Below are some general packing tips and information.
Please read the luggage requirements and travel information carefully.
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS FOR SAFARI
Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable to hard luggage for storage on safari vehicles. Large suitcases of dimensions greater than 24″ will not be stored in vehicles and should not be brought. You will NOT be able to bring suitcases larger than the dimensions above and will sacrifice storing oversized luggage at the Kenya Airport for the entire trip. Please pack light to avoid this issue and thank you for understanding!
*Camera gear bags which can pass as carry-on during flight are OK to bring in addition to other carry on size luggage.
Packing Suggestions:
- Shorts/quick dry fabric is great
- T-shirts/short sleeve shirts/quick-dry shirts
- Light weight long sleeve shirts (for cold mornings at higher altitude)
- Fleece jacket and/or warm jacket (for cold mornings at higher altitude)
- Warm hat (for cold mornings at higher altitude, something to cover the ears!)
- Light weight long pair of pants/ quick dry fabric is great
LAYERS OF CLOTHING
- Ear plugs (especially if sharing a room)
- Rain protection gear (poncho is fine but rain jacket better) *very rare to rain but always good to have…
- Wide brimmed hat/baseball cap
- Sandals/flip flops for lodges, pool, etc.
- Comfortable running/tennis shoes/Hiking Shoes
- Bathing suit(s)
- Sunglasses, prescription glasses, and a spare pair
Please remember: Neutral colors are best for safari. Avoid bright colors and white clothing. Light, quick drying pants, shorts and tops are best.
Toiletries, Camera Gear, & other essentials
- PASSPORT!
- AT LEAST 2 BACKUP PHOTOCOPIES OF YOUR PASSPORT
- Insect repellant/bug spray (SHOULD CONTAIN 20% DEET MAX OR ALTERNATIVE (Higher concentrations are NOT more effective and can damage clothes and your health!).
- Sunblock
- Toiletries: shampoo, lotion, deodorant (try to avoid strong scents), toothbrush, toothpaste, 1-2 rolls of toilet paper
- SheWee (For women) (http://www.backpacker.com/skills/the-complete-guide-to-female-urination-devices/)
- Prescription medications (if any) & Malaria Pills
- International Plug Adapter (see below)
- Daypack/small backpack
- Zip Lock Bags
- Personal first aid kit (Imodium, Pepto Bismol, Band-Aids, Neosporin, etc.)
- Headlamp/flashlight
- After bite
- Anti-bacterial hand lotion
- Dramamine/Bonine, Or other Motion Sickness Medication (We cannot stress bringing enough even if you don’t normally have motion sickness)
- Camera, extra memory cards/sticks, extra batteries or recharging gear
- OPTIONAL DSLR LENS RECCOMENDATIONS: (wide angle & telephoto with at least 300 MM (400-500 is preferred)
- Binoculars (there is one pair per vehicle but WE HIGHLY recommend bringing a pair of your own)
- Tripod (optional)
- Cash (small denominations are best like $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills for tipping and spending money)
- International Credit Card (no international fees!)
Voltage & Plug adapters
The voltage in Kenya is 220-240, TYPE G: British BS-1363. Please go to below link for more information. Be sure to bring a plug adapter to charge camera batteries and any other electronics you may need. https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/kenya/
All of our lodges, hotels, and camps have electricity.
Weather in Kenya
Kenya lies on the equator and has a pleasant, tropical climate, but there are large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Temperatures drop by about 3.5°F per every 1,000 ft. Kenya’s daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, but it is warmer on the coast. Kenya is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is, however, both a Dry and Wet season.
In August (Dry Season)…
June, July, August, September & October – These are the “coldest” months. Temperatures vary significantly per region and because of their difference in altitude. Daytime temperatures are usually around 23°C/73°F at higher altitudes, such as the Masai Mara, and 28°C/82°F at lower altitudes, such as the coastal areas. During the Dry season the sky is clear and days are sunny. Early morning temperatures at higher altitude are typically 10°C/50°F. It is advisable to pack warm clothing as morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold. There is very little rain in most of the country so these are the least humid months!
Vaccines
IMPORTANT: We are not doctors and do not have the authority to give medical advice, including vaccine recommendations. Please consult your doctor, a travel clinic, and the website below. Your vaccine decisions are at your discretion only.
No vaccination proof is “mandatory” in order to get through customs however for your own personal safety you will want to get Hep A, Hep B, Yellow Fever, Malaria Pills, & Typhoid vaccines. Please consult your physician for more information and recommendations.
Please see the government recommendations here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya
* Our Safari camp is located in a Malaria-Free Zone—no malaria pills needed.
Travel Documents
- Passport
- Vaccine certificates (*not needed but if you have them bring them)
- *Visa
A passport and visa are required for entry into Kenya. While single-entry visas are currently still available upon arrival at Kenyan airports, Kenya Immigration plans to end visas upon arrival at some point in the future. Therefore, all travelers are strongly encouraged to apply online through the e-visa process. Immigration has instituted a new visa policy whereby all visitors must obtain visas by using a new online system: www.ecitizen.go.ke & https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kenya.html
Money/Tips/Gratuities
Tips and gratuities to house cleaning/camp staff, drivers, & guide(s) are expected in the travel industry, especially when with a group. Budget approx. $ 2.00 – $ 4.00 per person per day for lodge and hotel staff, $ 1.00 per bag for porters, $7.00 – $ 10.00 per person per day for our local guide, and $ 3.00- $5.00 per person per day for our driver. Tips are optional but we highly encourage them if you feel the service deserves it. *You do not need local currency while in Kenya. Credit cards and USD will be accepted.
All meals are included so unless you plan on doing a lot of shopping at the gift shop, there aren’t a lot of expenses you need to bring money for aside from tipping. Water and other beverages are not included with our meals or at other times during the safari. Please budget 3-5 USD per day on bottled water and other beverages (more for alcohol) *Tea & Coffee is complimentary throughout at all hotels…
Tips and gratuities for hotel house cleaning, porters, and drivers & guide(s) are expected in the travel industry when with a group. Budget approx. $ 2.00 – $ 4.00 per person per day for lodge and hotel staff, $ 1.00 per bag for porters, $ 10.00 – $ 12.00 per person per day for our local guide, and $ 3.00- $5.00 per day for our driver. Tips are optional but we highly encourage them if you feel the service deserves it.
*TOTAL recommended tipping budget for Safari: 225.00-350.00 USD
(*You will be able to tip in USD & we do not recommend changing currency on this trip)
General Info: Most Kenyans in the travel industry are paid very low wages and rely heavily on tips. Tipping is down to individuals as you tip according to the service you get. Tip what you feel is appropriate and what has been deserved.
