Is malaria a risk on safari?

Yes, especially in Masai Mara and coastal areas. Take prophylaxis and bring repellent. Samburu and some highland areas have lower risk. Consult travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.

Can I do a safari with young children?

Most camps accept children 6+ years. Game drives are long (3-4 hours) and require sitting quietly. Some luxury camps have kids' programs. Consider private vehicle if traveling with children under 12.

What's the difference between parks and conservancies?

National parks are government-run with set fees and many vehicles. Private conservancies limit vehicle numbers, offer walking safaris and night drives, but cost 2-3x more. Better wildlife experience, higher price.

How to plan a Kenya safari itinerary

Plan 7-10 days minimum with 2-3 parks maximum. Book 6 months ahead for peak season (July-October). Budget $300-800 per day depending on accommodation level.

Choose your season. July-October for Great Migration in Masai Mara. January-March for calving season in southern Serengeti (accessible from Kenya). April-June is green season with fewer crowds and lower prices, but some roads may be muddy.
Pick 2-3 parks maximum. Don't try to see everything. Masai Mara (wildebeest migration), Amboseli (elephants with Kilimanjaro views), and Samburu (unique northern species) make a classic circuit. Add Tsavo East/West only if you have 10+ days.
Book accommodation 6 months ahead. Budget camps: $150-300/night. Mid-range lodges: $400-600/night. Luxury camps: $800-1500/night. All include meals and game drives. Conservancies outside parks cost more but have fewer vehicles.
Arrange transport. Fly between distant parks (1 hour vs 6 hours driving). Wilson Airport in Nairobi is the safari hub. Road transfers work for nearby parks like Amboseli (3 hours from Nairobi). Always use 4WD vehicles.
Plan rest days. Schedule a recovery day in Nairobi or coast after safari. Most camps do 2 game drives daily (6am and 4pm). This schedule is tiring after 4-5 days straight.
Get travel insurance. Buy comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation. Flying Doctor Service costs $50/person for short-term coverage. Hospitals in remote safari areas are limited.

Is malaria a risk on safari?: Yes, especially in Masai Mara and coastal areas. Take prophylaxis and bring repellent. Samburu and some highland areas have lower risk. Consult travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Can I do a safari with young children?: Most camps accept children 6+ years. Game drives are long (3-4 hours) and require sitting quietly. Some luxury camps have kids' programs. Consider private vehicle if traveling with children under 12.
What's the difference between parks and conservancies?: National parks are government-run with set fees and many vehicles. Private conservancies limit vehicle numbers, offer walking safaris and night drives, but cost 2-3x more. Better wildlife experience, higher price.