Nairobi | Ol Pejeta Conservancy | 2 Days Samburu | Solio Ranch | Lake Naivasha | 2 Days Masai Mara | 4 Days Diani Beach
All Year Round
The hotel we select comply with our high standards and requirement per category.
No Accommodation
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your friendly Bush 2 City adventure guide welcomes you with a warm “Karibu Kenya!”
Your guide will take you straight to your hotel, sharing insights about Nairobi’s vibrant city life along the way. Feel free to ask any questions about Kenyan culture or the national parks you’re about to explore—your guide is here to make sure your adventure begins on a perfect note!
Nairobi (City), Kenya
After breakfast at your Nairobi hotel, your guide will pick you up around 8 a.m. for the three to four-hour drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a true paradise for rhino enthusiasts. Home to 140 black rhinos—the largest population in East and Central Africa—Ol Pejeta has played a vital role in the species' rebound from critically endangered numbers. The Conservancy is also the last refuge for the world’s two remaining northern white rhinos, home to 39 southern white rhinos.
Throughout the day, you’ll explore this incredible sanctuary, encountering not only rhinos but also rescued chimpanzees and, if you're lucky, members of the Big Five. As the sun sets, you'll arrive at your lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kenya)
After an early breakfast, your guide will pick you up for the five-hour journey from Ol Pejeta to Samburu National Reserve. This reserve offers stunning semi-arid landscapes where spotting wildlife is easy. Spanning 165 square kilometers, Samburu is home to over 900 elephants, often seen in large family groups, as well as lions, leopards, buffalo, and unique species like Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks, and Beisa oryxes. The Ewaso Nyiro River, the reserve's lifeline, attracts animals for game viewing, including crocodiles and hippos. By sunset, you’ll arrive at your lodge for a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay.
Samburu National Reserve (Kenya)
During your full day in Samburu, you'll have ample time to spot the Big Five and observe the reserve’s iconic elephants. Game viewing is most rewarding in the cooler morning and afternoon hours, while midday offers a chance to relax at your lodge or visit the indigenous Samburu people.
The Samburu, closely related to the Maasai, are a traditionally nomadic tribe living in secluded villages called bomas. Here, you can explore their unique huts with rounded roofs made of cow dung and learn about their pastoral lifestyle. A visit to a boma provides insight into their customs and the intricate beadwork in the colorful necklaces and headgear crafted by Samburu women, each piece carrying cultural significance.
Samburu National Reserve (Kenya)
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a day of exploration at Solio Game Reserve, a renowned sanctuary focused on rhino conservation. Nestled between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, Solio spans 49,000 acres and is home to 200 rhinos. Originally a cattle ranch, it was transformed into a sanctuary in 1973 to protect black and white rhinos, along with diverse wildlife like buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and gazelles. As the day concludes, you’ll return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay.
Solio Ranch (Kenya)
After breakfast, embark on a four to two and half hour journey from the Solio to Lake Naivasha, the highest lake in Kenya’s Rift Valley at 1,884 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a hot lunch.
In the afternoon, set off on a scenic boat safari across the 139-square-kilometer lake, spotting hippos and flamingos along the water. Watch for zebras, wildebeests, and giraffes along the shores. Next, enjoy a guided walking safari on Crescent Island—a hidden gem in the lake—where you’ll have the rare chance to walk among the wildlife in a picturesque setting. After an exciting day, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Lake Naivasha (Kenya)
After breakfast, set off on a scenic four-hour drive from Lake Naivasha through Kenya's stunning Rift Valley to the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival, you'll check into camp and enjoy a hot lunch before heading out for your first game drive across the vast, breathtaking savannah plains.
The Masai Mara, adjoining Tanzania’s Serengeti, is the backdrop for Africa's famed Great Migration, where over 2.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey between the Serengeti and the Mara in search of fresh grazing lands. The reserve’s name, “Masai Mara,” pays homage to the Maasai people and the “spotted” landscape dotted with acacia trees. After an exciting afternoon of wildlife viewing, you’ll return to camp at sunset for dinner and an overnight stay.
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
After breakfast, set off on a scenic four-hour drive from Lake Naivasha through Kenya's stunning Rift Valley to the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival, you'll check into camp and enjoy a hot lunch before heading out for your first game drive across the vast, breathtaking savannah plains.
The Masai Mara, adjoining Tanzania’s Serengeti, is the backdrop for Africa's famed Great Migration, where over 2.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey between the Serengeti and the Mara in search of fresh grazing lands. The reserve’s name, “Masai Mara,” pays homage to the Maasai people and the “spotted” landscape dotted with acacia trees. After an exciting afternoon of wildlife viewing, you’ll return to camp at sunset for dinner and an overnight stay.
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Diani Beach, just an hour's flight from Nairobi and 20 kilometers south of Mombasa, offers a 15-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand lined with coconut trees. This paradise features luxury resorts, high-end restaurants, water sports, and diverse wildlife. Marine life enthusiasts can enjoy underwater safaris, with sightings of dolphins year-round, humpback whales in September, and whale sharks from January to March.
Whether scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, or simply relaxing on the beach, Diani has it all. For a cultural touch, take a day trip to Mombasa’s old town, rich in vibrant Arabic influence.
Diani Beach
Experience the luxury and relaxation of Diani Beach, where you can dive into activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, and jet skiing, or simply relax on the soft white sands. For a cultural escape, take a day trip to historic Mombasa to explore the charming old town and its vibrant Arabic-influenced atmosphere.
Diani Beach
Immerse yourself in the luxurious and relaxing beach life at Diani Beach. Indulge in a variety of activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, windsurfing, enjoying leisurely boat rides, or speeding along the water on a jet ski. Alternatively, you might choose to unwind on the soft, white sands, soaking up the sun's warmth. For a change of scenery, consider a day trip to the historic city of Mombasa, where you can stroll through the charming old town and experience its vibrant culture, enriched with Arabic influences.
Diani Beach
Immerse yourself in the luxurious and relaxing beach life at Diani Beach. Indulge in a variety of activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, windsurfing, enjoying leisurely boat rides, or speeding along the water on a jet ski. Alternatively, you might choose to unwind on the soft, white sands, soaking up the sun's warmth. For a change of scenery, consider a day trip to the historic city of Mombasa, where you can stroll through the charming old town and experience its vibrant culture, enriched with Arabic influences.
Diani Beach
Immerse yourself in the luxurious and relaxing beach life at Diani Beach. Indulge in a variety of activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, windsurfing, enjoying leisurely boat rides, or speeding along the water on a jet ski. Alternatively, you might choose to unwind on the soft, white sands, soaking up the sun's warmth. For a change of scenery, consider a day trip to the historic city of Mombasa, where you can stroll through the charming old town and experience its vibrant culture, enriched with Arabic influences.
Diani Beach
As every memorable journey must conclude, today marks your return home. Savor your final moments on the exquisite Diani Beach before departing for Mombasa to catch your flight.
If you're fond of historic cities, consider spending your last day exploring the city center of Mombasa, just 20 kilometers from Diani. The city's renowned Old Town, scenic ocean views, bustling markets, and numerous historical sites are well worth a visit. After your exploration, our driver will escort you directly to the airport. You'll be leaving with unforgettable memories and beautiful photos to cherish.
No Major Destination
No Accommodation
Rates are per person and exclude international flights from/to your home country.
This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 12 receive a discount and children under 2 are free.
No Accommodation
This tour starts in Nairobi and ends in Mombasa, Kenya
We can help select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) in Nairobi
Fly back from Moi Airport (MBA) in Mombasa
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
All passengers require a valid passport to enter Kenya, and that passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. (Please note that although adult passports are valid for a full ten years, children’s passports require renewal every five years.) Your passport must also contain at least four blank visa pages and you need to apply for a single-entry visa even if you enter, exit, and re-enter the country.
In addition to a valid passport, and as noted in your Journey Confirmation e-document you received confirming your reservation, travelers from all countries should apply online for a Kenya before entering the country. Visitors should apply for the Electronic travel authorization (eTA) at www.etakenya.go.ke and pay a processing fee of $34. All eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted no earlier than 90 days before the tour’s end date, to ensure adequate time for authorization. It is recommended that families apply as a group.
PLEASE NOTE: As you’re completing the Kenya Visa process, you will be asked to enter a “contact” person as well as the addresses that you will be staying at during your time in the country(ies). For this portion, please use the hotel information found below.
B2C Adventure LTD
Norfolk Tower, Kijabe Street
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: 254 756 836 023
Email: info@bush2cityadventure.com
Somerset Westview Hotel
LR. No. 1/1376, Nyangumi Road
Off Lenana Road, Kilimani Nairobi,Kenya
Phone: +254 11 1043700
Email: enquiry.swn@the-ascott.com
IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to obtain ALL necessary documentation before your tour may result in being denied entry into a country, or delays in entry until proper documentation can be obtained. In consideration of the larger group (and to maintain our planned itinerary), travelers who have failed to obtain the necessary documentation in advance may need to remain at the airport and could thus be responsible for arranging (and paying for) their transportation to join the safari. Bush 2 City Adventure will not be responsible for obtaining any missing documentation, nor will Bush 2 City Adventure be responsible for any expenses incurred, missed tour components, or other losses resulting from the failure to obtain proper travel documents in advance.
