6 Days / 5 Nights Luxury Kenya Fly-in Safari: Masai Mara, Samburu & Lewa

Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which you can apply for online before travel. The process is straightforward and typically approved within 72 hours. The eTA costs approximately $30 USD. Check the Kenyan immigration website for the latest requirements for your nationality.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from an endemic country. We recommend consulting your travel doctor about Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis at least 6 weeks before travel. A tetanus booster is also advisable. Malaria prophylaxis (such as Malarone or Doxycycline) is recommended for most safari areas.

The dry seasons (July–October and January–February) offer the best wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara peaks between July and October with dramatic river crossings. The short rains (November–December) bring lush landscapes and fewer crowds at lower prices, making it excellent value.

Yes! Kenya is one of the best places in Africa to see all Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The Maasai Mara is renowned for big cat sightings, Amboseli for elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy for both black and white rhinos. Our experienced guides know the best locations and times.

The Great Migration arrives in the Maasai Mara from approximately July to October each year. The most dramatic moments are the Mara River crossings, typically peaking in August and September, where over a million wildebeest and zebra brave crocodile-infested waters. The exact timing varies slightly each year depending on rainfall patterns.

Kenya is one of the most popular and well-established safari destinations in Africa with millions of tourists visiting annually. Safari areas and national parks are well-managed and secure. Our tours operate with experienced guides trained in safety protocols. Standard travel precautions apply in urban areas like Nairobi.

The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency. US Dollars are widely accepted at hotels, lodges, and for tipping. Credit cards work at major hotels and restaurants in cities. Safari lodges typically accept cards. ATMs are available in major towns. We recommend carrying some USD cash in small denominations for tips and small purchases.

English and Swahili are the two official languages. English is widely spoken in tourism, business, and urban areas. Your safari guides will speak excellent English. Learning a few Swahili phrases like "Jambo" (hello) and "Asante" (thank you) is appreciated by locals and adds to the experience.

Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, beige, olive) as bright colours can disturb wildlife. Bring a warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives (it can be surprisingly cold), comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent with DEET, binoculars, and a camera with zoom lens. Most lodges offer laundry service.

Tipping is customary and appreciated. General guidelines: safari driver-guide $15–20 per person per day, lodge/camp staff $10–15 per person per day (shared), porters $1–2 per bag, restaurant waiters 10% of the bill. These are guidelines — tip according to the quality of service you receive.

Safari transfers are included in our tour packages, typically in custom 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for game viewing. Between distant parks, domestic flights save time (e.g., Nairobi to Maasai Mara is 45 minutes by air vs 5-6 hours by road). We arrange all internal transfers and can include scenic flight options.

Mobile coverage is surprisingly good across Kenya, including most safari areas. Safaricom is the main provider. You can buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data and calls. Wi-Fi is available at most lodges and camps, though speeds vary. We recommend downloading offline maps before your trip.