Planning a safari on your own can be truly stressful: there are a thousand things to keep in mind! Timing, schedules, permits… and we could go on with an endless list.
But what if we told you that with an organized trip, you won’t have to think about (almost) anything?
Keep reading this article and we’ll explain why…
Planning a safari in Kenya: here are the key things to keep in mind
When to start planning your safari
First of all, you need to figure out the best time to go on safari in Kenya. Most travelers visit during the long dry season, from June to October, and of course many hope to witness the Great Migration in August.
However, some animals are easier to spot during the rainy season, which is also less crowded. It’s up to you to set your priorities and choose your departure date!
That said, you should start planning seriously 4 to 6 months before your trip. The main reason? Accommodation availability near the National Parks and airfare, which are usually cheaper when booked in advance.
Alternatively, if you travel with an organized tour operator, you won’t have to worry about planning your departure: with us, you simply check the available dates and choose the one that suits you best.
Once you’ve booked, you won’t have to think about anything except the period just before departure. Easy, right?
Also read: Masai Mara in Kenya: an amazing safari to experience to the fullest with Sto Gran Tour
Budget for a safari in Kenya
Planning a trip in advance definitely helps you save money and keep expenses under control.
Planning is easier if you have a budget goal in mind, so do some research on the prices of attractions and activities you already know you want to include.
To help you evaluate your options, here are some factors to consider when budgeting for a safari in Kenya:
● airline tickets should be purchased as early as possible;
● accommodations can vary greatly, especially within nature reserves. Make sure you know what you want and are aware of the cost;
● documents such as visas and vaccinations;
● getting around within Kenya can be expensive, depending on the means of transport you choose.
You will probably need to rent a car at some point, especially if you want to explore parks and game reserves on your own (highly recommended).
If you want to join guided tours, remember that these also come at a cost.
Okay, now you might be thinking: “oh no, so how much is this actually going to cost me in the end?”
Keep Calm! Take a look at our article dedicated to tips for cutting costs on your next safari.
Documents needed for a safari in Kenya
When traveling outside your home country, you’ll likely need a number of documents. For example, most travelers need a Kenyan visa to enter the country.
The good news is that you can apply for the visa entirely online.
In any case, keep in mind that some citizens need supporting documents to obtain the visa. These depend on the person’s specific circumstances, such as their health conditions and travel plans. Since obtaining some of these documents can take time, it’s best to look into the paperwork at least a month in advance.
But that’s not all.
Regardless of the visa, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor 6 to 8 weeks before departure, so you can discuss any vaccinations and medications you may need for your safari in Kenya.
Make sure you have your Kenya itinerary ready when you go to the appointment, as some vaccinations may be required only for certain areas.
Packing for a safari in Kenya
If you think shorts and a hat are enough, think again.
Temperatures can drop significantly at night and, trust us, you’ll want to join a night game drive to spot the big cats.
So here’s a list of essentials to pack in your backpack for a safari in Kenya:
● neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, and white are ideal);
● sunglasses and high-protection sunscreen;
● a lightweight scarf and a hat;
● comfortable shoes or worn-in hiking boots (why worn-in?);
● windbreaker jacket;
● insect repellent;
● electronics such as a camera, batteries, and memory cards;
● binoculars.
Also read: Victoria Falls and the 'Devil’s Pool': a destination you may not know about!
Conclusions
In this article, we’ve looked at some useful tips to keep in mind when planning a safari in Kenya and why it may be better to travel with an organized tour operator that takes care of everything for you.
When you travel with Sto Gran Tour, in fact, you won’t have to worry about booking flights, choosing accommodation, or renting a car: that’s what we’re here for.
What you need to do is take time off work, book your trip to Kenya, and follow the instructions in your personal area.
