How much should I tip my safari guide?

$10-15 per person per day is standard for your driver/guide. Tip at the end of your safari in cash (US dollars or Kenyan shillings). For camp staff, $5-10 per person per day split among the team.

Is it safe to do a Kenya safari?

Yes, Kenya safaris are very safe when booked through reputable operators. Stick to established parks and conservancies. Your biggest risks are vehicle accidents (choose operators with good vehicles) and minor stomach issues from different food/water.

What's the difference between national parks and conservancies?

National parks are government-run with higher visitor numbers but lower fees. Private conservancies cost more but offer exclusive experiences, night drives, walking safaris, and fewer vehicles around animal sightings.

Do I need malaria medication for Kenya safari?

Yes, most safari areas are malaria zones. Consult a travel medicine doctor 4-6 weeks before travel for prophylaxis recommendations. Also bring insect repellent with DEET and consider permethrin-treated clothing.

How to plan your first Kenya safari itinerary

Plan 7-10 days minimum with Masai Mara (3 days), Amboseli (2 days), and either Tsavo or Lake Nakuru (2 days). Book through a reputable tour operator, travel during dry seasons (June-October or January-March), and budget $200-400 per person per day including accommodation, meals, and game drives.

Choose your safari duration. Book 7-10 days minimum for your first safari. Less than a week feels rushed between parks. More than 10 days can cause safari fatigue. This gives you time for 2-3 parks with proper game viewing.
Select your core parks. Start with Masai Mara (3 days) as your anchor - it has the highest wildlife density and Great Migration July-October. Add Amboseli (2 days) for elephant herds and Kilimanjaro views. Choose a third: Lake Nakuru for flamingos and rhinos, or Tsavo East for red elephants and vastness.
Pick your travel season. Book dry seasons: June-October (peak season, Great Migration) or January-March (fewer crowds, green season after short rains). Avoid April-May long rains when roads become impassable and animals disperse.
Choose between camping and lodges. Budget camping safaris cost $150-250 per person per day. Mid-range tented camps run $250-400. Luxury lodges start at $500+. First-timers often prefer tented camps - authentic but comfortable with proper beds and bathrooms.
Book through a licensed operator. Use Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) members for reliability. Compare at least 3 quotes. Ensure vehicles have pop-up roofs for photography and standing. Confirm group size - 6 people max per vehicle for best viewing.
Plan your Nairobi logistics. Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Most safaris start/end in Nairobi. Book one night pre-safari to adjust and handle any delays. Karen, Westlands, or airport hotels work well for safari departures.
Handle park fees and permits. Your tour operator typically handles park fees ($80-200 per park per day for non-residents). Confirm what's included in your package. Masai Mara conservancies charge separate fees but offer exclusive experiences.

How much should I tip my safari guide?: $10-15 per person per day is standard for your driver/guide. Tip at the end of your safari in cash (US dollars or Kenyan shillings). For camp staff, $5-10 per person per day split among the team.
Is it safe to do a Kenya safari?: Yes, Kenya safaris are very safe when booked through reputable operators. Stick to established parks and conservancies. Your biggest risks are vehicle accidents (choose operators with good vehicles) and minor stomach issues from different food/water.
What's the difference between national parks and conservancies?: National parks are government-run with higher visitor numbers but lower fees. Private conservancies cost more but offer exclusive experiences, night drives, walking safaris, and fewer vehicles around animal sightings.
Do I need malaria medication for Kenya safari?: Yes, most safari areas are malaria zones. Consult a travel medicine doctor 4-6 weeks before travel for prophylaxis recommendations. Also bring insect repellent with DEET and consider permethrin-treated clothing.