Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Why Go On A Safari To Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Lying on the edge of Tsavo West National Park is Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a privately owned wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. The sanctuary covers an area of 28,000 acres (110 km2), and is adjacent to Tsavo West National Park and the LUMO Community Wildlife Sanctuary.
Located in Taita-Taveta County, Taita Hills offers excellent birding and beautiful scenery. Additionally, Taita Hills Sanctuary is a fertile area of lush hills and scrub forest, almost similar to what is in Tsavo’s semi-arid landscape.
Within the towering hills of Taita, is the private wildlife sanctuary; – a dramatic landscape perfectly suited to game drives looking for lions, elephants and more across the grassy savannahs where all the plains wildlife are here in abundance. In addition to wildlife, Taita Hills has a fascinating history, having played a role in WWI, and there is a museum within the lodge that tells the story.
“A historical landscape, featuring WWI”
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Landscape & Scenery
The sanctuary’s topography is generally mountainous and offers breathtaking landscape views of the Kilimanjaro, Pare, and Uluguru mountains, whereas the vegetation formation is typically dense, featuring riverine forest, savanna wood, and grassland, and is highly dominated by Acacia/Commiphora trees and may appear to be evergreen in wet areas along the main river valley; – a seasonal river dividing the sanctuary into valleys and lowland plains.
Top 7 Best Things To Do In Taita Hills Sanctuary
Discover some of the best things to do in Taita Hills Sanctuary. The setting and climate of Tsavo Park allows for quality wildlife viewing all-round the year; from birding, bush sundowners, and guided nature walks. Let’s have a look at the notable activities that Taita Hills Sanctuary offers.
1. Game Drives Safari In Taita Hills Sanctuary
Similar to Tsavo East, and Tsavo West, guided game drives are the main activity in Taita Hills Sanctuary. Drives, which will take you around the park in search of wildlife and bird species. Therefore, the early morning and late afternoon game drive provides an ideal opportunity to view and photograph the diverse array of wildlife within the Sanctuary. Also, the game viewing drives normally start as early as 6:00am. and involve the use of a 4X4 Land Cruiser Jeep with an open roof-top.
The Land Cruiser safari vehicles accommodate 6 seat passengers (everyone with their own spacious window seat) but can additionally seat up to 8 adults with an extra seat included and with one person sitting beside the Driver. The vehicle has a spacious game viewing roof, is more reliable, strong and spacious enough while also being marginally more comfortable than the only other option.
2. Underground Viewing Waterhole In Taita Hills Sanctuary
One of the most unique aspects of Taita Hills Sanctuary is the underwater viewing chamber, where visitors can go downhill to observe wildlife herbivores looking to quench their thirst. The experience is more rewarding during dry spells/season as large groups of elephants, buffaloes, zebras and various antelopes (sometime trailed by big cats) come for scarce water which is provided for by a well-positioned water hole supplied by a borehole dedicated for wildlife.
3. Birdwatching In Taita Hills Sanctuary
Taita Hills Sanctuary has an astounding number of bird species. With over 350 bird species recorded in the sanctuary, including resident and migrant bird species, Taita Apalis and Taita white eye; just to mention a few. The birdwatching in Taita Hills is done together with wildlife viewing, both of which you’ll most likely enjoy on a guided game drive.
Home to Big Five Wildlife
4. Bush Meals, Dinners & Sundowners In Taita Hills
Delight in the wide-open sky and space of Taita Hills plains on an unforgettable bush sundowner at Taita Hills Sanctuary, where you will be served drinks and cocktails while watching the sight of the African sunset. There are four bush activity venues within the sanctuary and all have basic toilet amenities and have magnificent views of the Taita hills, sanctuary, adjacent Tsavo plains and of course Mt. Kilimanjaro (weather permitting). As part of the Taita Hills Sanctuary experiences, these sites can be used for either bush breakfast, sundowner or bush dinner depending on the taste and size of the group involved.
