How do I go about booking / planning a trip?
Once you send us an enquiry, we shall assign one of our experienced Tour Consultants to help design the Safari of your dreams! With our extensive knowledge we’re able to give you best advice and recommendations to suit your interest. We are dedicated to making your trip a memorable experience in every aspect! We would need to know the number of persons traveling, if there any children in the group and their ages, the number of days you have available, travel dates if known and your budget / interest.
When is the best time to visit Africa?
Located on the Equator, Kenya has no definitive seasons like the Northern and Southern hemispheres. East Africa has a pleasant climate all year round and is perfect for safaris & game viewing during any season. We have two rainy seasons:
– The short rains which occur from late October through November
– The long rains which occur from late March to end of May
April & May are GREEN season months which are our “quiet time” where you simply get the “best deal”! Even though more rain is anticipated than usual, one experiences fantastic game viewing, mostly exclusive with very few vehicles in the vicinity as the parks are less frequented.
The famous annual Great Migration usually starts in the Southern Serengeti popularly known as Ndutu with the Wildebeest calving during end of January to March and moves onto Western / Northern Serengeti in May / June. The larger herds cross over into the Maasai Mara from July to October. This is considered to be the peak season for East Africa along with the Christmas & New Year seasons.
Both the Serengeti & Maasai Mara offer excellent game viewing all year round. A good time to travel is January to March and particularly late October / November. Rates are more reasonable too during these months than the peak season.
How do I join a Group Tour as a single traveler or couple?
We offer some group safaris with fixed departure dates all year round which include “Save the Elephant Safari”, “Photographic Safaris” and “short Mara Road Safaris”. As a single traveler, it’s often daunting to travel alone and our Group departures offer a safe & informative social trip that anyone can join. Due to limited departure dates, we usually put together AIR PACKAGES for single travelers where each location is organized with internal flights and game drives in vehicles shared with other guests in the respective “camp / lodge vehicle”.
Can we book international air travel with Nimbus Tours & Travel?
International airfares are NOT included in quotes but we can recommend agencies or travel sites that you can use. We purely take care of ground arrangements in Kenya / Tanzania / Uganda & Rwanda. These include your arrival / departure transfers, any internal flights or regional flights as well as all your accommodation / Inland transportation / food costs as stated in your “includes / excludes section of itinerary”.
Apart from Website itineraries, do you offer customized safari packages?
We plan / tailor most safaris to suit your needs! The itineraries outlined on our website are examples and any of these packages can be booked or simply modified to suit your interest / budget & time availability. Our packages are completely flexible and can start on ANY day as long as there is room availability (except for group tours with fixed departure dates).
How do I arrange my visa and do I need vaccinations?
One can now apply for the Kenyan Visa on-line at least 07 days prior your arrival date. Please log on to https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/register/visitor.
We wish to inform you 100% e-visa will be effective as of 01st January 2021. Visas will not be issued upon arrival, from this date. Children below the age of 16 years do not require a visa.
A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity and at least two blank pages is mandatory.
For on-line visas, we recommend that you fill out the forms in advance as per links provided below. Visiting Kenya: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
Kenya may require specific nationalities to hold a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Depending on your country of origin, additional vaccination certificates may be required. Please make sure you discuss this with our tours consultants prior to travel.
Will I have the same guide throughout my trip?
When entirely on a “road safari” you will have the same guide throughout your trip. If you fly between locations, we may need to allocate different guides to you.
How many days should I stay in one location?
We don’t rush our guests! Game viewing and our stunning landscapes are best enjoyed with ample time! Hence, we always recommend that you stay for a minimum of 3 nights in one location, allowing you 2 full days to enjoy the area and the various activities offered. Where only one night is adequate, we will advise you.
How many areas & days should I put in my itinerary?
Safaris can range from 1 to 14 days on average depending on your time & budget and are generally quite expensive. However, you get to see the most varied ecosystems and wildlife species in Africa that you won’t be able to view anywhere else in the world! East Africa is one of the LAST & BEST locations for game viewing! We recommend a minimum of 6 nights / 7 days in two different locations but can extend and custom make the itinerary to suit your interest and budget. A pleasant way to end your Safari is with a beach holiday to the Kenyan Coast or Zanzibar Island!