All passengers have a responsibility to check with the Kenyan and Tanzanian Embassies or Consulates to determine necessary travel documents.
We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration, and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost, or stolen.
To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you’ve completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smartphone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.
TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT BUSH 2 CITY ADVENTURE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.
See your travel advisor, or call Bush 2 City at +255 789 725 322 to make a reservation.
At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:
– > Tour Name and Departure Date
– > Traveler’s Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver’s license
– > Traveler’s Address(es)
– > Email Address*
– > Traveler’s Phone Number(s)*
– > Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number of a relative or friend (not traveling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
– > Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Bush 2 City recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
* Required Fields
Deposits:
Deposits and local flight fees are due at the time of booking. Note: if your tour includes air transfer, the full amount for airfare will be requested in full and not counted as part of the deposit.
Should you wish to book with Bush 2 City Adventure, once we have received your booking details, we will request a non-refundable booking deposit of 30% per person. This deposit is usually paid by credit card.
Final Payments:
Final Payment is due to Bush 2 City 45 days before departure for tour trips. If a safari is arranged within 45 days before the commencement of the safari, the full amount shall be payable to confirm the safari. If your deposit was made by credit card, the final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at the time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.
We recommend that all travelers booking safaris with us purchase travel insurance to cover their trip investment. Ensure that you have cancellation cover for any reason.
Travel Insurance Benefits – We advise all visitors to carefully review the extent of a policy’s coverage before purchasing it, and the following recommendations should be included in the policy before you make a purchase:
Trip Cancellation – If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Make sure the policy benefits reimburse the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip.
Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed during your trip.
Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel-related problems.
Please note that the insurance policy is arranged by clients themselves from the company based in their home country, not Bush 2 City. Purchasing insurance is advised immediately after confirming your safari with us and paying the deposit.
If circumstances arise necessitating the cancellation of your holiday, such cancellation must be formally communicated to us in writing. A cancellation will only be deemed valid once we have received written notification.
Please note that in the event of a cancellation, both the deposit and any charges related to amendments will be non-refundable. Cancellation fees are assessed on a sliding scale, as outlined below, and apply per person upon our receipt of your written cancellation notice before your scheduled departure.
Regardless of the reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour, and therefore, the following fees apply:
– > Cancellations 120 to 60 days before departure incur a forfeiture of the 30% deposit
– > Cancellations 60 to 45 days prior incur a 50% fee of the total tour rate.
– > Cancellations less than 45 days prior incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unforeseen cancellations. If your cancellation falls within the coverage scope of your insurance policy, as outlined in its terms and conditions, you may be eligible to recover the incurred charges from your insurance provider. However, it should be noted that if we have already issued your domestic airline tickets and you decide to cancel them at any point, you will not be entitled to any refunds for these tickets, under the circumstances described.
Moreover, if you fail to show up or join the safari after the departure date has passed, no refund will be issued. The time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Sakina Kwa Idd, Arusha, Tanzania office.
In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Bush 2 City reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.
Click here to find Bush 2 City`s Travel Terms & Conditions.
AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your airfare elsewhere, you must provide us with your confirmed arrival and departure flight information no later than three weeks before your arrival date.
BUSH 2 CITY AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Bush 2 City airport transfers are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Bush 2 City hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre-tour or post-tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, provided flight information is received in the Bush 2 City office no later than three weeks in advance. Your final documents will include details on locating your transfer upon arrival in the tour start city.
AIRLINES AND CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Bush 2 City journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Bush 2 City restriction noted above, you should also research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Bush 2 City journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Bush 2 City cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour:
To help in your packing, Bush 2 City recommends each guest bring a duffel bag. The duffel bag has been specially designed to provide more than adequate space for essential items needed while on safari. Strict limitations on our on-tour flights require that each guest take only one piece of soft-sided luggage (the duffel bag) weighing no more than 33 pounds, or 14.97 kilograms. This weight limit includes all camera equipment. Soft-sided luggage is required to ensure your piece fits into irregularly shaped luggage compartments. In addition, guests are limited to one soft-sided carry-on bag per person, not to exceed 15 lbs. or 6.8 kg, and no larger than an average knapsack.
Checked Luggage – General:
Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person, weighing no more than 44 pounds (20 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm). Besides complying with the Bush 2 City restriction noted above, you should also research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Bush 2 City journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences. Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Bush 2 City cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by failure to research and comply with airline policies.
Carry-on Luggage – General:
Although oversized bags and wheeled carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for safari vehicle travel or many on-tour flights. Most modern safari vehicles offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats is typically small and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags. For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece and bring only those items you need handy during the day, such as makeup, medications, valuables, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the seat must be stored in the luggage truck and will be inaccessible during daytime travel.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases to enter the country. These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is, therefore, crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.
Regarding the Yellow Fever Vaccination:
While not a Bush 2 City requirement, All guests are advised to bring proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination or a doctor’s note stating why they are unable to get the Yellow Fever vaccination for entry into Kenya and Tanzania. Please be advised that this regulation often changes.
For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here. You may also wish to visit the websites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting. Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren’t required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.
Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a website. It is critically important that you consult with your physician before your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources. Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective. Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).
Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Bush 2 City. Bush 2 City is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations. If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.
All travelers to Africa should be in reasonably good health. There is not a significant amount of walking on this tour; however, the walking that is done takes place over uneven terrain, occurs frequently in warm weather, and includes climbing in and out of safari vehicles. If you opt for on-tour air transfer upgrades, please note that flights use single or twin-engine propeller planes accommodating 18-50 passengers. We strongly advise that guests who require assistance walking or who travel with oxygen tanks may not fully enjoy this very active journey.
There are certain rules and regulations that one should be aware of while on safari. You must listen to your tour director/consultant, local guide, or ranger, as they are trained to be aware of the environment around them. Guests should be aware that while on safari, you will be traveling in smaller groups and will travel on small bush planes and/or helicopters. Guests will use smaller safari vehicles, where they will be required to rotate not only safari guides, rangers, and cars but also seats within the car. Please note that there are limited medical facilities, and guests will not have exclusive use of a vehicle should they need special attention or consideration.
The safari vehicles are not air-conditioned, though you might find some have air conditioning, but it is not guaranteed. The cars have six window seats, with roofs that lift for animal viewing. Please note that the areas traversed on game drives are typically unpaved and will often be bumpy and dusty.
Please note that all Bush 2 City guests will dine at Bush 2 City Designated tables for meals. The majority of meals while on safari are buffet style due to the international guests that stay at the lodges.
A NOTE ON THE SCHEDULED HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: The minimum age to participate in the hot air balloon ride is seven. There is no maximum age, although you must be reasonably mobile, fit to fly, and prepared for an adventure! Balloon passenger weights are calculated at an average of 176 lbs (80 kg) per person. If you weigh more than 50% above the average weight (i.e., 265 lbs/120 kg), you may be charged an additional fee.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES: This Bush 2 City itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, or motorized scooters. Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Bush 2 City journey. Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. The responsibility of the Bush 2 City Director and Guide is to ensure that the guest enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS
The restaurants, hotels, caterers, and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Bush 2 City guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.
We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!
You can view the reading list.
Into Africa
With the utterance of a single line—“Doctor Livingstone, I presume?”—a remote meeting in the heart of Africa (Tanzania’s Lake Tanganyika) was transformed into one of the most famous encounters in exploration history. This is the true story behind the meeting of the great explorer David Livingstone (the first Westerner to witness Victoria Falls) and journalist Henry Morton Stanley. Also available as an audiobook. By Martin Dugard.
The Scramble for Africa
The detailed historical account of how six European countries—Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal, with Belgium’s King Leopold at the center of it all—carved up Africa among themselves from 1876-1912, all in the name of the “3 Cs”: Christianity, Commerce, and Civilization. By Thomas Pakenham.
The Complete Short Stories Of Ernest Hemingway
A definitive collection of the esteemed Africa-loving American novelist’s short stories, including the most beloved classics “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” “Hills Like White Elephants,” and “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place,” plus seven new tales published here for the first time. By Ernest Hemingway.
The Worlds of a Maasai Warrior, An Autobiography
An autobiographical memoir revealing the traditional childhood, adolescence, and coming of age of a Maasai warrior on the plains of the Serengeti. It also touches on the author’s experiences as a park ranger and his journeys abroad. By Tepilit Ole Saitoti.
The Tree Where Man Was Born
A classic portrait of East Africa, enthralling in its detail on nature and daily life, drawing on the author-naturalist’s field trips to Ngorongoro, the Kenyan highlands, and the Serengeti. By Peter Matthiessen.
A Grain of Wheat
A compelling story by East Africa’s leading voice, this moving and eye-opening novel—set in the wake of the Mau Mau rebellion, on the cusp of Kenya’s independence from Britain—follows a group of villagers whose lives have been transformed by the 1952–1960 Emergency. At the center of it all is the reticent Mugo, the village’s chosen hero and a man haunted by a terrible secret. Also available as an audiobook. By Ngugi Wa Thiong’o.
