Kenya
Kenya is known as one of the best places in the world to see the big 5 and other wildlife. Kenya is famous for the ‘big migration’ in the Maasai Mara, whereby millions of zebras and wildebeests migrate between the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Other highlights are Amboseli National Park, with its large herds of elephants and the beautiful views of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya with its spectacular views and the beautiful lakes like Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley.
Apart from scenery and wildlife, Kenya has interesting local tribes like the Maasai and it is one of the best places to relax on the tropical beaches along the Indian Ocean.
See our Tours below. It is possible to book one of our Standard Tours or to join one of our Group Tours (with guaranteed departures). You can make your own selection of destinations and highlights in our tours using the check boxes on the left. Accommodations can be Lodges/Hotels/Tented Camps or Camping with your own tent.
You can also Design your own Tour
Tours Kenya
HIGHLIGHTS OF UGANDA (14 DAYS)
Our 14-day trip brings you the highlights of Uganda: where the savannah meets the rainforest. Expect to see the animals of the savannahs (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, leopard) and up to 15 primate species, including gorillas and chimps!!!
BEST OF UGANDA (20 DAYS)
Our 20-day trip brings you the best of Uganda: where the savannah meets the rainforest. Expect to see the animals of the savannahs (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and leopard) and up to 16 primate species, including gorillas and chimps!!!
UGANDA COMPLETE (25 DAYS)
Our 25-day trip brings you all the highlights of Uganda: The remote Northern circuit (seldom visited by tourists) and all the well-known highlights of Uganda: where the savannah meets the rainforest. During this trip it is possible to see the big 5 and gorillas and chimps! Animals you might see include: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino, giraffe, hippo, crocodile and up to 15 primate species (including gorillas and chimps).
PHOTO TOUR UGANDA
Our special photo safari tour brings you the highlights of Uganda, including the Big 5, gorilla’s, chimps and many other monkey species. During this trip an experienced photo guide will join the trip to help you to make the best photos of the wildlife. Maximum number of participants is 4.
WESTERN UGANDA (10 DAYS)
Our 10-day trip brings you the highlights of Western Uganda: where the savannah meets the rainforest. Expect to see the animals of the savannahs (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, leopard) and up to 15 primate species, including gorillas and chimps!!!
GORILLA TRACKING IN BWINDI (4 DAYS)
Our 4-day trip brings you the highlight of Uganda: Tracking the Mountain Gorillas!
Spend one hour with our very close relatives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
UGANDA NORTHERN CIRCUIT INCLUDING KIDEPO VALLEY (12 DAYS)
Our 12-day trip brings you the Northern Circuit of Uganda: This remote area is seldom visited by tourists. Expect to see the animals of the savannahs (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and, leopard) in a beautiful and unspoiled and unique landscape.
HIKING THE RWENZORI (10 DAYS)
This 10 day trip (8 days on the Rwenzori Mountains) brings you the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori Mountains.
BIRDING THROUGH UGANDA (22 DAYS)
Our 22-day trip brings you the best of the birdlife in Uganda.
Uganda has a variety of landscapes and over 1000 bird species! This trip brings you to the most important birding sites in Uganda. Habitats to be seen: Forest, Lowland jungle, Swamps, Canals and Lakes, Mountains and Savannahs.
PRIMATES OF RWANDA (8 DAYS)
Our 8 day trip brings you the Primates of Rwanda: Expect to see up to 15 primate species, including gorillas and chimps!!!
This trip specifically includes the most important and well known Forested national parks of Rwanda: Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park
BEST OF RWANDA (14 DAYS)
Our 14-day trip brings you the best of Rwanda: where the savannah meets the rainforest. Expect to see the animals of the savannahs (elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, leopard) and up to 15 primate species, including gorillas and chimps!!!
GORILLAS IN THE MIST (3 DAYS)
Our 3 day trip brings you the Gorillas in the Mist, the Mountain Gorillas of the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This is where Dian Fossey (16/12/1932 - 26/12/1985) studied her gorillas. The movie Gorilla`s in the mist (1988) with Sigourney Weaver was also filmed here.
NORTHERN RIFT KENYA (9 DAYS)
Our 9 days Northern Rift trip brings you the highlights of Kenya. Expect to see the best of wildlife in the less explored National Parks and Game Reserves in northern Kenya, including the unique Solio Rhino Sanctuary, hiking in the Aberdare ranges and relaxing at the lodges’ swimming pools.
