With the ever-growing pressure on land use and human-wildlife conflict, the future for Kenya’s wildlife is at risk due to loss of habitat.
Here we explain why human intervention is essential to the survival of many of our most iconic species …
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Many humans create problems for wildlife every day but, thankfully, awareness of these issues is increasing. Here are 11 endangered or near-endangered animals seen on safari and the steps being taken to protect them for the future.
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Our Kenyan safaris offer travellers something perhaps even more important as they ponder their next bucket-list holiday: the chance to actually make a positive impact on wildlife conservation efforts and the wellbeing of the local communities living alongside the wild animals.
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This is a common question that we are asked by potential safari travellers. Safari (or “bucket”) showers are not only part of a unique safari experience but also a method of water conservation at Porini Safari Camps. But, it really isn’t as primitive as it sounds! Let us explain …
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It’s amazing what you can pack into two days on safari – with a multitude of wildlife, the sounds of nature away from civilisation, beautiful landscapes and welcoming hospitable people. Here’s a taster of how you could spend 48 hours at Porini Mara Camp in Kenya.
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If a safari holiday is on your radar, you probably have an idea of how you want your trip to look. Do you picture sleeping under canvas? The stark silhouette of the acacia trees at dusk? These are all iconic African safari scenes—but you’ve barely scratched the surface of what lies in store on a Porini Camp safari.
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Since the birth of the modern safari holiday in the 1920’s, Kenya has been the destination of choice for intrepidexplorers to get a taste of wild Africa and the storybook animals that roam free of cage and bars. On many people’s bucket lists, an African adventure taking in the Maasai Mara takes on a daydream quality. The Safari holiday has changed somewhat since the early days of heading out into the bush with gun and tent in favour of ecotourism evolving from the efficient tourist infrastructure the country has created.
The best time to travel to this wonderful country is dependent on what you want to do, experience, and see. Kenya’s on the equator and it’s considered a year-round destination so you can travel at any time and have a great time on safari. Wildlife viewing is year round with lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and all the iconic animals seen year round. The great wildebeest migration, with millions of grazing animals moving from the Serengeti to the Mara, usually starts to arrive in the Mara towards the end of June and leaves by early October. Another smaller migration of wildebeest takes place from the Loita plains through the Mara Conservancies starting in Ol Kinyei in February and March (when calving takes place) and then moving during the following weeks through Naboisho and Olare Motorogi Conservancies towards the Mara Reserve.
The climate varies across the different parts of the country, from the tropical humidity of the coast, the dry heat of the savannah and semi-arid areas, or the cool air of the highlands above 6,000 feet. It tends to be hotter from December to March, coolest in June to October, with rainy periods mainly in April, May and November. The rains tend to fall mainly at night and usually it’s a short and heavy tropical downpour.
If the beaches are your draw, the coast sees its hottest period from December through March, but even though it cools from May onwards, the temperatures are still very pleasant. Mount Kenya remains snow-capped all year, and can still reach as low as -10°C at night.
Flying into Nairobi you have the chance to see the vibrant and colourful nature of the capital before you take your onward journey to your venue. Wherever your holiday is centred you can be assured of a friendly and warm welcome from the people you meet.
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All holidays involve a fair amount of planning – especially specialist tours or those involving international travel – so let us take the stress out of your safari admin with this helpful summary of the key things you need to think about before you set off. Â
With these points covered, you can sit back, relax and look forward to your African adventure…
You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry with at least two blank pages to travel to Kenya. If you’re from the UK, EU, US, Canada, or Australia, you’ll also need a visa.
It’s best to apply for an e-visa online, but you can also visit your local Kenyan embassy if you have any problems or questions. You’ll need two passport photos and proof of travel arrangements to support your visa application. It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Nairobi, in which case you do not require passport photos but you will just need to complete a form that you should be given on the aircraft as you fly in.
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Always carry spare photocopies of your passport and any visa documents with you when you travel.
See more details of Visa requirements here.
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There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry to Kenya unless you are arriving from a country listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as having Yellow Fever, in which case a Certificate of Inoculation against Yellow Fever is required from travellers older than one year. Visitors coming from other countries in Africa where Yellow Fever may occur, including Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda, require a Yellow Fever certificate to enter.
