Frequently Asked Questions

I've put together a list of common questions here, but please don't hesitate to get in touch with any other questions you may have regarding a safari, the planning, the safety, or anything else you may have on your mind.

1. What is the best time of year to go on safari?

In short:

• July – October is High season as that’s when the wildebeest migration moves into Kenya.  Wildlife viewing is excellent across the country. Weather across Kenya tends to be chilly in the mornings and evenings, and warm during the day

• April, May, & November are low season, with lower prices and fewer other tourists around. There is a good chance of rain, especially in the afternoons. Wildlife viewing is still good, especially in the community conservancies bordering the parks and reserves.

• December is holiday season, with warm weather, and good wildlife viewing, but slightly higher prices.

• From January to March, the temperatures continue to rise, and with minimal rain, the parks and reserves become the last refuges of forage and water, drawing all the wildlife in, creating an excellent wildlife-viewing season.  With fewer other visitors and lower rates, this is a great time to go on safari

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2. What should I pack?

• Layers: Mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in some high-altitude areas, while midday tends to be hot in almost all safari destinations.

• Neutral coloured clothes, especially if we’ve planned any bush-walks

• Shoes – Sandals/Flipflops for camp. Sturdy shoes for activities e.g. guided walks or hikes

• Hat

• Coral-Friendly Sunscreen with no Oxybenzone/Octinoxate

• Binoculars

• Camera

• Flashlight and/or Headlamp

• Personal toiletries, prescription medications, & prophylaxes

• Books to read – There’ll be plenty of time to relax in camp with a good book

• A sense of adventure and a smile!

What NOT to pack:

• Sweets/candy for local children – Hard candy rots childrens’ teeth and disrupts their diet/health.  If you’d like to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children while on safari, I’d be happy to give you some recommendations for reputable, transparent, and socially sustainable organisations which you can support.

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I strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip.  Please also ensure you have all the appropriate inocculations and documentation required for entry into Kenya. http://www.immigration.go.ke

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3. What security and safety measures do you have in place?

I take every precaution to ensure your safety and security while on safari, and take great care in selecting the locations, accommodation, vehicles, and staff I work with. I will also be sure to provide regular briefings, as we travel together, on new locations, safe behaviour on safari, where to store valuables, etc.

I include the cost of a 30-Day Emergency Air Evacuation Plan with AMREF Flying Doctors into every quote.  This covers the whole of East Africa, and can be extended to other areas if required.
I live in Kenya and do my best to stay abreast of current affairs and the socio-political climate in the areas we visit.  Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any safety or security concerns you may have.

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4. What kind of food can I expect on safari, and can you cater for my special dietary needs?

At all the camps and lodges we visit, and while mobile camping, I strive to provide a variety of balanced, healthy meals throughout your stay.  Each meal is different, with everything from home-made muesli, fresh fruits, and baked goods in the mornings to sumptuous roasts and fresh vegetables in the evenings. 

I am happy to cater to special dietary requirements, whether it be a vegetarian diet, lactose intolerance, or a gluten allergy.  Please let me know in advance by notifying me when making your booking, so that I can prepare accordingly.

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5. What is a typical day on safari like?

A safari with me should never feel rushed or superficial.  I recognize that you are on holiday and here to experience one of the most prolific wildlife areas in the world.  As such we’ll design a suggested schedule for you which provides an optimum amount of time with the wildlife, while still allowing enough time to relax and soak it all in.  There are no hard and fast time-tables, and we'll work out our activities and plan for the next day each evening. 

Generally, the two best times to see wildlife, and to get the best photographs, are early in the morning and late in the evening.  Thus, you may wake up early for some hot drinks and baked goods in time to get out of camp by 6:00 am.  With a packed breakfast, or an impromptu bush-breakfast under a tree, we can stay out until the heat of the day drives the wildlife to inactivity in the shade without having to rush back to camp.  A wholesome lunch awaits in camp before an afternoon snooze.  By 3:30-4:00 pm we have tea, coffee, and snacks ready before the afternoon activity.  Whether one chooses to go on a game-drive or a bush-walk, sun-downer drinks will be prepared and taken along to enjoy a beautiful sunset out on the open plains.  As darkness falls, depending on where we are, we may continue on a night game-drive, searching for some of the more rarely-seen nocturnal species with the aid of a spotlight.  After returning to camp, a hot shower will be ready for you, before drinks around a roaring campfire and a hearty evening meal.

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6. What electrical sockets and voltage should we prepare for?

Kenya uses G-Type, 3-prong plugs on 220-240V

Please get in touch about other countries, if we travel outside of Kenya