HIGHLIGHTS KENYA AND DIANI BEACH (15 DAYS)
Our 15 days Highlights of Kenya trip brings you the highlights of Kenya. Expect to see the best of wildlife in Maasai Mara, the Flamingos of Lake Naivasha, Rhino watching at Solio Rhino Sanctuary, the famous elephant herds of Amboseli, big game in Tsavo East and relaxing at Diani beach.
SOUTHERN KENYA (12 DAYS)
Our 12 days Southern Kenya trip brings you the highlights of Kenya expect to see the best of wildlife in Maasai Mara, the Flamingos and Rhinos of Lake Nakuru, the famous elephant herds of Amboseli, big game in Tsavo East and relaxing at Diani Beach.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT (8 DAYS)
Our 8-day Africa wildlife safari specifically includes four national parks of the Northern Circuit: the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park.
BEST OF THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT (10 DAYS)
Our 10-day Africa wildlife safari brings you the best of Tanzania. Expect to see the animals of the savannah (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and leopard) and beautiful landscapes.
COMPLETE NORTHERN CIRCUIT (14 DAYS)
Our 14-day Africa wildlife safari includes the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National park, Arusha National Park, Mkomazi National Park and Lake Natron with Oldonyo Lengai, an active volcano.
NORTHERN CIRCUIT (7 DAYS)
Our 7-day Africa wildlife safari specifically includes the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park in Tanzania.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN CIRCUIT (10 DAYS)
Our 10-day Highlights Southern Circuit safari includes 4 national parks of the Southern Circuit: Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Nyerere National Park (Formerly Selous Game Reserve) the biggest protected wildlife area in Africa.
BEST OF THE SOUTHERN CIRCUIT (14 DAYS)
Our 14-day Southern Circuit safari includes all the national parks of the Southern Circuit: Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Saadani National Park.
SAFARI NYERERE NATIONAL PARK (4 DAYS)
Our 4-day Southern Circuit safari includes Selous Game Reserve (new name Nyerere National Park). Nyerere is still wild and unspoilt, the real Africa, with more lions than tourists.
SAFARI SAADANI (4 DAYS)
Our 4-day Southern Circuit safari includes Saadani National Park.
During this trip you can relax on the beautiful
and private beaches of Saadani National Park,
go for game drives or do a magnificent boat trip.
HIGHLIGHTS OF UGANDA & RWANDA (15 DAYS)
Our 15-day trip brings you the best of Uganda and Rwanda: where the savannah meets the rainforest. Expect to see the animals of the savannahs (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, leopard) and up to 16 primate species, including gorillas and chimps!!!
BEST OF UGANDA & RWANDA (21 DAYS)
This trip specifically includes the most important and well known national parks of Uganda and Rwanda: Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
PRIMATES OF EAST AFRICA (18 DAYS)
Our 18-day trip brings you the primates of Uganda and Rwanda: You can see up to 20 primate species, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the rare golden monkeys, dent`s monkeys, black and white colobus, red colobus, mona monkey, and Angolan colobus monkeys.
BEST OF UGANDA & TANZANIA (17 DAYS)
Our 17 days trip brings you the best of Uganda and Tanzania;
where the savannah meets the rainforest. Expect to see the
big 5 and the other big game on the savannahs and up to 15
primate species, including gorillas and chimps!!!
BEST OF RWANDA & TANZANIA (14 DAYS)
Our 14 days trip brings you the best of Rwanda and Tanzania;
where the savannah meet the rainforest. Expect to see the big 5
and the other big game on the savannahs and up to 14 primate species, including gorillas and chimpanzees!!!
BEST OF UGANDA, RWANDA & TANZANIA (18 DAYS)
Our 18 days trip brings the best of Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania;
where savannah meets the rainforest. Expect to see the big 5 and
the other big game on the savannahs and up to 17 primate species, including gorillas and chimps!
KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE (6 DAYS)
Machame is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro.
For this route, you don`t need any mountain climbing skills, but you must be fit.
KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE (7 DAYS)
Lemosho route is a little used, unspoiled, remote and beautiful Route. The second part of the route is similar to the Machame and Shira route On the first day you are accompanied by an armed ranger, because you can have encounters with buffalo, elephant and other big animals.
KILIMANJARO MARANGU ROUTE (5 DAYS)
The Marangu Route (also known as the Coca Cola route) is the most popular route, partly because it is the least expensive route.
For this route, you don`t need any mountain climbing skills, but you must be fit.
KILIMANJARO RONGAI ROUTE (6 DAYS)
The Rongai Route is one of the easiest ascents to the peak.
