Value for money travel tip – travel in February and October where Africa by Ayu has secured unbelievable offers. This is when you can beat the peak season rates and crowds.

July to October dry season is the best time to visit Maasai Mara for wildlife. In July and August due to summer holidays and school vacations the parks can get crowded. But Africa by Ayu has a hand-picked a collection of unique camps and lodges which are away from the crowds to get you an exclusive experience including walking safaris and night drives.
January and February– Though not the ‘migration’ season, it is the calving season in the Kenyan parks giving great photo opportunities at low season rates.
March, April & May are the wettest months.
Migration Timeline in Maasai Mara – August & September Mara river crossings start October large portions of the herds are in the Mara, November with the short rains the herds start to trek to the Serengeti. Please note that this is only a guideline as weather patterns are changing and so does migration patterns. Before booking the tour, please enquire as to the location of the migration.
Because Kenya lies on the equator, it has a pleasant tropical climate. There is no real winter or summer season but has a wet and dry season. The weather in Maasai Mara can range between a high of 23°C during the day to a low of 10°C early in the morning between June to October.

Africa by Ayu has only partnered with operators and lodges that carry a valid insurance for their operations and are accredited by the relevant licensing authorities in each African country.

*Note – that we do not divulge the names of the tour operators we partner with.

Each hotel, lodge or camp included into an Africa by Ayu itinerary will be selected for the value for money offering it brings to each itinerary, after discussions with our partners in each African destination and careful consideration of all available options for your travel dates.

Our team loves to curate Africa holidays and are happy to spend time to share our expertise with those clients who are keenly interested to book our curated itineraries, through us but we are compelled to bring in this policy as some guests attempt to obtain all information and then proceed to book on their own.

Names of all hotels, lodges and camps will only be divulged upon payment of a non-refundable deposit. This will be set off against the cost of the tour booked with Africa by Ayu. Subsequent to the above deposit, we will divulge the names of hotels. If you wish, you are certainly free to request amendments to the hotels/itinerary and we will be happy to further curate the entire itinerary and suggest alternative names of hotels, subject to availability – (except on scheduled group tours where the accommodation cannot be changed unless the entire group requests it).

Accommodation cannot be held unless an advance is paid on the due date.

The wildlife, game viewing and scenery are excellent in all National Parks and Game Reserves inKenya. At any time of the year the Masaai Mara, Samburu and Amboseli will always give you amazing wildlife experiences. The Parks may get a bit crowded during the peak season and during school holiday period from July to September.

For bird watching the best period is between November to April.

In private conservations walking safaris and night drives are possible. Even in the Maasai Mara Africa by Ayu can organize some exciting walking safaris.

A typical day on safaris can range from full day game drives to morning and afternoon game drives where you will relax during the middle of the day. Most lodges/hotels will have a swimming pool, lounge, library. Please note each lodge may have different times for safaris.

Sri Lankan Passport Holders can apply for the Kenyan Visa on line on http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html or can obtain one on arrival.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of travel and should have two blank pages available. If you intend visiting another East African neighboring country and back (e.g., Tanzania/Uganda/Rwanda) please obtain a multiple entry Visa.

For Visa’s to Uganda/Rwanda you may obtain an e-visa from the respective country or an East Africa Visa.

Since Visa regulations change without any prior notice, kindly check before you book a tour.

Africa by Ayu has connections to the rights camps and lodges in Kenya which are great for multi generational family holidays but not with toddlers. Different camps and lodges have different child policies and a minimum age on scheduled departures and walking safaris. Please enquire for specific details for your tour.

Note:

If you are traveling via Botswana and South Africa - You are required by law to travel with your children’s “Unabridged” Birth Certificate to enter Botswana and South Africa. If you are traveling without one parent, you will also require an affidavit from the absent parent giving permission for the child to enter the country. This must be dated no more than 3 months before the travel date

The currency is the Kenyan Shilling

US dollars - dated after 2006 are accepted, but, high denomination notes may not be accepted.

Credit Cards are accepted in many places. A Debit Card can be used to withdraw money at ATM’s. It is always advisable to bring some US Dollar currency in small denominations.

The most commonly used local languages in Kenya is Swahili, but English is widely spoken.

Travel insurance will be required before the final payment for your tour as tour operators and camps require your insurance details. Please ensure that the insurance is comprehensive and covers any medical situations such as hospitalization, emergency air-evacuation as well as cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.

Most urban areas have good medical facilities. If you do not have adequate cover you risk being turned away from the hospital.

A valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever is required for any person entering Kenya from, or via, a yellow fever infected area (please check latest WHO - World Health Organization current classification). In Sri Lanka, you can obtain the Yellow Fever vaccine at the MRI.

Kenya is a malaria area and malaria prophylactics are recommended. Please consult your Doctor prior to travel.

