Safari Planning Kenya Safari

When to Go

What to Take

Getting There

Where to Stay

Where to Go

What to See, Do

What to Bring Home

Mission & Safari

Who's There?

About Kenya

Planning Your Kenya safari

'Kenya Safari'
just the words can bring a sense of excitement

About?
There are so many choices to make that it can be overwhelming.

Here are some thoughts on what to do before going on a Safari

First, Plan for Experiences...Then Destinations
If you're planning a Kenya safari First look at WHAT you want and don't want.

Consider this-

A teacher and her infant child were on a walking tour in the vicinity of Mt. Kenya. They were trampled to death by a lone female elephant. A spokesperson said such incidents are rare still...
….maybe if she'd had an armed guide she wouldn't have met an untimely death.

Everyone wants to have a Safe and exciting trip.

Perhaps as part of your Kenya safari you'd like to be Sitting in your lounge chair overlooking the Rift Valley watchingas the horizon starts to glow and the Sun breaks through the orange and purple haze.
You sip your morning drink and notice the sounds of wildlife and the coolness of the air at sunriseand...

...It's just what you wanted.

This is where you want to start whether you're planning a Kenya safari or a project or an activity. What you want to see, hear, feel

There are some things you don't want-Your gut feeling will tell you.

"You'll look up and down streets.
Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, 'I don't choose to go there.'
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,You're too smart to go down any not-so-good street."------------Dr. Seuss

When You go to a store or market you know what You want. Maybe you make a list or just know what you’re looking for.

You do the same thing with a Kenya safari or a trip.Of course there are some things you can’t control likethe weather or if the animals will be lounging around orlurking behind a wall of trees or rocks.

You can improve you odds of good weather and seeing the wildlife if you go at the right time so...
FIRST set up What you want to Experience
and then take a look at how many ways you can 'get there'.

What You Get is Your OutcomeYour Intent or What You Want is your GoalYour Actions are What You Do.Whether you go

mountain climbing or

on a Kenya safari or

on a mission trip or

take a trip to the beach...

Each of those activities will give you a different outcome. and different activities so...
...What do You want from Your Kenya safari.

Do you want to be able to take lots of pictures before driving to another place on your "game-drive"?

Do you want to take a 'walking' safari?

Make a list of what you 'Want' and 'Don't Want'After You've made your list you can change the 'Don't Wants' into a positive expression

Then, After You've decided What you want to Experience(Spend some time on this...It will be worth it…and write out several scenarios.)

You can start Making Decisions about

The Places You'll Go

"Oh, The Places You'll Go!"

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose,
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go."
- Dr. Seuss

The Next step thinking about a Kenya Safari is..

Looking at Where You want to go and
What you want to do.
What are the places that will most likely give you the experiences that you want? - some of the basics of your trip.

Do you want to be around a lot of people or in a smaller lodge.

Do you want to see a large variety of wildlife?

Are you a birdlover?

Do your research and gather as many facts and other information about possible destinations as possible. There are lots of sources of information available for travelers.

Check online for destination reviews, hotel options, spas, resorts, national parks, nightlife and other recreational facilities you may be interested in.

At this point you may want to talk witha travel agent or tour operator
-Particularly if s/he has some African knowledge or experience.
Their Knowledge of the area and Contacts with the the various lodges and routes can be of immense value-

they can save you time and

money and

they can create or find a tour that fits your interests.

Once you have settled on a destination (or destinations) for your Kenya Safari

what you want to see and

the activities you want to engage in,

you can go ahead and make a booking.

Bookings are important because...
the time of your booking and the specific routes you choose make a difference inwhere stay and how much you pay for it.(You will generally get better rates by booking early).

Whether you 'self book' online or use a travel agent, ensure that you get a good understanding of the local context so that you have a good value from your trip to Kenya. Be sure that your Kenya safari is tailored to suit your needs and interests.

Don't 'over plan' your trip-leave some space for chance encounters with people and wildlife.Part of having a successful trip depends on the unexpected encounters and having an authentic experience.

Health, Medications, and Travel tips for a Kenya safari

Passsports and Visas

"I have been planning this trip for year. The team had twenty one members. One became ill after her recent trip to Israel. She will be missed.
The team was traveling from 6 cities from New York to Alabama.
I arrived at the Huntsville airport with nine of the team in route through Detroit, Amsterdam and then Nairobi.I was told at the counter that I would not be allowed to fly internationally. My passport had three months left and international flights to Kenya require 6 months time remaining. I thought I was dreaming. The team leader with 16 new folks. What would they do without me, I usually run the show. My wife would certainly not go without me. I was in for a lesson in humility."
-Steve James

Make sure your Passport is current and valid and Make the necessary and proper arrangements to acquire the right kind of visa for your trip. This will mean that you will need a valid passport and the contacts of the relevant embassies and consulates.