This usually happens as the sun begins its descent, the sundowner begins with a gentle evening game drive, arriving at the sundowner site just as the evening sky turns gold-pink, surrounded by nothing but scenic views framed by stunning landscapes and magnificent wildlife. (Can at times take place within the lodge premises).
Traditional Music & Dance; the musical entertainment can also be provided at request; – a local trio of musicians plays traditional music during dinner. This is followed by authentic Taita dancers performing in the Lobby, with additional musicians and where your active participation is genuinely encouraged.
Picnic Lunch: usually arranged during a full day game outing in the reserve so that one does not have to go back to the lodge or camp for lunch, the meal itself is in the form of packed lunch boxes which are provided by your camp or lodge by prior arrangement the night before to allow them adequate time to prepare the meal boxes. The meal will be enjoyed under a tree, on a scenic setting out in the wild.
Bush Breakfast & Dinners: in the case of a Bush dinner, this could also be an event in itself around a bonfire with entertainment such as light music or tribal dance performances. Bush meals are typically arranged at special chosen sites within Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary – generally located outside of but very near the respective Lodges or Camps. Expect the menus to range from multi-course fine cuisine to more casual bush barbeque meals, prices for these special meals vary widely starting from USD 70 per person all the way to USD 150 per person for a more luxurious bush meal.
Special Requests: the meals can also be arranged to cater for certain special dietary requirements such as gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and even restricted vegetarian such as for Indian Jain diets which exclude use of Onions or Garlic as ingredients. Though choices are limited for bush meals, in-house dining at the lodges or camps promises more dietary options. Make sure you make an early request for easy planning.
5. Night Game Drives In Taita Hills Sanctuary
As for Night Game drives, a curiosity for many visitors while on an African trip.
Taita Hills Sanctuary night game drives provide guests with the opportunity to see animals not usually encountered on a daytime game drive such as spotted and striped hyena, mongoose, jackal, civet, genet, porcupine and bush baby etc. With the guide of highly trained rangers, well equipped with powerful spotlights to take guests on this experience of a totally different world after dark, when you may have the thrilling opportunity to see a predator actively hunting.
6. Walking Safari In Taita Hills Sanctuary
Taita Hills Sanctuary offers many varied opportunities for you to experience the unique flora, fauna and culture of this fascinating sanctuary, immersing you in complete solace and tranquility of the wilderness within. Discover Taita Hills on nature walks with an expert ranger guide, as you stroll through the bush. Marvel at the smaller wildlife normally unnoticed during a game drive yet still important for their impact on the ecology of this diverse ecosystem.
7. Taita Hills WWI Museum
Discover the lobby in the Taita Hills Game Lodge, this engaging little open-sided museum tells the story of WWI as it played out in East Africa. Explore artefacts found on the nearby former battlefields (from bullets made in 1912 to glass shards from bottles of Indian hair oil), archival photos, informative and detailed panels on the course of the war and major personalities. An exciting historical journey told in pictures and an artefacts.
Learn more about the second largest protected area in Kenya and stories about man eater lions who to date carry a strange history long after they terrorized, injured and killed construction workers of the Kenya-Uganda Railway in 1898. The railway construction was abruptly stopped by the most hungry and voracious man-eating lions.
Animals & Wildlife At Taita Hills Sanctuary
A small sanctuary, yet Taita Hills surprisingly has diverse wildlife populations. Of the predators, lion is sometimes seen and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot cheetah. The African elephant is also possible. Commonly seen species include the cape buffalos, waterbuck, Grant’s gazelle, impala, zebra, lesser kudu, Masai giraffe and Coke’s hartebeest. Watch also for klipspringer around Lion Rock in the south of the sanctuary.
With Taita sanctuary acting as a migrating corridor for wildlife between Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park, sightings of big cats; lions, leopards, cheetahs, are possible at times, with most of game drives taking place in Tsavo West and Tsavo East.
