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| When is the best time to go on a safari? |
It really depends on the type of animal you wish to see. Certain reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year. It is generally felt that the African winter (June - August) is the best time to go on safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over two million animals.
Kenya: All year round. Great Migration: June-September. Best Climbing Mt Kenya: Aug-Oct and Jan-March.
South Africa: All year round. Best game viewing (in north): winter (May-August). Southern regions: summer destination (Sept-April).
Tanzania: All year round. Best climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Aug-Oct and Jan-March. Great migration: April-June and Oct-Dec.
Uganda: All year round. Day temperatures range between 77° and 95° F. January is the hottest month. In general there are two main rainy seasons: March - May and October - November.
Sychelles : All year round. |
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| What are the special attractions of the countries you operate in? |
Kenya: Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park, Tsavo National Park, The Rift Valley Lakes, Mombasa, Malindi, south and north coast.
South Africa: (Kruger National Park), Pilgrim's Rest, Blyde River Canyon, KwaZulu-Natal (Drakensberg Mountains, Durban), Western Cape (Cape Town, Peninsula, Winelands, Garden Route) and Sun City.
Tanzania: Great Migration, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park, Ruaha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park and Selous Game Reserve.
Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Zambezi Valley & Mana Pools, Gonarezhou National Park, Save River Conservancy, Chimanimani, Hwange National Park, Eastern Highlands, Great Zimbabwe and Matobo Hills National Park. |
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| What is the time difference in Africa? |
Kenya: GMT +3 hours
South Africa: GMT +2 hours
Tanzania: GMT +3 hours
Zambia: GMT +2 hours
Zimbabwe: GMT +2 hours |
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| How do I get to Africa? |
Africa can be reached by regular international flights to its major cites. South African Airways flies direct daily to Johannesburg, South Africa from Atlanta and New York. To reach East Africa from the US, you will have to fly through Europe and then to Nairobi on a European airline (e.g., British Airways, KLM, SN Brussels, etc.). With Emirates you can connect to many of the European countries . Kenya Airways has many regular flights to the far East and also a code share with Korean Air to South Korea.
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| What are the entry requirements? |
| All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas - this depends on the country you are visiting. It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country that you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements. |
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| What type of safaris do you offer? |
| Kenko Tours and travels offers the following types of safaris: lodge, fly-in, permanent tented camps, mobile camping, serviced camping, Mountain Climbing expeditions, Incentives, wildlife Safaris, Golf Safaris etc. Please note that not all of these safari types are available in each country that we operate in go to a particular type and this will give variety of Safari category. |
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| What is a lodge safari? |
| On a lodge safari you travel from lodge to lodge and do game drives with one of our driver/guides. The lodges we use are essentially hotels in the bush. They accommodate between 100 and 200 people. They provide most of the amenities found in a hotel (e.g., restaurant, lounge, swimming pool, etc.). This is a good choice when traveling with children or if you want certain comforts when you return from game viewing. |
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| What is a mobile camping safari? |
| A limited participation camping safari requires that you put up and take down your tent. The accommodation is in 2-person igloo style tents with a foam mattress. All camping equipment is provided with the exception of sleeping bags, which you can bring (recommended) or hire (approximately $20). All meals are included while camping. The safari leaders are full-time employees and trained professional guides. Detailed information on the history of the area, fauna and flora is given to the participants during the safari. A camp assistant helps with general camp chores and duties. |
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| How many people do you take on a safari? |
| Most of our safaris have guaranteed departures with a minimum of two people (if more than 7 people are on a safari, we use two vehicles). Each person is assured a window seat. A few of the participation camping safaris require a minimum of 4 people and allow a maximum of 12 people. |
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| What is a single supplement? |
| A single supplement is a fee imposed by hotels, lodges and camps on single travelers. Tour prices are quoted based on two people sharing accommodation. If someone takes a room by themselves they have to pay the per-person price plus the single supplement fee. |
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| How far in advance should I book my safari? |
| It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel (4-6 months), especially during the peak seasons (July & August and Christmas/New Years). This is especially important for those wishing to travel on private custom safaris and those adding extensions to scheduled trips. |
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| What type of vehicles do you use on safari? |
| Kenko Tours and Travels uses mini buses in East Africa. In Southern Africa we use mini buses, open-roof vehicles and 4x4 vehicles on safari. The specific vehicle used on a particular safari depends on the country and the reserves to be visited. All vehicles are equipped with two-way radios and are maintained to provide the maximum level of comfort and safety. |
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| Which language are widely spoken? |
| Yes. English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa, especially by those involved in the tourist trade most of our Tour driver guides are Multilingual. |
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| Are foods for special dietary needs available? |
The special dietary requirements are catered for throughout Africa. Please give us advanced notice so that we can make arrangements with the lodges and camps you are scheduled to stay at. Most restaurants offer selections for vegetarians, depending on their forte. Local specialties can be surprisingly good! |
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| What do the letters B, L, and D refer to on your itineraries? |
The letters indicate the meals that are included on a safari or tour. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. B&B refers to Bed and Breakfast. |
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| Is the water safe to drink? |
Kenya: While water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, it is safer to drink sealed bottled water, available from most hotels and lodges.
South Africa: The tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. If you prefer, bottled water is available.
Tanzania: It is advisable to drink boiled or bottled water. If camping - bring drinking water and other bottled drinks.
Uganda: It is advisable to drink boiled or bottled water.
Zimbabwe: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places.
Are there any medical precautions?
Vaccination requirements change from time to time. Some countries require advance inoculations for yellow fever and certificates thereof. we will advise you of these. Malaria is present in many parts of Africa - we will advise you if you will be visiting a malaria area. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on malaria prophylactics and the latest health precautions. If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s). |
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| What photography advice can you give? |
A good camera will make the difference between having photos of spectacular wildlife and having vague, little dots of animals to show family and friends. The more common "point-and-shoot" cameras are too small. On safari, you won't always be able to get up close to wildlife. A SLR (single lens reflex) camera with a 200-300mm lens is recommended. More serious photographers may choose telephoto lenses of 400 or 500mm.
The harsh African sun provides excellent lighting, but using larger lenses will require faster film, especially in early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer. In this case, 200-400 ASA film is recommended.
Film and batteries are usually available along major tourist routes and from lodges, but it is wise to bring your own. A good bag for your equipment including a dust cover (plastic bag) is essential. |
| Important Note: Not all African cultures are familiar with cameras. Rural folk will often shy away from having their picture taken. Please be sensitive. Some locals may ask a fee for having their photograph taken. It is recommended you avoid photographing anything relating to government and military installations, including personnel (soldiers and police) and buildings (post offices, banks, airports, border posts, railway stations and bridges). |
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| How did the "big five" get their name? |
The "big five" are leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo. These animals constitute a wish list for many people on safari. The term is a reference from colonial trophy hunting. Hunters ranked African animals as to how dangerous they were to hunt. This is why hippo and giraffe - despite their stature - are not among this elite, sought-after group.
In case of any other question; don’t hesitate to contact us. |
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