The word safari means “journey” in Swahili. Originally from the Arabic (safara) meaning travel. The verb for “to travel” in Swahili is “safiri”, the noun for the journey is “safari”. A safari therefore is an overland journey.

It usually refers to a trip by tourists to Africa, traditionally for a big-game hunt and in more modern times to watch and photograph big game and other wildlife as a safari holiday.

The best time depends on what you want to see and your weather preferences. The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara occurs from July to October. However, wildlife is abundant year-round. June to October is the dry season, while November to May is the wet season.

The best time of year to visit Africa depends on your travel plans and preferences. Some destinations are best visited during the dry season, while others are best during the wet season. It is important to research the climate and conditions of your destination in advance to ensure that you have the best possible experience.

Yes, we have an international clientele. We receive visitors from all-over the world! We can make all arrangements in Africa including transportation, accommodation and activities for anybody from any part of the world. However, we can only arrange international flights originating from selected countries where we have a representative office. Visitors from areas not represented are requested to make own flight arrangements to Africa. Please Contact us for more!

The Big Five consists of the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Africa is famous for offering fantastic opportunities to spot all these iconic animals. In Kenya, The Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo National Park are known hotspots.

Africa has made great strides in improving safety for tourists. However, like anywhere else, it’s essential to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas – this depends on the country you are visiting. It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country that you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements.

Domestic flights, road transfers, or light aircraft are typically used to reach specific safari destinations. Some lodges and camps can arrange transportation for you.

Vaccination requirements change from time to time. Some countries require advance inoculations for yellow fever (and certificates thereof) that are good for 10 years – AfriChoice! will advise you of these. Malaria is present in many parts of Africa – we will advise you if you will be visiting a malaria area. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on malaria prophylactics and the latest health precautions. If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).

Temperatures in winter are generally mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally a riskier time to travel. So, before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.

Cuisines are diverse and delicious. Safaris usually include a mix of international and local dishes. You’ll have the opportunity to taste fresh produce, grilled meats, and traditional stews.

Absolutely. Many safari destinations offer additional activities like hot air balloon rides, nature walks, and cultural interactions with local communities.

A single supplement is a fee imposed by hotels, lodges and camps on single travelers. Tour prices are quoted based on two people sharing accommodation. If someone takes a room by themselves, they have to pay the per-person price plus the single supplement fee. It is the excess cost you pay in occupying a room designated to take two people by yourself alone.

In several African countries, English is used for official documents and formal written communication. Many African countries have several official languages, one of them being English. Safari guides are very likely to speak English as well as other languages. If you have a preference for a language, please ask so to arrange this in advance.

Almost all safari lodges and camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. It is also provided in the public areas of the safari lodges and camps including the reception, dining areas and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.

The currency used in Africa varies by country, with some countries using the US dollar and others using their local currency. It is important to research the currency used in your destination and to plan ahead for how you will access cash while travelling, such as by using credit cards, ATMs, or exchanging money at banks or currency exchange offices available in major urban centres and towns.

In case you are booked on a Kenya fly -in safari and or you would consider taking local / domestic safari flights to the national parks / game reserves , there is a baggage allowance.

The baggage allowance for local domestic flights commuting between national parks is 15Kgs excluding hand luggage

You may store extra luggage not required on safari at our Nairobi or Mombasa offices for free.

You may also choose to pay an extra $ 5 per kilogram for any extra baggage if you decide to carry all your baggage around with you (this is subject to flight / carrier capacity)

SAFARI LODGES:

A safari lodge in Africa is located in a remote Wildlife area and is  made  up of a number of cottages / chalets spread over a landscaped land. Here shall be a main building which houses a restaurant, bar, gift shop together with the reception and also administration facilities. In most cases, there may  be a swimming room,

The lodge’s en-suite guestrooms are spread in smaller separate scattered cottages around the main central  building.

The atmosphere is usually rustic and compliments the natural surroundings while bringing in the essence of the wild.

Safari lodges vary in size, unique design, location and standards with a nice range in economy, comfort and luxury category.

SAFARI CAMPS:

The safari tented camps share some similarities with safari lodges in layout , purpose and location.

A tented camp is composed of the Main building (housing the public areas) usually thatched African style for effect .It may also be made of a large tent .The en-suite guest tents are scattered  around the main building providing a private feel.

The tented camp is a composition of large en-suite walk in tents which are built on a solid floor base and are complete with private bathrooms and a small terrace or veranda.

Essentially they are rooms with the exterior being canvas rather than wood or brick.

The tented camp complex may also have a swimming pool.

Tented camps range from the comfort, superior comfort, luxury to the super luxury.

Our selection of Economy, comfort and luxury accommodation options for lodges and tented camps are sufficiently comfortable and adequate for relaxation  , overnights and meals. However standard of facilities ,style  and location are varied.

Luxury safari Lodges and Tented Camps:

 In almost all instances, luxury lodges & Tented camps  are located at vantage locations  within the national parks and game reserves. They are unique in architecture and design. They also provide easy access to the game viewing areas. The facilities and comfort levels are of higher standard. Rooms/, tents are private and en -suite. There shall most likely be a swimming pool in most of the luxury facilities

Comfort Safari Lodges and Tented Camps:

 Comfort lodges and camps may be  located inside or just at the boundaries of the national parks and game reserves. Others may be slightly further .In all instances ,they are less than 30 minutes from the park entry gate . The facilities’ comfort levels are sufficiently adequate although slightly lower than for luxury accommodation level. The rooms and tents in this comfort level category  are also private and en suite. Most comfort lodges / tented camps shall have a swimming pool.

