Kenya is one of the top places to visit in Africa, as it offers spectacular safaris, impressive cultural experiences, and incredible beaches to relax on. It is easy to see why tourists flock to this place, and whether it is your first visit or you are returning to adventure again, being prepared can help you maximize your holiday. Here are seven things to know before booking a Kenya tour package this year:
- Best Time to Visit Kenya
Kenya has two seasons that determine weather conditions: wet and dry.
- Dry Season (June to October & January to February): The dry conditions are the best time to safari, with the most popular time to visit being from July to October, when the Great Migration takes place in the Masai Mara. Marked wildlife viewing due to fewer water sources allows easier wildlife spotting.
- Wet Season (March to May & November): Whilst many tourists take on the grid (the wet season), these are also the greenest months, except that the rain causes access on dirt roads to be problematic. Because of this, it is low season, which offers both fewer crowds and rate reductions. Bird watchers can also see many different species during this time frame.
Tip: Decide on timing based on your priorities, such as wildlife viewing, price, scenery, etc.
- Types of Tour Packages Available
Kenya has numerous tour experiences for varying budgets & interests:
- Safari Tours—This is the most popular, and iconic experiences are found in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Samburu. The tour safari packages apply to anything from an express safari, which lasts about 3 days, up to a 10-day wildlife circuit.
- Cultural Experiences—Tours to Maasai villages and city tours in Nairobi, as well as local market and museum visits, are offered to give a better understanding of Kenyan culture and traditions.
- Beach Add-ons—Many safari tourists will go on to enjoy a three- or four-week beach getaway in Mombasa, Diani Beach, or Lamu after their safari to conclude and relax after the tour.
- Luxury vs. Budget Tour Packages – As well as providing a broad range of experiences, there is an endless variety of options, from exclusive small luxury lodges to basic camping safaris, for varying budgets. They are often not too transparent; hence, these differences are made clear by one’s expectations around comfort, travel style, and what the tour includes.
- What’s in the Package?
Always read the fine print of the package to know exactly what you are paying for. Most of the good packages include:
- Accommodation: This can include anything from luxury lodges, eco-camps, and tents to standard hotels.
- Meals: Most safari packages have full board, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, especially in remote parks.
- Transport: For game drives, you will probably be using 4×4 Land Cruisers or minibuses. Some packages may include domestic flights to minimize the amount of travel time.
- Park Entry Fees & Guides: These should be included in the total cost of the package. Having a professional guide is necessary for spotting wildlife and sharing knowledge with you.
Tip: Get a breakdown of costs to avoid hidden conditions.
- Health & Safety Precautions
Your health and safety are important during your travels! Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Vaccinations: Many travelers will need to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination. You will need to consider using malaria prophylaxis—this is highly recommended and practiced on safari tours or along the coast.
- Travel Insurance: Always opt for world travel insurance that covers medical care, trip cancellation, and theft.
- Wildlife Safety: You should not exit a vehicle during the game drives unless the guide gives appropriate approval. Your guide’s guidance must always be respected.
- Urban Safety: As with any other major city, Nairobi has certain areas you should avoid. Portraying a caution for safety, especially about walking at night without other travelers or keeping valuables out of sight.
- Visa and Travel Documentation
Having the correct travel documentation sorted out in advance will restrict any unnecessary delays:
- Visa: Most nationalities can now get an eVisa online before they travel. Visas will not be available on arrival at all in Kenya.
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your travel date; it must also have two blank pages for the arrival and departure stamps!
- Emergency Contacts: Print off a copy of your travel insurance and a list of vital emergency contacts (local tour operator, embassy, etc.).
Tip: The latest visa ruling can be checked on the official Kenya immigration website. When thinking about booking.
- Things to Remember When Packing for Kenya
Packing for Kenya is much about being practical—after all, you need to get prepared for the climate and activities planned.
- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable materials in neutral colors like beige, khaki, or olive are ideal (remember bright colors can disturb animals, and blue can attract tsetse flies). It’s about layering! Mornings can be cold and afternoons hot.
- Other Items: Binoculars, camera gear, sun hat, power bank, and insect repellent.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The equatorial sun can be extremely harsh, even on cooler days.
- Luggage weight: Be mindful of strict luggage weight limits if you’re taking domestic flights (generally 15 – 20 kg in soft bags).
- How to Select a Good Tour Operator?
The choice of tour operator will strongly impact your experience. It is important to select your tour operator carefully:
- Licensing: Check whether the operator is licensed with KATO (Kenya Association of Tour Operators) or another similar organization.
- Reviews and testimonials: Check reviews on TripAdvisor or Google, and check whether the service is consistently good.
- Custom itineraries: A consistently good operator should be able to accommodate flexibility in your itinerary to fit your interests—photography, birdwatching, immersion into culture, etc.
Tip: Do not simply go for the cheapest option! Spending a little more will pay dividends in reliability, comfort, and safety.
In a Nutshell
Hence, to wrap up, these are the 7 top things to know before booking a Kenya tour package with reliable travel operators! Enjoy venturing into the wilds and admire the gorgeous animals and serene landscape on a spectacular holiday escapade in Kenya!
