Kenya Safari FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Your complete guide to planning a Kenya safari, answered with 30+ years of on-ground experience.

Planning your first Kenya safari? You're probably drowning in questions. We've been answering safari questions for decades—Anthony on the ground as a guide, and now both Anthony and Lutricia as custom curators of....Complete Safaris.

This guide answers the most common questions we hear, organized by what matters most to you.

COST & BUDGET

How much does a Kenya safari cost?

A custom Kenya safari typically costs $800-1,200 per person, per day. This wide range reflects different choices about:

• Season: High season (July-September) costs more than shoulder or low season

• Accommodations: Luxury lodges vs. mid-range camps

• Transportation: Flying between destinations vs. driving

• Activities: Special experiences like hot air balloon rides or charter fishing trips

• Group size: Private safaris cost more per person than small groups

What's included in that daily rate:

• All in-country transportation (safari vehicle or flights)

• All-inclusive lodging (luxury accommodations, meals, water, coffee and tea)

• National park and conservancy entrance fees

• Travel authorization (visa) processing

• Professional guide and specialized support throughout your journey

• Game drives and wildlife viewing activities

• Binoculars, unlimited water, and wifi access all included in your vehicle

What's NOT included:

• International flights to/from Kenya (appx $1200 roundtrip in economy class)

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

• Tips for guides and lodge staff

• Personal expenses (souvenirs, spa treatments, premium alcohol)

Is Kenya safari expensive compared to other African destinations?

Kenya is mid-range compared to other safari destinations:

• Less expensive than: Botswana, Rwanda (gorilla trekking), some South African private reserves

• Similar to: Tanzania, Zambia

• More expensive than: Some South African national parks (if self-driving)

But comparing only on price misses the point. Kenya offers extraordinary value because of its diversity—you get wildlife, culture, multiple ecosystems, and beaches in one country.

Can I do a Kenya safari on a budget?

Yes, but with trade-offs. Budget safaris ($200-400/person/day) typically mean:

• Group tours with set itineraries

• Mid-range or basic accommodations

• More time in the vehicle driving between destinations

• Less flexibility to adjust based on your interests

This can still be a wonderful experience! It's just different from a custom, private safari.

TIMING & SEASONS

When is the best time to visit Kenya for safari?

The honest answer: It depends on your priorities.

July-September (Peak Season)

• Best for: Wildlife viewing at its most concentrated

• Wildlife: Excellent—animals gather at water sources

• Weather: Warm and dry

• Crowds: Highest

• Cost: Highest

June, October, November & Early December (Shoulder Seasons)

• Best for: Balance of excellent wildlife viewing with fewer crowds and better value

• Wildlife: Very good to excellent

• Weather: Dry or drying out

• Crowds: Moderate

• Cost: Moderate

January-February (Short Dry Season)

• Best for: Calving season, dramatic wildlife moments

• Wildlife: Excellent

• Weather: Warm, occasional showers

• Crowds: Moderate

• Cost: High

March-May (Long Rains)

• Best for: Dramatic landscapes, fewer tourists, best rates

• Wildlife: Good—animals are there, just more dispersed

• Weather: Afternoon rains (mornings often clear)

• Crowds: Lowest

• Cost: Lowest

Our take: Every season offers something special. We often recommend ignoring peak season if your priorities align with other times of year.

How long should a Kenya safari be?

Minimum: 7-8 days to truly experience Kenya without feeling rushed.

Ideal: 10-12 days allows you to visit multiple ecosystems and includes travel time without exhausting yourself.

Extended: 14+ days if you want to combine wildlife with cultural experiences, beach time, or more remote northern destinations.

Why the minimum matters: Kenya is diverse, but distances between destinations can be significant. You need time to:

• Travel between regions (even by plane, you lose half a day)

• Settle into each location

• Do multiple game drives (wildlife viewing is best early morning and late afternoon)

• Rest between active days

A rushed 4-5 day safari means you're mostly traveling, not experiencing.

Do I need to see the Great Migration?

No—and here's why that matters.

The Great Migration is spectacular, but Kenya offers so much more. If you ONLY come for the Migration:

• You're limited to July-October

• You're competing with crowds

• You're paying peak prices

• You might miss other incredible Kenya experiences

Consider instead:

• The Samburu Special Five (wildlife you won't find in Tanzania)

• Elephant herds with Kilimanjaro backdrop in Amboseli

• Diverse ecosystems from desert to coast

• Cultural experiences with Maasai, Samburu, or Kikuyu communities

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Migration is amazing. But it's not the only reason to visit Kenya.

SAFETY & HEALTH

Is Kenya safe for tourists?

Yes, with reasonable precautions.

Wildlife safety: Your guide is trained and certified by the Kenya Professional Guide Association with required first aid training. They know how to keep you safe around wild animals. Follow their instructions and you'll be fine.

Personal safety: Tourist areas and safari regions are very safe. Tourism accounts for 10% of Kenya's GDP—the country is heavily invested in safe tourism experiences.

