SFL: Great Migration Safari

►Introducing Kenya: A Land of Unforgettable Safaris

Located in East Africa, Kenya is a land of diverse landscapes and unforgettable adventures. From the the expansive savannahs of the Masai Mara, where the Great Migration unfolds each year, to the:

• Towering peaks of Mount Kenya - Africa’s second-highest mountain,
• Iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro from Amboseli,
• Flocks of flamingos on Lake Nakuru - a bird and rhino conservation area,
• Giant black and white rhinos of Nairobi National Park - with a city skyline in the background,
• 42 unique tribes who call Kenya home - including the nomadic Maasai.
• Indian Ocean coastline, offering pristine beaches like Diani, Mombasa and Lamu - the perfect way to unwind after a busy safari, 

Kenya is a country made for explorers, offering a once in a lifetime experience full of stunning wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and deep cultural connections. 

►When is the best time to visit Kenya?

• June to October: Peak season
  • Great Migration herds arrive and start crossing the crocodile infested Mara River.
  • This is the best and busiest time of year, and you can expect the best accommodation to sell out 6 - 12 months in advance, particularly in July and August when North Americans and Europeans like to vaccation. 
• January to March: High season
  • January to March offers incredible safari with an abundance of wildlife, fewer tourists and more bargains.
  • The weather is warmer, with fewer flies to annoy you.
  • You can expect the best accommodation to sell out 3 - 6 months in advance during this period. 
• March to May: Wet season
  • Some lodges and camps close and road quality drops significantly.
  • It is not an advisable time of year to go on safari, unless you want to avoid the crowds, are happy to get a little wet and are travelling on a budget.

►What do I need to know before travelling to Kenya? 

• Visa Requirements

  • Most travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to visit Kenya.

  • An eTA must be obtained online (instructions under TASKS once you register and pay your deposit) prior to arrival. 

• Currency

  • Kenyan Shilling (KES).

  • Credit cards are accepted in major cities and at most safari lodges, but cash is preferred in more rural areas.

• Language

  • The official languages are English and Swahili (Kiswahili).

  • Swahili is widely spoken and used in everyday interactions.

• Health Precautions:

  • Visitors should consult a travel doctor about vaccinations, including yellow fever and malaria prevention before visiting Kenya. 

    • If you are older than 60 or you have existing medical conditions that may prevent you from having a yellow fever vaccination, you should consult a travel doctor BEFORE purchasing your trip.  

• Time Zone:

  • Kenya operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC +3.

  • Kenya doesn’t observe daylight savings.

• Electricity:

  • Kenya uses 240V, and the plug type is G (three-pronged UK plug).

  • It’s best to carry a power adapter for your electronics.

►What are the best things to do in Kenya?

• Trekking Mt Kenya or the Ngong Hills
• Safari in
  • The Masai Mara (great migration from Jun - Oct)
  • Amboseli (views of Mt Kilimanjaro & flamingo)
  • Nairobi (best for rhino)
  • Nakuru & Naivasha (best for birds, particularly flamingo & rhino)
  • Tsavo (largest park in Kenya)
  • Samburu (very dry area with unique animals)
  • Ol Pejeta (last two northern white rhinos)
• Hot air ballooning over the Great Migration
• The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphange
• The Nairobi Giraffe Centre
• Cultural immersions with the Maasai tribe
• Re-visit history with a few days on historic Lamu Island
• Our Kiberan Immersion, where you will visit the home of one of Adventure Out Loud's sponsor students, meet their family and learn to cook a traditional Kenyan feast.

Alternatively, it is easy to add one of the other huge attractions that East Africa offers, including:

• Trekking Mt Kilimanjaro
  • For more check out our blog, ultimate guide to trekking Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Trekking with gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda
  • For more read our ultimate guide to trekking with gorillas and chimps.
• Trekking with chimps in Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda. 
• Swimming with giant whale sharks on Mafia Island
  • Annually between October - March. 
  • See our blog, "why you must visit Mafia Island" for more.
• Relaxing on Zanzibar's pristine beaches

Embark on an unforgettable BIG 5 safari through the iconic landscapes of some of Africa's best safari parks. 

