FAQs Answered about Kenya and Tanzania

We receive many of the same questions from travelers coming to Kenya and Tanzania.  Below I take a stab at some of them.  Feel free to email me at marketing@travel-wild.com if you have a specific question you would like answered.

1.  What is the difference between a conservancy and the Masai Mara Game Reserve?

The Masai Mara Game Reserve is the major reserve that everyone knows.  The migration of zebra and wildebeest are in the reserve from approximately July to October.  The conservancies (Olare Orok, Mara North, Siana, Talek, etc) are privately controlled areas that all border the Masai Mara.  They are technically not in the Masai Mara, but because there are no gates or fences around the reserve or around the conservancies, animals are free to roam where they wish.  The conservancies will up with wildlife just like the Masai Mara.

Several conservancies, such as the Olare Orok Conservancy and Mara North Conservancy, contain only high-end properties.  These two conservancies are full of wildlife and contain fewer visitors.  Other conservancies, like Talek Conservancy and Siana Conservancy, contain less wildlife and it's usually advisable to head into the actual reserve.  If you stay in one of the conservancies, I advise paying for 1 day of park fees to the actual reserve, just to get an idea of what it's like.  During the migration, heading into the reserve is highly recommended.

2.  Can children come on safari?

Yes.  Children love being around the animals and getting to interact with the Masai at the camps.  For families, I recommend trying to choose an itinerary with shorter drive times so the children don't get too uncomfortable in the vehicle.

3.  When should I travel to Kenya?

For me, the best time is in July and in September because the migration is in the Masai Mara and the crowds aren't as big as August.  Birdwatchers will want to visit between December and February, when the migratory birds fly south to East Africa.  If you're looking for the best value, come in June when prices are lower and the migration is getting ready to head into the Masai Mara.  

For the coast, I would avoid April and May as this is the rainy season.  Otherwise, the weather is usually wonderful.

4. When should I travel to Tanzania?

February is the time that the migration of wildebeest and zebra gives birth in the Serengeti...an amazing sight.  And in June the herds cross the Grumeti River on their way to Kenya, providing spectacular drama on the river banks.  Ngorongoro is always full of wildlife as the animals rarely migrate out, so it's difficult to go wrong there.

5.  What should I wear on safari?

Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, t-shirt with a light jacket over it (it gets cold in the early mornings), comfortable light trousers, closed-toe shoes.  Bug spray is helpful...just in case.

I recommend trousers and closed-toe shoes over shorts and sandals for a few reasons.  If there are any flies throughout the day, they won't bother you as much.  You won't return to the camp as dusty.  It can be chilly in the early morning and as the sun sets.

For more information about our safaris, please go to www.travel-wild.com.  Find Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, Mombasa and Zanzibar properties, and more.

Balloon Safari Adventure

Have you ever seen the pictures of people in hot-air balloons, looking down on elephants and lion in the Masai Mara or Serengeti?  If you haven't, scroll down for pictures.  If you've never been on a balloon safari in East Africa, keep reading (this very brief article).

BALLOON SAFARIS

Downside:  
It costs around $450 per person (discounts available through www.travel-wild.com :D)
You have to wake up at 4 or 5am in order to be ready to launch at 6am
You probably don't want to be afraid of heights

Upside:  
Ride in a hot air balloon for 45-60 min
Your pilot will be able to teach you about the hot air balloon and the wildlife/landscape below
View the wildlife beneath you as the sun rises (the best time to view wildlife)
Get an appreciation for the vast landscape
Get amazing pictures from a unique perspective
Champagne bush breakfast with your pilot and fellow ballooners at the end
Safaris don't happen every day, might as well experience everything possible

For more information about our safaris, please go to www.travel-wild.com.  Find Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, Mombasa and Zanzibar properties, and more.

Lake Borgoria and the Flamingo Migration

I ran across this fantastic series of photographs from Martin Harvey, who stayed at Lake Borgoria for 2 weeks in order to photograph the enormous number of flamingo currently there.  The flamingo come to Lake Bogoria usually from August to October and return to Lake Nakuru in the spring.

The Cyanobacteria found in the lake not only makes the water appear a greenish emerald color, it also attracts the large numbers of flamingo.  Volcanic soda-rich springs flow into the lake and cause it to become more and more mineral-laiden and alkaline.  Cyanobacteria thrives in this environment.

