With over 50 national parks and wildlife reservations, Kenya is one of Africa's hot spots for safari vacations. But with hundreds of companies offering Kenya safari packages, how can you choose one? Are all parts of Kenya safe for travel? How do you know if a tour company is using environmentally friendly practices? Do you know what you're getting for your money?
Read consumer reviews of the tour companies you're considering. Travelers' first-hand, unbiased experiences can shed a lot of light on a particular tour or geographic area you're considering.
Consult a reputable travel agent, preferably one that specializes in Kenya safari tours. Some travel agents might charge a consultation fee, but their advice will likely be worth the cost. Travel agents specializing in Kenya safari packages have been on many trips and know what to visit and what to avoid. To find travel agents that specialize in Kenya, visit the Kenya Association of Travel Agents website: http://katakenya.org/.
Before investing in a Kenyan safari tour--which can be expensive--make sure you're getting what you pay for: the chance to view lots of native African wildlife in its natural habitat. You'll be able to see wild animals in all of Kenya's game parks and wildlife preserves. However, some are better than others for both the amount of game you'll see and how often you'll see it.
If you'll be visiting Kenya for the first time, book a safari tour that will take you to one of the country's main national parks:
Kenya safari tours range from bare-bones basic to super luxurious. Many Kenya safari packages are all-inclusive, meaning your lodging, meals, excursions and transportation are included in the package price. Some tour companies may charge you extra for day tours to view wildlife, while others may only offer accommodations in specific hotels and lodges. With some, you'll be able to explore on your own, while others require you to stay with the group the entire time.
Make sure you know exactly what's included in your Kenyan safari package before booking it. If you think you're getting luxury accommodations and you end up in a tent on a fold-up cot, you'll likely be disappointed.
Because of the nature of what they do, you may assume that all Kenyan tour companies have sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Unfortunately this isn't always the case. Kenya ecotourism has come a long way in recent years, but if you want to ensure that you choose an ecologically responsible tour company, do some research or talk to a travel agent about your concerns.
Here are a few tour companies that specialize in Kenya ecotourism safaris:
The time of year you choose to travel to Kenya will determine the weather, as well as the type and number of animals you'll see:
While Kenya is considered to be generally safe for travelers, Africa is known for occasional travel safety concerns. Before leaving for your Kenyan safari, check out the U.S. Department of State's Kenyan travel warnings: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_923.html.
Visit your doctor several months before your trip. Preventative vaccines and malaria medication couldn't only save your vacation--they could save your life.
Purchase travel medical insurance for everyone in your party. Travel medical policies can pay medical costs in foreign countries and will pay for your transportation home or to the nearest quality medical facility in the event that you become ill or injured.