Waterhole Views
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing In Taita Hills Sanctuary
While Taita Hills Sanctuary is beautiful all year round, the best time to visit Taita Hills for wildlife watching is in the dry months of (June to October) when the vegetation thins out and animals gather around remaining water sources. Still – the dry months from January to February also makes up a great time for wildlife viewing. The wettest months are April and November.
A Photographic Safari Area
Birdwatching At Taita Hills Sanctuary
Boasting an array of over 390 bird species that include resident, intra-African, and palaetric migrants; together with Tsavo Park’s which has over 600 species recorded, this southern part of Kenya safari circuit serves as one of the prime birding destinations for bird watching tours.
Best Time for Bird Watching In Taita Hills Sanctuary
The wilderness of Taita Hills offers very rewarding birding opportunities all year. Migratory birds arrive in the reserve around November and stay until April. However, be prepared with the weather changes, as short showers can start at any moment. That said, December to February or March are generally best for bird watching.
Best Time To Visit Taita Hills Sanctuary
Similar to Tsavo West & Tsavo East safari parks, though Taita Sanctuary can be visited year-round, wildlife watching is best viewed in the dry months from June to October and again from January to March; during this time there is little to no rainfall, and climate conditions in the park are favorable for wildlife watching. The animals can be spotted around the nearby water holes as they quench their thirst. Now this is a good time to plan a trip to Tsavo.
Taita Hill’s safari seasons comprise November and April. During these months, wildlife (with water and food more widely available they will spread out) and is more challenging to spot in the long grass. However, if you are a bird lover, and would love to experience the lush green vegetation, then a visit during the wet season is perfect to enjoy a birdwatching safari as many migratory birds come here during this season; – getting wet is not an issue because it doesn’t rain daily.
Taita Hills Safari Packages
Want to visit Taita Hills Sanctuary? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in southern Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Masai Mara. Being close to Nairobi, you can easily start off with short Nairobi daytrip tours then proceed to Tsavo making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Tsavo midrange safaris to Tsavo luxury safaris depending on your travel style.
9 Days | 8 Nights
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Weather & Climate At Taita Hills Sanctuary
Together with Tsavo East, and Tsavo West, while planning safaris to Taita Hills Sanctuary and the whole of Tsavo Ecosystem be ready to for a hot, dry climate with average temperatures varying in between 31°C/88°F during daytime and 20°C/68°F at night. For the morning game drives, we recommend you bring with you warm clothing. Given Kenya’s climate pattern, rainfall will be experienced in late April and November, bringing both the long and short rains, respectively. Though the rain tends to fall as short, heavy showers.
Generally, the conditions tend to stay hot and dry throughout the year at Taita Hills Sanctuary. The wet seasons in Taita Hills Sanctuary (November to May) can get particularly hot, especially during the break.
Dry Season In Taita Hills Sanctuary – June to October
These are the dry seasons characterized by sunny days – there is no rainfall.
June & July – Days are typically hot and sunny with pleasant temperatures of around 29°C/84°F.
August & September – Both months of August & September are characterized by a rise in daytime temperatures on an average of 29°C/84°F.
October – come October, expect a hot and humid climate, with temperatures increasing prior to the arrival of short November rains.
Wet Season In Taita Hills Sanctuary – November to May
Tsavo East’s wetter season is marked by short rains followed by the long rains. Remember, January and February are part of the dry months in between.
November & December – these months signals the start of the short rains in Tsavo East National Park. During this period, expect short afternoon storms with daytime temperatures at an average of 33°C/84°F, which can rise. In addition, the skies tend to be clearer & sunny days possible.
January & February – with the exact timing a little challenging to predict. These months break the rains and welcomes a dry season; – making it good for game viewing, with February labelled as the hottest month, temperatures peaking to an average of 30°C/86°F or even higher.
March, April & May – call it the long rainy season, usually kicks off late in March. Remember, it hardly ever rains all day, just surprising afternoon showers; – still pleasant temperatures characterized by sunshine & clear skies is experienced. Late April can receive the most of rainfall, with an estimated temperatures of around 30°C/86°F.