Out of Africa
A now-famous love story drawn from the Danish author’s time running a coffee plantation in British-colonial Kenya’s Ngong Hills—in the Great Rift Valley, just outside of Nairobi—from 1914-1931. By Isak Dinesen (aka Baroness Karen Blixen).
Simplified Swahili
An excellent, easy-to-use system for learning Swahili, the lingua franca of Southeast and East Africa. By Peter M. Wilson.
Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania
This field guide is the most comprehensive and well-illustrated available. By Dale A. Zimmerman.
The Safari Companion
Without a doubt, the best field guide to observing and understanding the behavior of African mammals. Invaluable for safari-bound travelers. By Richard D. Estes.
West with the Night
The epic true-life account of the woman who began her flying career in 1930s Kenya by scouting African wildlife herds from the air and became one of the most famous pilots of her day. A contemporary of Karen Blixen (aka Isak Dinesen, the author of Out of Africa), Markham left an enduring memoir that soars with astounding candor and shimmering insights. Also available as an audiobook. By Beryl Markham.
Too Close to the Sun
This biography of Denys Finch Hatton—the explorer whose real-life romance inspired Out of Africa—conjures the mystical beauty of Kenya’s savannahs after WWI while describing the way of life in colonial British East Africa. By Sara Wheeler.
The Great Animal Orchestra
An incredible audiobook! Musician and naturalist Krause is one of the world’s leading experts in natural sound, and he’s spent his life discovering and recording nature’s rich chorus. Accompanied by his recordings—of jaguars at night in the Amazon rain forest to encountering mountain gorillas in Africa’s Virunga Mountains—he offers an intense and intensely personal narrative of the planet’s deep and connected natural sounds. By Bernie Krause.
The Flame Trees of Thika
A classic. In 1913, Elspeth Huxley set off in an open cart with her parents to travel to Thika in Kenya. As pioneering settlers, they built a house of grass, ate off a damask cloth spread over packing cases, and discovered—the hard way—the world of the African. By Elspeth Huxley.
Unbowed
Nobel Prize-winner Wangari Maathai recounts her extraordinary journey from her childhood in rural Kenya to the world stage. When Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, she began a vital poor people’s environmental movement, focused on the empowerment of women, that soon spread across Africa. She continued to fight tirelessly to save Kenya’s forests and to restore democracy to her beloved country. Also available as an audiobook. By Wangari Maathai.
The Serengeti Rules
How does nature produce the right numbers of zebras and lions on the African savanna or fish in the ocean? The author, an award-winning biologist, tells the stories of the pioneering scientists who sought the answers to such simple yet profoundly important questions and shows how their discoveries matter for our health and that of the planet. Also available as an audiobook. By Sean B. Carroll.
Kenya is truly a year-round destination, as the climate frequently features warm, bright days and cool, crisp nights. Daytime temperatures throughout the year typically range from 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.5 to 35 degrees Celsius; evening temperatures can be cooler, ranging from 50 to 60 F, or 10 to 15.5 C.
Late afternoon rains are customary. The rainy seasons are March through May (the “long rains”) and October through December (the “short rains”). During these times, rain occurs mostly in the late afternoon and is generally brief. The spring months are preferred by some for smaller crowds, verdant scenery, and delightful temperatures.
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.
Please Note: Tanzania has adopted a regulation prohibiting using or possessing single-use plastic bags (excluding small Ziploc bags), which have become an environmental issue there. This new regulation is particularly noteworthy because it becomes effective on June 1, 2019. Penalties for violating the regulation have not been made public. Still, for guidance, in nearby Kenya, the penalties are extremely severe: a fine of up to $40,000 or four years in prison for simply possessing a plastic bag. By banning plastic bags, Tanzania is joining more than 60 other countries that have banned, partly banned, or taxed single-use plastic bags, including China, France, Rwanda, and Italy.
As you prepare for your journey and consider what to pack, we strongly urge you to keep this new regulation in mind. Please also carefully inspect your luggage and any carry-on bags you plan on using to ensure no forgotten plastic bags lurking in any pockets or compartments.
This African safari is a very casual tour. Comfortable and casual clothing is recommended for both day and night. Formal and resort attire is not required.
Generally, lightweight, cotton, short- and long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and shorts are sufficient. A light jacket, fleece, or windbreaker, as well as layers of clothing, are suggested for cooler temperatures during early morning game drives and evenings. A bandana or cotton scarf will always come in handy. Be prepared for daily highs ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s and lows in the 50s and 60s except during the cold season (June, July, and August) when the lows can drop down into the 40s. The rim of the Ngorongoro Crater can get significantly colder during the night and early mornings due to the high elevation (7,500 – 8,000 feet).
While on safari, you may prefer to wear natural, earth-toned clothing, such as khakis, tans, browns, and greens (this is not imperative; other colors are fine), as well as comfortable walking shoes (hiking boots are not necessary). Dark, black, or navy blue clothing is not recommended while on safari as these colors have been known to attract biting tsetse flies. It is also advisable to bring a swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip protection. Some stretches of unpaved road travel during game drives can be quite bumpy.
Game drives can be dusty, so wear something that can be washed while on safari. Clothes may be laundered at all camps for a nominal fee. Most lodges and camps will launder your clothes for free or for a small fee ($2 – $3 per item) within 24 hours. Loose-fitting, casual, and comfortable clothing is recommended.
A personal kit with medication for possible upset stomach, aspirin, and allergy medicine may also be useful. If you are taking prescription drugs, bring a prescription signed by your doctor in case you need an emergency refill while traveling. Insect repellent with DEET is a very important item to include in your kit. Pre-moistened towelettes, antibacterial lotion, and a flashlight will also be useful on your safari.
Pack your medical kit in your carry-on bag along with an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses and a change of clothes in case of luggage delay.
For viewing wildlife, we recommend you bring a good pair of binoculars and your photography supplies, such as plenty of film, batteries, a 200mm telephoto lens, lens cap, lens papers, UV filter, and, for video recording, an adequate supply of video cassettes.
Please see below for a recommended African safari packing list:
Safari Clothing
– > One pair of comfortable walking shoes (i.e., sneakers, cross-training, or light hiking shoes)
– > Casual, comfortable, and loose-fitting clothing in khaki, brown, beige, green, and olive colors
– > T-shirts and light tops
– > Long-sleeved shirts/blouses
– > Shorts
– > Light long pants or convertible long-short pants
– > One warm fleece or sweater
– > Socks and underwear
– > Pajamas
– > Hat and bandana
– > Heavy sweater, warm gloves, knit hat, and scarf for the cold season (June – August)
– > For the ladies, you may consider wearing a sports bra while out on game drives as the roads can be a bit bumpy
– > Recommended but optional: lightweight jacket or windbreaker
Other Items
– > Passport, plane tickets, safari itinerary, and emergency contact document
– > U.S. dollars in large and small denominations and credit cards
– > Small flashlight
– > Sunglasses
– > Sunscreen and lip balm
– > Insect repellent
– > Contact lens solution, spare glasses, and extra contact lenses
– > Waterless anti-bacterial gel, hand wipes, and Kleenex
– > Camera, plenty of film, extra batteries and charger, if applicable
– > UK plug adapter
– > Small battery-operated alarm clock or watch
– > Playing cards, small games, and reading material (see safari reading list)
– > Journal or notebook for recording daily observations and pens
– > Snacks – nutrition bars, nuts, candy, etc.
– > Ziploc bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, and small trash bags
– > All rooms at each lodge/camp have soap and shampoo
– > Small medical kit including: aspirin, antimalarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, cream for itches and rashes (i.e., Benadryl itch relief stick), band-aids, stomachache medicine (i.e., Pepto-Bismol), antibiotic ointment (i.e., Neosporin), multivitamins, diarrhea medicine (i.e., Imodium), prescription antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacteria including travelers’ diarrhea (i.e., Ciprofloxacin commonly known as Cipro), and any prescription medications.
– > If you have back issues, you may wish to consider bringing along a travel pillow to pad the safari seat over the bumpy roads (it can also double as a tool to steady your camera while taking pictures)
– > If you wear contact lenses, you should also bring along a pair of glasses in case your eyes get irritated from the dust
– > Be sure to bring enough cash. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, and there are no ATM machines out in the bush. See the money section for more information.
– > As a safety precaution in case of a lost passport, we recommend that all guests carry a photocopy of their passport in a separate piece of luggage or scan and email your passport to your ADS sales representative.
– > Small battery-operated hand-held fan (some come with water reservoirs)
– > Tanzania Visa
– > Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if traveling from a Yellow Fever-infected country such as Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda
We recommend lightweight clothing with moisture-wicking technology that draws moisture away from the skin to help keep you cool and dry. Many options are available from various online outdoor outfitters such as REI that are ideally suited for warmer climates and many feature stretchy fabrics for maximum comfort with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) sun protection and even vented side seams.
Luggage Guidelines and Recommendations
Flight Restrictions and Excess Luggage
Most flights within East Africa, including the flight from Arusha to the Serengeti, have a baggage restriction of 33 pounds per person. This 33-pound limit pertains to the total combined weight of all your luggage and carry-on items, including backpacks, purses, camera gear, camera bags, etc. Excess luggage over and above the 33-pound allowance is charged at $3 per pound if it can be accommodated on the flight. For the standard Serengeti flight included in most itineraries, we’ve found that usually any excess luggage can be accommodated as long as you’re willing to pay the $3 per pound excess baggage fee and the excess luggage is within reason (i.e., about 5 to 7 pounds over the limit). Excess luggage that cannot be accommodated on your flight will be flown out on the next available flight (there are at least two flights a day to/from the Serengeti).
