What to Prepare When Travelling to Kenya

Kenya Travel Highlights and Tips

Kenya travel highlights

Kenya, a country located in East Africa, is known for its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the top highlights of traveling to Kenya:

Kenya Travel Highlights and Tips
Kenya Travel Highlights and Tips
  1. Kenya’s incredible wildlife, including the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), is well-known. Visitors can go on safari drives through national parks such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo.
  2. Beaches: Kenya has some beautiful beaches along its coast, including Diani Beach and Watamu Beach. Visitors can enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
  3. The Maasai people, who are an indigenous tribe in Kenya, actively maintain their distinctive dress, traditional music, and dance as part of their culture. Visitors can visit Maasai villages to learn more about their way of life.
  4. Mount Kenya: Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest peak in Africa. Visitors can go on guided hikes to explore the mountain’s scenic trails and take in breathtaking views.
  5. Lake Victoria: Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. Visitors can take boat tours to explore its islands and fishing villages.
  6. Nairobi: Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture and history. Visitors can explore its museums, markets, and restaurants.
  7. Giraffe Centre: The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a conservation center for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Visitors can interact with the giraffes and learn about conservation efforts.
  8. Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Visitors can experience the Maasai Mara from a different perspective by taking a hot air balloon ride over the savannah.
  9. The unique Swahili architecture and culture of Lamu Island have earned it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore its narrow streets, mosques, and markets.
  10. Bird Watching: Kenya is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 1,100 species of birds. Visitors can go on bird watching safaris in national parks and reserves such as Lake Nakuru and Samburu.

Kenya Travel Tips

  1. Visa and Passport: You will need a valid passport and a visa to enter Kenya. You can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or apply for one beforehand online. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
  2. Health: Make sure to check with your doctor about any vaccinations you may need before traveling to Kenya. Malaria is also prevalent in many areas, so consider taking prophylaxis medication and using mosquito repellent.
  3. Safety: Kenya is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions like avoiding unlit and deserted areas at night, and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
  4. Transportation: Matatus (minibuses) are the most common mode of public transportation in Kenya, but they can be overcrowded and unsafe. Taxis are widely available in major cities, and you can also hire a driver or take a private car. Domestic flights are also a popular option for getting around Kenya.
  5. Accommodation: Kenya has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to budget hostels. When booking accommodation, make sure to research the area and read reviews before booking.
  6. Food and Drink: Kenyan cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with influences from Indian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisine. Some popular dishes include ugali (a cornmeal porridge), samosas, and nyama choma (grilled meat). Make sure to drink bottled water and avoid street food that may not be properly cooked or stored.
  7. Wildlife: Kenya is known for its wildlife, and going on a safari is a popular activity for tourists. When viewing wildlife, always listen to your guide and keep a safe distance from animals.
  8. Cultural Etiquette: Kenyan culture is diverse and rich, with many different tribes and languages. When visiting local communities, it’s important to respect their customs and traditions. Dress modestly, ask permission before taking photos, and learn a few words in Swahili to show your respect.

Family Bank to Airtel Money, M-PESA Withdrawal Charges Effective 2023

family bank to Mpesa, Airtel money charges photo

About

Central Bank of Kenya has just announced that it will begin charging bank-to-mobile transfers from January 1, 2023. This is because the financial industry in Kenya has applied for the fees to be reinstated.

family bank to Mpesa, Airtel money withdrawal charges photo

They were removed during the pandemic. Until now, Kenyans have been able to use this service for free for almost three years, but that is coming to an end. From now on, every time you want to transfer money to a mobile wallet, you need to have to pay a fee. Family Bank also charges specific fees.

family bank to Mpesa, Airtel money Withdrawal charges photo

Charges

Transaction range in KES M-PESA Charge in KES Airtel Money charge in KES
1-100 0 0
101-500 10 11
501-1000 12 13
1001-1500 14 20
1501-2500 23 25
2501-3500 33 35
3501-5000 43 45
5001-7500 55 55
7501-10,000 55 55
10,001-15,000 65 65
15,001-20,000 65 65
20,001-150,000 67 65

Mara Naboisho Conservancy

Naboisho camp masai Mara

Mara Naboisho Conservancy

Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a 50,000 acre wildlife conservation location in Kenya’s Greater Mara Region. The Mara Naboisho Conservancy is now the second one biggest conservancy withinside the vicinity and has a better density of flora and fauna than the adjoining Masai Mara National Park.