When the migration of flamingo reaches Lake Bogoria, it is home to the largest population of flamingos on the planet.  Greater Flamingos are present but it is the incredible number of Lesser Flamingos that makes the migration so visually spectacular.

Boat rides are possible on Lake Bogoria to get up-close with the bird-life and hippo that inhabit these waters.  There are a number of accommodation option in Bogoria, including Lake Bogoria Spa Resort, The Baringo Country Club, and Samatian Island Lodge.

To witness the largest migration of flamingo in the world and a truly spectacular event, head to Lake Bogoria.

For more information about our safaris, please go to www.travel-wild.com.  Find Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, Mombasa and Zanzibar properties, and more.

River Crossing Spectacular

We have all seen the spectacular wildebeest river crossings on television.  Thousands of creates lined up along the river banks and then in an instant a giant rush toward the other side almost in a single file line.  Crocodiles and lion seem to be everywhere, anticipating an easy meal.

These river crossings are happening right now in the Masai Mara Game Reserve (see the amazing pictures below).  What’s the best way to see these river crossings?  Timing and luck.  The Great Migration moves into the Masai Mara from July to October.  During this time they are forced to cross the Mara River in order to complete their annual journey back to Tanzania.  So first of all, you want to be in the Masai Mara from July to October.

Secondly, bring your rabbit’s foot or other lucky charm.  The large herds of wildebeest line up along the river’s banks and can often wait there for hours or even days.  There are 4-5 main locations where the herds cross the river each year.  Once the first animal heads across the river, the others (often thousands of others) follow suit and create a steady line of wildebeest and zebra heading to the opposite bank.  For those lucky enough to see it, the river crossing is as spectacular as advertised on TV.  It can take 30-60 minutes for the larger herds to all cross the river.  Meanwhile crocodile and lion lie in wait, picking off the less fortunate wildebeest and zebra.  One can view nature during one of its most dramatic moments.  These animals have performed this annual migration for thousands of years and will continue to do so for thousands of years more.  With over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra, there are plenty of opportunities to see a river crossing.

Check out these pictures taken 2 weeks ago in the Masai Mara Game Reserve:

For more information about our safaris, please go to www.travel-wild.com.  Find Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, Mombasa and Zanzibar properties, and more.

On the Road… Safari Minibus vs 4x4 vehicle

As you plan your safari, one of the decisions you have to make is whether you want to travel via safari minibus or 4x4 vehicle.  For any Tanzania safari, you will have a 4x4 vehicle.  But for a Kenya safari, you will have the choice of either a safari minibus or 4x4 vehicle.  Here's a look at a 4x4 vehicle (1st picture) and a safari minibus (2nd picture).

Let me quickly break down the pros and cons for each type of vehicle:

Safari Minibus:

• Less expensive
• Pop-open roof for 360 degree viewing
• Allows for 6 window seats in the back

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• Not as good in mud or difficult terrain

4x4 Vehicle:

• Pop-open roof for 360 degree viewing
• Allows for 6 window seats in the back
• Better suspension for a less bumpy ride
• Very good in mud and difficult terrain
• More space inside the vehicle

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• More expensive

A Safari Minibus is a great option on any Kenya safari.  It is less expensive and can hold up to 6-7 people with a pop-open roof for game viewing.  But personally, I prefer the 4x4 vehicles.  They are larger, allowing each person more room inside the vehicle.  They are more rugged and able to navigate through both mud and difficult terrain with ease.  They also feature a pop-open roof.  But an underrated feature is the feel of a 4x4 vehicle.  You FEEL like you’re exploring the park.  You FEEL like you are definitely on safari.  You FEEL like you might be on safari in the early 1900s with the likes of Hemingway, Roosevelt, and Cunninghame.

Upgrading to a 4x4 vehicle is a great option if you are part of a group.  It is usually only an extra cost of $25-30 per person per day if you are part of a group of 4-6 people.  Whether you travel via minibus or 4x4 vehicle, any Kenya safari or Tanzania safari is a magical experience.

For more information about our safaris, please go to www.travel-wild.com.  Find Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, Mombasa and Zanzibar properties, and more.

Experience the Migration

It’s Migration Season…Time for a Kenya Safari!

The Great Migration of over 2 million wildebeest and zebra has begun moving into the Masai Mara.  The National Geographic pictures with dramatic wildebeest crossings and thousands of animals spread out across rolling hills…that is the Great Migration in the Masai Mara.  Our Managing Director was on a Masai Mara safari just last week and captured the amazing photos seen at the end of this article.

