities for birders. There are over 1,000 bird species on record of which over 20 are endemic.
Hot spots for birding:
- Serengeti - 500+ species
- Tarangire - 500+ species
- Selous - 440+ species
- Lake Manyara - 400+ species
- Arusha National Park - 400+ species
- Pemba island - home to four of Tanzania’s endemic bird species, the Pemba scops owl, Pemba sunbird, Pemba white-eye and Pemba green pigeon.
With its famous lion prides in the Serengeti, pristine beaches of Zanzibar and its friendly people, families with a good sense of adventure will enjoy any safari in Tanzania.
Most important when choosing safari luggage is mobility. You will move between several different modes of transport (aeroplane, vehicle and lodges), so plan accordingly. We recommend bags that have a hard-braced bottom with wheels and soft sides. When packing, keep in mind that you can do laundry at lodges/camps where you overnight for two or more nights. Some of the lodges/camps also offer a same-day laundry service at a reasonable price. If your safari includes flights by light aircraft, please take note of the luggage restriction of 15kg per person, including hand luggage.
Aside from shopping, you will need money for drinks, tips and incidentals. From our experience, most clients spend between $400 and $500. Major credit cards are accepted in city hotels and stores and at bigger lodges but some camps and rural shops only accept cash.
It is a requirement that all our clients travelling to Tanzania must have travel insurance which includes cover for medical treatment and emergency air evacuation. In the unfortunate event that you find yourself in need of urgent medical care, our office in Arusha will offer 24-hours assistance.
Tipping in Tanzania is not compulsory but always appreciated. The amount will always depend on your own opinion and personal satisfaction. Based on our experience, we suggest the following amounts as a rough guide:
- US$10 per guest per day on a group safari
- US$20 per guest per day for a private guide
- US$5 per guest per day for lodge/camp staff
- US$1 to porters at the lodges/camps carrying your baggage
- US$2 - US$5 per guest to your butler per stay (if staying at tented camps where you have bucket showers)
Tanzania is a fantastic destination for families with both teens and younger children. Our family safaris are created for children of all ages and our other safaris can be tailored to accommodate any age group.
Wi-Fi is available at most of the lodges and camps we use in Tanzania, but the connection can be slow and limited. Please check with us for details regarding the connectivity specific to your trip. We do however recommend that you don't rely on having a consistent connection throughout your journey.
Many previously off-the-grid areas in Tanzania now have cell phone coverage with the service decreasing in the more remote areas. Please put your cell phones on silent mode while you are on game drives, bush walks and in the lodges’ communal areas.
Safari/bucket showers are commonly used at mobile and tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. You will still have the luxury of an en suite bathroom with a shower, it just offers you a little adventure. Outside the tent is a large waterproof bag or bucket which is filled with about 10 to 15 litres of hot water before being raised with a pully/rope system to either connect to the shower pipe or fill a cistern. The water is delivered at the ideal temperature, so it is best to use it as soon as it arrives. Staff typically fill the showers at a pre-arranged time or you can notify them a few minutes before you need it.
The official language in Tanzania is Swahili, but there are hundreds of other local dialects. English is the second official language and the country's commercial language. You will find that the majority of the people that you come in contact with are fluent in English and have a surprisingly good command of the language.