Kenya minibus safaris

GMT +3 hours

• English is understood by many people all over Kenya.

• On the predominantly Muslim coast, people speak Swahili, although some locals speak German, French and Italian.

• English is taught in schools all over the country, so there’s always someone who’ll understand, even in the remote bush.

• Shilling. • Major credit cards are widely accepted and traveller’s cheques can be changed at banks and hotels. • Make sure you carry change on safari.

• Kenya is usually considered among the safest countries in Africa, but tourists should still take care, especially Nairobi and when arriving in the country.

• Common-sense rules apply - avoid dark backstreets at night and Nairobi’s sleazier bars and dance dives.
• Don’t flaunt jewellery or valuables or walk around with large sums of money.

• You must have a full and valid 10-year passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival back in the UK.

• Brits need a visa, which you can get on arrival in Kenya or from the Kenyan Embassy before you travel (recommended).

• For more information, contact the Kenyan High Commission on 020 7636 2371.

8½ hours to Nairobi; 10 hours to Mombasa via Nairobi.

Lodges
On many safaris you’ll stay in comfortable lodges, with private facilities (except Treetops) including a shower. Rooms are comfortable but fairly simple.

Mobile camping
On a mobile camping safari, you’ll stay in a mosquito-proof put-up tent for two. Comfy bed rolls, sheets, pillows and blankets are provided, plus a bucket shower and tented toilet per camp.

First class tented camps
If you prefer tented camps with good facilities, we recommend these camps. You’ll have use of private facilities, electricity and swimming pools.

Deluxe tented camps
These permanent tented camps offer fine dining, great service and excellent game viewing in outstanding locations.

Water
Although purified drinking water in hotels and lodges is safe, tap water isn’t. Bottled water is readily available. Heat exhaustion is a major hazard, so cover up in the sun and drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquid.

Religion
Christianity

Travel tips
Luggage
Keep your luggage to a minimum and use a soft, holdall-type bag rather than a hard suitcase. On most safaris you’ll be able to store your main luggage in Nairobi or at your coastal hotel.

Remember that on safaris that involve travelling by light aircraft, your luggage can only weigh up to about 15kg per person.

Distances
For each safari we tell you each day’s approximate mileage, but occasionally it’s necessary to take a different route.

Families
We recommend that families with children under seven years old have their own safari vehicle – it’s good value and you won’t have to worry about disturbing other people’s game viewing.

On the road
You’ll be driving on unmade roads that are dusty in dry weather and muddy when wet. Sometimes you’ll need to assist if the van gets stuck in the mud – but help is never far away.

Several vaccinations are advisable; particularly yellow fever and cholera, and you should take precautions against malaria. Contact your GP or a specialist vaccination centre.

If a service charge isn't included in your restaurant bill, tip 10%.