"Safari" means journey in Swahili. Now word used to describe tours of Kenyan parks and natural areas. A huge Kenya Safari industry has developed and can be by plane, by cycle, by camel, by walking, by horse and most commonly by vehicle. Some Kenya safari operators use lodges and permanent luxury tents and others are mobile and set up camp each night.
All safaris can be booked on line before you arrive and you do not need to use an expensive overseas wholesaler or international travel agent. It generally works out much cheaper to buy your own ticket and then book your safari direct with the company in Kenya. Do browse our list below and see what they offer. Prices vary considerably between Kenya tour companies and depending on the standard of accommodation you choose.
The Kenya Association of Tour Operators (020 713348) is an industry regulatory association and will help out in the case of conflict. Most of the reputable safari operators are members. The Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (020 609355) has an accreditation scheme. For those concerned about using operators with a strong commitment to eco tourism the Eco tourism Society of Kenya (020 2724755) has a list of Kenya safari operators that follow their guidelines.
Accommodation for safaris is either in lodges, permanent maps or camps set up for the night. In the main National parks permanent accommodation is normally used. Around the edges of the parks and on private land movable camps may be used. The standard of accommodation is excellent and of course depends on the budget you have to spend. All budgets are allowed for in planning a safari.
Travel to the parks and natural areas is either by road or by plane. The Safari jeep is the official transportation service. Many visitors fly to the parks and are then met by the safari operator at the airstrip. This saves time
and it is fair to say Kenyan roads are slow and somewhat hazardous to drive along. However, by flying to the parks you will miss Kenyan daily life and is quite possible to see nothing of the people of the country if you fly into Nairobi and then transferred direct into the safari area using air transport. Air transport is by regular domestic flights which connect all the main parks and natural areas and coast or by private air charter.
Many visitors fly to the parks and then met by the safari operator at the airstrip. This saves time and it is fair to say Kenyan roads are slow and somewhat hazardous to drive along. However, by flying to the parks you will miss Kenyan daily life and is quite possible to see nothing of the people of the country if you fly into Nairobi and then transferred direct into the safari area using air transport. Air transport is by regular domestic flights which connect all the main parks and natural areas and coast or by private air charter.
The country code for Kenya is 254 and the city code for Nairobi is 020. Unless otherwise stated the telephone number is for Nairobi.
