What to Know Before Booking a Safari? – Safari FAQs

What to Know Before Booking a Safari? – Safari FAQs

To help you prepare for an unforgettable Luxury African Safari, we’ve compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions about our African Safaris and Tours.

Drawing from our previous safari inquiries of past travelers, these insights are designed to ensure your safari experiences are seamless, comfortable, and completely worry-free from start to finish.

Safari Planning & Itinerary Questions

What is the best safari itinerary for first-time visitors to Kenya or Tanzania?

The first-ever safari includes those locations that are famous for their wildlife, delivering the best experience of East Africa.

A combination 10 to 14-day tour of Kenya and Tanzania safari ensures that you can visit the best areas without missing out on anything.

The ideal introduction is the Maasai Mara in Kenya, with wide open spaces and predators in abundance during migrations.

The adjoining Serengeti offers unmatched scope due to its gigantic proportions and wildebeest migration herds all year round.

The Ngorongoro Crater provides an excellent opportunity to observe the densest wildlife collection, including the rare black rhinos.

The Amboseli National Park features impressive sights of herds of elephants and majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.

The Tarangire National Park adds value with impressive baobab trees and abundant wildlife along the rivers.

Regional flights from one park to another in East Africa save valuable travel time, which you can use on game drive experiences.

Can Kenya and Tanzania be combined in one itinerary?

Definitely yes, visiting Kenya and Tanzania together makes for the best East African safari, because you will get to visit two of the top wildlife hot spots in the world!

It is possible to take part in a safari that allows you to enjoy the wildebeest migration from one ecosystem, the Serengeti, to the Maasai Mara.

The logistics are very easy; regular flights are available from regional cities such as Nairobi and Arusha to bush airstrips, and flying from the Masai Mara direct to Serengeti.

Crossing the borders between the countries using customs posts, such as Isebania or Namanga, is easy and organized by credible safari professionals.

Which parks should be included in a classic East Africa safari?

A true East Africa safari must include a hand-picked selection of the best national parks and reserves in East Africa.

Maasai Mara National Reserve must absolutely not be missed, known worldwide for its incredible feline populations and the spectacular crossings during the Great Migration through the Mara River.

The next park one must visit is Serengeti National Park, where the Great Migration continues, with the classic “Out of Africa” views of open savannahs.

Another park, which cannot be missed, is Ngorongoro Crater because of its breathtaking and enclosed volcanic environment that boasts an incredibly dense wildlife population in a single caldera.

Amboseli National Park should definitely be included in the tour itinerary because of its majestic tusker elephant herds roaming around the foot of Kilimanjaro Mountain.

In addition to the above, Tarangire National Park provides a completely unique environment in terms of ancient baobab trees and enormous elephant gatherings at the riverbanks.

One of the two lakes (Nakuru or Manyara) may be visited to see colorful birds and flocks of flamingoes, as well as the rift valley landscapes.

• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Tarangire National Park
• Amboseli National Park
• Samburu National Park
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park

Wildebeest Migration Questions

Where is the wildebeest migration during specific months?

The Great Migration takes place all year round in a loop due to the rainy season, which leads to the need for new grazing pastures in the region.

Between January and March, the wildebeest herds reside on the southern plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania for the crucial birthing period, whereby thousands of calves are born.

During April and May, the rainfall makes the herds move north to the central and western part of the Serengeti.

Between June and July, the migrating herds pass through the Western Corridor, where they are subjected to the dangerous river crossings as they migrate northward.

August to October sees the herds reach the northern regions of the Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara; this results in the famous crossing of the Mara River.

In November and December, the short rains make the herds travel south towards the eastern plains of the Serengeti.

It is necessary to understand this pattern in order to make decisions regarding what safari camps, lodges, and national parks to visit.

• January to March – Calving Season.
• April to June – Grand Migration to the North Serengeti and Masai Mara.
• July to September – River Crossings and big cat actions.
• October to December – Grand Migration to the South Serengeti and Ndutu Conservation Area.

