Kenya Safaris

 


 

 

 

Al fresco meals are fun and

bring one closer to nature

 

 

 

The views of the Maasai Mara

from the balloon are

unparalleled

 

 

 

Nature walks yield wonderful

views of birds and animals

 

What to Wear

 

CLOTHES: Convertible slacks (with a zipper to turn slacks into shorts) and long-sleeved shirts are ideal, with a sweater or other layers to shed as the day heats up. A hat with a brim is essential, plus sunscreen and sun glasses. Pale earth colors such as tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds, but camouflage clothes are illegal in many African countries. Solid-colored safari clothes can be worn once you return home, and are widely available via mail order catalogues such as L.L. Bean or Travel Smith. Comfortable walking shoes, such as topsiders or running/tennis shoes with socks, are recommended over sandals; thorns are everywhere, and socks with your shoes deter mosquito bites. Include a lightweight raincoat or jacket, and a swimsuit (many lodges have pools.) You may want to take a light robe, plus rubber flip flops. Supplex pants and chinos travel better than jeans, which take forever to dry. Laundry service is available at most lodges and even tented camps, but be very clear about when you need your clothes returned. The lodge and camp staff will generally not wash underwear, due to prevailing local traditions. Take at least three changes of clothes for a week on safari, plus your own detergent to wash a few things. Dry cleaners are more rare than rhinos. Some hotels and lodges have hairdryers in each room, but tented camps rarely do. The best advice is to travel light.

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:

  • A small flashlight with extra batteries
  • Malaria tablets; consult your doctor for suggestions
  • Adapter plugs & converters for electrical appliances
  • Packaged wet tissues ("Wash & Dry" "Wet Ones")
  • A tiny calculator for estimating cost while shopping
  • Plenty of film or tape for your camera + extra batteries or rechargers
  • Long-sleeved shirts, slacks and socks to protect you from insect bites and sunburn
  • Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
  • Sun hat with a brim
  • Shorts/skirts
  • Long trousers/slacks
  • Underwear and socks
  • Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
  • Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside
  • Swimsuit with light cover-up garment
  • Warm winter jersey for cooler mornings
  • Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April)
  • If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
  • BINOCULARS (ESSENTIAL)
  • Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by many establishments)
  • Malaria tablets
  • Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
  • Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, OFF, etc.
  • Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream, and Anti-histamine cream, etc.)
  • Visas, tickets, passports, money, etc.
  • Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras.

Please note that bright colors and white are NOT advised while on safari as they attract insects. White also shows dust.  Camouflage clothes are often illegal.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: International flights from the U.S. allow two pieces of checked luggage at 70 lbs each; within Africa their cumulative weight is limited to 44 lbs per person. However we recommend you travel as light as you can manage. The baggage limit on domestic flights is one piece at 33 lbs per person (plus a carry-on bag.) Also, the size and the structure of the bag is limited. Soft "squashable" bags (canvas, fabric or duffel bags) about 24" X 17" X 7" are ideal. Large suitcases are virtually impossible to stow on smaller aircraft and vehicles and should not be used, or left behind in your hotel.