What you can expect on your safari?

• Opulent safari camps and lodges, where luxury meets the untamed wilderness.
• Daily game drives in private, luxury safari jeeps with expert guides who unveil the secrets of the wild as you go searching for Africa's most exotic animals. 
• Gourmet meals prepared fresh each day.
• Cocktails by an open fire, spa treatments, and star-gazing under the vast African sky.

What does my safari package include?

• All meals
• Early morning and afternoon game drives in open game viewing vehicles
• Professional English speaking guides
• All park fees and permits
• Wi-Fi (although it is not always working)

About the Great Migration

The Great Migration is the annual migration of more than 1 million wildebeest and zebra through the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.

• During Jul - Oct each year, the herds are in the Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara. This is the best time to see them making their famous river crossings. It is also a fantastic time of year to spot big cats, many of whom have also migrated following their food source.
• From Nov - Jun, the herd migrates through the Serengeti following the rain.
• Jan - Mar is a particularly good time to safari, as the huge herd welcomes the arrival of thousands of baby wildebeest. The newborn calves are easy prey for big cats, which makes for easy spotting of these magnificent creatures. At this time of year, the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu are the best regions to visit.  

About the Masai Mara (sometimes spelt Maasai) 

The Masai Mara is home to huge populations of big cats, and has the highest concentration of big cats in Africa. Covering more than 1,500 square kilometres, the Masai Mara is home to approximately 900 lion, 300 cheetah and 100 leopard. It is also home to more than 80 different species of mammals and more than 450 varieties of birds. It is no wonder it is one of Africa's best safari parks, and a must-see for anyone going on safari!

►Planning an African Adventure

• Is Africa safe to travel?
  • Yes.
  • Africa is made up of 54 independent countries and most, including all the countries we travel to, are safe.
  • From our experience, Africans appreciate and protect tourists. They love immersing you in their culture and are proud to show you their country. 
• What is healthcare like in Africa?
  • Public healthcare is basic in most African countries.
  • Each year it improves, however medical centres and hospitals are often under-staffed and under-resourced.
  • There are a number of reputable private clinics and hospitals and in the event you need treatment, this is usually where our team will take you. 
• How do I buy USD cash for my trip?
  • It is recommended that you purchase larger currency notes (i.e. US$100 and US$50 bills) from an exchange vendor or bank in your home country.
  • Larger notes will receive better exchange rates in Africa when you convert to local currency. 
  • USD currency notes MUST be printed after 2006 and must not be ripped or damaged in any way.
  • Most countries will not accept Australian dollars. 
• Keeping Passport and cash safe?
  • We recommend that you keep your passports and cash out of sight in your locked room, preferably in a locked bag or cupboard.
  • You should also have a copy to carry around with you and save a copy online (i.e. in your email or on Google Drive, etc.). 
  • Cash should be hidden in multiple locations to avoid the risk of all of it being stollen at once. 
• How do I minimize the risk of becoming ill in Africa?

  • To minimise the risk of becoming ill during your trip, we recommend that you:

    • Drink bottled water
    • Wear footwear at all times
    • Have regular showers
    • Use hand sanitizer before and after you eat
    • Avoid eating uncooked food, particularly washed salads and food from unknown vendors
    • Use mosquito repellent, malaria treatment medication, sunscreen and appropriate clothing.

►Safari must knows

• What car do we use for safari?
  • All of our safaris will be in luxury 4WD safari jeeps. 
  • These long-wheel base jeeps have large comfortably bucket seats for 6 - 7 people, a pop-top roof, charging points and side windows to allow for premium game viewing, safety and comfort.
  • Here are a few example pictures:

• You may also see open sided jeeps that are owned by the lodges.
  • We rarely use these jeeps because they do not provide protection from wind, dust and rain, particularly when you are visiting multiple parks.
  • The safaris operated by lodges usually run at set times from 6 - 9am and 3 - 6pm and do not venture far from your lodge. This is not ideal if the animals have moved.
  • Closed jeeps allow us to cover more of the park, usually providing better game viewing.
  • If you would prefer an open sided vehicle, please discuss with us at booking. 