If you’re a serious photographer with heavy gear, you may wish to purchase an extra seat for your internal flight(s) to avoid any luggage restrictions. Soft-sided luggage is preferred for the flight to the Serengeti, but hard-sided luggage is allowed. The cargo pod measurements for the bush planes can be as small as 14.5 inches by 27 inches, so please ensure your luggage is not larger than these dimensions.
If you have extra luggage that you won’t need for the safari (e.g., extra luggage for pre-safari or post-safari travel, books you read on the international flight over, etc.), you are welcome to leave these excess items for safekeeping with our staff in Nairobi or Arusha. They will store your items at our secure offices in Arusha and then redeliver them to you before your return flight home.
Carry on all valuables and do not check in any luggage containing items such as camera equipment, tablets, laptops, etc., to avoid theft. Note that the flight to the Serengeti may make multiple stops before arriving at your destination airstrip, depending on the destinations of the other passengers. This can be an inconvenience. The pilot will know each guest’s destination airstrip and will make sure you disembark at the correct airstrip. The flights can be quite loud, so you may wish to bring disposable earplugs. We recommend packing light as no formal clothes are needed, and laundry services are available at most lodges and camps either free of charge or for a small fee ($2-$3 per item).
Delayed or lost checked luggage is common on international air carriers arriving in Kilimanjaro, Nairobi, or Dar es Salaam. Accordingly, it is recommended that you carry on all luggage, including one carry-on 22-inch suitcase (normal carry-on size, which fits in typical overhead bins) and one separate camera bag and/or shoulder bag per person. If you choose to check your luggage, you must carry all important items, including but not limited to prescription medicines, camera equipment, essential toiletries, and at least two separate changes of clothes. As you pack, ask yourself, “Would my trip be ruined if I did not have this item?” If the answer is yes, pack it in your carry-on bag.
Recently, KLM Airlines has become more aggressive in enforcing weight and size limits regarding carry-on luggage. Their carry-on rule of two carry-on pieces totaling a maximum of 26 pounds has rarely been enforced in the past. However, we have recently had a few guests forced to check in their luggage at the gate/jetway. These clients were pulled out of line and told their carry-on luggage was too big and heavy. We believe that KLM may be tightening their rules and enforcement, especially if your luggage appears ‘overstuffed,’ has items hanging out, or appears to be ‘unusual’ or ‘untidy.’ We continue to recommend that all guests pack as lightly as possible and do not overstuff carry-on luggage. Walk quietly to the gate and smile; this will go a long way!
As an extra caution, we recommend that you include a duffel bag or similar in one piece of your carry-on luggage just in case you are forced to check in that piece of luggage. You would then be able to quickly pull out some critical items (prescription medicine, change of clothes, etc.) and put those items in the bag to carry on board the aircraft with you. Checked luggage is frequently delayed (we estimate roughly 20% of the time) for the Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro flight. If your luggage is delayed, the airlines can usually deliver it to us within 24-48 hours. There are daily flights into the Serengeti, so once we have your luggage in hand, getting it to you while you are on safari is not a problem.
We have had clients in the past who were concerned about losing checked luggage express interest in mailing items to Arusha ahead of time. Although it is possible to try and mail some items to Arusha ahead of time, we would not generally recommend it. It would likely be rather expensive, and the mail service in Africa is extremely unreliable (much more so than the airlines!).
Please keep all critical items and valuables in your carry-on shoulder bag or on you, including your passport, tickets, wallet, medications, toiletries, camera, glasses, etc. Never pack any camera equipment or film in your check-in luggage. If you do decide to check your luggage, please protect yourself from the consequences of the airline losing your luggage by packing critical items as described above and also two changes of clothes in a carry-on bag.
You may leave extra suitcases at our office in Nairobi upon arrival, and we can redeliver them to you after your safari. This is particularly useful for those combining their safari with vacations in Europe or other destinations where the clothing requirements and climates are different (especially in the winter). We can securely store all non-safari-related items at our office. Some guests prefer packing two different suitcases: one for the safari and a second for Europe or other destinations.
Dress Code for Dian Mombasa:
Note: This applies to Dian Mombasa only. If you are traveling to Mombasa, please ensure that you dress modestly when not at the beach or beach resorts. When away from the beach and beach resorts, women should not wear sleeveless tops and short skirts (pants or at least knee-length shorts are fine). Men should wear shirts, pants, or knee-length shorts. During Ramadan, take particular care with dress and show respect by not eating or drinking in the street or other public places.
Luggage Recommendations:
Many people will bring a lightweight rolling duffel bag since it has reasonable capacity but the bag itself doesn’t weigh much, so you can allocate your weight allowance to the actual contents of your bag rather than the bag itself; you may recall each person is allowed 33 pounds of luggage on the small plane flight to the Serengeti. A lightweight bag will suffice. Some manufacturers to consider are Skyway, Tutto, Travelpro, Samsonite, Atlantic, Briggs & Riley, Eagle Creek, Swiss Army, Jourdan, JanSport, American Tourister, High Sierra, Traveler’s Choice, Tumi, Atlantic, and Andiamo. A simple approach is to go to Google.com (or your favorite search engine) and type in the search window what you are looking for, e.g., “lightweight luggage” for selection from many sources. To help aid you at the airport to identify your checked luggage, remember that colorful tags or baggage straps are still the best way to spot your bag.
Tips on What to Bring in Your Day Pack:
(Shared by our safari specialist)
I was answering safari prep questions for one of my clients the other day when she asked what I thought was a very good question: “When you are out on safari, what items do you bring in your day pack?” Aside from my main suitcase full of clothes, I also bring a smaller backpack that travels out “into the bush” with me during the day, while the larger suitcase stays at the lodge. I thought it was a clever question, and perhaps the answer will be helpful to others as they embark on their safari adventure. Here it goes, my “Master ‘Day Pack’ List”:
– > Sunglasses
– > Lip balm (SPF 45)
– > Facial cleansing cloths (e.g., “Olay Daily Facials Express” or similar)
– > Mints or chewing gum
– > Tylenol or Advil
– > Small notebook and pen
– > Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher)
– > Safari hat
– > Ponytail holder
– > Kleenex
– > Pet-waste bags
– > Hand sanitizer
– > Insect repellent towelette
– > Money/passport wallet
– > Camera
Many items on the list are self-explanatory and seem to be common sense. But this list took me several different safaris to perfect!
– > Sunglasses are rather obvious. But it took me at least three trips to Africa and several episodes of sunburned/chapped lips before I figured out to bring lip balm with sunscreen!
– > The facial cleaning cloths, like the ones made by Olay, are a big lifesaver, especially when conditions are dusty. The type that is especially formulated for your face will double as a skincare regimen for morning and evening. At home, I use facial cleanser and moisturizer, but these bottles of liquid are cumbersome to pack, and I much prefer to leave them at home.
– > I bring along a small pack of Kleenex for minor emergencies. They are easy to keep with you, and just in case the toilet paper runs out, I have my own backup. On a similar subject, I also bring along a pack of opaque “pet waste” bags to dispose of any toilet paper from using “bush bathrooms.” An easy and low-profile
– > Nothing ruins a great trip like a headache. Sometimes the sun, dust, and bumpy roads can initiate one, so I’m quick to nip it in the bud with a couple of Tylenol or Advil before it becomes a bigger problem. Of course, I also bring along any other medication I might need during the day.
– > As much as I love to pop my head out of the open-topped land cruiser and feel the wind in my hair, it also gets tangled pretty quickly unless I use a trusty ponytail holder or safari hat. I also bring along a brush or comb. One trick I’ve found to keep long hair tame is to wear it in a braid; this will result in very few tangles at the end of the day!
– > Instead of bringing insect repellent lotion or spray, which can be cumbersome to pack, I now use these handy pre-packaged towelettes. I like the brand “OFF” because theirs include DEET, which is extremely effective against mosquitoes, and they are easy to find and purchase, either online or through many outdoor-type stores. The best part about these is how easy they are to pack and use! I can usually get by using only one per day.
– > I also bring along a small notebook and pen to take journal notes, as well as mints or chewing gum. A clever product I’ve recently discovered are Brush-ups, which are a great way to quickly ‘brush your teeth’ while on the go. Sunscreen is an obvious item to pack, but I think it’s a good idea to bring the strong stuff! Think SPF 50 or greater. The climate in Northern Tanzania feels mild because of the high elevation, but here on the equator, the sun is stronger than you think! And if anything can ruin your trip faster than a headache, it would be sun poisoning.
– > Of course, I keep my passport and money with me at all times. I use a travel wallet, similar to this one: Eagle Creek Travel Wallet.
So that’s my day pack! Your content may differ slightly from mine, but hopefully, I’ve offered an idea or two that you can use! (Of course, I also bring along a camera. For more info on that subject, you can read the photography section of the handbook.)
