Your Safari Questions, Answered

SunAfrika Safaris designs tailor-made safaris across four East African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. This includes iconic destinations like the Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Amboseli, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Most of our travellers combine multiple destinations in one trip — for example, a classic Kenya–Tanzania circuit, or a wildlife safari paired with gorilla trekking in Rwanda. We also arrange beach extensions to Zanzibar or the Kenyan coast for travellers who want to combine bush and beach.

The best time for general game viewing in East Africa is during the dry seasons: late June to October and late December to early March. Animals concentrate around water sources, vegetation thins out, and visibility is excellent.

That said, the "best time" depends on what you want to see. The Great Migration is in the Maasai Mara from July to October and in the Serengeti's southern plains from January to March. Gorilla trekking is best in the drier months (June–September and December–February) when forest trails are less muddy. The "green season" months (April, May, November) are quieter, cheaper, and beautiful for photography — though some camps close.

We recommend booking at least 6 months in advance for peak seasons (July–October and Christmas/New Year), particularly if your itinerary includes gorilla trekking or specific lodges. Gorilla permits in Rwanda and Uganda are limited daily and sell out months ahead.

For green-season travel or flexible dates, 2-3 months is usually enough. Last-minute bookings (under a month) are sometimes possible but limit your choice of camps and may cost more. If you have a specific lodge or experience in mind, the earlier the better.

A minimum of 5-7 days is ideal for a meaningful safari experience in a single country, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of game drives and see different landscapes. Shorter 3-4 day safaris work for travellers on tight schedules but feel rushed.

For multi-country trips combining wildlife with gorilla trekking or Kilimanjaro, plan 10-14 days minimum. Most of our most memorable safaris are in the 8-12 day range — long enough to relax into the experience, short enough not to overwhelm. We're happy to suggest the right duration based on your interests.

Most international travellers need a visa for each country they visit. Kenya now uses an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) that you apply for online before arrival. Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda offer e-visas as well as visa-on-arrival in most cases.

For multi-country trips, the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) is excellent value — it covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days with multiple entries. Tanzania requires a separate visa. We always confirm current requirements with our clients during planning, as policies can change. UK, US, EU, and Australian passport holders generally face no major hurdles.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you're entering Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda from a country with yellow fever transmission risk, or transiting through one. Many travellers get vaccinated regardless because Tanzania may also require it depending on your routing.

Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all East African safaris — the regions we visit are malarial. Common options are Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam, prescribed by your doctor based on your trip length and medical history. Routine vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A and B, typhoid) should be up to date. Always consult your local travel doctor 4-8 weeks before departure for advice tailored to your itinerary.

A local operator gives you direct access to the people running your safari — faster decisions, better camp relationships, and no middle-margin pushed onto your trip. International agencies typically subcontract to operators like us anyway, then add their margin on top.

Working directly with SunAfrika means: WhatsApp contact with us throughout planning and your trip, more flexibility to adjust on the ground, support of a Kenyan-owned business, and the ability to genuinely customize rather than picking from off-the-shelf packages. International agencies have their place — usually for travellers who want a single point of contact across multiple continents — but if you want a real safari operator, work with one directly.

Both countries offer world-class safaris, and the "better" one depends on your priorities. Kenya is generally more accessible, has more diverse landscapes within shorter distances, offers excellent value, and has a more developed tourism infrastructure. Tanzania has the vast, less-crowded Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and includes Mt. Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.

For first-time safari travellers on a moderate budget, Kenya often wins on value and convenience. For travellers wanting the most cinematic, untamed wilderness experience and willing to invest more, Tanzania is exceptional. The Great Migration crosses both — in the Mara from July to October, in the Serengeti the rest of the year. Many of our travellers do a combined Kenya–Tanzania safari and get the best of both.

The Great Migration is in the Maasai Mara from approximately July through October, with the dramatic Mara River crossings typically happening between late July and early September. This is when the herds — over 1.5 million wildebeest plus zebras and gazelles — cross from Tanzania's Serengeti into Kenya following the rains.

