Essential Safari Tips for a Memorable Adventure | Perspective Africa Safaris

Are you a first-time traveler to Africa and Kenya?  You are probably concerned about what to expect. There are probably many unanswered questions. Do not worry, sit back and let us give you the best up to date travel advisory;

Long rains are from April to May, short rains in November. Temperatures are between 20 – 25 degrees. The period between June to September is much cooler. Due to the unpredictable weather patterns and global warming, you may encounter a different weather on any season. Dry weather allows for perfect visibility and better road conditions. A 4WD vehicle is recommended while on safari.

Kenya lies on the equator, with an altitude of 1500 – 2000 meters. Equal days and nights experienced throughout the year. There is no daylight-saving time in Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania. Early mornings and late evenings can however be unusually cold. Smart casual – i.e. Light khaki pants and shirts are recommended, good walking shoes with a rubber sole and a good grip. A hat is recommended to protect you from the hot daytime sunshine. Some isolated restaurants will demand official wear and closed shoes, especially for men, during mealtimes. Remember to carry some sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and insect repellent and skin moistures. A warm jacket for cold weather is necessary. All hotels, lodges provide good quality toiletries, shampoo, good quality soap and lotion. Pharmaceuticals are only available in major towns and very limited in most of rural Kenya.

Soft bags are recommended while on safari as they are easy to carry and park in the safari vehicles. All local flights have a limit of 15 kg inclusive of hand-luggage – per person.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Kenya. Islamic is widely practised along the Kenyan coast and in most part of the northern Kenya. Other religions include Hindu, African Traditional religions.

Sockets are 3-pin UK style with USB option. Voltage is 240V / 50HZ. Charging points are provided in your safari vehicles and at your hotel room.

We highly recommend you take travel insurance. Most policies cover for cancellation fees in case of any emergency preventing you from travelling.

While on safari always make good use of the safe deposit box at your hotel room. Do not carry valuable items into the streets or beach. Walking alone, especially at night is discouraged.

It is a tradition to tip your driver guide or lodge/camp staff. Tipping is however not mandatory and should only be given if the service is to satisfaction. For driver guides we recommend 5 – 10 US Dollars per person per day.

All foreign nationals require a Visa entry to Kenya. You can obtain this from the comfort of your seat online – http://evisa.go.ke/ , a single-entry Visa is valid for a period of Visa is NO longer provided on arrival. A charge of USD 51 per person apply – payable by Visa Card. Children under 16 years are exempt. On the date of travel your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months’ time. We are happy to guide you further with this process.

Kenya has more than 4o different tribes each with own distinct language. Kiswahili is widely spoken across all the countries of East Africa – Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. In Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, English is the official language. French is common in Burundi & Rwanda.

Kenya is well covered by two major mobile signals, especially in urban areas. While on safari, you may experience intermittent and unreliable mobile coverage. We, however advise that you keep your mobile phones on silent mode. Some hotels/resorts discourage use of mobile phones in the main areas and at the lounge. Wi-Fi is provided at all the hotels and resorts.

The common currency is Kenya Shillings. US dollar, UK pounds (not Scottish pound) and Euro are easily exchanged to Kenya Shillings. There are several forex bureaus in towns which accept other major currencies at competitive exchange rates. At the Airport and within the city you will find 24-hour forex bureaus and ATM machines. Visa, Master Card and Amex are generally accepted by hotels.

Most hotels in have western style meals. Depending on the theme of the day meals are offered as A la carte or buffet. Any special meals dietary requirements should be communicated in advance. Clean and safe drinking water is provided in the safari jeeps and in the hotel rooms. You are advised not to drink or even brush your teeth from sink water.

Sometimes you will get very close to wildlife while on game drive. For better experience, your driver guide will request that you remain calm and silent. Noise scares away wildlife and may trigger an unpredictable reaction from the animals. Remain in your car always and only get out at designated points with the guidance of your guide. While on a guided walking safari, please follow the instructions of your guide.

A camera with zoom lens of 200 mm with enough memory card is recommended. Bean bags are provided in safari vehicles on request. Tripods are not convenient and therefore not recommended. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people. some buildings and protected areas do not allow photography – if in doubt always ask your guide.

There are a variety of items you can buy as souvenirs including wood carvings, masai shuka, beads, leather products and many more.  It is important to bargain in order to get the best deal.