Tsavo West National Park
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Why Go On A Safari To Tsavo West National Park
Popularly known as the land of Man-Eating Lions, Tsavo West National Park is located in Taita-Taveta County of Kenya, covering a total area of 9,065 square kilometres. Together with Tsavo West National Park, they both form an area of about 22,000 square kilometers; – the biggest and oldest Kenya’s parks.
Dotted with dramatic lava flows and graced by the unique Mzima Springs, Tsavo West Park is a more popular destination due to its magnificent scenery, the rich and varied wildlife, a good road system, a rhino reserve, rock climbing potential and guided walks along the Tsavo River, that said, others find it a little frustrating when it comes to seeing animals.
Tsavo West is home to the African Big Five, but wildlife viewing can be a bit slow. Highlights include recent liquid lava flows and lush Mzima Springs with its close-up views of hippos. Painted on a sprawling canvas of endless skies, emerald hills, sights of palm fringed rivers, teeming wildlife and sparkling oasis set against the impressive backdrop of mile upon mile of cloud shadowed African savannah, Tsavo West National Park is a true wilderness.
“Man-Eater Lions & Magical Sunsets”
Tsavo West Landscape & Scenery
Tsavo West Park is more mountainous and wetter than its counterpart, with swamps, Lake Jipe and the Mzima Springs. Additionally, it has a rugged, arid beauty, with varied landscapes of thick woodlands, rocky outcrops, and volcanic hills and lava flows.
In addition, Tsavo West landscape features over 1,000 plant species and a mixed habitat of bush, grasslands and acacia woodlands dotted with baobab, ivory palm, saltbush, doum palm, tamarind and fig trees. The sight of Ngulia Hills run like a spine through the park. Once you step foot here, the park’s black volcanic soil and Tsavo’s famous red dust is something very notable. A small number of rivers meander through the park, but Mzima Springs stands out.
Top 4 Best Things To Do In Tsavo West Park
Discover some of the best things to do in Tsavo West. The setting and climate of Tsavo 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 Tsavo West offers.
1. Safari Game Drives In Tsavo West
Similar to Tsavo East, the main activity in Tsavo West National Park is the guided game drives, which will take you around the park in search of animals and bird species. The game viewing drives normally start as early as 6:00am. when the gates open, and involve the use of a 4X4 Land Cruiser Jeep with an open roof-top.
As for Night Game drives, a curiosity for many visitors while on an African safari. Please Note that night game drives are not allowed inside the main Tsavo West National Park.
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. Bush Meals, Dinners & Sundowners In Tsavo West
Delight in the wide-open sky and space of Tsavo West plains on an unforgettable bush sundowner at Tsavo, where you will be served drinks and cocktails while watching the sight of the African sunset. 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).
Your chairs will be set up facing towards the extensive scenic Tsavo West plains, accompanied by a well packed mobile bar service and cocktail snacks served in the raw wilderness of the African savannah. Musical entertainment can also be provided at request. After sunset you will be driven back to the lodge in time for dinner.
Big Tusked Elephants
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 Tsavo East National Park – 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.
3. Underground Viewing Waterhole In Tsavo West
One of the most unique aspects of Mzima Springs is the underwater viewing chamber, where visitors can go downhill into a submerged structure to watch fish swim gracefully through the water. The blue Barbel fish are especially visible, darting through the water in search of food. The experience provides a rare opportunity to view the aquatic life up close, making it a memorable part of the visit.
While hippos tend to stay clear of the chamber, you may occasionally spot them bobbing at the surface or submerging just beyond your view. The crocodiles tend to be more elusive but are often seen sunbathing near the water’s edge. Upon arrival at Mzima Springs, you’ll embark on a 1-kilometer walk that meander through lush, green vegetation.
4. Birding Safaris In Tsavo West
With only two activities permitted in Tsavo West National Park. Similar to Tsavo East, Tsavo West has an astounding number of bird species.
With over 600 bird species recorded in the area, birdwatching in Tsavo West is a popular excursion for many birding lovers, which will be done together with wildlife viewing, both of which you’ll most likely enjoy on a guided game drive.
Top 9 Best Tsavo West Attractions
Let’s have a look as to why Tsavo West is more scenic. On your safari to Tsavo West National Park, the game drives will take you in search of wildlife, pods of hippos, giant crocodiles and a series of bird species; – But there is more to it.
Mzima Springs
The remarkable Mzima Springs is an impressive sight of a million gallons of crystal-clear waters gushing out of the under parched lava rocks, filtered through the volcanic rocks of the towering Chyulu Hills just to the north; – the view here makes up the most welcoming and lovely scenes from Africa’s rolling jungle. Additionally, the lakes swarm with fish, large crocodiles and some big pods of hippos. If you’re lucky, the underwater viewing chamber, accessed by a pier, can provide unique photographic opportunities – of a sinuous, gliding crocodile, or the delicate, tiptoe, swimming-walking style of a hippo.
Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary;
Tsavo West is home to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary; a special sight where the growing population of highly endangered black Rhino. At the base of Ngulia Hills, this 90-sq-km area is highly protected and serves as a sanctuary for this special wildlife. Given their nature, black rhinos, apart from being understandably shy and more active at night, are browsers, not grazers, and prefer to pass their time in thick undergrowth.
Shetani Caves
Cave exploration at Shetani lava flow is also another activity visitors can enjoy – the caves were used to trap prey animals that had stumbled inside in search of water, and then trapping predators that had followed them. Close to the Shetani Lava Flows, Shetani Caves are a result of volcanic activity. You’ll need a torch (flashlight) if you want to explore, but watch your footing on the razor-sharp rocks and keep an eye out for the local fauna.