If witnessing a river crossing is your priority, plan your Mara visit for August or early September and stay at least 3-4 nights to maximize your chances (crossings are unpredictable). For the rest of the year, the herds are in the Serengeti, where you can still see massive numbers but at a different stage of the migration cycle.

Gorilla trekking ranges from a 30-minute easy walk to a 6-hour strenuous hike, depending on which gorilla family you're assigned that day. The treks happen at altitude (2,500-3,500m) on steep, often muddy forest trails, so a moderate fitness level is required.

You're assigned to a gorilla family on the morning of your trek based on health, fitness, and where the families are that day. Trackers go ahead at dawn to locate the gorillas, so most groups find them within 1-3 hours. Once you're with the gorillas, you spend exactly one hour observing them before trekking back. Porters are available (and recommended) to carry your bag and help with steep sections — hiring one also supports the local community. Most reasonably-fit adults manage well; we'll match you to an appropriate family wherever possible.

Safari costs in Kenya typically range from $200–$350 per person per day for budget safaris, $400–$700 for mid-range, and $800–$2,500+ for luxury experiences. A standard 5-7 day mid-range safari costs roughly $2,500–$4,500 per person all-inclusive.

Prices vary based on accommodation level, number of travellers (smaller groups cost more per person), season, parks visited, and whether you fly between camps or drive. Conservancy lodges (in private conservancies adjacent to the Maasai Mara) cost more than reserve lodges but offer fewer crowds and night drives. We always provide a transparent breakdown in our quotes — no hidden costs once you arrive.

Our packages typically include accommodation, all meals at lodges/camps, park and conservation fees, professional driver-guides, 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs, airport transfers, and bottled drinking water during game drives. All ground transportation between parks is included.

Specific inclusions vary by itinerary and are clearly outlined in your quote — there are no fine-print surprises. For multi-country trips, we'll specify which border crossings or domestic flights are included. If anything is unclear in your quote, we'd rather you ask than assume.

Standard exclusions are: international flights, visas, travel insurance, tips for guides and lodge staff, drinks not specified in your itinerary, optional activities (balloon rides, cultural visits, spa treatments), and personal expenses like souvenirs or laundry.

Some packages exclude domestic flights between parks if you've chosen to drive instead. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are usually quoted separately because of their high cost ($800–$1,500 per permit). We list every exclusion clearly on each quote so you can budget accurately for the full trip.

Tipping is customary in East African safari travel and genuinely appreciated by guides, trackers, and lodge staff who often work long seasons away from home. Standard guidelines: $10–$20 per traveller per day for your driver-guide, and $5–$10 per traveller per day pooled for lodge staff (usually placed in a tipping box at the lodge).

For specialist trekking, additional tips apply: gorilla trekking trackers and porters typically receive $10–$20 per group; mountain climbing porters and cooks receive $10–$15 per day each. US dollars and Kenyan/Tanzanian shillings are both accepted. We provide a clear tipping guide before your trip so there's no awkwardness — tipping should reward great service, not stress you out.

Pack neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige, brown) — avoid bright colours, white, blue, and black, which attract insects or stand out to wildlife. Essentials include: lightweight long sleeves and trousers (sun and mosquito protection), a warm fleece for chilly mornings, a wide-brim hat, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, and a small daypack.

For photography: a camera with a zoom lens (200mm minimum, 400mm+ ideal), spare batteries, memory cards. Soft-sided duffel bags are required for fly-in safaris (small charter planes don't accommodate hard suitcases). We send every client a destination-specific packing list once your trip is confirmed.

Most days follow a rhythm: early start with a 6:00–6:30 AM game drive when wildlife is most active, return for breakfast around 9:00 AM, rest or pool time during the hot midday hours, then a second game drive from 3:30–6:30 PM ending at sunset. Lodges serve a hot lunch and elaborate dinners. Some itineraries include all-day game drives with packed lunches, especially in the Mara during migration season.