Depending on your citizenship you may actually not need visas to enter some countries. In other cases you may simply be instructed to pick up your visa at your port of entry.(If you fly into Kenya it's easiest to get your visa at the airport)

However, no matter where you are from, make the effort to obtain the right information as this will save you a lot of trouble upon your arrival in the African country of your safari.

You'll find more information on Kenya travel tips here

As Your departure date approaches

Visit your GP of medical doctor.

Your health is very important as some of the areas you may travel can be far away from an expert physician. Your health can be a huge determinant to the success of a Kenya safari.So at this stage of your planning,

visit your physician and obtain the necessary advice with regards to diseases, immunizations, andgeneral preventive care while on your trip.You may have to carry allergy cards, a yellow fever card, immunization cards, and a personal supply of medication,and...
... be sure that youtravel with the right currencies, (or can accessAutomated teller Machines and can Exchange Currencies)

You will usually have no trouble exchanging US Dollars, Euros, or Sterling Pounds into the local African currencies.

Get information on exchange rates from your travel agents, the Internet, or your bank.
Ensure that all your transactions take place in officially recognized bureaus; otherwise use banks.

Furthermore, it is important for travelers with debit or credit card to locate their Visa, MasterCard, or other debit/credit services ATMs and stores around the cities in Kenya.Many airports and shopping centers will offer access to ATMs.

More Info Here -Kenya Currency and Currency Converter

It is a nice gesture to
learn a few words in Swahili

It is 'their' language and if you learn a few words and phrases...

...the locals will warm up to you because you've shown an interest in them and their culture.

For visitors to Kenya learning a few words in Swahili is a perfect starting point. Learn how to greet, ask for something, and, learn how to say “no thank you”.

These phrases will make a big difference to your experience. You can pick up some phrases and words online You have several options: the Internet, books, audio programs… or friends who know the language and are willing to teach you a few words. Many Africans know some Swahili and some English-the 'official' languages. They will also know their tribal language

To make your experience more culturally relevant, go ahead and familiarize yourself with the culture of the people you will be interacting with.

This will help you adapt to the culture and it will also help you to feel comfortable asking questions about parts of their way of life that simply don't make sense to you.
(You might be best off if your beach dress is modest)
So ask questions and read up on the cultural norms and practices of the countries and people you will visit.Discover their cultural and traditional heritage and, for a short while try to become one of them.

It will help.

Time to Go so Take the Things You'll Need on a Kenya safari

"Congratulations Today is Your Day,

You're Off to Great Places You're Off and Away'- - - - - - -Dr. Seuss

Next, You 've got a place to goYou know what to expect,You know the medications and shots you need, are learning a little of the language and culture Now Its time to make a list and to pack the right kind of clothing.
International visitors to Africa often make the assumption that every corner of Africa is warm and sunny all year round.This is a not always true. So find out.Do your research to ensure that the clothing you pack is suitable to the climate in the host country at the time of your visit.

Depending on your destination you may experience an 'African winter' or a warm sunny 'African summer'.
Remember The seasons do not match those in the northern hemisphere.

In Kenya, Summer is December and January, and the evenings can get chilly if you'll be in Mountainous areas.

If you're going on a Kenya Safari take Neutral- earth colored clothing:browns, beige, kaiki (preferably of natural fabrics), a hat with a brim. sunglasses, wet wipes,camera(with lens cover or case)

Be sure that you have all your accessories with you.

These include plug converters, cell phone chargers, bug spray and repellent,(particularly if you'll be in an area where malaria is a risk) medication and other items and accessories depending on your needs.

Finally, pack the right equipment for sharing your adventures once you get back to your home country.< Take your camera, your batteries, your additional storage devices, your laptop (Maybe), and extra batteries. These will come in very handy as you snap photos and record videos of moments that may forever change how you see the world. At this stage you are ready to embark on your lifetime adventure!

Those are the basic steps.

It will require some thought and planning. for many people going on a Kenya safari is a once in a lifetime experience.

In summary,

Start with sensory specific information.You probably do want to see a variety of wildlife and (You may NOT want to spend a lot of time traveling on dusty roads thataren't well maintained.) then...

Pick a Destination and Route
A tour operator can help you with getting what you want whether you choose a 'package safari' or one created for you and Book early There are LOTS of choices

Visit a GP or Travel Doctor for recommended medications and immunizations.

Learn a bit of the language and culture.

Start Packing make your list and get started for an adventure of a lifetime

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