Health safety:

• Malaria prophylaxis recommended (consult your doctor)

• Yellow fever vaccination required if coming from certain countries

• Travel insurance strongly recommended

What we do: Complete Safaris is fully insured. Your guide is with you from airport arrival to departure, managing all logistics and handling any issues.

What vaccinations do I need for Kenya?

While Lutricia has traveled to Kenya multiple times, her lawyers remind her that she is not a doctor and she must advise Complete Safaris clients to consult a medical professional.

Please consult your doctor before embarking on any international travel.

Malaria prevention: Most doctors recommend antimalarial medication for safari areas. Discuss options with your doctor 6-12 weeks before travel.

PLANNING & LOGISTICS

How far in advance should I book a Kenya safari?

Start the conversation: As early as 2 years ahead

Here's what most people don't realize: there's a difference between "starting to talk" and "officially booking."

Early conversations (12-24 months out): We love when people reach out this early! You're not committing to anything—you're exploring, asking questions, figuring out timing, and getting clearer on what you want. These early conversations help us understand your vision and let you dream without pressure.

Official planning begins: 6-12 months before travel

This is when we start the real work—designing your custom itinerary, securing lodge reservations, and handling all the logistics. This timeline ensures:

• Best selection of lodges and camps

• Preferred dates, especially during popular seasons

• Time to get best flight prices

• Room for thoughtful, unhurried planning

Can we work faster? Yes, if needed (3-4 months minimum)

We can absolutely plan excellent safaris in tighter time frames, especially if you're flexible on dates and accommodations. But the best lodges book far ahead, so earlier is always better.

The takeaway: Don't wait to reach out until you're "ready to book." Start talking to us when Kenya is still just a dream. We'll help you figure out when and how to make it real.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

Not exactly—you need a travel authorization, and Complete Safaris handles it for you.

Kenya requires an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for most nationalities. Unlike traditional visas, this is a streamlined digital process—and here's what makes us different: we handle this for you. No other safari operator we know of includes this service.

Requirements vary by nationality, but we'll walk you through exactly what's needed for your specific situation.

Will Complete Safaris handle all the planning?

Yes—with one exception.

We handle:

• Custom itinerary design

• All lodge/camp bookings

• All in-country transportation

• Park and conservancy fees and permits

• Ground support and guide services

• Special arrangements (celebrations, mobility accommodations, dietary needs, etc.)

• Day-by-day adjustments based on your experience

You handle:

• International flights to/from Nairobi (we can help research options)

• Travel insurance

Why this matters: You work with people who actually know Kenya—Anthony has 30+ years of on-ground experience. Your itinerary isn't built from a database by someone who's never been there.

Read more about our process

EXPERIENCE & ACTIVITIES

What animals will I see on safari?

The honest answer: We can't guarantee specific animals.

Safari means "journey" in Swahili. Wildlife is wild—they go where they want, when they want. That unpredictability is part of what makes it magical.

What you're very likely to see:

• Elephants (especially Amboseli, Samburu)

• Lions (Maasai Mara, most major parks)

• Giraffes (several subspecies across Kenya)

• Zebras (including the rare Grevy's zebra in Samburu)

• Buffalo

• Various antelope species

• Countless bird species

What requires luck and timing:

• Leopards and cheetahs (elusive but present)

• Rhinos (best chances in specific conservancies)

• Wild dogs (rare, mostly northern Kenya)

The Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino. Most safaris see 4-5. Leopards are the most elusive.

Kenya's unique wildlife: Samburu Special Five (reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa oryx)—found in northern Kenya, not Tanzania.

What should I wear on safari?

Embarking on safari means preparing for changing weather conditions and climates. Some travel blogs recommend wearing light-colored clothing to help keep your body cool on long safari days, but you don't have to stick with beige. And light-weight clothes means lighter luggage!

Many lodges offer laundry services for a nominal fee, and animals don't really care what you wear.

Practical essentials:

• Lightweight, breathable, quick dry clothing

• Long pants and long-sleeved shirts (if desired, for sun and insect protection)

• Fleece or jacket (early morning game drives are cold!)

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes for some excursions and sandals for relaxed strolling around your accommodations

• Hat with brim and sunglasses

Luggage note: Soft-sided bags only if flying between destinations (small planes have weight restrictions, typically 15kg/33lbs)

Above all, pack an attitude of fun and spirit of adventure—everything else will be taken care of (and discussed in detail once you settle on your personalized itinerary)!

Can I go on safari if I have mobility issues?

Often yes, with proper planning.

Safari is actually quite accessible:

• Game drives happen from the vehicle (no walking required)

• Most lodges are single-level or have assistance

• Safari vehicles can be modified for wheelchair access

What we need to know:

• Specific mobility needs

• Any special equipment requirements

• Health considerations for travel

What we'll do:

• Select appropriate lodges and routes

• Arrange necessary vehicle modifications

• Ensure staff are prepared to assist

• Plan activities that work for your mobility level

Important: Tell us upfront. Last-minute accommodations are much harder.