Nairobi | Ol Pejeta Conservancy | 2 Days Samburu | Solio Ranch | Lake Naivasha | 2 Days Masai Mara | 4 Days Diani Beach
All Year Round
The hotel we select comply with our high standards and requirement per category.
No Accommodation
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your friendly Bush 2 City adventure guide welcomes you with a warm “Karibu Kenya!”
Your guide will take you straight to your hotel, sharing insights about Nairobi’s vibrant city life along the way. Feel free to ask any questions about Kenyan culture or the national parks you’re about to explore—your guide is here to make sure your adventure begins on a perfect note!
Nairobi (City), Kenya
After breakfast at your Nairobi hotel, your guide will pick you up around 8 a.m. for the three to four-hour drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a true paradise for rhino enthusiasts. Home to 140 black rhinos—the largest population in East and Central Africa—Ol Pejeta has played a vital role in the species' rebound from critically endangered numbers. The Conservancy is also the last refuge for the world’s two remaining northern white rhinos, home to 39 southern white rhinos.
Throughout the day, you’ll explore this incredible sanctuary, encountering not only rhinos but also rescued chimpanzees and, if you're lucky, members of the Big Five. As the sun sets, you'll arrive at your lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Kenya)
After an early breakfast, your guide will pick you up for the five-hour journey from Ol Pejeta to Samburu National Reserve. This reserve offers stunning semi-arid landscapes where spotting wildlife is easy. Spanning 165 square kilometers, Samburu is home to over 900 elephants, often seen in large family groups, as well as lions, leopards, buffalo, and unique species like Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks, and Beisa oryxes. The Ewaso Nyiro River, the reserve's lifeline, attracts animals for game viewing, including crocodiles and hippos. By sunset, you’ll arrive at your lodge for a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay.
Samburu National Reserve (Kenya)
During your full day in Samburu, you'll have ample time to spot the Big Five and observe the reserve’s iconic elephants. Game viewing is most rewarding in the cooler morning and afternoon hours, while midday offers a chance to relax at your lodge or visit the indigenous Samburu people.
The Samburu, closely related to the Maasai, are a traditionally nomadic tribe living in secluded villages called bomas. Here, you can explore their unique huts with rounded roofs made of cow dung and learn about their pastoral lifestyle. A visit to a boma provides insight into their customs and the intricate beadwork in the colorful necklaces and headgear crafted by Samburu women, each piece carrying cultural significance.
Samburu National Reserve (Kenya)
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a day of exploration at Solio Game Reserve, a renowned sanctuary focused on rhino conservation. Nestled between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, Solio spans 49,000 acres and is home to 200 rhinos. Originally a cattle ranch, it was transformed into a sanctuary in 1973 to protect black and white rhinos, along with diverse wildlife like buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and gazelles. As the day concludes, you’ll return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay.
Solio Ranch (Kenya)
After breakfast, embark on a four to two and half hour journey from the Solio to Lake Naivasha, the highest lake in Kenya’s Rift Valley at 1,884 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a hot lunch.
In the afternoon, set off on a scenic boat safari across the 139-square-kilometer lake, spotting hippos and flamingos along the water. Watch for zebras, wildebeests, and giraffes along the shores. Next, enjoy a guided walking safari on Crescent Island—a hidden gem in the lake—where you’ll have the rare chance to walk among the wildlife in a picturesque setting. After an exciting day, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Lake Naivasha (Kenya)
After breakfast, set off on a scenic four-hour drive from Lake Naivasha through Kenya's stunning Rift Valley to the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival, you'll check into camp and enjoy a hot lunch before heading out for your first game drive across the vast, breathtaking savannah plains.
The Masai Mara, adjoining Tanzania’s Serengeti, is the backdrop for Africa's famed Great Migration, where over 2.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey between the Serengeti and the Mara in search of fresh grazing lands. The reserve’s name, “Masai Mara,” pays homage to the Maasai people and the “spotted” landscape dotted with acacia trees. After an exciting afternoon of wildlife viewing, you’ll return to camp at sunset for dinner and an overnight stay.
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
After breakfast, set off on a scenic four-hour drive from Lake Naivasha through Kenya's stunning Rift Valley to the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival, you'll check into camp and enjoy a hot lunch before heading out for your first game drive across the vast, breathtaking savannah plains.
The Masai Mara, adjoining Tanzania’s Serengeti, is the backdrop for Africa's famed Great Migration, where over 2.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey between the Serengeti and the Mara in search of fresh grazing lands. The reserve’s name, “Masai Mara,” pays homage to the Maasai people and the “spotted” landscape dotted with acacia trees. After an exciting afternoon of wildlife viewing, you’ll return to camp at sunset for dinner and an overnight stay.
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Diani Beach, just an hour's flight from Nairobi and 20 kilometers south of Mombasa, offers a 15-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand lined with coconut trees. This paradise features luxury resorts, high-end restaurants, water sports, and diverse wildlife. Marine life enthusiasts can enjoy underwater safaris, with sightings of dolphins year-round, humpback whales in September, and whale sharks from January to March.
Whether scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, or simply relaxing on the beach, Diani has it all. For a cultural touch, take a day trip to Mombasa’s old town, rich in vibrant Arabic influence.
Diani Beach
Experience the luxury and relaxation of Diani Beach, where you can dive into activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, and jet skiing, or simply relax on the soft white sands. For a cultural escape, take a day trip to historic Mombasa to explore the charming old town and its vibrant Arabic-influenced atmosphere.
Diani Beach
Immerse yourself in the luxurious and relaxing beach life at Diani Beach. Indulge in a variety of activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, windsurfing, enjoying leisurely boat rides, or speeding along the water on a jet ski. Alternatively, you might choose to unwind on the soft, white sands, soaking up the sun's warmth. For a change of scenery, consider a day trip to the historic city of Mombasa, where you can stroll through the charming old town and experience its vibrant culture, enriched with Arabic influences.
Diani Beach
Immerse yourself in the luxurious and relaxing beach life at Diani Beach. Indulge in a variety of activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, windsurfing, enjoying leisurely boat rides, or speeding along the water on a jet ski. Alternatively, you might choose to unwind on the soft, white sands, soaking up the sun's warmth. For a change of scenery, consider a day trip to the historic city of Mombasa, where you can stroll through the charming old town and experience its vibrant culture, enriched with Arabic influences.
Diani Beach
Immerse yourself in the luxurious and relaxing beach life at Diani Beach. Indulge in a variety of activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, windsurfing, enjoying leisurely boat rides, or speeding along the water on a jet ski. Alternatively, you might choose to unwind on the soft, white sands, soaking up the sun's warmth. For a change of scenery, consider a day trip to the historic city of Mombasa, where you can stroll through the charming old town and experience its vibrant culture, enriched with Arabic influences.
Diani Beach
As every memorable journey must conclude, today marks your return home. Savor your final moments on the exquisite Diani Beach before departing for Mombasa to catch your flight.
If you're fond of historic cities, consider spending your last day exploring the city center of Mombasa, just 20 kilometers from Diani. The city's renowned Old Town, scenic ocean views, bustling markets, and numerous historical sites are well worth a visit. After your exploration, our driver will escort you directly to the airport. You'll be leaving with unforgettable memories and beautiful photos to cherish.
No Major Destination
No Accommodation
Rates are per person and exclude international flights from/to your home country.
This tour accepts children of all ages. Children under 12 receive a discount and children under 2 are free.
No Accommodation
This tour starts in Nairobi and ends in Mombasa, Kenya
We can help select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) in Nairobi
Fly back from Moi Airport (MBA) in Mombasa
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
All passengers require a valid passport to enter Kenya, and that passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. (Please note that although adult passports are valid for a full ten years, children’s passports require renewal every five years.) Your passport must also contain at least four blank visa pages and you need to apply for a single-entry visa even if you enter, exit, and re-enter the country.
In addition to a valid passport, and as noted in your Journey Confirmation e-document you received confirming your reservation, travelers from all countries should apply online for a Kenya before entering the country. Visitors should apply for the Electronic travel authorization (eTA) at www.etakenya.go.ke and pay a processing fee of $34. All eTA applications for Kenya should be submitted no earlier than 90 days before the tour’s end date, to ensure adequate time for authorization. It is recommended that families apply as a group.
PLEASE NOTE: As you’re completing the Kenya Visa process, you will be asked to enter a “contact” person as well as the addresses that you will be staying at during your time in the country(ies). For this portion, please use the hotel information found below.
B2C Adventure LTD
Norfolk Tower, Kijabe Street
Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: 254 756 836 023
Email: info@bush2cityadventure.com
Somerset Westview Hotel
LR. No. 1/1376, Nyangumi Road
Off Lenana Road, Kilimani Nairobi,Kenya
Phone: +254 11 1043700
Email: enquiry.swn@the-ascott.com
IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to obtain ALL necessary documentation before your tour may result in being denied entry into a country, or delays in entry until proper documentation can be obtained. In consideration of the larger group (and to maintain our planned itinerary), travelers who have failed to obtain the necessary documentation in advance may need to remain at the airport and could thus be responsible for arranging (and paying for) their transportation to join the safari. Bush 2 City Adventure will not be responsible for obtaining any missing documentation, nor will Bush 2 City Adventure be responsible for any expenses incurred, missed tour components, or other losses resulting from the failure to obtain proper travel documents in advance.