What should I pack for Wi-Fi & charging of devices?
Most camps & lodges offer free Wi-Fi and this can also be arranged for your safari vehicle (for road safaris only). However, when driving between reserves & parks Wi-Fi needs to be requested in advance. Costs for this service may apply. Most of our vehicles have sockets for charging your devices while on the road.
Kenyan electrical sockets are UK type, 3 pin square – 220 volts
The Kenyan climate is very pleasant and variations in altitude and terrain can create contrasts. Generally in the Highlands the climate is cool; elsewhere the temperatures can reach up to 30 / 35 degree centigrade during the day. The coast is humid and balmy.
July and August are the coolest months and are often overcast especially in the morning. December – mid March is the warmest time of the year. Dress code in general is casual on safari and formal in 5 star hotels in Nairobi.
How much luggage can I carry?
Please ensure that your baggage is packed in soft bags and should weigh no more than 15 to a maximum of 20 kgs per person. It’s possible to store luggage during the safari either at your hotel if you are returning thereafter your trip or in our offices. Most lodges have laundry facilities at an extra charge.
On air safaris the maximum luggage allowance per person is strictly 15 kgs including hand luggage in soft bags. As the aircrafts are small the luggage space is limited.
What is a safari?
A safari is an adventure or journey, typically in Africa, to observe and photograph wildlife in their natural habitats.
What is a game drive?
A game drive is a guided excursion in a safari vehicle through a national park or wildlife reserve to observe and photograph animals.
What is the Big Five?
The Big Five refers to the five most sought-after and iconic African wildlife species: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.
When is the best time to go on a safari in Kenya?
The best time for a safari in Kenya is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. This period offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around water sources.
What should I pack for a safari?
Essential items to pack for a safari include lightweight clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with extra batteries, and sturdy walking shoes.
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya for a safari?
Yes, most visitors to Kenya require a visa. It’s recommended to check the visa requirements for your country of citizenship before traveling.
What types of accommodations are available on safari?
Accommodation options on safari range from luxury lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly campsites and guesthouses.
Is it safe to go on safari in Kenya?
Yes, Kenya is generally safe for safaris, but it’s important to follow the advice of your safari guide and adhere to park regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience.
What animals can I expect to see on safari in Kenya?
Kenya is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros), giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, cheetah, hyena, and various antelope species.
What is the wildebeest migration?
The wildebeest migration is an annual natural phenomenon in which millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and other herbivores, migrate in search of greener pastures between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
What activities can I do on safari besides game drives?
In addition to game drives, safari activities may include guided nature walks, birdwatching, hot air balloon safaris, cultural visits to local communities, and visits to conservation projects or wildlife sanctuaries.
What is the difference between a national park and a conservancy?
National parks are government-managed protected areas set aside for conservation and wildlife viewing, while conservancies are privately owned or community-owned areas managed for conservation and sustainable tourism.
Do I need vaccinations before going on safari in Kenya?
It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic for advice on necessary vaccinations and health precautions before traveling to Kenya for a safari.
Can I go on safari with children?
Yes, many safari lodges and camps in Kenya welcome families with children and offer child-friendly activities and accommodations. However, it’s important to check age restrictions and safety guidelines with individual lodges or tour operators.
What is the duration of a typical safari?
The duration of a safari can vary depending on individual preferences and itinerary. Safaris may range from a single-day excursion to multi-day tours lasting several days or weeks.
What currency is used in Kenya, and can I use credit cards on safari?
The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). While major credit cards are accepted at many lodges, camps, and larger establishments, it’s advisable to carry some cash for purchases at smaller shops or markets.
What is the weather like on safari in Kenya?
The weather on safari in Kenya can vary depending on the time of year and location. Generally, Kenya experiences a dry season from June to October and a wet season from November to May, with temperatures ranging from mild to hot.
Can I see Mount Kilimanjaro from Kenya on safari?
Yes, on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, can be visible from certain areas in Kenya, such as Amboseli National Park.
What should I do if I encounter a wild animal on safari?
If you encounter a wild animal on safari, it’s important to remain calm, keep a safe distance, and follow the instructions of your safari guide. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that may startle the animal, and never attempt to approach or feed wild animals.