Here, we address some of our frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide you with clarity and assistance as you plan your safari adventure with Lion Trails Safaris.
From inquiries about accommodations and transportation to queries regarding wildlife sightings and safety measures, we aim to offer comprehensive answers to ensure you have all the information you need for a memorable and worry-free experience.
Browse through our FAQs to find helpful insights and guidance on every aspect of your safari journey.
Kenya follows this timezone: East Africa UTC+03:00
All Year Round!
But it also really depends on the type of animal you wish to see and your budget. Certain reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year.
It is generally felt that the African winter (Jan to March and July – October) is the best time to go on safari, There is no rain, the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier.
It is also the time when animals are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over two million animals.
However for budget travelers (March/April to May/June and November to Mid December) is the low season so you can take advantage of the special offers and sometimes even pay half the price of high seasons.
March/April to May/June is also rainy season as “long rains” occur during these months, so be sure to bring appropriate clothes as well as protective gear.
“Short rains” occurs from October to November/ December and around February and start of March, it is usually very hot.
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay.
Nationals of certain countries do not require visas – this depends on the country you are visiting.
It is advisable to check with the Embassy of the country that you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements. For tourists who intend to visit Kenya.
Citizens requiring visa can apply via the E-Visa portal. Visa costs 52 USD and approval is being done real-time.
Temperatures in are generally mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks.
It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally a more risky time to travel.
So, before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication. Also bring other emergency medications.
Your packing list should include:
- Long sleeved shirts, pants and socks to protect from mosquito bites
- A small flashlight and batteries
- Adapter plugs and convertors for electrical devices
- Sun glasses, sun hat and sun screen
- Long skirts, t-shirts, sweaters, pants, tops and flip flops
- Good walking shoes
- A good camera, batteries and a charger
- Insect repellent
- Light rain gear for summer months
- Warm clothes for the morning and evening
- Binoculars
- Basic medical kit
- Padlock
- Local sim card for longer stays
- Bright colors and white are not advised for a safari but are good for the beach
It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel (4-6 months), especially during the peak seasons (July – October and Christmas/New Years).
This is especially important for those wishing to travel on private custom safaris and those adding extensions to scheduled trips.
We use customized 4×4 vans with pop up roofs or 4×4 land cruisers. The later being more Pricy.
The specific vehicle used on a particular safari depends on the country and the reserves to be visited.
All vehicles are equipped with two-way radios and are maintained to provide the maximum level of comfort and safety.
Our staff have escorted over 10,000 visitors on safari to Africa. Years of first-hand experience mean that your every need has been anticipated and all our tours have been thoroughly proven.
Each vehicle has its local driver/guide. These well-trained professionals make their living by knowing every inch of ground, making sure you have a good time.
Their keen eyes and experience give them the uncanny ability to spot birds and wildlife all along the way.
In addition to their wealth of knowledge about wildlife, they are happy to tell you all about life in their native land.
One of the hardest parts of leaving Africa is saying goodbye to your driver, who will have become a wonderful friend and companion. For most programs, there is a naturalist guide in addition to your driver.
These dedicated professionals are with you at all times to make sure that your every need is attended to, answer all your questions, and give informative briefings on the reserves you visit, the birds and wildlife you see, and the people you meet.
They can explain animal behavior, pointing out the matriarch in a herd of elephants or the zebra’s unique way of listening for predators.
We are particularly proud of the outstanding quality of our guides.
Travel lightly.
On international flights, each person is allowed a maximum of two pieces of luggage with a combined weight not exceeding 44 pounds in most cases.
We recommend two smaller bags rather than one large suitcase. “Squashable” suitcases, Overnight bags, duffel bags, etc. are ideal.
While you’re on safari, additional baggage can be safely stored at your hotel. The baggage allowance on local planes within East Africa is 33 pounds.
Even more important than weight is the size of the bags. Large suitcases cannot be stowed on light aircraft. Again, soft luggage is recommended.
A few changes of clothes, your camera equipment, and toiletries are really all you should need. If you plan to do any trekking include a small backpack.
Normal, comfortable fitting, neutral coloured clothes like khaki and cotton travel well, and pale earth colors such as brown, tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds.
Camouflage clothes are illegal in many African countries. Solid-colored safari clothes, however, are practical and widely available; Comfortable, closed walking shoes such as topsiders or running/tennis shoes with socks, are recommended over sandals; thorns are everywhere, and socks with your shoes deter mosquito bites.
Also, opt for pants or leggings to avoid insect bites. Include a lightweight raincoat or jacket, and a swimsuit (many lodges have pools.) Safari hat would be convenient to avoid sunburn as well. A nice dress is useful for hotels, clubs, casinos and restaurants in Nairobi, where men need to wear a jacket and tie.
The 5star Safari game lodges will not seat dinner guests wearing vests, shorts, swim wear. As for beach hotels they do enforce a dress code of “Smart Casual.”
Safari/Bermuda shorts are unwelcome at most dining rooms; visitors should dress conservatively in Islamic communities (Lamu, Mombasa, Zanzibar;) long sleeves and long pants also deter mosquitoes and sunburn.
Laundry service is available at most lodges and even tented camps, but be very clear about when you need your clothes returned.
Take at least three changes of clothes for a week on safari, plus your own detergent to wash a few things.
Dry cleaners are rarer than rhinos. The best advice is to travel light, and wear cotton.
Since you will be met upon arrival at the airport and escorted to your hotel, you will not need any local currency before you reach the hotel, where you can obtain it.
However, if time permits, airport exchanges often give better rates than hotels.
There is now a large number of registered For-Ex Bureaus where you can change your money safely and at excellent rates.
Major Credit Cards are often accepted in larger towns and at lodges, but in markets and with vendors along the road, cash works best, and bargaining is expected.
We recommend that you take traveler’s checks rather than carrying large amounts of cash.
Many travelers find it useful to carry a hand calculator to estimate dollar values while shopping.
ATM machines are not widespread and may only be found in major capitals; consult your own bank before departure.
In Kenya, the local currency is Kenyan Shillings.
Tips to driver/guides, tour managers and guides are own discretion, but customary they are highly appreciated for a job well done.
For your Tour guide/driver $10.00 per tourist per day is the recommended amount for most safaris.
At lodges and camps, the recommended tips are $5.00 per tourist per day to be shared among camp personnel.
You are advised to get a travel insurance before embarking on safari to cover for lost property and medical and emergency.
The insurance is available locally at an added cost. Please enquire for more details on how you can get the cover.
If you have purchased your cover and in the event of an emergency or sudden sickness while you’re on safari in East Africa, we guarantee medical evacuation to a hospital.
The medical facilities in Nairobi offer a full staff of professionals along with state-of-the-art testing equipment.
Your cover will pay for the Flying Doctors Service to come to your side. Most hotels and safari lodges you will visit has in-house doctor who will attend to you in case of a need.