Kenya Africa
January 13/2020- February 1/2020
In January 2020 my mom and I went to Kenya Africa in memory of my younger sister who passed away the previous year. When we went the weather was really nice between the 70s to 90s. Though it was supposed to be the dry season when we went it did rain almost every night that we were there.
Coming from America we did have to get some shots, Hep b vaccine and yellow fever. Kenya requires everyone to get the yellow fever vaccine and you have to have the yellow vaccine card to enter.
​
One thing we recommend is having a bag specifically for your safaris. That will have the things you need every time you go out. Like sunscreen, hat, bus spray, first aid kit, snacks ect.
​
Another thing is to ask locals for a good spot to go souvenir shopping, our friends brought us to a couple of little shops on our last day where everything was at the locals' price.(An example I bought a lockbox of Africa for $100 and at the shop it was only $10)
​
For deals on tours check out https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/in-a-flash for some of my recomendations and favorite past tours!
English and Swahili
Best time to visit
January, February and July through October are the best times to visit for this is the dry season. The great wildebeest migration begins around September and will almost guarantee you will see it during this time! Kenya is always full of wildlife no matter what time you go!
How to pack
We packed with the country in mind, bringing whatever we could that could be reused, or biodegradable. Also, Kenya does not allow any plastic bags, so we brought reusable Ziploc bags as well as shopping bags.
How to dress
Clothing on safari was a concern for us when first packing, thinking we had to wear certain colors or fabrics. But you will be in a truck, jeep, or van 99.9% of the time, and animals can't see you in there! Beware they can smell you though be careful with perfumes etc.
Essentials
Think sun protection you are in a very hot place in direct sun, bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. Lightweight scarves work amazing for sun protection as well for heads, scarves, and shoulders.
​
-
Sunglasses
-
Sandals- we walk a lot while traveling good supportive sandals and comfy flip flops are a must!
-
Foldable backpack- that you can easily pack away or take out when wanted.
-
Safari bag- things you need/ want though out the day to keep with you or in the car. (or in the backpack)
-
Refillable water bottle- Bringing a water bottle that was insulated really helped keeping out water cold!
6. Electrolytes were a huge help for us well! you want to stay hydrated! ​
​​
Safety Tips​
Dont carry things with you that are valuable, especially at night. When taking out cash try to only take out what you need at that time so no one sees how much you have at once.
​
Helpful tips
Have a grab-and-go bag what we call a "safari bag" to bring on each trip away from your room (tent). A good thing to make sure to have in there is a small first aid kit, trust me the guides don't always have one, and neither do the resorts/ camps.
​
Be careful with your luggage! We had 3 of our bags destroyed flying into Kenya, and one on safari from an exposed piece of metal. For these things, the travelers' insurance was really nice to get paid back for what we had to replace. This is the only trip we have gotten insurance for so far.
​
No matter how safe it is where you are traveling it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and never leave your valuables unattended. Be careful of areas with lots of tourists they tend to draw pickpockets.
​
Air tags are always a good idea, lots of travelers are dealing with lost or damaged luggage. It also helps if anything is taken when you are not expecting it, have air tags in your purse etc when going around town.
Driving etiquette
My mom and I have rented a car in almost every country we have visited... but not Kenya! We recommend using local transportation in town such as Uber ( this was surprisingly cheap!) And/ or having your tours pick you up for your safaris. Though we did not see any accidents happen Kenya has been the most crazy driving I have ever seen!
Kenya tours
​
Bencia Africa Adventure & Safaris +254722917288
- 4 day tour Masai Mara
- Rating (Tour and Guide)- 4/5
​
Gracepatt Ecotours Kenya +254720803821
-Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center
-Rating (Tour and Guide)- 4/5
Journey Genius Safaris +254733977725
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (northern white rhinos)
-Rating (Tour and Guide)- 5/5
​
NATIVES TOURS & TRANSFERS +254727902926
- Watamu Marine Park & Sudi Island Mangrove Forest Canoe
-Rating (Tour)- 1/5 We got a non-English speaking tour (Sudi Island)- 5/5 (Owner/Driver)- 5/5
​​​
TROPICAL CATS TOURS AND SAFARIS - MOMBASA
- 6 day tour
Tsavo, Amboseli,Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha. Masai Mara
-Rating (Tour) 4/5 (Guide) 3/5