Safari Travel Checklist

Travel Info & Safari Planning – Africa Typique
Planning a safari in Kenya and Tanzania is exciting, but preparation ensures you get the most out of your adventure. Here’s everything you need to know before embarking on your journey with Africa Typique.

Best Time to Visit
Kenya and Tanzania offer incredible wildlife and landscapes year-round, but timing can enhance your safari experience.
-Dry Season (June – October, December – February) – Best for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes. – Ideal for spotting the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
–Wet Season (March – May, November) – Lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower rates. – Roads may be muddy, but newborn wildlife and birdwatching are at their peak.

Regional Highlights – Masai Mara/Serengeti Migration: July – October – Amboseli & Kilimanjaro Views: June – September – Birdwatching & Green Season: March – May

Safari Packing List
Clothing: – Light, breathable layers in neutral colors (avoid bright red or white). – Warm jacket for early morning or evening game drives. – Hat, scarf, and sunglasses for sun protection.
Footwear: – Comfortable, closed-toe shoes or boots for walking safaris. – Sandals for relaxing at the lodge.
Accessories & Gear: – Binoculars and camera with extra batteries and memory cards. – Flashlight or headlamp. – Reusable water bottle and small daypack.
Essentials: – Sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal toiletries. – Any prescribed medication.

 Health & Safety

• Recommended vaccinations: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B.
• Malaria prevention: take prophylaxis, use insect repellent, and sleep under treated mosquito nets.
• First aid: basic kit for minor injuries and digestive issues.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Visa & Entry Requirements
Kenya (ETA Required – No Visa Needed Anymore)
All travelers entering Kenya must now apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Apply online: https://www.etakenya.go.ke
Cost: approx. USD 30
Processing time: within 24Hrs-4Days
Passport validity: Minimum 6 months from date of entry
Important: Kenya no longer issues traditional visas—only ETA is accepted.

Tanzania
Many nationalities require a visa (approx. USD 50).
Can be obtained online or on arrival.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry.
Online application: https://visa.immigration.go.tz

Helpful Tips

• Keep digital and printed copies of your ETA/Visa confirmation.
• Ensure passport has at least 2 blank pages.
• Requirements may change — check updates before travel.

Travel Tips & Etiquette

Cultural Etiquette: – Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting villages. – Always ask before photographing people.
Safari Etiquette: – Stay quiet in vehicles to avoid disturbing wildlife. – Do not feed animals. – Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Photography Tips: – Keep camera ready during drives. – Use long lenses for wildlife; wide-angle lenses for landscapes.

Money & Currency
Currency: – Kenya Shilling (KES) and Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). – US dollars are widely accepted.
Tips: – Carry small notes for tips and souvenirs. – Credit/debit cards are accepted in lodges, but cash is preferred for remote areas.

Tipping Guidelines: – Guides: USD 10–15 per day per person. – Lodge staff: USD 2–5 per day per person.

Transport & Transfers

• Most safaris use private 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for game drives.
• Roads can be rough in remote areas; vehicles are equipped to handle mud, sand, and river crossings.
• Airport transfers are included in our packages; domestic flights can be arranged to shorten travel times.

Safari Types & Accommodation
Types of Safaris: – Game drives (morning & afternoon) – Walking safaris with expert guides – Balloon safaris over the Masai Mara or Serengeti – Cultural visits to Maasai, Samburu, or local villages

Accommodation: – Luxury lodges and tented camps for comfort and style. – Midrange lodges for quality on a smaller budget. – Tented bush camps for an authentic wilderness experience.

Family & Kids on Safari

• Many lodges are family-friendly with child-specific amenities.
• Some parks have age restrictions for walking safaris; vehicles are always suitable for all ages.
• Activities can be tailored to children, including wildlife tracking and cultural experiences.

Photography & Wildlife Highlights

• Big Five Locations: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, Ol Pejeta/Solio.
• Great Migration: Serengeti & Masai Mara, July – October.
• Birdwatching: Lake Naivasha, Lake Baringo, Amboseli — hundreds of species year-round.
• Best Light: Early morning and late afternoon game drives for photography.

 Extra Tips

• Download a packing checklist or pre-safari guide for convenience.
• Bookmark safari planning tips for seasonal updates.
• Always book through licensed operators like Africa Typique for safety, sustainability, and a seamless experience.