Travel Information
As the leading destination in Africa for wildlife safaris, Gamewatchers Safaris has been welcoming overseas visitors for many years.Â
Our travel information section aims to provide you with useful information and resources from planing to departing on your African safari.
Kenya Travel Information
Frequently Asked Questions
With such a bewildering array of information about safaris on websites, brochures and in the media, it can be quite difficult to find answers to what you would like to know. See our Frequently Asked Questions section for some of the more common queries we receive and our answers.
Travel Insurance
It is a requirement that all our clients travelling to Africa should have travel insurance which includes cover for medical treatment and emergency air evacuation.
We are pleased to offer the JWS Travel Policy through JW Seagon with whom we now have an arrangement to book this for our clients at competitive prices.
Free Safari-Planning Resources
Useful information and guides to help you plan the best possible safari and prepare for your trip by learning about the wildlife that you will see.
Security
We wish to ensure that you enjoy your stay in Kenya without any undue concerns about safety and security. The tourism industry in Kenya takes visitor safety very seriously and considers all aspects of the tourist’s stay in Kenya. For this reason, the industry created a Safety and Communication Centre under the auspices of the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), which is operated 24hrs a day to monitor visitor safety and to liaise closely with the security agencies in Kenya.
Animal Trophies & Souvenirs
Our Difference
Gamewatchers excels in delivering unique experiences, advocating conservation, and connecting with local communities. Our adventures promise unforgettable memories and positive impact on wildlife and communities.
Safari Packing List
See our Packing List for a general guide on what to take on your safari. Where possible luggage should be kept to a minimum due to the space restrictions on light aircraft, but we are able to store excess baggage at our head office in Nairobi.
Health
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry to Kenya unless you are arriving from an area infected with 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, Tanzania, Uganda and Zanzibar, require a Yellow Fever certificate.
Visas
Visas are no longer are required for visitors to Kenya. Instead ALL visitors must apply for the Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). This section gives further information on eTA and how to apply.
Special Offers
Our top recommended safari itineraries offering great value for an all inclusive safari experience
Airlines
You can easily search for the best airfares and availability of flights to Africa using our online booking facility.
Photography
As a basic guide we suggest that each person have their own camera, a 35mm or 5+ mega pixel digital camera. Interchangeable lenses are recommended, with a normal lens and a telephoto of at least 200 mm, although a 400 mm or more is preferable for close-ups and for photographing birds. Other lenses e.g. wide angle, macro etc., may be brought.
Recommended Reading List
To help prepare you for your safari adventure we’ve compiled a selection of our favourite books and guides.
Porini Safari Merchandise
For the first time ever, you can now own our quality merchandise worn by our guides in the field. This merchandise is inspired by the adventure-seeking style of an African Safari. Colors: distressed green with logo (name embroidery can be done upon request at extra charge.)
What Our Clients Say About Us...
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback  posted on Trip Advisor.
Jude Y25 September 2025Verified excellent experience We really enjoyed the trip to Masai Mara and Nakuru. We were able to see a lot of animals, the Big Five many many times. We saw the lions in nearly every game drive. When we arrived Nairobi, we worried about the food we were going get in the camps, We were looking for the cup noodles in the supermarkets, but were not able to find any. It turned out, no noodles were needed. The food in the camps were excellent. We booked a private trip. The night before the safari, a staff member from Gamewatchers contacted us in the Nairobi hotel and told us the guide would meet us in the lobby in the morning to start the safari. We met up with the guide in the morning, and the guide took us to the camps and did the all the games drives in the next 10 days. The guide, Paul, is very experienced. We were able to see many scenic places and many animals. In the end, Paul dropped us off in the Nairobi hotel. The arrangement was seamless. The person, Wayne Hammond, in Gamewatchers who booked trip for us is very experienced as well. He was able to tell us exactly what to expect. Gamewatchers is a trusted agent. I definitely will recommend it to anyone/everyone. Andreas J23 September 2025Verified Another great safari experience This was my 4th time with this company on a safari in Kenya. As always everything worked out perfectly from booking to payment to every transport on time.Another great safari experience. Ruth M16 September 2025Verified Accommodations arranged were wonderful. Some services not provided as promised. The safari part of our package was wonderful and went smoothly. However, nobody met us at the Nairobi airport to transfer us to our hotel. This was included in our package. As a result, we got scammed by a man at the airport who charged us an inflated rate for the ride to hotel. We