Can you
arrange a trip for persons located outside the United States?
Yes, we have an international clientele. We can make all arrangements in
Africa including transportation, accommodation and activities. However, we
can only arrange international flights originating in the United States and
Europe.
When is the
best time to go on a safari?
It really depends on the type of animal you wish to see. Certain reserves
have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good
elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the
year. It is generally felt that the African winter (June - August) is the
best time to go on safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making
game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the move
looking for food and water. In Kenya
and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration
of over two million animals.
Temperatures in winter are generally mild but can become considerably cooler
in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay
comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that
the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and
mosquito repellent. In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally
a more risky time to travel. So, before you go on safari, consult your
doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.
Kenya:
All year round. Great Migration: June-September.
Tanzania:
All year round. Best climbing Mount
Kilimanjaro:
Aug-Oct and Jan-March. Great migration: April-June and Oct-Dec.
Uganda:
All year round. Day temperatures range between 77° and 95° F. January is the
hottest month. In general there are two main rainy seasons: March - May and
October - November.
What
are the special attractions of the countries you operate in?
Kenya:
Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve,
Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park, Tsavo National Park, The Rift
Valley Lakes, Mombasa, Malindi, south and north coast.
Tanzania:
Great Migration, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake
Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha
National Park, Tarangire National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park and Selous
Game Reserve.
Uganda:
Gorilla treks in Bwindi National Park, Murchinson Falls, Nile River, Kibale
National Park, Ruwenzori Mountains, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Is Africa a
good family destination?
Africa offers outstanding value for families. However, some destinations and
establishments cater more fully for the enjoyment of children than others.
In Kenya, children five years old and younger are generally not allowed on
game drives in the parks and reserves. Travel to Tanzania
is not recommended for children younger than eight years old. Most lodges
have swimming pools and baby-sitting services. Please
contact us
for more specific information.
How
do I get to Africa?
Africa can be reached by regular international flights to its major cites.
South African Airways flies direct daily to
Johannesburg,
South Africa from Atlanta and New York. To reach East Africa from the US,
you will have to fly through Europe
and then to Nairobi on
any of the following airlines (e.g.,Kenya Airways, British Airways, KLM, ,
etc.). African Safaris Kenya can arrange international flights to Africa that
originate in the United States or Europe. We can also arrange flights within
Africa.
What
are the entry requirements?
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months
beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries do not
require visas - this depends on the country you are visiting. It is
advisable to check with the Consulate of the country that you intend
visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements. The list below contains
the current visa requirements applicable to most North American and European
countries.
Kenya:
A visa is required and costs $50. The visa can be obtained through a Kenya
embassy in advance of your trip or upon arrival at the airport.
Tanzania:
A visa is required and costs $50. The visa must be obtained in advance of
your trip unless you live in a country that does not have a Tanzania
embassy.
Uganda:
A visa is required and costs $50. The visa should be obtained through a
Uganda embassy in advance of your trip.
What types
of accommodation are available?
The accommodation type in Africa
varies from hotels and inns to luxury lodges, B&Bs and tented camps.
Kenya:
Advanced bookings recommended. Most safari lodges have rondavel or banda
type accommodations, with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit
hotels. Tented accommodations vary from super deluxe to standard tents.
Tanzania:
Advanced bookings recommended. Lodges tend to be of rondavel or banda type
with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Luxurious
"tented camps" pitched on concrete bases are popular. National parks also
offer ordinary campsites. All major towns have luxury hotels and at least
one good guesthouse.
Uganda:
Advanced bookings recommended. International hotels are available in cities.
In national parks, there is camping, self-catering huts or chalets and top
end lodges with luxury chalets or permanent tents.
What type
of safaris do you offer?
African Safaris Kenya offers the following types of safaris: lodge, fly-in,
permanent tented camps, mobile camping, serviced camping, limited
participation camping, full participation camping and self drive.
What
is a lodge safari?
On a lodge safari you travel from lodge to lodge and do game drives with one
of our driver/guides. The lodges we use are essentially hotels in the bush.
They accommodate between 100 and 200 people. They provide most of the
amenities found in a hotel (e.g., restaurant, lounge, swimming pool, etc.).
This is a good choice when traveling with children or if you want certain
creature comforts when you return from game viewing.
What
is a permanent tented camp safari?
Permanent tented camp safaris are done either by vehicle or light aircraft.
In the case of a fly-in safari you will fly from one reserve to the next.
This reduces the amount of travel time considerably and maximizes game
viewing opportunities. Permanent tented camps provide accommodation ranging
from comfortable to luxurious. Most consist of large walk-in tents on
elevated wooden platforms, with beds, chairs, furniture and an en-suite
bathroom with hot and cold water and flushing toilets. Permanent camps
accommodate a smaller size group (20-30 people) than lodges allowing a more
personal interaction with the natural habitat.
