Club Cult of Africa
SAFARI IN THE MASAI MARA, AMBOSELI, SAMBURU, MOUNTAINS AND LAKES OF THE RIFT VALLEY, RELAXATION ON THE BEACHES OF MOMBASA, PRIVATE RESERVES
TOURS TO KENYA -
SAFARI AND RECREATION ON THE OCEAN
KENYA, JUNE-OCTOBERMIGRATION SAFARI
The migration of wildebeest and zebras is a drama of life and death, lurking predators, lucky escapes, the thunder of the hooves of a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras.
Ungulates make their circular cycle from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and back, this cycle never stops.
The climax is considered to be the Crossing - this is the crossing of the river, when the antelopes jump into the water in a single impulse, where crocodiles and hippos are waiting for them.
On the shore, they become easy prey for lions. Hyenas and other predators flock to the feast.
They say migration is a great show of nature that no screen in the world can convey - you have to see it live, with your own eyes.
Seasonal VIP Offer July 28 - 8 August 25
12Days
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Great Migration: Best Safari in Kenya and Rest on the Indian Ocean
Price of44418 USD
BREAKFAST WITH GIRAFFES
Would you like to have breakfast with giraffes? We will help. Click for more details and you will learn about how to get to the legendary hotel, how much it costs, how many days to go, and what you can combine with.
Wake up on your birthday and hug the giraffe that stuck its head right in your room window to greet you! Truly - this is indescribable emotions and pure delight! Yes, the hotel is not cheap, but the experience is worth it!
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Antonina
What`s Up +7 915 343-21-21
+7 495-281-53-57
travel@cultafrica.ru
Ask your questions Discuss your trip to Africa with one of our specialists
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HOW TO PLAN YOUR SAFARI TOUR AND VACATION IN KENYA
Its overwhelming when you start planning a tour. Besides the popular and hyped attractions featured on many websites, Kenya has many other places worth visiting that arent overcrowded. Private concessions, conservation projects, unique hotels, and excursions.
Based on our experience and the questions our clients most frequently ask us, we offer a short guide with useful information about parks, beaches, seasons, hotels, prices, and, of course, tours to Kenya that you might like.
Kenya is a country of kind and helpful people.
The population of approximately 50 million is divided into 40 ethnic groups, each with its own language, cultural, and religious traditions. For example, while staying at a hotel in one corner of the country, you might meet a woman with Omani roots on the staff, while in another, you might encounter a hotel manager whose great-grandfather was from Punjab (he emigrated to help build the legendary railway from Nairobi to Mombasa). In Kenya, youre sure to encounter the most famous ethnic group—the Maasai, who grow up in villages where they still use a simple wooden stick to protect sheep from predators (albeit a specially shaped one—a very popular souvenir). The Maasai are the most recognizable people of East Africa. Their vibrant traditional clothing makes them unmistakable. Even in the 21st century, the Maasai still adhere to their traditions, although they are now becoming a sought-after brand for travelers.
Kenyas animals need no introduction.
Kenyas animals need no introduction; anyone whos seen The Lion King can easily imagine all the inhabitants. They include megafauna, from giraffes and hippos to the millions of herds of ungulates that undergo their annual migration. Kenyans love and protect their natural environment and have lived alongside each other for centuries. Hunting was banned in Kenya 40 years ago.
The animals have become accustomed to the sight of cars and arent afraid. In addition to traditional safaris, you can also go on walking or horseback riding tours. Most tourists choose Kenyan tours specifically for the safari experience, to see the animals.
Kenya has a large elephant population, as well as a growing black rhino population. Chimpanzees and rare wild dogs can be seen in some reserves. And, of course, Kenyan lions, leopards, and cheetahs can be seen almost everywhere, from the park near Nairobi to the remote northern deserts.
Natural resources
A country of extraordinary diversity
The vast expanses of flat savannahs contrast with rolling hills dotted with tea and coffee plantations. A necklace of lakes from the Great Rift Valley flows into rocky deserts in the north. In the center of the country, right on the equator, stands Africas second-highest mountain, Mount Kenya. And in the south, well find ourselves on the palm-fringed, white beaches of Mombasa and Malindi, where the flavor of Swahilis millennia-old history is preserved to this day.
Kenya is multifaceted. If you want to understand it and experience its diverse flavors, include at least four different regions in your trip. Dont rush from one park to the next too quickly; its better to stay longer in each place and enjoy all the delights it has to offer. 2-3 nights is ideal.
