Neutral-colored clothing:

Khaki, green, beige, and brown are recommended to blend in with the environment . Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.

Layers:

Include long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, shorts, trousers, a fleece or jacket for cool mornings and evenings .  

Comfortable walking shoes:

Essential for game drives and potential walks . Consider closed-toe shoes or boots for protection .

Sandals or flip-flops:

Useful for relaxing at your accommodation .  

Sun protection:

A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen are crucial due to the equatorial sun .  

Insect repellent:

To protect against mosquitoes and other insects .  

Personal medications:

Bring any necessary prescription drugs and basic over-the-counter remedies . Consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication .  

Binoculars:

Highly recommended for better wildlife viewing .  

Camera and extra memory cards:

To capture your safari experiences .  

Travel documents:

Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance details, and itinerary .

Masai Mara National Reserve:

For the Great Migration and abundant wildlife.

Amboseli National Park:

For views of Mount Kilimanjaro and elephants.

Lake Nakuru National Park:

For flamingos and rhinos

Laikipia Plateau:

for private conservancies and diverse wildlife

Samburu National Reserve:

For unique northern species) .

Kenya is generally safe for tourists, especially within the popular safari destinations, when using reputable tour operators and following guidelines . Be aware of potential petty crime in urban areas and take necessary health precautions like malaria prevention . Some border regions are considered no-go areas

*Kenya is Rated Safer the the United States

You can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including the "Big Five"

Lion

Leopard

Elephant

Buffalo

Rhino

Other common sightings include

Cheetahs

Giraffes

Zebras

Wildebeests

and numerous bird species

Samburu is known for unique species like

Grevy's zebra

Reticulated Giraffe

Yes, many safari itineraries include opportunities to engage with local communities like the Maasai and Samburu, offering cultural tours, dances, and insights into their traditions. as well as Street Tours of the Nairobi Central Business District

Challenges include security concerns, infrastructure limitations, environmental issues (like climate change and habitat loss), human-wildlife conflict, and the impact of overtourism in some areas .

Consider:

Hot air balloon safaris

Walking safaris

Birdwatching

Cultural visits

Beach Getaways

City Tours

Coffee Farm Tours & Tasting

Some regions like Laikipia offer Camel trekking .  

Current trends include a focus on sustainable tourism

The rise of experiential travel

Technology integration (online booking, digital payments, virtual reality)

Marketing initiatives to diversify offerings beyond traditional safaris .

While not explicitly detailed in the snippets, it's essential to check the current visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling to Kenya.

And apply for your Electronic Travel Permit Here.

This is one of the most common questions we get at Hippy Safaris, and the answer, while exciting, isn't a one-size-fits-all! The "best" African safari country depends entirely on what you want to experience. To help you decide, let's explore some of the top contenders:

Kenya:

Maasai Mara, Great Migration

Diverse wildlife (lions, elephants, etc.)

Hippy Safaris offers tailored Kenyan safaris

Tanzania:

Serengeti National Park, Great Migration

Mount Kilimanjaro

Botswana:

Okavango Delta

Exclusive, high-end safari experiences

South Africa:

Kruger National Park

Combines wildlife with other travel options

Namibia:

Etosha National Park

Desert landscapes, unique wildlife

Kenya is often considered the birthplace of safari, and for good reason! It's renowned for:

The Maasai Mara: This iconic reserve is the Kenyan side of the Great Migration, one of the world's most breathtaking wildlife spectacles.

Diverse landscapes: From classic savannahs to lush lakes and forests, Kenya offers incredible variety.

Abundant wildlife: Kenya boasts a rich array of animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes.

Hippy Safaris in Kenya: We specialize in crafting unforgettable Kenyan safaris. Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration, encountering the Big Five, or exploring hidden gems, we'll create a tailored itinerary just for you. Our expert guides and seamless logistics ensure a truly remarkable adventure.

Tanzania is another East African giant, famous for:

The Serengeti National Park: This vast park is the Tanzanian side of the Great Migration, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa's highest peak provides a stunning backdrop to many safari experiences.

Abundant wildlife: Similar to Kenya, Tanzania is home to a diverse range of animals, with a particular focus on big cats and the wildebeest migration.