stayed 2 nights in Nairobi and had an included tour of Nairobi, which went well. Then, the last morning, we were supposed to be taken to the airport for our flight to our safari camp. Nobody from Gamewatchers showed up. The people at the hotel called them and we were told to have the hotel take us. So, we had to rush to leave extra bags at the hotel and have them take us. Luckily, we made it on time. Once I arrived home, I emailed the CEO and he apologized and refunded the money we paid for the transfers. sherry r15 September 2025Verified A trip of memories of a lifetime adventure. A wonderful experience with Porini Camps. All arrangements were perfect, staff at the camps were welcoming and made us feel like we were family. Dealing with Rick McIntyre to handle the details for our trip was a pleasure. Go7112348 September 2025Verified Fantastic ,the only way to go on safari Excellent safari. Everything went as planed, great accommodation ,food staff couldn’t do enough for our comfort The guides were exceptional and gave us the best advantage to see the wildlife. Christine Roffey Don A25 August 2025Verified Gamewatchers Safari - Trip of a Lifetime! A Gamewatchers safari with stays at the Porini Camps (we stayed at Amboselli, Rhino, and Mara) is a wonderful experience that you will not forget. Each camp, while having the same amenities, offer a different atmosphere in different ecosystems. The hospitality was great from all the staff. Guides are well-trained and cater to your needs and desires for wildlife observation. I am a birder, and they pointed out birds as well as mammals, trees, etc. We learned SO much and our heads were full of all the new knowledge and appreciation for the animals that we received. Game drives were comfortable, and viewing was excellent. Arrangements were seamless. Great value for what we received.Above all, the Gamewatchers philosophy of conservation and respect for the indigenous people makes the trip even more worthwhile. Road1205424508413 August 2025Verified Great experience with Gamewatchers We’ve had an absolutely fantastic time on our Kenyan safari with Gamewatchers. Our guide Julius was extremely knowledgeable and knew where to drive us to ensure we get good sightings. Overall we saw great sightings, had a great stay and comfortable trip to Kenya. Would recommend Gamewatchers to anyone planning their safaris. JM22 July 2025Verified Gamewatchers Safaris What a fantastic experience! Every detail in the itinerary was executed as stated. The hosts at the three camps were great. All of the guides were knowledgeable and patient. I learned so much! Food was plentiful and delicious. The Conservancy model is outstanding. Cannot say enough superlatives about all of the aspects of this once in a lifetime experience. Wayne Hammond was a fantastic planner. I was also amazed at the punctuality and friendliness of drivers meeting me at airports, hotels, etc. Ann W15 July 2025Verified Trip of a lifetime, with every detail executed perfectly My husband and I took our kids, along with their spouses and children (save one), for a 5-night safari at the Ol Kinyei conservancy in the Maasai Mara. It was the trip of a lifetime. We stayed at the cottages, where the bedrooms were large and comfortable, with en suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. The staff was outstanding - attentive and warm. The food was great, and Chef William and sous chef Parit even managed gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives for those of us who needed it. The drivers (David and George) and spotters (Dixon and Caleb) were so knowledgeable about all aspects of the animals and the environment - I don't think we stumped them once. And they seemed to know just where to find all the animals, and where to park the Land Rovers to get the best photos. Sometimes George would just take the camera from me and make the shot I couldn't get. The wonderful thing about being in a conservancy is that not only are there almost no other vehicles about, but one is not confined to the "roads" (such as they were) in pursuit of good viewing. Our drivers and spotters were so friendly and warm, they came to seem like friends by the end. Sharing drinks in the bush at sunset didn't hurt any! I would love to return, and in the meantime can only offer the highest praise for Gamewatchers: I wouldn't go with anyone else after this experience. Stephen S13 July 2025Verified The Magic of a Kenyan Safari There were so many great moments with wildlife. We saw the Big 5 on our very first safari! We were very close to all the animals, thanks to the excellent spotters and drivers. No need for a telephoto lens, we were so close! But never felt in danger while riding in the Land Cruisers. The roads were rough, but our driver took it easy to prevent tossing us around. Temperatures were cool in the morning, but we never got too hot, taking it easy back at camp by midday. For me, the highlight was making friends with our Maasai guides, swapping stories of our homelands, and learning a few new words. The staff were always courteous, knowledgeable of all animals, and dedicated to their work. All have a great regard for ecology and instill it in the children as well. So many opportunities for great photographs. I took 1,200 pictures and videos with an iPhone, and they are all great! I suppose the highlights for me were flying the Twin Otter from Nairobi to the bush air strips, the Karen Blixen house, giraffes, cheetahs, herds of elephants with their little ones at the waterhole, and the great chef-prepared meals, as well as enjoying sundowners with our friends.