Tours, useful information
The Maasai Mara is Kenyas most famous and most visited game reserve. Its primarily renowned for its great migration and record numbers of big cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs). Its certainly the park with the largest number of animals. However, during migration season, the area becomes a frenzy. Thousands of tourists flock to the natural wonders, making hotels expensive and difficult to find. This can only be avoided by staying in private concessions surrounding the Maasai Mara. Youll get the same experience, but without the crowds. Its worth noting that these experiences are exclusive and more expensive than traditional lodges within the national park.
How many parks should a safari tour include and how much time should be spent in each?
Cape Town
Panorama Route Mpumalanga
Everyone travels at their own pace, so its all individual. We believe its better to see a few places, but thoroughly, than to try to catch everything and see it all in passing. In our experience, a safari of 3 to 7 days is optimal for a first trip. You can start with one park, and if you have time, include three or four. Youll see all the animals without getting too tired. Longer safari tours are suitable for those who truly love animals, nature, and intense travel.
If you dont like long journeys, flying is the way to go. It saves a lot of time and is also a beautiful experience, as mini-aircraft fly at low altitudes, allowing you to enjoy the views .
The safari begins early in the morning , following the animals natural rhythms of activity. Each safari lasts approximately 3-3.5 hours. If you have a full day in the park, youll have a morning and evening safari. Lunch is spent relaxing at the lodge; during the day, all the animals are passive. You can cool off in the pool, read a book on the terrace overlooking the hippos splashing in the river, or indulge in an afternoon nap.
These safari days will be the active part of your trip, plus consider the days of travel from one park to another. As a rule, on these days, the safari is only in the morning; the rest is spent traveling, settling in at the new location, and resting.
Is a tour to Kenya expensive?
Exploring Kenyas national parks and reserves costs money. For example, just the entrance fee and a one-day stay at Mesai Mara National Park costs $80. A private safari costs an average of $500 per person (including park entrance, vehicle, guide, accommodation, and three meals a day). On the ocean, depending on the hotel and season, you can find a room for as little as $100 (were not talking about guesthouses and budget hotels for hippies, who rarely use African tour operators). Traveling in a group of four or more people saves about 50%, meaning a one-day safari costs around $350 per person.
Add some adventure to your trip!
What is a truck?
In simple terms, a truck is a hybrid of a powerful truck and a bus.
There are two types of trucks. One is for mini-groups, a luxury class, with a maximum of 12 people.
The second type can accommodate 23 people.
When is the best time to travel to Kenya, seasons?
Weather
Kenyas weather is unpredictable, but there are generally two rainy seasons: the long rains (April-May) and the short rains (November-mid-December). The coastal climate is more consistent and easier to predict. Rain falls monthly in the higher elevations, while the north is dry. Temperatures also vary greatly by region. The ocean is humid year-round, with an average air and water temperature of 28°C (82°F). In the savannah, the average daytime temperature in summer is 24-28°C (75-88°F), with morning and nighttime temperatures of 15°C (59°F). Winter temperatures are a couple of degrees lower. After all, Kenya is on the equator, so it doesnt experience the extreme extremes and cold temperatures of South Africa, Namibia, or Botswana.
Seasons
Traditionally, the most popular months for Kenyan travel are considered to be the dry months of July through October (high season, which also coincides with the summer holidays, meaning high prices) and January through March. This is because during these months, animals are easier to spot in sparse vegetation and near water sources. But true connoisseurs and photographers know that the light is always best after rain, when the dust settles to the ground, the air is clear, the sky is clean, and the animals are well-fed and well-groomed. Spring is also the time of calf birth, which is a pure joy to watch. Or the sun, piercing a dramatic rain-filled sky, shimmering with a palette of colors, and falling on the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro (in the hot, dry months, the summit is often hazy).
The Christmas and New Year holidays are also considered peak season, when prices reach their peak and there is a competition for hotel rooms.
From July to October, Kenya celebrates the most spectacular wildlife event: the migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras into the Masai Mara.
You can travel to the Masai Mara in late September or October, when the main wave of tourists subsides and you can still catch the remaining herds of mergansers.
November and early December are a great time to visit Kenya, with the lowest prices, few tourists, and not too much rain.
For beach holidays and diving, March and October are considered the best months, as the ocean water is the clearest.
Amboseli National Park is the second most popular park in Kenya. It is located 230 km from Nairobi on the border with Tanzania. It is one of the most picturesque parks in East Africa. We seem to know everything about it from BBC series, but behind the scenes, the park is a site of continuous efforts to preserve its fragile ecosystem. A safari in Amboseli is a must-do part of a tour in Kenya, after Maasai Mara and Nakuru with Naivasha.