What are the best camps for migration safaris?

Selecting the right wildebeest migration accommodation is essential to position yourself perfectly for the dramatic movements of the Great Migration.

Choosing a permanent riverfront migration camp allows you to witness high-stakes water crossings directly from the camp decks.

Opting for a mobile tented camp ensures you stay in the heart of the action as the seasonal herds move throughout the year.

Luxury tented camps blend old-world canvas romance with premium modern comforts, often overlooking exclusive wildlife concessions or vast plains from elevated escarpments.

Spacious family tents offer interconnected layouts and private amenities, providing safety and shared comfort for multi-generational travelers.

Booking properties with direct fly-in access maximizes your time on game drives by eliminating long, exhausting overland road transfers.

Is the wildebeest migration guaranteed?

As a result of variable weather patterns, the migration is not always predictable.

Although the herds migrate all year round, their appearance in certain locations depends entirely upon the rains.

A change in the weather pattern may cause the migrations to be different from what was predicted by a few weeks.

It is almost certain to see the mega-herds, although observing the live river crossings will take time and some luck.

To manage the challenge, experienced wildebeest migration camps operate mobile camps that follow the migration route.

Synchronizing your travels with seasonal patterns increases the odds of seeing everything you came for.

African Safari Budget, Costs & Pricing Questions

What is the average safari cost per person?

Costs of African safari trips tend to vary widely depending on luxury, season, and transportation methods.

Average mid-range safaris through driving cost between $700 and $1,200 per person per night.

The regular safaris provide comfortable accommodations, private vehicles, and entry into the game parks.

Private and luxurious fly-in safaris cost between $1,200 and $3,500 or more per person per night.

Luxury safaris come with luxury hotels, private cars, premium meals, and charter flights.

During the period when there is the Great Migration from July through October, prices soar.

Having your African Safari from April through May allows for savings of up to 30% to 50%.

What is included in safari pricing?

Inclusive Safari Packages combine essential elements that avoid any surprises while on tour.

Daily fees charged by National Parks and Conservancies are accounted for, to help animals and the locals.

Safari Package prices include nightly accommodation in canvas tents or top-end luxurious lodge facilities.

Accommodation includes full board and meals, which may even include drinks during sundowners.

All forms of transportation are arranged using off-road vehicles, with guides.

Morning and evening game drives are included in the total price.

Most private conservancies offer night game drives and bush walks during your visit.

For fly-in safaris, air transportation to different bush airstrips within the region is included.

Safari Accommodation Questions

Are family-friendly safari lodges available on Safari?

East Africa offers superb family safari accommodations designed with multi-generation tourism in mind.

First-class facilities include rooms and villas where everyone can stay together in safe and well-ventilated areas.

High-end establishments include bush academies that engage kids with activities like animal tracking.

Fenced and landscaped lodges with lawns provide safe playgrounds for young kids.

Children’s pools and special menus are common offerings in family-friendly lodges to ensure guests’ comfort.

Some resorts even have child-minding services in place to give parents flexibility during their vacation.

Lodge accommodation with a private safari vehicle gives your family the freedom to explore the area at your own pace.

Can I combine safari accommodation with a beach resort stay?

Bush and beach safaris provide a seamless combination of adventure in the bush and a holiday on the coast.

Traveling by air from secluded bush airstrips to exotic beaches can be done within a few hours.

In Kenya, there is the perfect pairing of the Maasai Mara and Diani Beach.

Serengeti/Ngorongoro and Zanzibar Island form a great combination that cannot go wrong.

It is the perfect mix for both those who enjoy early game tracking and coastal activities.

Transport & Logistics Questions

Which airport should I fly into for a Kenya or Tanzania safari?

When planning a typical safari in Kenya, you should arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi.

When planning a safari in northern Tanzania, your best choice would be Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

If your trip includes the southern parks or moves from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar, your best choice would be Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam.