• What does a typical day on safari look like?

  • The best time to spot Africa's animals is in the early morning and the evening. As such, a typical day on safari looks like this:

    • 05:30: Coffee and early breakfast 
    • 06:00 - 10:00: Morning game drive
    • Lunch and free time at your lodge 
    • 15:00 - 18:00: Afternoon game drive
    • Dinner, drinks and free time 
    • If you are feeling tired, you are welcome to opt out of any of these activities and spend more time relaxing at your lodge.  
    • Refer to the itinerary section for a full description of each day. 

►Making a difference while travelling

• Why does Adventure Out Loud primary focus on educating disadvantaged students in Africa?

  • 111 million African children are not in school!

  • We're not ok with this and we are doing something about it by donating 50% of our profits to keep disadvantaged students in school.

  • Education empowers young people to solve their own problems. It is a hand up, not a hand out, and we believe it is one of the most effective ways to fight poverty in Africa.

  • Educated Africans have higher paying jobs, fewer children and can afford to support their family's education & healthcare needs. They are also less likely to vote for corrupt politicians and more likely to stand up for their rights.

  • Education is a basic human right, and we can't wait for the day when every child has access to a quality education.

  • Imagine if every one of the 70+ million tourists visiting Africa annually, sponsored one student through school... 

• How does sponsorship works?

  • Under the tasks section in your itinerary, you will find an option to personally sponsor a student through school. Simply follow the instructions if you are interested.

  • Sponsorship is not mandatory, and you're making a huge impact in the fight against poverty by simply by travelling with Adventure Out Loud. 

• What do I receive when I sponsor a child?

  • "As a sponsor you will receive:

    •  An initial picture profile of your child and an introduction letter (via email).
    •  End of term or year report cards for your sponsored child along with letters from your student (usually sent via email).
    •  Regular newsletters and updates from the charity sponsoring your sponsorship student through school.
    •  Invitations to all fundraising or charity events in your region.

•  What past customers who sponsored have to say... 

To find out more, please visit our website: https://www.adventureoutloud.com.au/faq

Africa has a tipping culture that is similar to America and it is appreciated when you tip guides, hotels, restaurants, and other key service providers.

Here are a few notes about tipping:

• Tipping can be in USD or in the local currency. 
• The best way to tip:
  • Guides is to roll/fold the money in your hand and shake their hand, or present them with an envelope. 
  • Lodge staff is to place the tip in the communal tip box upon check-out. 
• The best time to tip is at the end of each activity/safari or when you are checking out. 
• Tips recommended below should be split between the group, unless specifically noted as per person.

Here is a guide to help you with tipping:

• Safari guides
  • US$30 - $50/day
  • Tips are not expected for trainee guides.
    • If the trainee does a particularly great job, feel free to give them something small; experience and a chance to practice their English is the best gift you can give them. 
• Lodges
  • We recommend you tip US$5 - $20 per person, per night.  
  • These tips are shared between all of the cleaners, cooks, reception staff, etc. 
  • The best way to tip at lodges is to deposit the tip into the tips box when you check-out. 
• Restaurants
  • There is no general rule, we usually recommend to round the bill up with a tip of between 10 - 20%. 

In the event of an emergency, please contact the following in the order provided:

1. Our Australian office (first instance)
   • WhatsApp: +61 432 822 652
   • Email: [email protected]
2. Our East African office (second instance)
   • WhatsApp
     • Aloyce (Guest Relations | Tanzania): +255 624 009 895
     • Jacob (Guest Relations | Kenya): +254 726 555 776
   • Email: [email protected]
3. The Australian Embassy
   • High Commission of Australia in Kenya (for all East African countries)
     • Address: Limuru Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
     • Phone: +254 204 277 100

If you are unable to reach Adventure Out Loud, please contact:

• Kenya
  • Severine Cottages Reception: +254 070 433 8050