Frequently Asked Taita Hills Sanctuary Safari Questions
Q. When is the best time to visit Taita Hills Sanctuary?
As for the documentations you need for your holiday in Kenya, keep in mind entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Kenyan embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.
-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.
-No visa is required. Instead, all visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
-Visitors must apply in advance for the eTA on www.etakenya.go.ke.
-The standard processing time is three days, but you can apply up to three months prior to travel and early application is recommended.
-When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required.
-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local Kenyan embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:
Australia – www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada – travel.gc.ca
EU Member States – ec.europa.eu
Ireland – www.ireland.ie
New Zealand – www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom – www.gov.uk
United States – travel.state.gov
Q. What makes an Taita Hills Sanctuary safari so special?
The cost for a Kenya safari starts from USD $250 to USD $2,500 per person per day depending on your level of safari; either travelling on a mid-range comfort safari or a luxury Kenya safari. Talk to one of our African travel experts to ensure the best Kenya safari experience in line with your time and budget. Your final Kenya safari cost depends on the following factors:
– Time of year you’re travelling; low and high season prices.
– Your choice of luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps.
– Duration of your stay in Kenya.
– Where you are visiting and in what means, you have the option to choose between fly-in Kenya safaris or by road, using a comfy 4 X 4 Land Cruiser jeep with open rooftop. The cost for the two greatly differ.
– Your choice of additional safari activities which range from inclusive wildlife activities to optional activities like hot air balloon rides and visits to the Masai villages for cultural interactions.
Q. What animals can I see in Taita Hills Sanctuary?
About medicine on your trip to Kenya, we recommend anti-malarial medication no matter what time of year you plan on visiting Kenya for safari. Kindly consult with your doctor at home for advice on the right choice of prophylaxis for your body well in advance of your departure date. Additionally, if you live in a yellow fever region or plan to travel through a region where it is endemic during your stay, you will need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate.
Q. When is Taita Hills Sanctuary open?
With hundreds of excellent luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps, you will be spoilt with lots of choices to pick from during your stay. But worry not, we will help you select the best lodges to stay in during your trip.
Additionally, when we talk about safari standards, the service level is high, with the ability to deliver the best luxury African safaris, suitable accommodations from lavish safari lodges to modern day boutique hotels and classic tented safari camps.
We shall share our list of top luxury accommodation options in Kenya – from eco-friendly architecture to the best luxury tented camps with a front-row seat to experience African wildlife mostly near game viewing hot spots like the Mara River where the Wildebeest Migration safari takes place. Our list of the best Kenya safari lodges also covers mid-range camps which can come in handy If you are travelling on budget.
Q. What’s the best way to see Taita Hills Sanctuary?
When you think of Africa, Kenya is most likely the image you have in mind. Therefore, some of the top 10 best places to visit in Kenya, include the following destinations;
- Masai Mara: Catch the Wildebeest Migration & all year-round excellent game-viewing.
- Lamu Archipelago: Experience a classic barefoot luxury beach experience.
- Nairobi City: Feed the giraffes and visit the baby elephant’s shelter.
- Mombasa & Kenya Beaches: Explore coastal family resorts & luxury lodges, good with family trips to Kenya.
- Amboseli National Park: Photography safari destination, watch the big tusked elephants and the best views of Mt Kilimanjaro.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia: Kenya’s hidden gem; visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, feed and touch the blind rhino and spend your nights in some of the top luxury lodges.
- Mount Kenya: for the mountain trekking enthusiasts, go on a 5 days trekking tour at Mount Kenya (the second tallest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania)
- Lake Nakuru: Excellent game viewing, from rhino’s, leopards, tree climbing lions, endangered giraffes to birdlife, Lake Nakuru has it all.
- Shaba and Samburu: Kenya’s hidden gem, more than a wilderness where the special 5 wildlife roam; additionally, all the big 5 are here.
- Kenya South-Coast beaches.
