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Kenya with a local agency !

Kenya : When to go ?

It is better to travel during the dry season. Indeed, the disadvantage of the rainy season is that it makes certain roads impassable and less visible animals, hence a reduced interest in national parks. The ideal periods for visiting Kenya are from early January to late February, and from early August to late September. A most spectacular natural event is the migration of certain species across the country; it is therefore a good idea to carry out his visit at that time. In particular, wildebeests perform a large migration (about 2 million individuals) between the Maasa Mara and the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania, between July and September, and even until October in one direction, in December-January in the other. These dates are approximate, depending on the weather conditions of the year. Other mammals migrate to the same period, to reside in the Mara from July to December.Birds also carry out migration; in particular, Nakuru Lake knows the largest number, including the pink flamingos, between March and May.

Kenya : Go with a local agency

A grandiose and varied natureSavanes, jungles, deserts and semi-deserts, palm trees and coconut trees... Mountains to the immense depression of the Rift Valley, passing through the charismatic silhouette of Kilimanjaro and the crystal clear Indian Ocean bordered by fine sandy beaches, Kenya offers a great many landscapes.A wild life abundant and easily observableThe wealth of Kenyan fauna is unique. Almost all of the expected species in Africa are represented in impressive numbers: big cats, monkeys, giraffes, elephants, rhino, crocodiles, buffles, zebras, antelope, hippos, large birds, to name but these.Beautiful beachesSeaside travel is one of Kenya's specialities, which offers many Western holiday homes in its beach resorts. Not surprisingly, the Indian Ocean coast, particularly south of Mombasa and Lamu, is a real postcard.Infrastructure of good qualityOriented towards tourism before independence, the country has understood its major assets, national parks and beaches. As a result, tourism infrastructures are numerous and very qualitative, with professionalism in a few other African countries.Ethno-cultural diversityMore than forty ethnicities are standing in a country still very ingrained in tribal identities. The Swahili civilization of the coast, the agricultural cultures of the Kikuyu or the Luo, the pastors nilotics masas or samburus... Kenya is rich in contrasting cultures. Thanks to a custom trip organised by a local agency, the visitor will be able to attend these different cultures.Safaris are generally expensive; but there is a very wide range of prices. A classic one-week cruise in camping costs between 500 € and 1 000 € (the prices indicated do not include the airline ticket). If you stay in a lodge, count between 900 € and 1 800 €. These prices vary depending on the circuit and the quality of the accommodation. Some particularly luxurious or more original safaris (trekking, fishing, mountain biking, safari in a Conservancy, scuba diving...) can cost much more.If you organize your safari yourself, your budget will obviously depend on the options chosen on the spot. Without the rental of an all-terrain vehicle (minimum 50 € per day), count about € 1 000 per person for a classic safari week (on the basis of two persons travelling together). Also know that the more long your safari is, the less expensive it is.Food and catering are generally very cheap, but not in a restaurant or in classrooms and luxury hotels. There are, however, many small restaurants where you can serve a rich meal for just 5 € (especially in Indian restaurants).Accommodation offers a range of contrasted prices: of a few dozen euros for a small urban hotel with showers and common toilets up to 400 € for one night in a luxury camp. For small budgets, camping is the best solution when visiting reserves, even if it asks for a certain organisation because of the dangers of wildlife. For the campsite, count between 3 € and 15 € per night and person.Entering the parks. Prices are high, and visit several parks and reserves can quickly come back.Car rental is expensive (but often negotiable). A single car will cost 30 € per day. a small 4 X 4, Suzuki Sierra type, costs, insurance included and unlimited mileage, around 50 € per week (minimum), a Isuzu Trooper or a Nativa from 80 € or more. Minibuses can be an economic solution for a small group. Rental is widespread and easy to undertake (unlike some other African countries).Gasoline: very variable according to the price of oil; currently about 0,60 € per litre of diesel and 0,80 € per litre of super.Train. Rather cheap. Count € 25, for example, the route (berth) Nairobi-Mombasa in second class, dinner and breakfast included.Plane. Dear but very practical of course. Some very reliable small companies, which have recently emerged, have contributed significantly to reducing the cost of national flights. For allers from Nairobi, count from 50 to 150 € a single go for Mombasa, Lamu, Lodge or Maasai Mara, depending on the company.FormalitésNationals of the European Union, and therefore of France, must carry out a tourist visa to enter Kenyan territory (the tourist visa is lasting 3 months). Since 2011, the rates are as follows: € 40 for a single entry visa; 80 € for double-entry visas; 80 € for a multiple-entry visa (valid one year); 15 € for a transit visa.To obtain them, you need a valid passport (at least 6 months). It can be obtained from a Kenyan embassy, but it is also possible to do so upon arrival at the airport. This formality does not take too much time, especially as the tail for those who have a visa and those who do not yet have it. Important: provide euros or dollars (US $ 50 for a single visa) in advance.