Days can be customized to your pace. Bird-focused travellers want longer drives; families with young children may prefer shorter ones. Photography enthusiasts often opt for the golden-hour and night drives available in private conservancies. Your guide adjusts the day to your group's energy and interests.

Most lodges and tented camps offer Wi-Fi in the main public areas — slow but functional for messages, emails, and basic browsing. Wi-Fi in your room or tent is rare except at higher-end lodges. Don't expect to stream video.

Mobile phone signal exists in most major reserves (Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Amboseli) but coverage is patchy in remote conservancies and forest parks like Bwindi. Safaricom (Kenya), Vodacom (Tanzania), and MTN (Uganda/Rwanda) are the main networks. Many travellers are surprised — and relieved — that they can stay in touch from the bush. We recommend treating your safari as a partial digital detox; the experience deepens when you're not refreshing your phone.

Yes — tented camps in East Africa are remarkably safe. Properly run camps have armed askaris (guards) on patrol throughout the night, and tents are pitched with safety in mind. Wildlife does pass through camps after dark — that's part of the magic — but they ignore tents as long as you stay inside them.

You'll be escorted to and from your tent after dark by a guard for routine reasons (animals occasionally walk through), and most camps brief you on simple protocols (don't leave food in tents, zip up fully, use the radio if needed). The first night feels surreal; by night three, falling asleep to distant lions is something you'll miss when you're home.

Children are very welcome, and East Africa is one of the world's great family safari destinations. Most camps accept children from age 5 or 6, though some luxury camps have a minimum age of 8, 10, or 12. A few have no age limit at all. Gorilla trekking has a strict minimum age of 15 in both Rwanda and Uganda for safety and conservation reasons.

For families, we recommend longer stays at fewer camps (constant moving exhausts kids), choosing lodges with pools and family rooms, and combining wildlife with experiences they'll love — Maasai cultural visits, beach extensions to Diani or Zanzibar, hot air balloon rides. Many camps offer dedicated children's programs and shorter game drives. We'll match you to family-friendly properties.

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, kosher, and most allergy requirements are accommodated by every camp and lodge we work with, provided we know in advance. Tell us during planning and we communicate everything to each property before you arrive.

For complex requirements (severe nut allergies, strict kosher, multiple combined restrictions), some remote camps may have limitations on ingredient availability. We're upfront about these cases during planning so you can choose accordingly. East African lodge food is generally excellent — fresh produce, locally-sourced meats, varied menus. Picky eaters are usually pleasantly surprised.

The simplest way is to fill out our Plan My Safari form — it takes about 2 minutes and tells us what you're looking for. We respond within 24 hours with a personalized itinerary and quote based on your interests, dates, and budget.

You can also reach us directly via WhatsApp on +254 735 132 143 or email info@sunafrikasafaris.com. Most enquiries go through 2-3 rounds of refinement before we land on the perfect itinerary — that's normal and we expect it. Once you're happy with the plan, we send a booking confirmation, you pay the deposit, and we handle the rest.

Our standard policy: a 50% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 60 days before arrival. Cancellations made 60+ days before arrival receive a full refund minus a small administrative fee. Cancellations within 60 days are subject to camp and supplier policies, which can be strict during peak season.

Some bookings — especially gorilla permits, peak-season camps, and chartered flights — are non-refundable from the moment they're confirmed, because we pay suppliers immediately to secure them. We're transparent about which elements of your trip are non-refundable before you pay. Travel insurance with cancellation coverage is strongly recommended to protect your investment. Our full policy is available on our Cancellation and Refund Policy page.

We accept bank transfers (most common for international clients), PayPal, M-Pesa for Kenyan clients, and credit/debit cards via secure online payment. Bank transfers in USD are our standard for international bookings — we provide full bank details on your invoice.

A 50% deposit secures your booking; the balance is due 60 days before arrival. For last-minute bookings (under 60 days), full payment is required at confirmation. We don't store card details and use secure payment processors for online transactions. Our complete payment terms are on our Payment Policy page.

