Ready to embark on the ultimate African adventure? A Kenyan safari is an incredible experience, but it can be a bit overwhelming for first-timers. Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wild ride.
Safari in Swahili means a journey, from which you don’t know when you will return and you shouldn’t take that journey without be fully prepared.
This blog post has all the information you may need for your first Safari adventure.
Must-know tips for First time Safari visitors in Kenya:
Wear neutral colours:
To avoid spooking animals or attracting unwanted insects, you wanna blend with the landscape. Do not wear camouflage either in many countries, this is only reserved for the military only. Too light colour is not a good idea either cause there will be a lot of dust. For me khaki, darker beige or light brown was perfect. I packed light breathable clothes in those colours and kept changing from trousers to skirts or shorts in the hottest time. Don't forget to dress modestly especially if you are going to visit Maasai village.
Bring external batteries for all your tech:
You will be taking a lot of photos and videos, so an external battery is a must. Most lodges nowadays have electricity, so make sure to charge everything, when you can.
Bring your own binoculars:
Your guide may have them, but it is always easier to bring your own and use them whenever you want, if you don't want to get any check with your guide. These are the ones that I got from Amazon that work perfectly fine for my trip, check them out here.
Book a tour with a guide:
This is not a type of destination you can do on your own, you need an experienced guide, who will communicate with others and take you to the best animal sightings. I had the best experience with Sam from Safari Strides, you can just drop him DM and he will create a bespoke experience matching exactly your vibe and budget.
If you can, book a private tour:
Safari trips can be very pricey, but you will get much more for your money if you book a private tour and speak with a guide about your preferences. Everything can be customised and you need to focus exactly on places and animals you wanted to see. Also it means more space, therefore more comfort.
Layer up it can get chilly:
Especially for an early morning or late evening game drive especially in Northern parts of Kenya, you can feel that chill. You will need extra layers. Long trousers and a light jacket with a hat will do magic for those early mornings.
Rest whenever you can, there will be many early mornings:
Try to rest whenever you have a chance, cause you will need to wake up early, it doesn't matter if it is in the car during a long ride or in a lodge. If your lodge has a swimming pool, try to relax there between game drives.
Bug spray, hat, sunscreen & sunglasses are your best friends:
You will need all of those, especially during the rainy season, you wanna protect yourself from mosquitoes. Check your vaccine requirements, from some places you may need a yellow fever vaccine. I also got anti-malaria pills, which I was taking before and after my trip, piece of advice do not take those on an empty stomach. I always get this mosquito spray and those repellent bracelets, which actually have an amazing citronella smell.
Do your research and choose the park according to what you wanna see:
Masai Mara: Known for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains.
Amboseli National Park: Offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and diverse wildlife, including large elephant herds.
Samburu National Reserve: Home to unique wildlife like Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk.
Tsavo National Park: One of the largest game reserves in Africa, with a vast landscape and diverse wildlife.
Lake Nakuru: Unique green landscape with stunning lake in the middle, which attracts many animal species with herds of Rothschild’s giraffe
Be quiet around animals:
Avoid loud noises that might disturb animals so you can peacefully observe a stunning show that nature puts in place.
Make sure to have enough cash for tipping:
In Kenya it is a custom to tip any serving staff and tip your guide at the end of your trip. In most souvenir shops, restaurants and lodges they take card payments, but you will still need a lot of cash. I took money out of the ATM at the airport, the fees were similar everywhere, but you can also get dollars there.
Ask permission before taking photos of people:
Respect their privacy and culture, you will see and meet many Maasai people in colourful clothes, do not take their photos without their knowledge or permission.
Learn basic Swahili:
Jambo: Hello
Habari: How are you?
Nzuri: I'm fine
Asante: Thank you
Tafadhali: Please
Samahani: Sorry/Excuse me
Karibu: Welcome
Simba: Lion
Tembo: Elephant
Kifaru: Rhino
Twiga: Giraffe
Nyati: Buffalo
Kiboko: Hippopotamus
Nyumbu: Wildebeest
Punda Milia: Zebra
Saidia: Help
Do not skip Nairobi:
When travelling to Kenya you will most likely land in Nairobi, here is the reason you shouldn't skip it. Nairobi has the only National park located directly in the capital city in the world. It may not be as vast as the other parks in Kenya, but it is definitely worth the visit in fact I would recommend you to this on your first day in Kenya to get a little taste of game drive, before the large parks. There is also Sheldrick Trust, which is a baby elephant and rhino orphanage, where you can watch those babies being fed and play with each other, before they are ready to go back to the wilderness. Another place that is not to be missed is the Giraffe center, which saved Rothschild'd giraffes from extinction in the 1970s and you can feed a giraffes their snacks from a terrace.
Let me know in the comments if I forgot anything or something that surprised you.