About 1,500 elephants and around 50 lions live here, but there are over 35,000 Maasai and 2 million cows and sheep that they graze nearby. These lands used to entirely belong to the Maasai, but in 1974 the government decided to fence them off in an attempt to prevent overgrazing by the growing number of Maasai cattle. Naturally, the Maasai were unhappy about this, as they lost their most fertile lands. The Maasai killed lions to protect their cattle and, traditionally, as a rite of passage into adulthood. In 1993, the park was closed due to its poor condition. This allowed the ecosystem to recover. Elephants and lions returned.
The word Amboseli translates from Swahili as 'dusty place, flat place,' and indeed, small whirlwinds can be observed here. The park lies at the foot of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Groundwater surfaces in some areas, forming swampy oases, favored resting places for elephants and buffalo. In another part of the park, flat salt flats and desert areas dominate, where you can sometimes even see a real mirage. And the question arises: how do so many animals survive here? This park brings life back, and legends about it spread far beyond its borders. It combines conveniently with Tsavo Park and safari tours in Tanzania.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West Parks. These parks, combined, are the largest protected area in Kenya, covering 4% of the countrys land area. They are home to all the animals and birds native to Kenyas southern hemisphere. Separated by the Nairobi-Mombasa railway, the East and West Parks offer strikingly different landscapes. Tsavo East is predominantly flat, with baobab trees and large herds of elephants covered in red dust. Tsavo West Park is dominated by forests interspersed with plains, gorges, and fields of solidified black lava. Mzima Springs, an oasis of crystal clear water surrounded by date palms, is a must-see. Theres even a hippo-watching bunker here. These parks are located a 4-5-hour drive from Nairobi or Mombasa. From Mombasa, you can come here for a day safari or spend 2-3 nights and experience a classic African safari close to the ocean. It is best to visit during the drier months (January to March and June to October).
What are safari lodges and camps like, and where do you stay?
Tourism in Kenya is highly developed, with hotels and lodges to suit all budgets and levels. Lodges are credited to Eric Walter, who built a treehouse in the Aberdare Mountains in 1932. Accommodations typically include full board (FB) and three meals a day. Camps offer an alternative to traditional lodges. Youll have a private tent with all the amenities. Here, youll hear the sounds of nature and be closer to it, while still having all the amenities in your room. These camps can be budget, luxury, or deluxe.
Theres usually a restaurant area, a bar, a library, and a swimming pool. Accommodation prices range from $300 to $1,500 per night per person, including accommodation, three meals a day, and two game drives per day (the vehicle may share with other lodge guests (4-6 people on average). If you prefer a private experience, you can book a private vehicle with a guide from the lodge, starting at $500 per day. Upscale lodges usually have their own safari vehicles and professional guides. Nairobi also offers a wide selection of hotels for tourists and corporate tours to Kenya.
Hotel with giraffes, Hemingways, Tribe.
What to see
Panorama Route Mpumalanga
Cape Town
How to get around on safari, transport, flights?
Matatas – local minibus taxis transport residents on main roads, but they wont take you to parks or game reserves. Uber operates in Nairobi, but be prepared for hellish traffic jams. Therefore, its important to book transportation and safaris in advance. You can book a private safari with a personal safari guide and a vehicle for transport from park to park and to safari. If you dont like spending a lot of time in the car during transfers, a well-developed network of domestic mini-aviations is available. Regular and charter flights are available. In both cases, we will assist and advise on the best route and logistics.
What is Kenyan cuisine like?
Beware – delicious food! If youre going to Kenya on safari, be prepared to gain a few pounds. Lodges offer full board or all-inclusive meals. The menu is international, with regular theme nights, such as African BBQ. Every hotel has a vegetarian section or menu at the buffet. In Nairobi, a cosmopolitan city, you can find restaurants serving every cuisine from Mexican to Japanese. On the coast, influenced by India and the Middle East, exotic Swahili cuisine has developed, blending seafood, coconut, turmeric, and other spices.
For locals, the traditional breakfast is tea with milk and white bread, while for the more affluent, it includes eggs and sausages. The main dish of the day is ugali, a corn porridge with a meat or vegetable sauce (ideally with roast goat and chili-infused vegetable salsa), recommended to be washed down with beer. This is a special traditional dish that every Kenyan associates with home.
Is Kenya mass tourism?
While there are no charter flights, the destination isnt popular. However, during high season and during the migration season, the Maasai Mara does get crowded with cars and tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds, its best to choose hotels in private concessions that dont allow other cars onto their property. This way, youll be able to catch the migration season and avoid queues. You dont have to focus solely on the Maasai Mara; there are other reserves with far fewer tourists and the same wildlife (for example, Laikipia; for more information on parks, see the Safari and Less Visited Reserves in Kenya section). You can also choose low season for your trip; the tour will be cheaper and there will be fewer tourists.