Lodges provide mosquito nets. To avoid mosquito and insect bites, wear long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night and use an insect repellent which contains at least 20-30% DEET. Although a medical kit is available at each lodge or safari operator, please bring all personal medications.

*Comprehensive travel and medical insurance must be taken by each traveller, prior to the final payment of your tour.

No one at is qualified to give medical advice and as such none of the above should be taken as authorized medical advice but are intended to be guidelines and general tips. Please consult your Doctor prior to travel and obtain accurate and up to date independent medical advice.

Flights

Africa by Ayu arranges all domestic flights from the main Airport to the national parks and between camps.

Baggage restrictions on flights

On internal aircraft transfers, strict baggage restrictions apply. Weight, size and style of bag is strictly enforced.
Each passenger is only allowed a 15KG soft duffel bag (not in hard top cases or bags with wheels) including hand luggage (includes camera equipment).
Large suitcases and rigid, inflexible luggage with “pull along” handle frames and wheels and bags which have soft sides but have a solid or rigid “wheely” frame within the base of the bag are NOT ALLOWED
These restrictions are enforced for the security of guests as the weight balance is important on light aircraft.
Pilots on small aircrafts will refuse any luggage which does not fit within the luggage pods of the aircraft.

Tap water in East Africa is not safe to drink. and as a general rule bottled mineral water is recommended.

Please inform any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to confirming a tour.

The electrical voltage is 220 to 240V. Wall sockets require 3 square pin type plugs so it is recommended that you carry international travel adapters to be used in areas/camps where there is electricity.

Whilst most hotels and lodges will have permanent electricity, mobile camps and in many remote bush camps and lodges will not have permanent electricity and will use, kerosene lamps, Solar or Generators for lighting (of tents and communal areas) and for refrigeration and are often switched off at night. Small electronic devices/cameras should be charged during the day but it may not be possible to use electric shavers and hairdryers.

Fully charged spare batteries should always be carried on safari and have sufficient memory cards for your images and videos – these are difficult to purchase here.

In most bush camps and remote lodges cellular phone coverage and internet connections will not be available. Some, will have limited Wi-Fi connection in main lounge areas.

For emergencies, all safari operators can connect with their main camp via a radio link or satellite phone connection.

* A 24 hour local point of contact will be provided to you for all emergencies.

* Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is not permitted on any flights

Tipping is entirely at your discretion and will be greatly appreciated by those who provide a good service.

A rough tipping guideline for Kenya

Guides: US10 dollars per day per guest or per couple (US$15-20 per day per group)
General lodge staff: US10 dollars per day per guest or per couple (a tip box is usually available at all camps and lodges and this will be distributed among the staff)
Hotel/restaurant - a service charge is added to the bill but if the service has been great, then a tip not exceeding 10% of the bill is customary.
It is not customary to tip lodge managers

For the tipping guideline for Mount Kilimanjaro climbs – Please enquire.

To wear on safari: Comfortable and casual clothing, that you can wash and wear in muted colours - khaki, green, beige
Since game drives are conducted early mornings and evenings – it can be quite cold, especially between June and October and warms up during the day, so bring layers you can peel off or put on as needed as well as a jacket, gloves, scarf/beanie and hat.
For walking safaris and bushwalks - wear a good pair of closed shoes (hiking boots not required) and clothing must be neutral colours (beige, khaki, olive, stone). You must not wear dark or bright colours.
When relaxing at camps and lodges: casual clothing
For evenings: Long-sleeved shirts, trousers and shoes to avoid mosquito bites
When traveling during cold months: Jeans or safari trousers
A lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho in case of rain
Swimwear as some lodges and camps do have a pool
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturizer and lip salve
Torch
Binoculars and camera equipment (with spare batteries and SD/Memory cards)
Most lodges inside the parks offer complimentary same-day laundry service. So you don’t need to bring too many clothes- please check on arrival.
Strict luggage restrictions (of 15kg per person including hand luggage and camera equipment) applies on all small flight.
On clothing and equipment for Mount Kilimanjaro climbs – please enquire.

Kenya attracts many tourists and is considered a safe country especially on an organized safari, as visitors on safari are shielded from public areas in cities where theft and crime can be more common like anywhere else in the world. The operators that partners with will always have your safety and security in mind throughout your tour. However, for all safari destinations and throughout the tour we offer, we recommend that you do not take any expensive jewelry, watches etc and ensure your bags can be locked.

Traveling or driving at night is not recommended.

Safaris may bring you up close in contact with wild animals and all instructions of your Guide should be strictly followed. However, you should take responsibility for your own safety. Some lodges or operators will require that you sign an indemnity form on your arrival.

*A 24 hour local point of contact will be provided to you for all emergencies.

Kenya FAQs

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