Q. What attractions are near Taita Hills Sanctuary?
When you think of Africa, Kenya is most likely the image you have in mind. Therefore, some of the top 10 best places to visit in Kenya, include the following destinations;
- Masai Mara: Catch the Wildebeest Migration & all year-round excellent game-viewing.
- Lamu Archipelago: Experience a classic barefoot luxury beach experience.
- Nairobi City: Feed the giraffes and visit the baby elephant’s shelter.
- Mombasa & Kenya Beaches: Explore coastal family resorts & luxury lodges, good with family trips to Kenya.
- Amboseli National Park: Photography safari destination, watch the big tusked elephants and the best views of Mt Kilimanjaro.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia: Kenya’s hidden gem; visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, feed and touch the blind rhino and spend your nights in some of the top luxury lodges.
- Mount Kenya: for the mountain trekking enthusiasts, go on a 5 days trekking tour at Mount Kenya (the second tallest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania)
- Lake Nakuru: Excellent game viewing, from rhino’s, leopards, tree climbing lions, endangered giraffes to birdlife, Lake Nakuru has it all.
- Shaba and Samburu: Kenya’s hidden gem, more than a wilderness where the special 5 wildlife roam; additionally, all the big 5 are here.
- Kenya South-Coast beaches.
Kenya Safari Reservations
Q. What type of clothes do I wear on Kenya safari?
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Kenyan safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
Q. What is the best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya?
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Q. Kenya Vs Tanzania: Which Is Better for an African Safari?
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
Q. Will I have a private vehicle or shared game drives with other people?
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Kenya Flying Safaris
Q. How many days do you need for an Africa safari?
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
Q. What do I do in case of an emergency?
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Q. Are there malaria mosquito nets in Africa safari tented camps?
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Q. Is there Wi-Fi at the safari lodges & tented camps on safari?
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
Kenya Safari Payment Methods
Q. Do you provide drinking water on safari?
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
Q. Are mosquito nets provided in safari lodge rooms/tents?
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Q. Is it possible to store excess luggage while on safari?
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Q. Do you handle requests for special dietary needs?
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.
Why Book Your Safari in Advance?
Q. Do you provide airport hotel airport transfers when we arrive and depart Nairobi?
As part of our safari tour services, Vulture African Safaris provides free pickup and return to the airport/hotel for any guests who are booked for a 3-day or more safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even if you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end.
Please let us know your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and arrival/departure times. We will provide you with the name of your driver and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
Q. Do you book or can you recommend a Nairobi hotel for our pre or post-safari stay?
If you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after your safari finish, you will require a Nairobi hotel.
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include your Nairobi hotel.
Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in the economy, comfort, and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.
As part of your safari tour, Vulture Africa Safaris will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes most areas around Nairobi.
We suggest that you look up and book online your preferred Nairobi hotel. If you should require advice, suggestions, or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we will be happy to assist.
We can make suggestions depending on your budget and what area of the city you are interested in staying.
Q. Can we purchase a local Sim card for use while in Kenya?
A Kenyan Sim card will greatly reduce your telephone roaming bills during your visit and while on safari in Kenya
1 GB of data costs an average of $5.
Safaricom, a telco provider in Kenya is the market leader with the best national coverage and better deals.
Sim cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers. You can purchase them at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Cost is approximately $1 or Ksh.100
To purchase local sim cards, you are required to have a Sim-unlocked GSM-compatible phone.
Q. What are your recommended safari tipping guidelines?
Tipping in guidelines for Kenya and Tanzania safaris – although not mandatory, is expected in return for good service.
All hotels, lodges, and porterage gratuities are included in the cost of your safari – these are collectively referred to as the service charge.
You may also decide to tip individual waiters, porters, and other hotel service employees who provide exemplary service. Usually, $1 – $5 per meal or move is appropriate and appreciated.
It is, however, customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your safari-only cost is suggested. However, the amount is at your discretion – you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staffer who has provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD, or in Euro at the end of your safari and preferably in an envelope.