All passengers have a responsibility to check with the Kenyan and Tanzanian Embassies or Consulates to determine necessary travel documents.
We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration, and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost, or stolen.
To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you’ve completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smartphone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.
TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT BUSH 2 CITY ADVENTURE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.
See your travel advisor, or call Bush 2 City at +255 789 725 322 to make a reservation.
At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:
– > Tour Name and Departure Date
– > Traveler’s Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver’s license
– > Traveler’s Address(es)
– > Email Address*
– > Traveler’s Phone Number(s)*
– > Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number of a relative or friend (not traveling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
– > Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Bush 2 City recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
* Required Fields
Deposits:
Deposits and local flight fees are due at the time of booking. Note: if your tour includes air transfer, the full amount for airfare will be requested in full and not counted as part of the deposit.
Should you wish to book with Bush 2 City Adventure, once we have received your booking details, we will request a non-refundable booking deposit of 30% per person. This deposit is usually paid by credit card.
Final Payments:
Final Payment is due to Bush 2 City 45 days before departure for tour trips. If a safari is arranged within 45 days before the commencement of the safari, the full amount shall be payable to confirm the safari. If your deposit was made by credit card, the final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at the time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.
We recommend that all travelers booking safaris with us purchase travel insurance to cover their trip investment. Ensure that you have cancellation cover for any reason.
Travel Insurance Benefits – We advise all visitors to carefully review the extent of a policy’s coverage before purchasing it, and the following recommendations should be included in the policy before you make a purchase:
Trip Cancellation – If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Make sure the policy benefits reimburse the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip.
Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed during your trip.
Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel-related problems.
Please note that the insurance policy is arranged by clients themselves from the company based in their home country, not Bush 2 City. Purchasing insurance is advised immediately after confirming your safari with us and paying the deposit.
If circumstances arise necessitating the cancellation of your holiday, such cancellation must be formally communicated to us in writing. A cancellation will only be deemed valid once we have received written notification.
Please note that in the event of a cancellation, both the deposit and any charges related to amendments will be non-refundable. Cancellation fees are assessed on a sliding scale, as outlined below, and apply per person upon our receipt of your written cancellation notice before your scheduled departure.
Regardless of the reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour, and therefore, the following fees apply:
– > Cancellations 120 to 60 days before departure incur a forfeiture of the 30% deposit
– > Cancellations 60 to 45 days prior incur a 50% fee of the total tour rate.
– > Cancellations less than 45 days prior incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unforeseen cancellations. If your cancellation falls within the coverage scope of your insurance policy, as outlined in its terms and conditions, you may be eligible to recover the incurred charges from your insurance provider. However, it should be noted that if we have already issued your domestic airline tickets and you decide to cancel them at any point, you will not be entitled to any refunds for these tickets, under the circumstances described.
Moreover, if you fail to show up or join the safari after the departure date has passed, no refund will be issued. The time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Sakina Kwa Idd, Arusha, Tanzania office.
In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Bush 2 City reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.
Click here to find Bush 2 City`s Travel Terms & Conditions.
AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your airfare elsewhere, you must provide us with your confirmed arrival and departure flight information no later than three weeks before your arrival date.
BUSH 2 CITY AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Bush 2 City airport transfers are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Bush 2 City hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre-tour or post-tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, provided flight information is received in the Bush 2 City office no later than three weeks in advance. Your final documents will include details on locating your transfer upon arrival in the tour start city.
AIRLINES AND CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Bush 2 City journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Bush 2 City restriction noted above, you should also research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Bush 2 City journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Bush 2 City cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour:
To help in your packing, Bush 2 City recommends each guest bring a duffel bag. The duffel bag has been specially designed to provide more than adequate space for essential items needed while on safari. Strict limitations on our on-tour flights require that each guest take only one piece of soft-sided luggage (the duffel bag) weighing no more than 33 pounds, or 14.97 kilograms. This weight limit includes all camera equipment. Soft-sided luggage is required to ensure your piece fits into irregularly shaped luggage compartments. In addition, guests are limited to one soft-sided carry-on bag per person, not to exceed 15 lbs. or 6.8 kg, and no larger than an average knapsack.
Checked Luggage – General:
Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person, weighing no more than 44 pounds (20 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm). Besides complying with the Bush 2 City restriction noted above, you should also research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Bush 2 City journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences. Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Bush 2 City cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by failure to research and comply with airline policies.
Carry-on Luggage – General:
Although oversized bags and wheeled carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for safari vehicle travel or many on-tour flights. Most modern safari vehicles offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats is typically small and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags. For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece and bring only those items you need handy during the day, such as makeup, medications, valuables, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the seat must be stored in the luggage truck and will be inaccessible during daytime travel.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases to enter the country. These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is, therefore, crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.
Regarding the Yellow Fever Vaccination:
While not a Bush 2 City requirement, All guests are advised to bring proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination or a doctor’s note stating why they are unable to get the Yellow Fever vaccination for entry into Kenya and Tanzania. Please be advised that this regulation often changes.
For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here. You may also wish to visit the websites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting. Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren’t required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.
Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a website. It is critically important that you consult with your physician before your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources. Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective. Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).
Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Bush 2 City. Bush 2 City is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations. If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided.
All travelers to Africa should be in reasonably good health. There is not a significant amount of walking on this tour; however, the walking that is done takes place over uneven terrain, occurs frequently in warm weather, and includes climbing in and out of safari vehicles. If you opt for on-tour air transfer upgrades, please note that flights use single or twin-engine propeller planes accommodating 18-50 passengers. We strongly advise that guests who require assistance walking or who travel with oxygen tanks may not fully enjoy this very active journey.
There are certain rules and regulations that one should be aware of while on safari. You must listen to your tour director/consultant, local guide, or ranger, as they are trained to be aware of the environment around them. Guests should be aware that while on safari, you will be traveling in smaller groups and will travel on small bush planes and/or helicopters. Guests will use smaller safari vehicles, where they will be required to rotate not only safari guides, rangers, and cars but also seats within the car. Please note that there are limited medical facilities, and guests will not have exclusive use of a vehicle should they need special attention or consideration.
The safari vehicles are not air-conditioned, though you might find some have air conditioning, but it is not guaranteed. The cars have six window seats, with roofs that lift for animal viewing. Please note that the areas traversed on game drives are typically unpaved and will often be bumpy and dusty.
Please note that all Bush 2 City guests will dine at Bush 2 City Designated tables for meals. The majority of meals while on safari are buffet style due to the international guests that stay at the lodges.
A NOTE ON THE SCHEDULED HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: The minimum age to participate in the hot air balloon ride is seven. There is no maximum age, although you must be reasonably mobile, fit to fly, and prepared for an adventure! Balloon passenger weights are calculated at an average of 176 lbs (80 kg) per person. If you weigh more than 50% above the average weight (i.e., 265 lbs/120 kg), you may be charged an additional fee.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES: This Bush 2 City itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, or motorized scooters. Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Bush 2 City journey. Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. The responsibility of the Bush 2 City Director and Guide is to ensure that the guest enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS
The restaurants, hotels, caterers, and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Bush 2 City guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.
We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!
You can view the reading list.
Into Africa
With the utterance of a single line—“Doctor Livingstone, I presume?”—a remote meeting in the heart of Africa (Tanzania’s Lake Tanganyika) was transformed into one of the most famous encounters in exploration history. This is the true story behind the meeting of the great explorer David Livingstone (the first Westerner to witness Victoria Falls) and journalist Henry Morton Stanley. Also available as an audiobook. By Martin Dugard.
The Scramble for Africa
The detailed historical account of how six European countries—Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal, with Belgium’s King Leopold at the center of it all—carved up Africa among themselves from 1876-1912, all in the name of the “3 Cs”: Christianity, Commerce, and Civilization. By Thomas Pakenham.
The Complete Short Stories Of Ernest Hemingway
A definitive collection of the esteemed Africa-loving American novelist’s short stories, including the most beloved classics “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” “Hills Like White Elephants,” and “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place,” plus seven new tales published here for the first time. By Ernest Hemingway.
The Worlds of a Maasai Warrior, An Autobiography
An autobiographical memoir revealing the traditional childhood, adolescence, and coming of age of a Maasai warrior on the plains of the Serengeti. It also touches on the author’s experiences as a park ranger and his journeys abroad. By Tepilit Ole Saitoti.
The Tree Where Man Was Born
A classic portrait of East Africa, enthralling in its detail on nature and daily life, drawing on the author-naturalist’s field trips to Ngorongoro, the Kenyan highlands, and the Serengeti. By Peter Matthiessen.
A Grain of Wheat
A compelling story by East Africa’s leading voice, this moving and eye-opening novel—set in the wake of the Mau Mau rebellion, on the cusp of Kenya’s independence from Britain—follows a group of villagers whose lives have been transformed by the 1952–1960 Emergency. At the center of it all is the reticent Mugo, the village’s chosen hero and a man haunted by a terrible secret. Also available as an audiobook. By Ngugi Wa Thiong’o.