What is a beach holiday in Kenya?
Kenyas coastline is considered one of the most beautiful, a perfect place to relax and wash away the dust and fatigue after an intense safari. 500 km of white beaches, palm trees, a coral reef, and a warm and calm ocean are always at your feet year-round (although if you want to enjoy the beach beyond the bar, choose the dry months for your Kenya tour). The most popular are the southern beaches of Dyani and Tiwi, where the best hotels are located, turquoise waters, and gentle tides are present. For fishing and diving enthusiasts, Malindi (north) and Watamu are ideal. Malindis beaches arent as white, but its a paradise for lovers of antique furniture, rare fabrics, and souvenir boutiques. If you have a free day, you can come here on a tour from Mombasa. Besides relaxing on the beach, you can find more active activities. Take a tour of the village or the ruins of Gedi (13th-17th centuries), or go snorkeling. Deep-sea fishing, diving, surfing, and much more are also available. Hotels also offer cultural and recreational activities, and most have spas.
Lakes of the Great Rift Valley (Nakuru, Naivasha, Elementaita, Bogoria, Baringo)
Aberdare National Park is located a 2.5-hour drive from Nairobi in the Aberdare Mountains. Its famous for its unique lodges on stilts overlooking a watering hole. One of them was visited by the royal family and is considered historic. You dont even need to go on safari; you can see everything from specially equipped terraces. Here you can see various species of monkeys, including colobus monkeys. Elephants, buffalo, and countless antelope come to the watering hole. Toward night, the watering hole becomes more active, with predators and nocturnal creatures (janets, hyenas, and other forest dwellers) emerging. Most tourists stay at the lodge for one night to view the animals, but an extra night allows for a hike into the stunning mountain forest.
Kenya north of the equator
Samburu National Reserve. The equator divides the earth into the northern and southern hemispheres and runs through Kenya. Samburu National Reserve is located in the northern part. The climate here is arid, a striking contrast to the green hills of Amboseli or the fertile lands of the Kenyan highlands. Samburus landscapes are spectacular. The reserve sits on the Ewaso Nyiro River and forms an oasis of shady forests. Here you can see rare endemic animals, known as the Samburu Five. These include gerenuks, reticulated giraffes, Grevys zebras, Somali ostriches, and Beisa oryx. There is also a large population of elephants, lions, and cheetahs. If youre lucky, you might even spot a leopard or African wild dogs. The parks atmosphere is one of harmony and tranquility. Less than half of all tourists reach here, so there are no traffic jams or exclusive safaris. Samburu is 325 km from Nairobi and can be reached in 5 hours by car or by scheduled flight. Its a convenient combination with Mount Kenya and Ol Pejeta National Parks. Flights connect Samburu with the Masai Mara, allowing you to visit both parks without long transfers. The best time to visit is during the drier months (January to March and June to October).
Kenya National Park. The highest peak in Kenya (5,199 m), and the second highest in all of Africa, is located on the equator and covered in glaciers. It is an extinct volcano, which, according to legend, is home to a deity of the indigenous Kikuyu people.
For lovers of mountain trekking and climbing, Mount Kenya is a wonderful destination. Climbing requires proper equipment and basic skills, but its less crowded than Kilimanjaro, and its less expensive.
But if youre not a fan of mountain climbing, the park offers wonderful lodges where you can relax and get back to nature. You can hike in the forest, fish for trout, play golf, and spot wildlife in the neighboring nature reserves.
VIP TOURS TO KENYA
Combination Tours to Kenya - Victoria Falls, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana
Expert help
Antonina
What`s Up +7 915 343-21-21
+7 495-281-53-57
travel@cultafrica.ru
Ask your questions Discuss your trip to Africa with one of our specialists
Our destinations
Botswana, Zambia, Morocco, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Senegal, Cat Divouar, Guinea Bissau
Is it safe in cities?
Yes! Nowadays, tourist trips to Kenya are comfortable and safe.
Large cities are no more dangerous than Moscow or London. We usually spend one night in Nairobi upon arrival or before departure. Theres a wide selection of modern and historic hotels to suit every taste. There are plenty of restaurants, shopping centers, and nightclubs. The city boasts a giraffe center, an elephant orphanage, several museum-estates, and a national park of the same name nearby. Another major port city, Mombasa, is a great place to stop for a tour on the way to your beach hotel. The historic quarter and the ancient 15th-century fortress, Fort Jesus, are also worth exploring. The port itself offers no beach recreation; its a busy, dusty city where life is pulsating.