Hippy Safaris and Tanzania: While our primary focus is Kenya, we work with trusted partners in Tanzania to offer seamless travel experiences. This allows you to combine destinations and maximize your African adventure. Contact us to discuss options!

Botswana stands out for:

The Okavango Delta: This unique inland delta creates a lush and watery habitat, attracting a wealth of wildlife.

Exclusive experiences: Botswana often offers more intimate and high-end safari options.

Excellent wildlife viewing: You can expect to see elephants, lions, wild dogs, and a variety of aquatic wildlife.

South Africa provides a more diverse travel experience, combining:

Kruger National Park: One of Africa's largest and most famous game reserves.

Beautiful scenery: From mountains and coastlines to winelands and cities.

Rich culture: South Africa boasts a fascinating history and vibrant culture.

Namibia is renowned for:

Etosha National Park: A vast salt pan that attracts a variety of wildlife.

Desert-adapted wildlife: See unique animals like elephants and rhinos that have adapted to arid environments.

Stunning desert landscapes: Namibia offers a different kind of African beauty.

Kenya safaris can vary widely in price depending on the level of luxury, the time of year, the number of destinations visited, and the types of activities included. Factors that contribute to the cost include park fees (which support conservation), accommodation costs (ranging from budget-friendly camping to luxury lodges), transportation (including 4x4 vehicles and sometimes flights), and the expertise of guides. At Hippy Safaris, we offer a range of options to suit different budgets, ensuring you get excellent value for your money.

Absolutely! A Kenya safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers unparalleled wildlife viewing, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural encounters. Witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, seeing elephants roam freely in Amboseli, or encountering rhinos in their natural habitat are truly unforgettable. Kenya also offers a diverse range of experiences beyond wildlife, from exploring vibrant cities to relaxing on pristine beaches. Hippy Safaris is passionate about creating authentic and responsible journeys that will leave you with lasting memories.

Yes, you can definitely embark on safaris from Nairobi! Nairobi National Park is located right next to the city, offering a unique opportunity for a quick wildlife experience. Many safaris begin and end in Nairobi, as it's the main transport hub. Hippy Safaris can arrange day trips to Nairobi National Park, as well as longer safaris that depart from Nairobi and explore other destinations in Kenya.

Kenya safaris can range in length from a few days to several weeks. The ideal duration depends on your interests and how much you want to see and do. Short safaris (3-5 days) are great for focusing on one or two destinations, while longer safaris (7-14 days or more) allow for a more comprehensive exploration of the country. Hippy Safaris offers a variety of safari packages to suit different timeframes and budgets.

Tipping is customary in the tourism industry in Kenya. It's recommended to tip your safari guide at the end of your trip, if you are satisfied with their service. The amount you tip is discretionary and depends on the quality of service provided.

$20 - $50 Per Day is a good estimate

Kenya is generally a safe destination for safaris. National parks and reserves are well-protected, and tour operators prioritize the safety of their clients. However, it's always important to take precautions:

Follow your guide's instructions.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Choose a reputable tour operator like Hippy Safaris, who will prioritizes safety and security.

Both Kenya and Tanzania offer a range of safari options at different price points. Kenya is often considered to have more budget-friendly options, while Tanzania can be more expensive due to its focus on higher-end tourism. However, both countries offer incredible wildlife experiences. Hippy Safaris offers a variety of safari packages in Kenya to suit different budgets, providing excellent value for money.

Uganda and Kenya offer distinct safari experiences. Kenya is renowned for its classic savanna safaris and the Great Migration, while Uganda is famous for gorilla trekking and rainforest experiences. The "better" choice depends on your specific interests. Hippy Safaris specializes in Kenya, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters and cultural immersions.

Luxury safaris in Africa can be very expensive, with prices ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars per night. Factors that contribute to the cost include exclusive lodges, private guides, remote locations, and specialized activities.

Yes, you can wear shorts on safari in Kenya. Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended, and shorts are perfectly acceptable during the day. However, it's advisable to pack long pants for evenings, as it can get chilly, and to protect yourself from mosquitoes.