The biggest pleasure withinside the Greater Mara Region – comprising 20 lions – has made the conservancy its home. In addition to the abundance of resident game, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy additionally serves as a migration hall for numerous 100000 animals among the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Loita Plains to the east.

Attractions

Naboisho Conservancy is a super area for safari-goers who need to get off the crushed course and enjoy the authentic African wilderness. The conservancy is domestic to a various array of wildlife, which includes lions, elephants, giraffes, and plenty of more.

Visitors can participate in numerous activities, which includes sport drives, bush walks, and night time safaris. There also are numerous motels and campsites placed in the conservancy, supplying travelers with quite a number lodging options.

Whether you’re seeking out an adrenaline-crammed journey or a calming retreat, Mara Naboisho Conservancy is certain to have some thing for you.

Accommodations

  • Porini Mara Camp.
  • Kicheche Valley Camp.
  • Naboisho Camp.
  • Encounter Mara Safari Camp.
  • Ol Seki Hemingways.

Why travel at this time

The Mara is fairly quiet during these months. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot, including prolific big cats, giraffes, elephants, the occasional black rhino and migratory birds.

It’s also when a lot of animals give birth. There are perfect photographic conditions through the first part of the year, with clear skies and flowers that bloom after the short rains of November and December.

Rates

The rates for Mara Naboisho Conservancy vary depending on the type of accommodation and the time of year. Here are some approximate rates for the different types of accommodation:

  1. Safari Camps:
    • Low Season (April to May): $250 – $350 per person per night.
    • High Season (June to October): $400 – $700 per person per night.
  2. Luxury Tented Camps:
    • Low Season (April to May): $350 – $500 per person per night.
    • High Season (June to October): $600 – $1000 per person per night.
  3. Exclusive Use Houses:
    • Low Season (April to May): $1500 – $2500 per night for the whole house.
    • High Season (June to October): $3000 – $5000 per night for the whole house.

Sand River Masai Mara Accommodation and charges

Sand River Masai Mara

Sand River Masai Mara is a luxury tented camp located in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya.

Sand River Masai Mara

The interior design and furnishings perfectly reflect that period. This reminds all visitors of countless Hollywood films that paid homage to a classic era of African adventure.

Attractions

  • Accommodation: Sand River Masai Mara offers 16 spacious and luxurious tented suites, each with a private verandah and an en-suite bathroom. The tents are decorated in a classic safari style and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Game drives: The camp offers morning and evening game drives led by experienced guides, who will help you spot and identify the wildlife in the area. The Masai Mara is known for its incredible wildlife, including the “Big Five” – elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos.
  • Balloon safaris: For a truly unique experience, guests can take a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara at sunrise. The views of the park and its wildlife from above are truly breathtaking.
  • Cultural experiences: Sand River Masai Mara offers opportunities to meet and interact with the local Maasai people, including visits to local villages and schools.
  • Sundowners: After a long day of game drives and wildlife sightings, guests can relax with a refreshing drink and watch the sunset over the Maasai Mara.
  • Bird watching: The Maasai Mara is home to over 450 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
  • Location: Sand River Maasai Mara is located in a prime location within the reserve.This allows for easy access to some of the best wildlife viewing areas in the park

Sand River Masai Mara Accommodation and charges

Accommodation: The camp has 16 luxury tented suites, each with an en-suite bathroom and a private verandah overlooking the Sand River. The tents are spacious and are decorated in classic safari style, with large comfortable beds, writing desks, and lounge areas.

