Kenya is ranked among the top tourist destinations in Africa. Every year, thousands of tourists go on a Kenya Safari tour. The country offers rich scenery, wildlife, beaches, weather, and culture. Whether you are planning your first-time safari or are a veteran tourist, Kenya is your destination.
Booking a Kenya safari tour may prove to be hectic. However, learning a few tricks on going about it, what to do and what not to do, will ease the problem. This guide provides you with everything you need to know when booking a Kenya safari tour.
Reasons For Touring Kenya
- A wide range of wildlife to see
- Variety of breathtaking sceneries
- An Indigenous traditional culture like the Maasai
- Beautiful palm-lined beaches with exotic resorts
- Excellent customer service and a well-organized tourist industry
- Tropical warm weather
How to Book a Kenya Safari Tour
Booking a Safari tour in Kenya is easy. Follow these tips and you’re good to go.
The Kind of safari You want
First, you need to decide on the type of safari you want. You can choose from a range of options such as private, family, or group safaris. Research your travel dates and confirm if they will not conflict with major festivals or holidays when tourists flock to the country.
Consider Budget
Next, set your budget and research reputable tour companies offering deals within your budget. It’s advisable to book through an accredited travel agency that understands what you need and can link you up with reliable tour operators. Also, choose from luxury safaris to budget-friendly safaris. Once the booking is done, make sure that it includes all necessary details including accommodation (hotels), transport (car rental), food (breakfast/lunch/dinner), and the activities you plan to do in the parks.
Accommodation
When planning a Kenya Safari Tour, you’ll need to book your accommodation in advance. There are different types of hotels or lodges located either close to national parks and other tourist attractions. Choose one that has good reviews, offers excellent services and amenities, and meets all your needs.
The Perfect Itinerary
Finally, plan you’re itinerary and make sure that you include enough time for rest as Kenya can be quite tiring due to long drives and the broad range of activities available.
Places to Visit While In Kenya
Depending on your preference, there are numerous places to visit in Kenya, starting with Nairobi, the capital and a large development hub in Africa. The busy streets teem with people and infrastructure, high-end hotels, and entertainment joints. Unlike many other cities, Nairobi is home to Museums, conservancies, monuments, and a National Park. You’ll understand why it’s called the ‘green city in the sun.’
If you are enthusiastic about wildlife and scenery, Kenya is the place. The country has dozens of animal conservancies and parks acclaimed worldwide. Some of these places include;
- Maasai Mara National Park is among the most famous tourist site in Kenya for the iconic wildebeest migration. Apart from this, you’ll see other wild animals such as the lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, zebra, gazelles, rhinos, hippos, and the Mara River crocodiles. The Maasai tribe will also be present.
- Amboseli National Park- apart from the numerous wildlife in this park, you’ll also get to see Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background. The tallest in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain.
- Lake Nakuru Park- this is the ideal place for flamingo viewing. The lake teams up with large numbers of flamingos and other bird life. The big five is also another attraction in this place. What’s more, the park is located on the Great Rift Valley floor.
- Samburu National Park and Lewa Conservancy are located in semi-arid Northern Kenya. They offer the best viewing of the rhino, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, and other rare species found in the other parks. If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to see Mt. Kenya, the Tallest mountain in Kenya.
Other great locations for wildlife viewing include the Tsavo Game Park, Buffalo Springs, Hell’s Gate, Lake Naivasha, and more. The list of game-viewing places in Kenya is endless.
If your goal is to take a break from your busy schedule, the Kenyan Coast is the place for you. The coast is lined up with many beaches (both public and private). Take a dip into the ocean, lay on the white or brown sands, and sunbathe under the hot tropical sun. Ancient towns like Mombasa, Kilifi, Mwapa, Malindi, and Lamu will provide you with all this.
When to Visit Kenya
The best time to tour Kenya for a better experience is during the dry season. The weather is warm, and the park bushes have thinned out, exposing animals. The dry season is usually from June to October and January to March.
What to Carry
You should park the right clothing depending on the season. Bring a camera, and if possible, also carry binoculars. Since Kenya is situated in the tropics, carrying mosquito repellent would be an added advantage.
Get a Tour Guide
Getting a tour guide to help you with all the planning for the Kenya safari tour is highly recommended. Not only do the guides know the area well, but they will also know all the other matters for you. These include accommodation, meals, transport, budget, bookings, and the places to visit. The hack here is to look for a credible tour company in Kenya.
Conclusion
Planning a safari to Kenya, as noted, may be a challenge. However, if you follow the tricks outlined above, you’ll have fewer challenges booking a Kenyan safari tour. Another less important but great lesson is that Kenyans love tips for their good services. Make your tour successful and as fun as possible.