Historical background: Kenya has been battling Somali radical groups for many years, resulting in terrorist attacks targeting the local population. The last terrorist attack on a tourist site was in 2003, targeting an Israeli-owned hotel. Currently, the country enjoys a level of security comparable to the UK or France.
Are there any language barriers?
English is the primary language for most of Kenyas educated population. Mixed with Swahili, its the language of the streets and markets. In villages, local tribal languages are spoken. Many people are trilingual—their native language, Swahili, and English (compulsory in school).
In Kenya, youll be understood no matter what, even if your English isnt great and youre relying on body language. Hakuna Matata is the main motto and principle of travel in Kenya. Another important Swahili word thats useful to remember and absorb is pole pole, which means go slow, dont rush. Locals imbibe this rhythm with their mothers milk, so dont expect fast service from Kenyans. Only champion athletes run in this country.
Is self-driving possible in Kenya?
Theoretically, this is feasible, but car rentals are extremely underdeveloped here, and the local economic psychology is based on the idea that the rich should help the poor, use their services, and pay accordingly. Those who dont want to are left unattended. However, there are no obstacles to renting a car and driving through the parks; the average price is $100 per day (you just have to take into account the poor roads, the crazy long-haul trucks, the narrow lanes, the lack of road signs, and even gas stations in some areas). But if you hire a good local guide, your trip will be more colorful, life will be easier, and the cost of their services will be well worth it. Theres always someone to stay in the car while you go out for photos or to the market for fresh fruit, to show you the way, and to keep you on track.
Most of our clients prefer to relieve themselves of any responsibilities and headaches associated with organizing a tour. Searching and poring over endless streams of information online (where many sources are long out of date) takes up a ton of time and energy. Therefore, as professionals, we let them handle all the work, especially when it comes to traveling with children, parents, or VIP travel. Its convenient and cost-effective.
What money should I take with me?
You can pay with cash or cards. Most places accept dollars. Its a good idea to bring small bills of 1, 2, 5, and 10 dollars with you; theyre useful for tips. The local currency is shillings; you can exchange small amounts, but its usually not necessary.
Whats wrong with the connection?
Kenya is experiencing a digital boom. Almost every Kenyan has a mobile phone. Any tourist can count on being connected to anywhere in the world; most lodges offer free Wi-Fi. If you need to stay connected anywhere, we recommend ordering or purchasing a SIM card on site.
Are there any cultural or religious restrictions?
Kenya is a very tolerant country focused on tourism; anyone will feel comfortable here. The majority of the population is Christian, but Islam predominates on the coast, with a small number of Hindu and Sikh communities. When visiting a village, school, or market, a guide will always advise you on what to wear to avoid antagonism or discomfort. On the beaches, you can dress as you please, but if youre going on an excursion to Mombasa, you may want to cover your shoulders and legs (this will protect you from dust and sun and avoid offending locals). Its best for people of non-traditional sexual orientation to remain discreet in public places, but on safari at hotels, camps, and lodges, you can feel free to be yourself; no one will ever think of restricting you. Smokers should always check where smoking is permitted; many hotels and safari lodges do not allow smoking in their rooms.
Are there any health risks, are vaccinations necessary?
Much of Kenya, with its invigorating climate, is favorable for health. Malaria is no longer widespread, and the risk is minimal, practically nonexistent for those on safari. Therefore, preventative measures are recommended (insect repellents, optional tablets). Kenya does not require mandatory vaccinations, except when entering the country from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, or West African countries (in which case you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate). We recommend having health insurance just in case (if you dont have your own, we can arrange it for you). Its worth noting that Kenya boasts the highest level of healthcare among sub-Saharan African countries.
Is a Kenya safari tour suitable for older people?
Safari tours arent the cheapest experiences, so youll often encounter retirees in their 70s and 80s going on their first safari. If youre in reasonable physical condition and can walk up and down stairs, these tours will be a joyful and energizing experience. Tourists spend most of their time in a comfortable vehicle, and the rest of the time they sit at a table or around a campfire. Consider enhanced insurance and always bring any medications you take at home.
Is it safe for a girl to travel to Kenya alone?
Absolutely, but its better to go with a guide. Even better, join a group—its more fun and cheaper. (Truck tours)
How about an adventure away from the tourist infrastructure?
Those who venture off the beaten path will be rewarded! Unique tribes, villages, and schools can be explored from the inside. Contact us, and well offer ideas on how to do just that.