What
is a mobile camping safari?
In a mobile-tented safari the camp moves each day while you are game
viewing. Usually the relocation is combined with one or two nights at a
safari lodge before going back into the camp at a new location. This type of
accommodation obviously does not have the amenities of either lodges or
permanent tented camps but the level of comfort and staff attention is
unsurpassed. The camps consist of sleeping, dining, kitchen and staff tents
with toilet and hot water shower annexes. The sleeping tents are large
walk-in tents completely insect proof, with a high outer fly and small
shaded veranda. They are furnished with comfortable beds, bedside table and
chairs. The camp cook prepares meals on open charcoal fires.
What
is a serviced camping safari?
A serviced camping safari features exclusive wilderness campsites,
comfortable 3X3 meter dome tents with GI beds, bedrolls with crisp linen,
bedside tables with reading lamps, towels, mats and hot water bottles for
the winter months. There is a shared bathing enclosure with flushing toilet,
hot shower, hand basin and a luxury range of shampoos and conditioners.
Guest areas include a bush dining area, bar, small wildlife library and
board games. The staff erects and dismantles camp, prepare excellent meals
of fresh produce and take care of all camp chores. All luggage and camp
equipment is transported on a support vehicle.
What
is a limited participation camping safari?
A limited participation camping safari requires that you put up and take
down your tent. The accommodation is in 2-person igloo style tents with a
foam mattress. All camping equipment is provided with the exception of
sleeping bags, which you can bring (recommended) or hire (approximately
$20). All meals are included while camping. The safari leaders are full-time
employees and trained professional guides. Detailed information on the
history of the area, fauna and flora is given to the participants during the
safari. A camp assistant helps with general camp chores and duties.
What
is a full participation camping safari?
A full participation camping safari is essentially the same as a limited
participation camping safari with the exception that you are required to
assist in putting up and taking down the camp including your tent, preparing
meals, etc.
What
is a self-drive safari?
On a self-drive safari you will be met at the airport upon your arrival and
assisted with the formalities of picking up a rental car. You will be given
a detailed itinerary, vouchers and maps for your trip. You would then
proceed, unguided, on the tour according to the set itinerary.
Accommodations are at hotels, lodges, chalets and rest camps.
How
many people do you take on a safari?
Most of our safaris have guaranteed departures with a minimum of two people
and are limited to a maximum of 10 people (if more than 7 people are on a
safari, we use two vehicles). Each person is assured a window seat. A few of
the participation camping safaris require a minimum of 4 people and allow a
maximum of 12 people.
What
is a single supplement?
A single supplement is a fee imposed by hotels, lodges and camps on single
travelers. Tour prices are quoted based on two people sharing accommodation.
If someone takes a room by themselves they have to pay the per-person price
plus the single supplement fee.
Can a
single traveler share accommodation with another single traveler?
Yes, providing there is another single traveler of the same sex, on the same
safari, and the other person agrees to the proposed arrangement.
How
far in advance should I book my safari?
It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at
the time you wish to travel (4-6 months), especially during the peak seasons
(July & August and Christmas/New Years). This is especially important for
those wishing to travel on private custom safaris and those adding
extensions to scheduled trips.
Can I
use a credit card to pay for my safari?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express for your safari deposit. The
balance is due 60 days prior to departure and is payable by check, money
order or wire transfer.
What
are the terms when booking a safari with African Safaris Kenya?
Click here to view our Terms and Conditions
document.
What
type of vehicles do you use on safari?
African Horizons uses mini buses in East Africa.
In Southern Africa we use mini buses, open-roof vehicles and 4x4 vehicles on
safari. The specific vehicle used on a particular safari depends on the
country and the reserves to be visited. All vehicles are equipped with
two-way radios and are maintained to provide the maximum level of comfort
and safety.
What
are the different cultures?
Kenya:
There are over 70 tribal groups in Kenya.
Differences between many of them are blurred - Western cultural values are
becoming more deep-seated and traditional values are disintegrating. Tribes
include Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba.
Tanzania:
Tanzania's culture is a result of African, Arab, European and Indian
influences. There are 120 African tribal groups. The largest group is of
Bantu origin including Dukuma, Nyamwezi, Makonde, Haya and Chagga. The
Maasai are of Nilotic origin, as are the Arusha and the Samburu.
Uganda:
The population of Uganda is made up of a complex and diverse range of tribes
the most prominent of which are the Bugunda, Lango, Acholi, Teso and Pygmies
among many others.