It has a well-defined path, which has been well set out and where most obstacles have been modified to make it friendly.
KILIMANJARO SHIRA ROUTE (7 DAYS)
Shira Plateau Route is a little used, unspoiled, remote and a beautiful way up to Shira Plateau.
On the first day you will drive by car and only need to walk the last part to Simba Camp.
KILIMANJARO UMBWE ROUTE (6 DAYS)
The Umbwe Route is the most direct (and for that reason also the hardest) route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, through the Southern Glaciers of Kilimanjaro and Western Breach of Kibo.
MOUNT MERU TREKKING (4 DAYS)
Mount Meru is the smaller brother of Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching 4.565m (14,977ft). This volcano is very scenic and during the trekking a lot of wildlife can be seen. Whole Mount Meru lies within Arusha National Park.
GORILLA TRACKING IN BWINDI - FLY IN (4 DAYS)
Our 4 day Fly In brings you the highlight of Uganda: Tracking the Mountain Gorillas! Spend one hour with our very close relatives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK - FLY IN (3 DAYS)
Our 3-day Fly In safari brings you Queen Elizabeth National Park. Expect to see the animals of the savannahs (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, leopard) and chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge.
BWINDI & QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK - FLY IN (6 DAYS)
Our 6 day Fly In safari brings you the highlights of Uganda: Gorilla tracking, Chimp tracking, the tree climbing lions of Ishasha and a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.
This trip specifically includes 2 of the most well known national parks of Uganda: Bwindi National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
QUEEN ELIZABETH & KIBALE FOREST - FLY IN (5 DAYS)
Our 5-day Fly In safari brings you Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale Forest National Park. Expect to see the animals of the savannahs (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, leopard) and chimpanzees and up to 12 primate species in Kibale Forest.
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK - FLY IN (4 DAYS)
Our 4-day Fly In safari brings you the highlights of Murchison Falls National Park. Expect to see the animals of the savannahs (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and leopard) and primate species, including chimps!!!
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK - FLY IN (4 DAYS)
Our 4 day Fly In safari brings you the Kidepo Valley National Park: This remote area is seldom visited by tourists. Expect to see the animals of the savannahs (lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and, leopard) in a beautiful, unspoiled and unique landscape.
KENYA MAASAI MARA - FLY IN (5 DAYS)
Our 5 days Maasai Mara trip brings you the highlight of Kenya and maybe East Africa: The Maasai Mara. Expect to see the best of wildlife in Maasai Mara, the big five zone! Wildlife includes: Elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, crocodile and many other animal species.
KENYA MAASAI MARA AND UGANDA BWINDI - FLY IN (7 DAYS)
Our 7-day Maasai Mara and Bwindi trip brings you the highlights of East Africa: The Maasai Mara in Kenya and Bwindi National Park in Uganda.
ZANZIBAR, KASHA BOUTIQUE HOTEL (6 DAYS)
Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25 to 50 km off the coast of Tanzania, consisting of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, sometimes informally referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba.
ZANZIBAR, MWEZI BEACH RESORT (6 DAYS)
Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25 to 50 km off the coast of Tanzania, consisting of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, sometimes informally referred to as Zanzibar) and Pemba.
KAMPALA CITY TOUR (DAYTOUR)
Kampala is an interesting city, originally built on 7 hills (just like Rome). Nowadays there are over 24 hills and over 1,2 million people. Kampala is a pleasant city and remarkably safe. It has many restaurants, nightclubs, bars, cinemas and other modern facilities.
BIRDING IN AND AROUND KAMPALA (DAYTOUR)
One of Kampala’s best kept secrets is Kampala is a great destination for birding! Come and see this for yourself. Birders should be able to see up to 30 bird species in one day.
NGAMBA ISLAND AND UGANDA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTRE (DAYTOUR)
Visit Ngamba Island and see how the Chimps are taken care of. Here live Chimps who are dependent on humans and who can’t live in the wild. You can come close to them, and maybe even feed them. You will also visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Here you can see many animals living in a natural setting which reflects the ecosystems in which they live.
MABAMBA SWAMP AND THE BOTANICAL GARDENS (DAYTOUR)
Today you will see a lot of birds, since Kampala is a great destination for birding! Visit Mabamba Swamp, where you can canoe and look for the elusive Shoebill Stork. After lunch you go to the Botanical Gardens, where you can spot all kinds of birds and many monkeys. The original movie Tarzan is recorded here!