Some countries, including Australia, Bahrain, China, Dubai, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Oman, Rwanda, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Thailand and Uganda require arriving visitors from Kenya or elsewhere in East Africa to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. So if you are returning to or travelling to one of these countries after a stay in Kenya then you need to have a Yellow Fever certificate.
Other health precautions recommended by the WHO and CDC include::
It’s also highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for evacuation and medical treatment—many, if not most, tour operators require it.
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Most safaris are all-inclusive when it comes to food and drink, but you’ll still need money for certain activities, local purchases and tipping.
Kenya’s currency is the shilling and it’s a good idea to carry some along with your major credit card(s). The US dollar is widely accepted by international hotels and safari camps and in fact, may even be required for certain activities. Due to a problem with counterfeit dollars, some places may not accept US bills older than 2003, however.
Travellers cheques are also an option.
ATMs are available in some larger towns and the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa, but they only dispense Kenya shillings—and not all cards are accepted. Visa cards are usually a safe bet no matter where you go.
We recommend that you change some money at the airport as the banks there typically give a better exchange rate than at the hotels. There is a bank at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (open until midnight every day) as well as an ATM so that you can obtain local currency on arrival.
Remember to call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you’re travelling in Africa. That way, your card won’t be accidentally suspended for unexpected activity away from your home!
If you are booked on an inclusive safari which covers all the costs, then a good rule of thumb is to bring between $150 and $250 in cash per person per week for extras, in addition to any known cash expenses which you are likely to incur after arrival (like a hot air balloon ride, for example).
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We strongly recommend that you travel with small soft bags (that are lockable) as the smaller aircraft do not allow large hard suitcases. The weight limit is normally limited to 15 kgs per passenger inclusive of hand luggage, with excess baggage over the 15 kg charged at prevailing rates, subject to availability and depending on the size of the plane.
Gamewatchers Safaris clients can send any excess luggage to be stored at our head office at no charge, provided it is locked.
Please note that plastic bags are not allowed to be brought into Kenya.
Go for comfort and convenience when it comes to your clothing. Pack clothes you’d pack for any warm weather adventure holiday, but remember these Kenya-specific pointers:
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Most camps have laundry facilities, so go ahead and pack light.
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Before you leave home double check that your cameras are working and practice photographing moving objects, like your pets!
For more advice see these 6 Essential Photography Tips by Wayne Hammond –  Wildlife Photographer and one of our expert Safari Advisers.
It’s a good idea to do a little pre-travel reading to help you prepare. We highly recommend these books:
The Big Cat Diary: Year in the Masai Mara by Brian Jackman
The Safari Companion, A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard Estes
The Rough Guide to Kenya by Richard Trillo
Wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (Travellers Guide) by David Hosking, Martin Withers
The Wildlife Photography Workshop by Ross Hoddinot & Ben Hall
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You can see a full list of our favourite safari guides and photography books here.
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Upon arrival you will need to clear Immigration. You may already have your visa, but if not you’ll need US$50 each in cash. Make sure you have the exact amount of US dollars in banknotes with you before you leave home as there is no foreign exchange facility in Immigration and they do not accept Credit Cards or Travellers Cheques and do not give change.
Unless you have already obtained an E-Visa then the Visa process can be a bit chaotic at the airport with everyone trying to fill in the forms and join the queues. You should have been given an immigration visa form on the plane and it is best to complete this before you land so you can go straight into the Visa queue to purchase your visa from the counters before going through passport control. Your passport must have at least 6 months left before expiry date and 2 blank pages left for visas.
After you have had your passports stamped by the Immigration Officer, you will be directed to the Baggage Reclaim area to collect your luggage and then go past Customs and exit the building and down the ramp outside, where our Gamewatchers Safaris representative will be waiting to meet you, holding a signboard displaying your name.
Often the Arrivals hall may be very crowded and, before you see our representative, you may be approached by taxi drivers offering to take you to your hotel. Please ignore such approaches and look out for our representative holding up a signboard with your name.
Do take a look at the Recommendations & Frequently Asked Questions section of our web site for more useful tips.
If you have already booked with us and you have any queries then please contact your Gamewatchers Safari Adviser who will be happy to answer your questions.
If you haven’t yet made your safari arrangements then do take a look at our latest Special Offers here, or contact us via our online Enquiry Form to start your planning and one of our team will be in touch to help you through all the options.
Alternatively, sign up for our free 6-part How to Book A Safari email series and discover how to make the most out of your time and budget.