Travel tips
Travel tips for your safari
The questions we're asked most often before a trip, with short, practical answers.
When to go
Kenya can be visited all year. The dry seasons, best for safari because animals gather near water, run from June to October and from December to February/March. The long rains usually fall in April and May, the short rains in November and December: mostly afternoon storms, and the landscape turns bright green.
High season on the coast is December to February. The Great Migration in the Masai Mara is usually seen between July and October.
Getting to Watamu
Fly into Mombasa or Malindi. From Mombasa to Watamu it's about two and a half to three hours by road depending on traffic; from Malindi, about half an hour.
Documents and entry
You need a passport valid for at least 6 months with at least two blank pages. Since 2024 Kenya has replaced visas on arrival with the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), which you apply for online before departure on the official site etakenya.go.ke. Rules and fees change, so always check the official site and your government's travel advice before you go.
Health
Ask your doctor or travel clinic about vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Yellow fever certificates are required only if you arrive from a country at risk. Always pack mosquito repellent.
What to pack for safari
- Comfortable layers in neutral colours (beige, khaki, green)
- A fleece or light jacket — dawn in the parks is cool
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with a good zoom
- A copy of your passport, requested at lodge check-in
- A soft bag — space in the jeep is limited
Money and tipping
The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES); euros and dollars are easy to change. Tips aren't compulsory but are appreciated by drivers, guides and crews. We'll tell you the usual amounts so you don't have to guess.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for a safari from the coast?
Two days and one night is the minimum we recommend for Tsavo East. Three days adds Amboseli. Four or five days covers three parks without rushing.
Is a safari suitable for children?
Yes. Many families travel with us, including with young children: private safaris let you take breaks whenever needed. The 2-day Tsavo East safari and the Blue Safari are perfect for families.
Is a safari safe?
Yes. You stay in the vehicle with experienced drivers who know the park and its rules. Lodges and tented camps are guarded.
What vehicle do you use?
4x4 jeeps suited to park tracks. Safaris are private: only your group is in the vehicle.
Which park is closest to Watamu?
Tsavo East: about two and a half to three hours to Sala Gate.
Where can I see the Big Five?
All five live in the Masai Mara. In Tsavo East and West you see lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard; black rhino are best looked for in the Ngulia sanctuary (Tsavo West) and at Lake Nakuru.