Out of Africa
A now-famous love story drawn from the Danish author’s time running a coffee plantation in British-colonial Kenya’s Ngong Hills—in the Great Rift Valley, just outside of Nairobi—from 1914-1931. By Isak Dinesen (aka Baroness Karen Blixen).
Simplified Swahili
An excellent, easy-to-use system for learning Swahili, the lingua franca of Southeast and East Africa. By Peter M. Wilson.
Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania
This field guide is the most comprehensive and well-illustrated available. By Dale A. Zimmerman.
The Safari Companion
Without a doubt, the best field guide to observing and understanding the behavior of African mammals. Invaluable for safari-bound travelers. By Richard D. Estes.
West with the Night
The epic true-life account of the woman who began her flying career in 1930s Kenya by scouting African wildlife herds from the air and became one of the most famous pilots of her day. A contemporary of Karen Blixen (aka Isak Dinesen, the author of Out of Africa), Markham left an enduring memoir that soars with astounding candor and shimmering insights. Also available as an audiobook. By Beryl Markham.
Too Close to the Sun
This biography of Denys Finch Hatton—the explorer whose real-life romance inspired Out of Africa—conjures the mystical beauty of Kenya’s savannahs after WWI while describing the way of life in colonial British East Africa. By Sara Wheeler.
The Great Animal Orchestra
An incredible audiobook! Musician and naturalist Krause is one of the world’s leading experts in natural sound, and he’s spent his life discovering and recording nature’s rich chorus. Accompanied by his recordings—of jaguars at night in the Amazon rain forest to encountering mountain gorillas in Africa’s Virunga Mountains—he offers an intense and intensely personal narrative of the planet’s deep and connected natural sounds. By Bernie Krause.
The Flame Trees of Thika
A classic. In 1913, Elspeth Huxley set off in an open cart with her parents to travel to Thika in Kenya. As pioneering settlers, they built a house of grass, ate off a damask cloth spread over packing cases, and discovered—the hard way—the world of the African. By Elspeth Huxley.
Unbowed
Nobel Prize-winner Wangari Maathai recounts her extraordinary journey from her childhood in rural Kenya to the world stage. When Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, she began a vital poor people’s environmental movement, focused on the empowerment of women, that soon spread across Africa. She continued to fight tirelessly to save Kenya’s forests and to restore democracy to her beloved country. Also available as an audiobook. By Wangari Maathai.
The Serengeti Rules
How does nature produce the right numbers of zebras and lions on the African savanna or fish in the ocean? The author, an award-winning biologist, tells the stories of the pioneering scientists who sought the answers to such simple yet profoundly important questions and shows how their discoveries matter for our health and that of the planet. Also available as an audiobook. By Sean B. Carroll.
Kenya is truly a year-round destination, as the climate frequently features warm, bright days and cool, crisp nights. Daytime temperatures throughout the year typically range from 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.5 to 35 degrees Celsius; evening temperatures can be cooler, ranging from 50 to 60 F, or 10 to 15.5 C.
Late afternoon rains are customary. The rainy seasons are March through May (the “long rains”) and October through December (the “short rains”). During these times, rain occurs mostly in the late afternoon and is generally brief. The spring months are preferred by some for smaller crowds, verdant scenery, and delightful temperatures.
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.
Please Note: Tanzania has adopted a regulation prohibiting using or possessing single-use plastic bags (excluding small Ziploc bags), which have become an environmental issue there. This new regulation is particularly noteworthy because it becomes effective on June 1, 2019. Penalties for violating the regulation have not been made public. Still, for guidance, in nearby Kenya, the penalties are extremely severe: a fine of up to $40,000 or four years in prison for simply possessing a plastic bag. By banning plastic bags, Tanzania is joining more than 60 other countries that have banned, partly banned, or taxed single-use plastic bags, including China, France, Rwanda, and Italy.
As you prepare for your journey and consider what to pack, we strongly urge you to keep this new regulation in mind. Please also carefully inspect your luggage and any carry-on bags you plan on using to ensure no forgotten plastic bags lurking in any pockets or compartments.
This African safari is a very casual tour. Comfortable and casual clothing is recommended for both day and night. Formal and resort attire is not required.
Generally, lightweight, cotton, short- and long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and shorts are sufficient. A light jacket, fleece, or windbreaker, as well as layers of clothing, are suggested for cooler temperatures during early morning game drives and evenings. A bandana or cotton scarf will always come in handy. Be prepared for daily highs ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s and lows in the 50s and 60s except during the cold season (June, July, and August) when the lows can drop down into the 40s. The rim of the Ngorongoro Crater can get significantly colder during the night and early mornings due to the high elevation (7,500 – 8,000 feet).
While on safari, you may prefer to wear natural, earth-toned clothing, such as khakis, tans, browns, and greens (this is not imperative; other colors are fine), as well as comfortable walking shoes (hiking boots are not necessary). Dark, black, or navy blue clothing is not recommended while on safari as these colors have been known to attract biting tsetse flies. It is also advisable to bring a swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip protection. Some stretches of unpaved road travel during game drives can be quite bumpy.
Game drives can be dusty, so wear something that can be washed while on safari. Clothes may be laundered at all camps for a nominal fee. Most lodges and camps will launder your clothes for free or for a small fee ($2 – $3 per item) within 24 hours. Loose-fitting, casual, and comfortable clothing is recommended.
A personal kit with medication for possible upset stomach, aspirin, and allergy medicine may also be useful. If you are taking prescription drugs, bring a prescription signed by your doctor in case you need an emergency refill while traveling. Insect repellent with DEET is a very important item to include in your kit. Pre-moistened towelettes, antibacterial lotion, and a flashlight will also be useful on your safari.
Pack your medical kit in your carry-on bag along with an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses and a change of clothes in case of luggage delay.
For viewing wildlife, we recommend you bring a good pair of binoculars and your photography supplies, such as plenty of film, batteries, a 200mm telephoto lens, lens cap, lens papers, UV filter, and, for video recording, an adequate supply of video cassettes.
Please see below for a recommended African safari packing list:
Safari Clothing
– > One pair of comfortable walking shoes (i.e., sneakers, cross-training, or light hiking shoes)
– > Casual, comfortable, and loose-fitting clothing in khaki, brown, beige, green, and olive colors
– > T-shirts and light tops
– > Long-sleeved shirts/blouses
– > Shorts
– > Light long pants or convertible long-short pants
– > One warm fleece or sweater
– > Socks and underwear
– > Pajamas
– > Hat and bandana
– > Heavy sweater, warm gloves, knit hat, and scarf for the cold season (June – August)
– > For the ladies, you may consider wearing a sports bra while out on game drives as the roads can be a bit bumpy
– > Recommended but optional: lightweight jacket or windbreaker
Other Items
– > Passport, plane tickets, safari itinerary, and emergency contact document
– > U.S. dollars in large and small denominations and credit cards
– > Small flashlight
– > Sunglasses
– > Sunscreen and lip balm
– > Insect repellent
– > Contact lens solution, spare glasses, and extra contact lenses
– > Waterless anti-bacterial gel, hand wipes, and Kleenex
– > Camera, plenty of film, extra batteries and charger, if applicable
– > UK plug adapter
– > Small battery-operated alarm clock or watch
– > Playing cards, small games, and reading material (see safari reading list)
– > Journal or notebook for recording daily observations and pens
– > Snacks – nutrition bars, nuts, candy, etc.
– > Ziploc bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, and small trash bags
– > All rooms at each lodge/camp have soap and shampoo
– > Small medical kit including: aspirin, antimalarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, cream for itches and rashes (i.e., Benadryl itch relief stick), band-aids, stomachache medicine (i.e., Pepto-Bismol), antibiotic ointment (i.e., Neosporin), multivitamins, diarrhea medicine (i.e., Imodium), prescription antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacteria including travelers’ diarrhea (i.e., Ciprofloxacin commonly known as Cipro), and any prescription medications.
– > If you have back issues, you may wish to consider bringing along a travel pillow to pad the safari seat over the bumpy roads (it can also double as a tool to steady your camera while taking pictures)
– > If you wear contact lenses, you should also bring along a pair of glasses in case your eyes get irritated from the dust
– > Be sure to bring enough cash. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, and there are no ATM machines out in the bush. See the money section for more information.
– > As a safety precaution in case of a lost passport, we recommend that all guests carry a photocopy of their passport in a separate piece of luggage or scan and email your passport to your ADS sales representative.
– > Small battery-operated hand-held fan (some come with water reservoirs)
– > Tanzania Visa
– > Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if traveling from a Yellow Fever-infected country such as Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda
We recommend lightweight clothing with moisture-wicking technology that draws moisture away from the skin to help keep you cool and dry. Many options are available from various online outdoor outfitters such as REI that are ideally suited for warmer climates and many feature stretchy fabrics for maximum comfort with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) sun protection and even vented side seams.
Luggage Guidelines and Recommendations
Flight Restrictions and Excess Luggage
Most flights within East Africa, including the flight from Arusha to the Serengeti, have a baggage restriction of 33 pounds per person. This 33-pound limit pertains to the total combined weight of all your luggage and carry-on items, including backpacks, purses, camera gear, camera bags, etc. Excess luggage over and above the 33-pound allowance is charged at $3 per pound if it can be accommodated on the flight. For the standard Serengeti flight included in most itineraries, we’ve found that usually any excess luggage can be accommodated as long as you’re willing to pay the $3 per pound excess baggage fee and the excess luggage is within reason (i.e., about 5 to 7 pounds over the limit). Excess luggage that cannot be accommodated on your flight will be flown out on the next available flight (there are at least two flights a day to/from the Serengeti).