Highlights Kenya
Kenya has many great highlights, too many to mention. Please see the main highlights below. For more details on specific highlights, please scroll further down and follow the link.
Main highlights Kenya:
- Safaris to see the Big 5
- Maasai Mara
- Amboseli
- Mount Kenya
- Tropical Beaches
- Meet the local People
- Fantastic scenery
Detailed information about the Highlights of Kenya:
- The best game viewing in the world on the endless savannah plains of the Masai Mara during the annual wildebeest migration, with over 2 million Wildebeest and Zebra’s.
- Kenya as a safari destination is one of the best places in the world to see the Big 5: Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo and Leopard.
- Photo safaris for the Big Five in the vast parks of the Masai Mara, Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Amboseli National Park and the huge Tsavo West National Park.
- Hot-air ballooning over the Masai Mara plains.
- Climbing Mount Kenya, one of the highest mountains in Africa
- Walking Safaris to meet the animals at eye level.
- Nature Walks surrounded by wild animals
- Visit a Maasai village to see the local way of life. It is even possible to spend a night near or in their village.
- Visit the Samburu, a semi-nomadic tribe in the north-central Kenya. A unique experience!
- Meet the local people with their Historical Sites/Villages The rich cultural heritage complemented by the warm hospitality of the charming people makes for a most memorable experience,
- Visit one of the beautiful lakes like Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria
- See the endangered Black and White Rhinos In Lake Nakuru National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy , Nairobi National Park and Solio Ranch
- Great birding, with over 1000 bird species.
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About Kenya
Come and see for yourself Kenya has it all:
One of the highest mountains in Africa, Mount Kenya, the largest lake, great savannas with abundant wildlife including the big 5 and the best tropical beaches along the Indian Ocean.
Kenya is a safari hotspot. Expect to see: Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Black and White Rhinos, Leopards, Giraffes, Zebras, Hyenas, Warthogs, Hippos, Crocodiles and many antelope species.
Most tourists arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s interesting capital city and end their safari holiday around Mombasa, in a luxury tropical resort overlooking the Indian Ocean.
General information about Kenya:
- Area: 580.367 sq. km (224.081 sq. miles)
- Population. 52 Million people (2019)
- Capital city: Nairobi
- Major Languages: English and Swahili
- Currency: Kenyan Shillings.
- Tribes: 42 different tribes.
- Highest point: Mount Kenya: 5,197 metres.
- Lowest point: Indian Ocean: 0 metres (0 ft)
- Longest river: Tana River (Kenya) (wholly within Kenya).
Best Time to visit:
The dry season is from January to March and June to October, the rainy season is usually from April to May and from November to December. One of the best times to visit Kenya is from July to September, during the dry season, this is also when the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra is in the Maasai Mara. The rainy season is also a good time to travel, as there are fewer tourists and the vegetation is lush and green.
Nairobi:
Nairobi is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. Nairobi is a cosmopolitan city, a melting pot of cultures. It’s strategically located to enable travels in either direction to a number of top attractions throughout the country. Nairobi is also a hub for traveling by air.
Nairobi enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, because the city is at a high altitude of 1800 metres above sea level. Nairobi generally has sunny days and cooler nights. Being near the equator the difference between winter and summer is small. The summer is from October to February, with the hottest months being January and February. The coldest month is July, which is relatively dry with temperatures of around 22°C in the day time and about 10°C during the night time.
Nairobi is also well known for being the only city in the world with a national park within its borders; Nairobi National Park.
Mombasa and the coastal area:
Mombasa and the Coastal regions can be hot and humid although the Indian Ocean gives a cool breeze, especially between June and September.
Although Kenya has no real winter, summer clothing will normally be good, although some light woolen clothing should be taken for the higher altitudes, like the Maasai Mara and certainly when climbing Mount Kenya.
Most important national parks and game reserves of Kenya:
- Aberdare National Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Chyulu Hills National Park
- Hell’s Gate National Park
- Kakamega Forest National Reserve
- Laikipia Plateau
- Lake Baringo
- Lake Bogoria National Reserve
- Lake Naivasha
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Meru National Park
- Mount Kenya National park
- Mount Longonot National park
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Samburu National Reserve - Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Solio Game Reserve)
- Tsavo West National Park
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Video Kenya
Wildlife and Birds Kenya
East Africa is the best place in the world to watch wildlife. Large animals are more abundant, diverse and visible than anywhere else in the world. East Africa is also one of the best places in the world for birdwatching. It's not unusual for birdwatchers to see 500 or more species in one trip.