There are many regional airlines that provide connections between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro International Airport within a day’s flight period.

How long are safari flights within East Africa?

Domestic bush flights taking passengers from regional centers to bush airstrips usually range from 45 minutes to one and a half hours.

Direct bush flights into the Maasai Mara or Serengeti from either Nairobi or Arusha normally take about one hour of airtime.

Trans-boundary bush flights between wildlife destinations such as Mara and Serengeti usually take between two and three hours on average.

Bush to coast connections, for example, to Zanzibar or Diani Beach, take around one to two hours.

Short and direct bush flights use light planes to avoid long, tiring drives through the bush.

Are domestic safari flights safe?

Yes, they are very safe.

The domestic safari flights operating in East Africa are highly controlled and have high standards when it comes to safety.

These airlines operate up-to-date aircraft that are built to fly through harsh terrain conditions.

Pilots who are very experienced in flying are regularly trained on how to fly in harsh and unique environments.

Luggage weight restrictions are strictly observed to keep the flights safe.

There are no flights after dark, and all the flights observe visual rules to fly safely despite adverse weather conditions.

By opting for professional airlines, one can be sure that all the safety measures are adhered to.

What is the luggage allowance for safari flights?

Restrictions on luggage size are strictly followed in light planes due to limited space and weight constraints.

Regional flights permit passengers to carry luggage weighing no more than 15 kg (33 lbs).

The 15 kg restriction on weight is applicable to your hold and hand luggage.

Soft bags without wheels and frames will help your luggage fit inside the cargo pod of the aircraft.

What type of aircraft are used for safari flights?

Light aircraft are mainly used for safaris in order to traverse short, unsealed bush airstrips safely.

The Cessna Caravan is the industry mainstay because of its reliability and superior high-altitude performance.

The twin-engine De Havilland Twin Otter is common because of its superior ability to take off from short airstrips on difficult terrain.

Major safari carriers typically operate Bombardier Dash 8s or ATR aircraft.

Such specific aircraft have high wing structures, allowing all passengers to enjoy a full view of the scenery below.

How long are road transfers between safari parks?

Overland road transportation in East African national game reserves usually ranges from two to five hours.

Safaris by road from Nairobi to either the Maasai Mara or Amboseli will normally take four or five hours.

The time taken to travel north of Arusha in Tanzania to Lake Manyara or Tarangire Park is only about two hours.

Travelling from the Ngorongoro Crater area to the central plains of Serengeti normally takes three or four hours on the road.

When traveling long distances through different ecosystems, the journey time may increase to as much as seven or even eight hours.

Tourists tend to combine both travel methods so that more time is spent with the game.

Are the roads in Kenya and Tanzania good for safaris?

Road conditions on a safari tour in both Kenya and Tanzania depend entirely on the specific route.

Major roads linking big cities with main gateways to game parks tend to be tarred and in good condition.

Upon entry into the park grounds, however, the roads change entirely to dirt, sandy, or rocky tracks.

These tracks can at times be quite bumpy and rugged.

During the rainy seasons, such tracks may become muddy.

A proper 4×4 vehicle driven by a professional driver is recommended for such a trip.

Is it better to fly or drive between parks?

It really depends on your personal taste and what you enjoy doing.

Flights between the parks will enable you to get more game viewing because the drives will not be as strenuous.

The flights through the bushlands are extremely quick and will enable you to cover large areas in less than an hour or two.

Drives between parks offer you a much deeper insight into the culture of the region by allowing you to pass through local villages and changing scenery.

Road safaris are often cheaper and can be done as overland adventures for families or small groups.

The preferred choice by many is a fly & drive option.

What type of safari vehicles are used in Kenya and Tanzania?

Custom-built Toyota Land Cruisers 4X4s remain the most popular choice among safari vehicles in Kenya and Tanzania.

In Kenya, a few companies make use of the customized Toyota HiAce 4X4 minibus on routes that are less challenging.