Charges: The rates for accommodation at Sand River Masai Mara vary depending on the season. Generally, rates start from around $750 per person per night.This is based on double occupancy, and can go up to $1,000 or more during peak season. Single occupancy rates and child rates may also be available upon request.

The rates typically include the following:

  • Accommodation in a luxury tented suite
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Soft drinks, local beers, house wines, and selected spirits
  • Twice-daily game drives in open safari vehicles
  • Guided walking safaris (weather permitting)
  • Local airstrip transfers

Additional activities, such as hot air balloon safaris, are available for an extra fee. It is important to note that rates are subject to change. It is advisable to check with the camp directly for the latest rates and any special offers that may be available.

How to get there

  • By air: The most convenient way to get to Sand River Masai Mara is by taking a flight from Nairobi to the nearby Mara Serena Airstrip, which is just a 45-minute flight away.
  • By road: The camp can also be accessed by road, either by driving from Nairobi (which takes approximately 5-6 hours).

Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp-Maasai Mara

Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp

About Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp

Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp is a luxury safari camp located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Maasai Mara ecosystem of Kenya. The camp is owned and operated by Virgin Limited Edition, a luxury travel company owned by Sir Richard Branson.

The camp consists of 12 luxurious tented suites, each with a private deck offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The suites are designed to provide guests with a comfortable and luxurious experience while immersing them in the natural beauty of the African wilderness.

In addition to the accommodation, Mahali Mzuri offers a range of activities to guests, including game drives, guided bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, and visits to local Maasai villages. The camp also has a spa and wellness center, where guests can relax and unwind after a day of exploring.

One of the unique features of Mahali Mzuri is its commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation. The camp is built using environmentally friendly materials and operates on solar power. It also supports the local community by providing employment opportunities and supporting local conservation initiatives.

How to get at Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp

Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp is located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which is in the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya. Here are the general steps to get there:

  1. Fly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, which is the main international airport in the country.
  2. From JKIA, you can take a domestic flight to Mara Serena Airport, which is the closest airport to the camp. Flights from Nairobi to Mara Serena are offered by various airlines such as Safarilink, Air Kenya, and Fly540.
  3. Once you arrive at Mara Serena Airport, you will be picked up by a representative from Mahali Mzuri and driven to the camp. The drive from the airport to the camp takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.

Alternatively, you can drive from Nairobi to the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, but this can take up to 5-6 hours and is not recommended as the roads can be rough and difficult to navigate.

Time to Visit

Check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM at Mahali Mzuri.

Activities

  • Spa and wellness center
  • Sauna
  • Message
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wildlife
  • Hot air balloon
  • Safari Walk

Wildlife

  1. Lions – The Maasai Mara is known for its abundant lion population, and guests at Mahali Mzuri have a good chance of spotting these majestic big cats. Lions are most active at dawn and dusk, so early morning and late afternoon game drives are the best times to see them.
  2. Leopards – While more elusive than lions, leopards are also frequently spotted in the Maasai Mara. They are excellent climbers and often rest in trees during the day, making them easier to spot from a distance.
  3. Elephants – These gentle giants are one of the most iconic and beloved animals in Africa. Mahali Mzuri is located near a seasonal river, which is a popular watering hole for elephants.
  4. Buffalo – African buffalo are large, formidable animals that often travel in herds. They are typically found near water sources, and guests at Mahali Mzuri may see them grazing on the savannah.
  5. Rhinoceros – Both black and white rhinoceros can be found in the Maasai Mara, although they are more rare than other game animals. They are endangered, so seeing one in the wild is a special experience.

In addition to these “Big Five” animals, guests at Mahali Mzuri may also see giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, cheetahs, and many other species of wildlife. The conservancy is home to over 300 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers as well.