Wildlife
There are more then 100 mammal species in East Africa: Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Monkeys, Zebras, Warthogs, Bushpigs, Giant Forest Hogs, Hippos and more then 40 antelope species, such as Kudus, Topis, Waterbucks, Hartebeests, Uganda Kobs, Oribis, Bushbucks, Elands, Impalas, Roan Antelopes, and Gazelles. Other species include Nile Crocodiles, Nile Monitors, other lizards and snakes, Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and 15 monkey species.
Birds
There are over a thousand bird species, which makes East Africa a birder's paradise. Species include: Shoebill Stork, Saddle Billed Stork, Pelicans, Herons, African Fish Eagle, Bateleur, Long Crested Eagle, Vultures, Owls, Grey Crowned Crane, Great Blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, Hornbills, Honey birds, Sunbirds, Weavers and the African Finfoot.
Watching Wildlife
These species are visible in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. In the western part of Uganda and in Rwanda, there's an unique combination of the savanna animals from East Africa and the forest animals of West Africa. Species such as Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Black-and-White Colobus, Red Colobus, L'Hoest's Monkeys, Brazza's Monkeys, Patas Monkeys, Red-Tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Forest Elephants and Forest Buffaloes.
Local people Kenya
Meet the local people and spend an afternoon with them, have a meal together, visit a school or a typical African Church Ceremony, or visit one of the projects. Kazinga Tours supports the local people and encourages clients to visit one of their programs and give them support.
Kazinga Tours works together with some local Community Based Tourism Organizations. This unique combination gives our customers the opportunity to meet the local people and visit local tribes like the Maasai and the Samburu.
Apart from watching wildlife, Kazinga Tours is famed of promoting Cultural Tourism in Kenya. Kazinga Tours gives personalized services in cultural tours.
Travel info Kenya
A certificate proving that you have received a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!
Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):
- Yellow Fever (you must have this can even be checked on arrival, especially when flying within East Africa)
- DTP
- Hepatitis
For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
On arrival on the airport our guide will be there waiting for you. During safari we use custom made safari vehicles, custom made for an optimal view of the wildlife. Safari vehicles (and small aircrafts) provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might be difficult to be taken on board.
Kenya visa information
The Government of Kenya has an online visa application. When you are visiting Kenya you must apply for a visa online:
- Go to the website from Kenya Online Visa.
- Fill in the form (normally you need an “ordinary” visa, single entry) and pay online with your credit card.
- The Kenyan authorities will send you the visa in the email after they have approved your application (please check you SPAM folder too)
- Print this visa twice (2 copies) and bring it with you when you arrive at the overland border or at Nairobi or Mombasa International Airport.
Some nationalities do not require a visa, please check this in advance.
For more detailed information, please check FAQ on the website.
In most of the cities it is possible to withdraw money from an ATM. Travelers Cheques are not widely accepted and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside the cities. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference. We advise to bring some Dollars for daily expenses and tips.
Dollar bills should not be older than 10 years.
The unit of currency is the Kenyan Shilling. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.
We advise you to apply for a Flying Doctors membership. The membership provides a quick and reliable air evacuation and medical care if needed.
AMREF Flying Doctors offers 2 covers (Annual and Short Term). You can choose between the Maisha Silver (Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar), Maisha Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) or Maisha Platinum (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia).
Please check out the AMREF Flying Doctors website for more information and to become a member.
The national language of Kenya is Swahili but English is widely spoken and is the main language in the tourist areas.
A valid passport is mandatory (passport must be valid for at least 3 months after re-entry) and visa requirements for all countries you are planning to visit should be checked before you travel.
To make the most of your visit to the game reserves and national parks, we advise you to carry binoculars and field guides.
Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or more). Please make sure to carry enough memory cards with you. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
A torch (flashlight) can proof to be very useful
Please mind that washrooms along the road are sometimes not to European standards, for example squatting toilets, no flushing toilets or no toilet paper available. Like the locals say: T.I.A. This Is Africa.
Bathroom facilities and accommodations can be more basic when traveling on a medium to low budget. In the eco lodges mind that the water reserves are limited and in most cases there are no sockets in the room, but you can always charge your devices at the reception.
Tipping will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% in hotels and restaurants. Guides, drivers and carriers should always be tipped. Indication: for carriers USD 1-3 and for your driver/guide USD 5-15 per day, depending on the group size, number of days and your satisfaction.
The Lonely Planet and Bradt Travel Guide are the most detailed guidebooks for Tanzania. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet and The Bradt ‘East African Wildlife’. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.