Economy safari Lodges and Tented Camps:

 Almost all economy lodges and tented camps (except a few) are located outside of the National park boundaries and just next to the park. They are easy ,comfortable and sufficiently adequate for relaxation , overnight  and meals although relatively basic compared to the luxury and comfort options. Rooms and tents are private and have en -suite bathroom facilities. Most of the economy options  may also have a swimming pool

On our overnight  group sharing safari ,it is not possible to request for an extra day safari extension.

This is because you  share your safari Jeep  with the other travelers on a seat in car basis .It also means that you leave and return to Nairobi as a group.

It would thus require a unanimous decision to extend safari from all tour participants for this to happen . It would also be subject to the availability of extended accommodation in the respective tented camp / lodge.

An extra day on safari shall also require extra payment.

Our selection of  safari lodges and tented camps is well researched and offers the best in terms of comfort ,relaxation and atmosphere during safari. Each accommodation category is well catered for in the selection.

We fully understand the need for your protection against Mosquito  and other insect bites.

All rooms / tents during your  safari are fitted with mosquito nets or  are insect proofed to protect you against bites.

You are also advised to carry / use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.

The maximum number of persons allowed in one room / tent are 3 , these can be accommodated in a double bed and a single bed or in 3 single beds.

Where 4 persons or more are travelling together and prefer stay in one room / tent  , we may book them in 2 rooms with interconnecting doors

For those that may prefer  to stay close as family or friends, we may book them in adjacent tents / rooms.

Some safari lodges / camps have family units for maximum of 4 persons only. This however includes an extra cost.

All safari rooms / tents are private with own bathroom / toilet.

Our standard safari travel & game viewing drive vehicle is a custom designed 4 x 4 Jeep with  pop up top for ease of photography during game viewing drives and sightseeing. The vehicle sits a maximum of 6 persons for guarantee window seats and access to the pop up top.

Our 4×4 safari Jeeps  are fitted with long range radios for easy communication, cooler boxes, and first aid kits .This is on top of the other extras in Jeep

The 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep has several advantages on safari. These  includes a higher elevation, better navigation on rough terrain, deeper reach, more comfort and brings out better the African adventure experience.

Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include Nairobi hotel stay.

In case you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after safari finish ,you require a Nairobi hotel.

Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in economy ,comfort and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.

As part of your safari tour, Trackers Safari Compass shall pick you up and drop you off at your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes areas around Nairobi

We suggest that you look up and book online your favorite Nairobi hotel. In case you do require advise, suggestions or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we shall be happy to assist.

We have put together a handy guide comparing all of Nairobi’s best hotels.

As an extension of our safari tour services, Trackers Safari Compass provides free  return airport / hotel transfers for our guests  booked a 3 days plus safari tour with us.

The transfers are provided even when you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start / end.

In all cases, you shall share with us your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and timings, we shall in return provide transfer driver name and telephone contact in advance of your arrival / departure.

The SGR train travel between Mombasa and Nairobi and now being extended to Near Lake Naivasha is the most recent and safest way to travel in Kenya.

It is also the most exotic means of travel between the Kenya interior and Kenya coast.

The train coaches are air conditioned and with wide windows for best scenic views.

From Nairobi to Mombasa and vise versa, the train meanders through the Tsavo West & Tsavo East.

It is absolutely safe for both passengers and luggage.

Best 360 degrees landscape views can be experienced from the restaurant car of the train.

If you are booked on any of our Nairobi to Mombasa safaris ,you  shall catch the Nairobi to Mombasa SGR train at  Emali  ,Mtito Andei or Voi train stations this depending on your last national park visit.

Your first class train tickets shall have been booked and paid for in advance and you shall only need to print your travel ticket once at the respective train station

This takes only a few moments and your safari driver / guide shall be at hand to assist.

We have got you covered with the Nairobi – Mombasa Train Schedule.

Remember that we shall pick you up from the Mombasa train station and transfer you to your beach hotel in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu or Malindi as part of our safari service.

Distances and driving times in Africa vary from the European and American concepts. In Kenya, roads are narrow and may not be well maintained. The roads immediately leading to the National Parks and Game Reserves are rough.

 Please note that advertised  driving time on safari itineraries/programs on website are only estimates and may vary depending on road conditions and road traffic.

 Trackers Safari Compass operates a wide range of  African road safari holidays.

Your safari tour Jeep has a generous  luggage compartment at the rear and can comfortably carry 6 suitcases with an average 25 -30kgs each.

You may carry hand luggage with your vital stuff inside the safari jeep.

We suggest that you pack / carry your luggage in soft sided suitcases for ease of storage in safari vehicle and also to minimize on friction and damage during the sometimes bumpy road trips.

While it is said that tipping is not just another city in China, here, although not mandatory is nonetheless expected after a good service.

All hotels, lodges and porterage gratuities are included on your safari price – this are collectively referred to as service charge.

Individual waiters, porters and other hotel service employees may provide exemplary service and it is your discretion to decide to tip. Usually $1- 5 per move or sitting is appropriate and appreciated.

It is however customary to tip your safari  driver / guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $ 10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your (safari only cost ) is suggested . The amount is however at your discretion, you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staff who have provided special services. A bar gratuity of $5 is acceptable.

You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD or in Euro at the end of your safari / tour and preferably in an envelope.