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Helping you choose your Safari or Holiday
Planning a holiday in a country that is foreign to you can be exciting, but daunting, or maybe you do know East Africa but would like to experience something new. We are here to help you.
We have over 200 hundred safaris for you to browse through and choose from. Or should you wish to do something different, we will be delighted to offer you our knowledge and experience to help you put a fantastic safari or holiday together.
The safaris listed within this website are representative of the best of East Africa's attractions which may be seen within a limited time frame and at an affordable price.
Safaris mostly take visitors on a circuitous tour with between one to three nights in each location, but we can be arrange any duration or different routes.
Some safaris have proved to be the most popular over time, and we also have those that we recommend. To view safaris of a particular type or duration, or to find a safari that visits a specific National Park or location, search from the safaris page.
Certain safaris have a Budget rate, as well as the standard option. These safaris offer the choice of staying in less expensive accommodation, otherwise the safari itinerary remains the same.
Accommodation, in lodges, hotels, camps and home-stays, range from inexpensive to lavish, allowing safaris to be tailored to suit differing tastes and pockets. The enormous diversity of East Africa allows for many different options and combinations.
Unless specified safaris in Kenya start and end in Nairobi. Those in Uganda from Kampala and in Tanzania from Arusha.
Game Drives
The dream of a safari is usually synonymous with game viewing.
The best times of day for seeing and being able to watch the wild animals are in the cool hours of the early morning and late afternoon when the wildlife is most active. The usual routine on safari will therefor be to rise early for a game drive before returning for a late breakfast, relax at your camp or lodge through the heat of the day, and then enjoy a late afternoon/evening drive to watch the wildlife and scenary until dusk.
Driving around after dark is not permitted in the National Parks and Reserves, but night game drives, when you have a chance to see some of the nocturnal animals, can be arranged in some of the private Conservancies.
Activity Safaris
East Africa has so much to offer the adventure safari enthusiast.
• Camping in astonishingly beautiful wildlife and nature reserves.
• Cycling or horseback riding alongside herds of game, through diverse African landscapes.
• Climbing and trekking on ice clad equatorial mountains.
• Walking or riding camels in remote and unexploited areas, experiencing the cultures of various African tribes.
• Deep sea fishing, scuba diving in the warm waters amongst the vividly colourful tropical fish of the coral reefs.
• River rafting, kayaking, trekking in misty rainforests for chimpanzee or gorilla groups.
• Playing golf on the very varied and challenging courses in some of Kenya's most scenic areas.
Waiver of Responsibility
On various adventure safaris containing an element of risk, you may be required to sign a 'release and assumption of risk' form indemnifying the operator of the safari against any untoward occurrences. However, we would like to stress that the safety of clients is of paramount importance to safari operators at all times and every care is taken to avoid any accident or incident.
Camping Safaris
Camping safaris range from luxurious to budget. As a guideline within our website we have given each camping safari itinerary a category. These categories are explained as follows:-
Luxury Camping, where all your needs are catered for and accommodation, mostly under canvas, is sophisticated and comfortable with large walk-in tents, proper beds and shower tents, camps are prepared before your arrival, well qualified staff take care of all aspects of camp life, and fully outfitted four wheel drive safari vehicles with roof hatches are your means of transport.
Mid-Range Camping, with walk-in tents and safari showers, staff on hand to take care of cooking and other camp chores, and where transport is either by minibus or four wheel drive safari vehicles.
Budget Camping, where everyone pitches in and helps to erect tents, cook and do the dishes. Food is simple and your evening wash is often only a bowl of water. Overland trucks or minibuses are commonly used on such safaris.
Camping on your own. There are designated camp sites in most National Parks and some privately owned, where you can pitch your own tents. Most of the privately owned sites have good facilities, but in the Parks you must be self sufficient.
Gorilla Tracking Safaris
Trips to view gorillas are to Uganda and Rwanda. In Uganda, visiting Bwindi National Park, the "Impenetrable Forest", which is a 12 hour drive from Kampala. In Rwanda gorilla viewing is in Ruhengeri National Park, 3 hours from Kigali.
Gorilla viewing permits are issued on a very controlled basis and must be booked well in advance, especially in Uganda. Permits cost US$500 per person.
The trek through the forest to find the gorillas can take a few hours. The time spent with a troup is limited to one hour.
Birding Safaris
Kenya has a tremendous potential for specialised ornithological safaris.
Over 1090 bird species have been recorded in Kenya, representing 10% of the global total, and Kenya holds the world record for the most birds seen in a 24 hours period - 342!
These birds are found where ever you travel in the country. More than 600 species have been recorded in Nairobi alone.
Safari Clothing, Accessories, Photography
Park Fees
Park fees, per person per day for adults. Fees for children are less.
Fees differ according to the park or conservancy.
Kenya US$ 30-60, Conservancy fees are from US$ 60-80; KWS tariff.
Park fees in Kenya will increase in January 2011.
Uganda US$ 20-35, Gorilla permits $500 and chimp permits $90;
Tanzania US$ 25- 80.
On most safari rates quoted the Park fees are included. Some safaris have "local charges", which are to be paid directly by the client to the operator during the safari. These are to cover Park or Conservancy and camping fees.