Chaimu Crater & Roaring Rocks
At the far end of the vast, darkened expanse of the Shetani Lava Flow rises the isolated Chaimu Hill at hand with low-lying cojoined hillocks. Another highlight; – the picturesque identical five sisters of Tsavo hills are a volcanic feature that provides a scenic backdrop for wildlife photography.
These two natural features offer stunning views of the Chyulu Hills and birds of prey circling high above the plains. The Roaring Rocks can be climbed in about 15 minutes; However, while there’s little danger, the KWS rangers warn that in Chaimu Crater ‘be cautious when here since the crater and lava may shelter snakes and large sleeping mammals. When you get to the top, you have superb 360-degree views of Tsavo area.
The Shetani Lava Flow
The molten lava that forms Shetani lava spilled from the earth about 200 years ago and according to the local folklore, the fiery fury was work of the devil. A wide expanse of lava flows in the park, with several places where you can get out of your vehicle and stretch your legs, including a series of lava caves below the surface. This black lava spreads for approximately 50 sq km across the savannah near the Chyulu Hills, looking strangely in the form of a blanket.
Poacher’s Lookout
This hilltop vantage point in Tsavo West Park offers fine panoramic views over the park, and especially fine views west to the plains of the Amboseli environment and Mt Kilimanjaro. Both the Poachers Lookout and roaring rocks is a great vantage point from which to catch a bird’s eye view of the scenic topography; – be sure to make use of your binoculars while here. You can even spot wildlife from this area.
Taita Hills WWI Museum
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.
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.
The Tsavo River
Meandering eastward from the western fringes of Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park, near the Tanzanian border, the Tsavo River charts a course until it converges with the Athi River, giving rise to the Galana River in the heart of the park. Tsavo River serves as an important channel, providing for a diverse number of wildlife including Hippo’s, Nile Crocodiles, African Fish Eagle: precision predators over Tsavo’s waters, Elephants and Egrets among others.
In addition to the Tsavo River is Lake Jipe that lies astride Kenya and Tanzania boarder teems with aquatic life while bird watching is also a major activity for bird lovers around the lake.
Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary
Covering over 46,000 hectares, Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary (LUMO) is an environmental gem in southern Kenya, sandwiched between the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Tsavo West National Park. This Wildlife Sanctuary, forms part of the larger Tsavo National Park, playing a key role as a wildlife corridor, thus fostering biodiversity and ensuring free movement for migratory animals, especially elephants. The Conservancy is characterised by a mosaic of open savannahs, rolling hills, riverine woodlands, and waterholes.
Animals & Wildlife At Tsavo West National Park
While on game drives; a tour to Tsavo West offers some of the most magnificent game viewing experiences; we will be on the lookout for buffalos, rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, plains game, crocodile, mongoose, hyrax, Oryx, dik dik, lesser kudu, Klipspringer which is often spotted on the rocky terrain and the nocturnal porcupine. In addition, sightings of leopards and cheetah are also possible.
When it comes to the setting, the hilly landscapes and woodland of Tsavo West means that spotting wildlife can sometimes be tricky at times, and patience is required. The drive-through rhino sanctuary increases your chances of spotting the difficult-to-find shy black rhino. The park is also known for its maneless lions and big herds of buffalo.
Home to Big Tusked Elephants
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing In Tsavo West
While Tsavo West National Park is beautiful all year round, the best time to visit Tsavo West 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 is also a great time for wildlife viewing. The wettest months are April and November.
Home to big 5 safaris
Birds In Tsavo West National Park
With over 600 species recorded, birdlife is abundant in Tsavo West making it a prime birding destination for bird lovers. If you have more time for an all-day game drive to the southwest corner of the park, you could visit Lake Jipe, which is a real waterbird paradise. Additionally, Ngulia hills peaks are also a recognised flyway for the migrating birds heading south from late September through to November.
Popular Birds in Tsavo West
Eastern black-headed oriole, Golden palm weaver, Pied kingfisher, Verreaux’s eagle owl, and Vulturine guineafowl.
List Of Birds in Tsavo West
African finfoot, Basra reed warbler, Black-faced, sandgrouse, Common whitethroat, Corncrake, Fischer’s starling, Golden pipit, Golden-breasted starling, Lesser kestrel, Marsh warbler, Martial eagle, Narina trogon, Northern brownbul, Pangani longclaw, Red-backed shrike, Red-bellied parrot, River warbler, Rufous chatterer, Shelley’s starling, Slender-tailed nightjar, Somali bee-eater, Somali bunting, Somali ostrich, Taita falcon, Taita fiscal, and Thrush nightingale.
Best Time for Bird Watching in Tsavo West National Park
The wilderness of Tsavo West Park 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 Tsavo West National Park
While Tsavo West Park can be visited year-round, wildlife watching is best 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 West National Park.
Tsavo West’s wet 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.
Tsavo West Safari Packages
Want to visit Tsavo West National Park? 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
Top Kenya Air Safaris
Weather & Climate At Tsavo West National Park
Together with Tsavo East, tours to Tsavo West Park 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 Tsavo East. The wet seasons in Tsavo East (November to May) can get particularly hot, especially during the break.
Tsavo West Dry Season–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.
Tsavo West Wet Season–November to May
Tsavo West 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 West 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 Tsavo West Park Safari Questions
Q. When is the best time to visit Tsavo West National Park?
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. How much does a safari in Tsavo West National Park cost?
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 makes a Tsavo West National Park safari so special?
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. What animals can I see in Tsavo West National Park?
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. When is Tsavo West National Park open?
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’s the best way to see Tsavo West National Park?
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 Tsavo West National Park?
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.