If you’re a serious photographer with heavy gear, you may wish to purchase an extra seat for your internal flight(s) to avoid any luggage restrictions. Soft-sided luggage is preferred for the flight to the Serengeti, but hard-sided luggage is allowed. The cargo pod measurements for the bush planes can be as small as 14.5 inches by 27 inches, so please ensure your luggage is not larger than these dimensions.
If you have extra luggage that you won’t need for the safari (e.g., extra luggage for pre-safari or post-safari travel, books you read on the international flight over, etc.), you are welcome to leave these excess items for safekeeping with our staff in Nairobi or Arusha. They will store your items at our secure offices in Arusha and then redeliver them to you before your return flight home.
Carry on all valuables and do not check in any luggage containing items such as camera equipment, tablets, laptops, etc., to avoid theft. Note that the flight to the Serengeti may make multiple stops before arriving at your destination airstrip, depending on the destinations of the other passengers. This can be an inconvenience. The pilot will know each guest’s destination airstrip and will make sure you disembark at the correct airstrip. The flights can be quite loud, so you may wish to bring disposable earplugs. We recommend packing light as no formal clothes are needed, and laundry services are available at most lodges and camps either free of charge or for a small fee ($2-$3 per item).
Delayed or lost checked luggage is common on international air carriers arriving in Kilimanjaro, Nairobi, or Dar es Salaam. Accordingly, it is recommended that you carry on all luggage, including one carry-on 22-inch suitcase (normal carry-on size, which fits in typical overhead bins) and one separate camera bag and/or shoulder bag per person. If you choose to check your luggage, you must carry all important items, including but not limited to prescription medicines, camera equipment, essential toiletries, and at least two separate changes of clothes. As you pack, ask yourself, “Would my trip be ruined if I did not have this item?” If the answer is yes, pack it in your carry-on bag.
Recently, KLM Airlines has become more aggressive in enforcing weight and size limits regarding carry-on luggage. Their carry-on rule of two carry-on pieces totaling a maximum of 26 pounds has rarely been enforced in the past. However, we have recently had a few guests forced to check in their luggage at the gate/jetway. These clients were pulled out of line and told their carry-on luggage was too big and heavy. We believe that KLM may be tightening their rules and enforcement, especially if your luggage appears ‘overstuffed,’ has items hanging out, or appears to be ‘unusual’ or ‘untidy.’ We continue to recommend that all guests pack as lightly as possible and do not overstuff carry-on luggage. Walk quietly to the gate and smile; this will go a long way!
As an extra caution, we recommend that you include a duffel bag or similar in one piece of your carry-on luggage just in case you are forced to check in that piece of luggage. You would then be able to quickly pull out some critical items (prescription medicine, change of clothes, etc.) and put those items in the bag to carry on board the aircraft with you. Checked luggage is frequently delayed (we estimate roughly 20% of the time) for the Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro flight. If your luggage is delayed, the airlines can usually deliver it to us within 24-48 hours. There are daily flights into the Serengeti, so once we have your luggage in hand, getting it to you while you are on safari is not a problem.
We have had clients in the past who were concerned about losing checked luggage express interest in mailing items to Arusha ahead of time. Although it is possible to try and mail some items to Arusha ahead of time, we would not generally recommend it. It would likely be rather expensive, and the mail service in Africa is extremely unreliable (much more so than the airlines!).
Please keep all critical items and valuables in your carry-on shoulder bag or on you, including your passport, tickets, wallet, medications, toiletries, camera, glasses, etc. Never pack any camera equipment or film in your check-in luggage. If you do decide to check your luggage, please protect yourself from the consequences of the airline losing your luggage by packing critical items as described above and also two changes of clothes in a carry-on bag.
You may leave extra suitcases at our office in Nairobi upon arrival, and we can redeliver them to you after your safari. This is particularly useful for those combining their safari with vacations in Europe or other destinations where the clothing requirements and climates are different (especially in the winter). We can securely store all non-safari-related items at our office. Some guests prefer packing two different suitcases: one for the safari and a second for Europe or other destinations.
Dress Code for Dian Mombasa:
Note: This applies to Dian Mombasa only. If you are traveling to Mombasa, please ensure that you dress modestly when not at the beach or beach resorts. When away from the beach and beach resorts, women should not wear sleeveless tops and short skirts (pants or at least knee-length shorts are fine). Men should wear shirts, pants, or knee-length shorts. During Ramadan, take particular care with dress and show respect by not eating or drinking in the street or other public places.
Luggage Recommendations:
Many people will bring a lightweight rolling duffel bag since it has reasonable capacity but the bag itself doesn’t weigh much, so you can allocate your weight allowance to the actual contents of your bag rather than the bag itself; you may recall each person is allowed 33 pounds of luggage on the small plane flight to the Serengeti. A lightweight bag will suffice. Some manufacturers to consider are Skyway, Tutto, Travelpro, Samsonite, Atlantic, Briggs & Riley, Eagle Creek, Swiss Army, Jourdan, JanSport, American Tourister, High Sierra, Traveler’s Choice, Tumi, Atlantic, and Andiamo. A simple approach is to go to Google.com (or your favorite search engine) and type in the search window what you are looking for, e.g., “lightweight luggage” for selection from many sources. To help aid you at the airport to identify your checked luggage, remember that colorful tags or baggage straps are still the best way to spot your bag.
Tips on What to Bring in Your Day Pack:
(Shared by our safari specialist)
I was answering safari prep questions for one of my clients the other day when she asked what I thought was a very good question: “When you are out on safari, what items do you bring in your day pack?” Aside from my main suitcase full of clothes, I also bring a smaller backpack that travels out “into the bush” with me during the day, while the larger suitcase stays at the lodge. I thought it was a clever question, and perhaps the answer will be helpful to others as they embark on their safari adventure. Here it goes, my “Master ‘Day Pack’ List”:
– > Sunglasses
– > Lip balm (SPF 45)
– > Facial cleansing cloths (e.g., “Olay Daily Facials Express” or similar)
– > Mints or chewing gum
– > Tylenol or Advil
– > Small notebook and pen
– > Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher)
– > Safari hat
– > Ponytail holder
– > Kleenex
– > Pet-waste bags
– > Hand sanitizer
– > Insect repellent towelette
– > Money/passport wallet
– > Camera
Many items on the list are self-explanatory and seem to be common sense. But this list took me several different safaris to perfect!
– > Sunglasses are rather obvious. But it took me at least three trips to Africa and several episodes of sunburned/chapped lips before I figured out to bring lip balm with sunscreen!
– > The facial cleaning cloths, like the ones made by Olay, are a big lifesaver, especially when conditions are dusty. The type that is especially formulated for your face will double as a skincare regimen for morning and evening. At home, I use facial cleanser and moisturizer, but these bottles of liquid are cumbersome to pack, and I much prefer to leave them at home.
– > I bring along a small pack of Kleenex for minor emergencies. They are easy to keep with you, and just in case the toilet paper runs out, I have my own backup. On a similar subject, I also bring along a pack of opaque “pet waste” bags to dispose of any toilet paper from using “bush bathrooms.” An easy and low-profile
– > Nothing ruins a great trip like a headache. Sometimes the sun, dust, and bumpy roads can initiate one, so I’m quick to nip it in the bud with a couple of Tylenol or Advil before it becomes a bigger problem. Of course, I also bring along any other medication I might need during the day.
– > As much as I love to pop my head out of the open-topped land cruiser and feel the wind in my hair, it also gets tangled pretty quickly unless I use a trusty ponytail holder or safari hat. I also bring along a brush or comb. One trick I’ve found to keep long hair tame is to wear it in a braid; this will result in very few tangles at the end of the day!
– > Instead of bringing insect repellent lotion or spray, which can be cumbersome to pack, I now use these handy pre-packaged towelettes. I like the brand “OFF” because theirs include DEET, which is extremely effective against mosquitoes, and they are easy to find and purchase, either online or through many outdoor-type stores. The best part about these is how easy they are to pack and use! I can usually get by using only one per day.
– > I also bring along a small notebook and pen to take journal notes, as well as mints or chewing gum. A clever product I’ve recently discovered are Brush-ups, which are a great way to quickly ‘brush your teeth’ while on the go. Sunscreen is an obvious item to pack, but I think it’s a good idea to bring the strong stuff! Think SPF 50 or greater. The climate in Northern Tanzania feels mild because of the high elevation, but here on the equator, the sun is stronger than you think! And if anything can ruin your trip faster than a headache, it would be sun poisoning.
– > Of course, I keep my passport and money with me at all times. I use a travel wallet, similar to this one: Eagle Creek Travel Wallet.
So that’s my day pack! Your content may differ slightly from mine, but hopefully, I’ve offered an idea or two that you can use! (Of course, I also bring along a camera. For more info on that subject, you can read the photography section of the handbook.)
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