The Migration moves from the Northern Serengeti in Tanzania into the Masai Mara in Kenya every year sometime in July or August.  This year the first herds entered the Masai Mara at the end of June and they are continueing to move in.  The rain in Kenya during April and May has allowed the grasses to grow over 1-1.5 metres, perfect for feeding over 2 million wildebeest and zebra.

With the wildebeest and zebra come numerous other animals.  Predators following the herds also enter the Masai Mara.  Hunting and kills are a daily activity now and there is more action on the rolling hills of the Masai Mara right now than at any other time of the year.  This is the most exciting time for a Kenya safari in the Masai Mara.  The amount of wildlife, the abundance of predators, the dramatic river crossings, and the gorgeous landscape of the Masai Mara…it all comes together for the holiday of a lifetime.

There is actually an interesting history regarding the Great Migration and relations between Kenya and Tanzania.  Because the Migration provides for a multi-million dollar tourism industry annually, both Kenya and Tanzania have tried to stop the herds from moving out of the country.  Park Rangers on both sides have been accused of deliberately setting fires along the border in order to stop the animals’ natural advance.  However, although the herds may be delayed for a day or 2, they have always maintained their migration route from Northern Tanzania, into Kenya, and back again.  The animals follow the vegetation patterns of the region and it seems that nothing…not even kilometers and kilometers of fires…will stop them from continuing their annual Migration.

Here's a 60 Minutes special look at the Great Migration (video) - http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5362301n

Take a look at the beginning of the 2013 Migration in the Masai Mara.  Photos taken by our Managing Director only 1 week ago on her Kenya safari!

For more information about our safaris, please go to www.travel-wild.com.  Find Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, Mombasa and Zanzibar properties, and more.

5 Steps to Booking a Great Safari

If you are unfamiliar with East Africa, trying to plan a safari and be a bit daunting. So many tour operators and parks and itineraries to remember and keep track of. Here are 5 stops to help you organize the planning stage of your safari experience.

 1. Is the tour operator a member of KATO or TATO? 
The Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) and the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) hold their members to standards in terms of reliability and customer service. Make sure any company you book a safari with is a member of either KATO or TATO when traveling in East Africa.  Check online (www.katokenya.org/ and www.tatotz.org/) to see if your tour operator is a member.


 2. Read reviews for your tour operator from past customers online 
Tripadvisor, facebook, and other online resources make finding testimonials and reviews very easy. The level of organization, the quality of the vehicles, the expertise of the drivers, and much more info can usually be gleamed from the average experience of past customers.


 3. Narrow down the type of safari that you want

• When do I want to travel? 
• What do I want to see and experience? (ie. Big cats, the Great Migration, relaxed game viewing, elephants, etc) 
• What is my budget? (Can I afford safari via minibus, via 4x4 vehicle, or a flying safari? What level of luxury do I want?) 
• How many days do I want to be on safari? 
• How many people will be traveling with me? 

When you have the answer to these questions, your tour operator can put together an itinerary that suits you and your group.


4. Understand what is included and excluded 
When looking at an itinerary and price, make sure the following are included:

• Airport pickup and dropoff 
• Park fees 
• All domestic flights where applicable 
• All meals that you require 

Also note, beverages will usually be paid directly at the lodges/camps. And there should be an optional “Flying Doctors” insurance that will provide a free medical evacuation in the case of emergency (typically around $20 per person).


 5. Don’t forget the optional activities 
A safari can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so don’t forget all the interesting activities available. When my family visits, this is what I tell them they should add on to their safari:

• Masai Village Visit (approx $20-25 per person) – You will see the Masai people all around, but actually visiting a village and interacting with the people there is an eye-opening experience 
• Hot Air Balloon Safari (approx $450 per person) – yes, a little pricey, but imagine floating above the Masai Mara or Serengeti for 1 hour in the early morning before landing for a champagne breakfast. 
• Sundowner (approx $35 per person) – What better way to relax after several hours on your game drive than to have a few drinks and hors d'oeuvres as the sun sets. This will take place away from the lodge. Bush 
• Dinner/Bush Breakfast (approx $40-60 per person) – Dine outside in an exclusive area away from the lodge where nature surrounds. Highly recommended for couples and large groups.

For more information about our safaris, please go to www.travel-wild.com.  Find Kenya safaris, Tanzania safaris, Mombasa and Zanzibar properties, and more.