Kenya
If you are thinking of going on a Kenyan safari you'll probably have a number of questions. Hopefully these questions and answers will help you to decide whether it's for you.
What's a typical day on safari?
Normally you'll be woken just before dawn. After tea and biscuits you'll meet your driver and guide for the first game drive of the day. The early session is often the best - with great light, you're likely to see predators with their nights kill. After returning to camp for breakfast you can relax by the pool or however you please. Keen naturalists might go for a second late morning drive before lunch. After lunch take a walk in the lodge grounds, keeping your eyes pealed for some of Kenya's 1,400 bird species. Later in the afternoon head out on another drive. You're more likely to see a leopard or hippo in the river. Back to the lodge for dinner, and sitting around the fire sharing the day's stories.
What do you recommend for a first safari?
Kenya has a lot to offer, but a tented camp or lodge in the Masai Mara, ideally on the Mara River itself, is a great option. Follow this with a few days on a private game ranch run in cooperation with the local community. It's best not to do more than 7 days nonstop on safari, as it gets tiring. Try and include a relaxing beach break in the trip. Also consider taking a short safari from the coast. Somewhere like the Shimba Tree Hotel in the Shimba Hills National Reserve is perfect.
Is camping safe?
Yes. Camping has always been the traditional safari way, but it isn't the only option. Today tents are usually large, permanent structures with wooden floors and rugs, and plumbed in bathrooms with hot showers. Experienced guards and staff keep wildlife out of the camp area, but the proximity of animals at night is the big attraction for many people. You can always stay in a lodge. These are essentially large hotels in the bush. They often have wonderful views, a pool and a first-class kitchen.
What is the typical Safari transport?
Safari vehicles are normally open-topped and/or open-sided so that you can stand if you want to. The vehicles are safe and tailored for the trips. You can also do a game walk with an armed ranger or a hot air balloon trip (recommended).
I like animals, but doesn't it get boring?
It's unusual for someone not to get a thrill from the Safari experience. The experience isn't just about the animals though. You'll drive through Kenyan villages and meet lots of local people who are sure to fascinate. By the coast there is a rich mixture of history and culture. There are ruined cities to visit and lots of watersports on offer at the beaches.
How long do I need for a Safari?
You can get a good taste in a week, but it's best not too rush things in Africa. Ideally aim for a fortnight, or 18 days if possible. If you are visiting whilst backpacking then try to find ways of cutting costs and spend a good deal of time in the area. Once you've met some local people you may find you have more options and more reasons to stay longer.
I've been to the Masai Mara, are the other reserves the same?
No. Kenya's diversity is what keeps bring people back time after time. Other reserves are equally enticing. Aberdare National Park is mountainous, with the lower forested section home to the famous Treetops Lodge, where you can keep watch above the floodlit waterhole, waiting for the animals to come to you. There are several other reserves, each offering something different.
How green is a safari holiday?
Fairly, and things are getting better. Local people often benefit directly from profits generated from the tourist visitors. Kenyan lodge owners and tour operators are becoming more eco-conscious. Many new camps and lodges source supplies locally and use solar panels and water conservation and recycling systems.