KENYA VS. OTHER DESTINATIONS

Should I visit Kenya or Tanzania?

Both are excellent. Here's how to choose:

Choose Kenya if you want:

• More diverse ecosystems in one country

• Unique wildlife (Samburu Special Five)

• Cultural diversity (40+ ethnic groups)

• Stronger tourism infrastructure

• A complete African experience without crossing borders

Choose Tanzania if you want:

• Serengeti during specific Migration months

• Ngorongoro Crater (though Amboseli offers similar experiences)

• Less developed tourism (more "wild" feeling)

• To combine with Zanzibar

Choose both if:

• You have 3+ weeks

• Budget isn't a primary concern

• You want to see the complete Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem

Our take: Kenya alone is enough. The diversity within Kenya's borders often surprises people who expected they'd need multiple countries.

What makes Kenya different from other safari destinations?

Kenya's unique advantages:

Diversity in one country:

• 5 distinct ecosystems (savanna, mountain, desert, lake, coast)

• 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• 40+ languages and ethnic groups

• From wildlife to culture to beaches

Accessibility:

• Well-developed infrastructure

• Direct international flights to Nairobi

• English widely spoken

• Established tourism industry

Conservation leadership:

• Strong park system

• Community conservancies

• Wildlife protection initiatives

Cultural connection:

• Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and 40+ ethnic groups

• Living cultural practices

• Opportunities for authentic interaction

Historical depth:

• Cradle of humanity (oldest human fossils)

• Centuries of coastal trading history

• Colonial and independence history

Practical benefit: You maximize experience time instead of spending days crossing borders.

WORKING WITH SAFARI OPERATORS

What's the difference between "custom" and "personalized" safari?

Most operators use these terms interchangeably. We don't.

Custom = following your requests You tell us what you want, we build it. You're driving the decisions.

Personalized = anticipating your needs We listen for what you don't know to ask for. Anthony's 30+ years in Kenya means he knows things you can't know from research—the best times for specific parks, which lodges match your style, what experiences align with your deeper motivations.

Read more about this distinction

Example:

• Custom: "I want to see elephants" → We route you to Amboseli

• Personalized: We ask WHY elephants matter to you, understand your story, and craft experiences that connect to your personal motivations—not just showing you elephants, but creating meaningful encounters

How do I choose a safari operator?

Questions to ask ANY operator:

About planning:

• Who actually plans my itinerary? Someone who knows Kenya or someone with a database?

• Is this truly custom or a modified package?

• How much flexibility is built in?

About the experience:

• Will I have the same guide throughout, or different guides at each location?

• How do you handle unexpected situations?

• What's your cancellation/change policy?

About the company:

• How long have you been operating?

• Are you licensed and insured?

• Can I speak with past clients?

Red flags:

• Pressure to book immediately

• Prices significantly below market (corners are being cut somewhere)

• Vague answers about who plans/guides your trip

• No physical presence or local partnerships in Kenya

Why this matters: A $10,000+ investment deserves thorough vetting.

COMPLETE SAFARIS SPECIFIC

Why does Complete Safaris only do Kenya?

Because doing one thing exceptionally well serves you better than doing many things adequately.

Anthony has spent 30+ years in Kenya. Not reading about Kenya. Not visiting occasionally. Living and working there, building relationships, learning the ecosystems, understanding the rhythms of wildlife and culture.

That depth of knowledge creates experiences we simply couldn't offer if we spread ourselves across multiple countries.

The practical benefit for you:

• We know which Amboseli lodges have the best Kilimanjaro views

• We time your game drives for your interests

• We have just-right relationships with guides, lodges, and communities

• We know the back roads and secret spots not in guidebooks

Read more about our Kenya-only focus

What's your cancellation policy?

We recommend reading our full terms and conditions, but here's the overview:

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We can't control flights, weather, health issues, or global events. Insurance protects your investment.

Our approach:

• We work with you to find solutions when plans change

• Much depends on lodge/camp cancellation policies (varies by property)

• The closer to departure, the more challenging (and costly) changes become

Why we can't offer blanket flexibility: We work with small lodges and camps with limited rooms. When we book for you, they're holding that space and turning away other bookings.

Best practice: Book trip insurance when you make your deposit.

NEXT STEPS

How do I get started planning my Kenya safari?

Step 1: Explore Read our blog posts about Kenya's diversity, our approach, and what makes us different.

Step 2: Assess fit Read Why We Start With a Question to determine if our approach matches your travel style.

Step 3: Schedule a consultation Book a conversation with us. It's not a sales pitch—it's a genuine discussion about your dreams, constraints, and whether we're a good match.

Step 4: Dream together If we're a good fit, we'll start crafting your custom Kenya experience.

No obligation. No pressure. Just honest conversation about whether Complete Safaris is right for you.

Still Have Questions?

Check our main FAQ page for additional questions about dietary accommodations, tipping, weather, and more.

Or schedule a consultation and ask us directly. We're happy to answer your questions whether or not you ultimately book with us.

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