These tough vehicles have huge windows that open up to offer complete visibility of animals from all sides.

They also have specially designed seats, power sockets, and a refrigerator inside their cabins.

How many people share a safari vehicle?

Safari vehicles that follow the norm can only take up five or six people, ensuring that all have a window seat.

Smaller, luxurious safari facilities may limit the number of people sharing a single vehicle to four people.

If you book a private safari car, you will have the whole vehicle to yourselves.

Safari Period Timing & Safari Planning

How many nights should I stay in each safari park?

It is recommended to spend at least three nights in each safari park to fully explore the environment.

Three nights will allow you to take two game drives, thus greatly increasing the probability of seeing the rare animals.

Squeezing the whole trip into less time will make you very busy since traveling to different parks will occupy much of your time.

How early do safari game drives start?

The usual time for safari drives is at dawn, at about 6:00 AM.

At this early hour, it is easier to observe apex predators that hunt at this period because it is not yet too hot.

At this time, there is also plenty of activity in the animal kingdom as they take advantage of the coolness of the early morning.

How long should my first safari be?

A typical introductory safari usually runs for a duration of eight to twelve days, offering an adequately paced adventure through at least two different ecosystems.

Any shorter period wastes too much time on travel, whereas any more than two weeks may cause exhaustion due to early morning starts and rough roads.

An optimal itinerary should consist of a large national park, a private conservancy, and a rift valley lake, ending with a beach destination.

Border Crossing & Visa Logistics

Do I need separate visas for Kenya and Tanzania?

Yes, you will need to obtain individual permissions to enter both countries because each is a separate sovereign state.

The Republic of Kenya maintains an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) procedure, which all tourists must complete online before traveling there.

The e-Visa is mandatory for traveling to Tanzania; it can either be arranged in advance online or issued directly upon arrival in the country.

The common East Africa Tourist Visa is valid for use in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, but not Tanzania.

What documents are needed for border crossings?

Your passport should be valid for at least six more months from the day of your arrival.

Your passport should have at least two blank pages next to each other to enable the officials to stamp the passport upon entering and exiting.

You require an electronic entry permit like Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization and Tanzania’s e-Visa.

Yellow Fever vaccination proof is mandatory if you cross the Kenya-Tanzania border through road transport.

You should ensure that you print copies of your safari program and proof of your return flight bookings for immigration purposes.

When traveling with minors, make sure to present the original birth certificates and consents if only one parent accompanies the child.

Health, Safety & Convenience

Is transport during the safari safe?

Safari transportation is very safe when arranged through licensed safari guides who use custom-built 4×4 safari cars that are well-maintained.

The professional safari guides and bush pilots receive extensive training for the difficult terrain, airstrips, and wildlife situations.

Safety briefing, buckling up on tarmac roads, and staying on track guarantee a safe and great wildlife safari experience.

Are safari transfers suitable for elderly travellers?

Safari transfers can be modified to make them comfortable and suitable for seniors.

By opting for fly-in safaris, there will be no need for long drives to the various parks. The use of custom-built 4x4s with a soft suspension and steps will further reduce fatigue during the safari.

It is also important to plan itineraries that will involve fewer miles and multiple night stays.

Is travel insurance required for safari holidays?

Although not necessarily a legal prerequisite, comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely necessary for all safari holidays.

The insurance must provide for medical evacuation, as wildlife areas tend to be very remote.

The insurance must provide for cancellations, delays, and loss of photographic equipment.

Most high-end camps and tour operators insist that you have such insurance in place before confirming your reservation.

Are medical evacuation services available on safari?

Yes, medical evacuations can be easily arranged through professional firms for all the major safari locations in East Africa.

Firms such as AMREF Flying Doctors provide air ambulances to airlift critically sick or injured individuals to leading hospitals.

All reliable tour agencies have emergency bush-to-hospital evacuation coverage incorporated into their safari programs.