Yes — flexibility is part of why people book with a tailor-made operator rather than off-the-shelf tours. Pre-trip changes are usually possible and we'll quote any cost differences honestly. Common adjustments include adding nights, changing camps, swapping destinations, or adding activities like balloon rides or cultural visits.

On-the-ground changes are also possible within reason — many travellers ask to extend at a camp they love or skip something that's not working for them. We can usually accommodate this depending on availability, though it sometimes incurs a cost. For changes within 7 days of arrival, restrictions and fees may apply. Tell us what you're thinking and we'll find a way to make it work.

On most of our private safaris, yes — you'll have the same driver-guide for the entire trip, which lets them learn your interests and tailor each day. This is the gold standard of a private safari and one of the biggest differences between us and group tours.

Exceptions: when you fly between far-apart parks, you'll have different guides at each location (it's not practical to fly your guide too). For multi-country trips, you'll have different guides per country since regulations require local licensing. Where there are handovers, we make them seamless — our team coordinates so the next guide already knows your preferences before you arrive.

Yes — every SunAfrika safari includes airport pickups, drop-offs, and all transfers between parks as standard. We'll be waiting at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), Kilimanjaro International (Tanzania), Kigali International (Rwanda), or Entebbe (Uganda) with a welcome sign, ready to whisk you to your hotel or first camp.

For multi-country itineraries we coordinate cross-border logistics, including any necessary domestic flights or scheduled charter flights between camps. Drive-time between major parks varies — Nairobi to the Maasai Mara is about 5-6 hours, for example. We'll always discuss whether driving or flying makes more sense for your itinerary based on cost and time.

You'll have direct WhatsApp contact with us throughout your trip — not a call centre, the actual SunAfrika team. If anything happens — medical, logistical, weather-related, anything — we coordinate the response in real time with the camps, drivers, and emergency services as needed.

Every reputable lodge and camp we work with has emergency evacuation protocols and partnerships with services like AMREF Flying Doctors for medical emergencies. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage before your trip — most claims are simple, but having it removes the financial worry if something serious happens. The good news: in years of operating, genuine emergencies are very rare. The bush is safer than most cities.

A meaningful portion of every safari fee goes directly to conservation and community support — through park entry fees that fund anti-poaching and habitat protection, conservancy fees that pay Maasai landowners to keep their land wild, and lodge revenues that employ thousands of Kenyans and Tanzanians.

When you stay in a private conservancy like Olare Motorogi, Mara North, or Naboisho (adjacent to the Maasai Mara), your bed-night fees go directly to the Maasai families who own that land — making wildlife conservation more profitable than farming or grazing. Conservancies have grown substantially in the last 15 years specifically because tourism revenue made conservation viable. By choosing a conservancy lodge, you're voting with your wallet for this model. We're happy to recommend properties with the strongest community and conservation credentials.

Gorilla trekking, when done well, is one of the strongest examples of conservation tourism in the world — and is widely credited with saving mountain gorillas from extinction. Permit revenue funds anti-poaching, habitat protection, and community projects in the buffer zones around Bwindi (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).

Strict rules protect the gorillas: only 8 visitors per family per day, exactly 1 hour with the gorillas, minimum 7-meter distance, no visitors with colds or flu, and no smoking, eating, or drinking near them. The gorilla families assigned to tourists are habituated specifically for this purpose and are monitored daily by trackers. Mountain gorilla numbers have actually risen from around 600 in the late 1980s to over 1,000 today — partly because of the economic incentive trekking creates for conservation. It's tourism done right.

Drones are restricted or banned in most national parks across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Kenya requires special permits from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority that take weeks and are rarely granted to tourists. Tanzania and Rwanda effectively prohibit recreational drone use in national parks.

If aerial photography is important to you, we can arrange a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the Maasai Mara or Serengeti — a far more spectacular experience than drone footage and the only legitimate way to capture aerial views of the savannah. Professional film crews can sometimes obtain drone permits with significant lead time and documentation; we can help with this for commercial productions but not for casual travel.