Skeleton coast the name itself is enough to horrify people and the coast has earned this name because of the numerous of deadly shipwrecks have happened in this remote and almost not reachable shores.

The Portuguese have called it as The “Gates of Hell” while the Namibian Bushmen have named it “Land of God made in Anger”. The 20000sq km park you can presume that is among the not so visited places in the planet. It is segregated into two sections northern and southern. The place it seems is cut off from the rest of the world and you would really enjoy this aloofness of the coast which is influenced by chilling sea breezes and covered in thick fog.

The place is a perfect example of nature wining against the man, the stories of shipwrecks echoes in the region. There are no social groups living here but deep inland among the desert border, Himba the nomadic tribe lives.

Where is the Skeleton Coast Located?

The Skeleton Coast is situated in the Atlantic Ocean’s northern part, the coast of Namibia.

Fauna and flora that you would find in the skeleton coast

You would find desert elephants in the interior regions of the Skeleton Coast Park. There are desert Oryx, springbok, giraffe, brown hyena, rare black rhino, and you can find lion as well if you get further inland. There is a seal colony close to the place where you would get see many thousand Cape fur seals along with dolphins and whales. There coastal birds that sustain their lives on the rich plankton and Benguela Current’s pelagic resources. The cleaning of beaches is done by the jackal, ghost crabs and brown hyena. Springbok and gemsbok are other two important animals found in the region, they are also animals whom lions attack for the food.

You could only find vegetation adapted to desert like lithops and welwitschia. There are hundreds lichen species in the hot west faced mountain slopes and on the gravel plains. Luscious ‘flowering stones’ is found in rocky fissures.
There are more than 200 species of birds found and many among this are Nambia’s endemic desert species like Gray’s Lark, Ruppell’s Korhaan and Tractrac Chat. Jeagers and Skuas are can be frequently traced in the seal colonies, Subantarctic Skua , Parasitic Jaegar and Pomarine Jaegar are the common one and you can notice them all in the summer season.

Where you can stay

• Kulala camp
• Skeleton Coast camp

• Kulala lodge
• Kulala tented camp
• Sossusvlei Wilderness camp
• Serra Cafema Camp
• Damaraland Camp
• Ongava lodge

Safaris you can opt

• Best of Namibia Wing Safari

• Wilderness Safari

When you should visit Skeleton Coast

Anytime between April to October you can visit Skeleton Coast, the days are warm and sunny and extremely less rainfall occurs in these months.

How to reach

Windhoek (Hosea Kutako) is the nearest Airport. C34 the main coastal road starting at Swakopmund can be followed by car or you can go from Khorixas i.e. by west route.

A safari to the African continent is one of the thrilling experiences that create life-time amazing memory to the adventure lovers. With over 56 countries, the continent features ideal attractions starting from its green and fertile soils and the cool climatic conditions that favor one’s stay in a particular country of visit to different adventurous features like snow-capped mountains, magical waterfalls, national parks, reserves and sanctuaries, large water bodies, rivers and many others. Of all these countries, there is one that shouldn’t miss on your travel plan to the African continent for a self-drive in Kenya and this is the mighty Magical country.

Officially the Republic of Kenya, this country is located in the Eastern part of the African continent bordered by different countries including South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west, Indian Ocean to the southeast and Tanzania to the south. With an area of approximately of 580,367 square kilometers, Kenya stands as the world’s 48^th largest country by area. It is the 29^th most populous country in the world with a population of over 50 million people. The country features a number of beautiful cities with Nairobi as its capital and largest city and Mombasa as the second largest and first capital of the country. Other important cities of the country include Kisumu which is the third largest city and an inland port on Lake Victoria, Nakuru city and Eldoret city.

Named after the second highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro – Mount Kenya, the republic of Kenya is known for encompassing several attractions including over 60 national parks, reserves, historical and cultural sites, mountains, large water bodies, cities and many others. Kenya is known for hosting the largest flock of wildlife during the great migration in its Masai Mara national reserve. Other wildlife destinations include Lake Nakuru national park, Amboseli national park, Nairobi national park and many others. All these attractions are other below make the mighty Kenya stand as one of the best destinations for a safari during a visit to the African continent.

List of attractions that make Kenya the best destination for a self-drive experience on the African continent;

Amboseli national park

Located in Kajiado south constituency county, Amboseli national park is one of the best destinations in Kenya. It is made up of swamp marshland, acacia woodlands and rock thorny bushes which provide a shelter to different wildlife species. The national park is known for hosting over 80 mammal species like lions, African elephants, African buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, impalas and many others. Also, Amboseli national park is a perfect haven for different bird species which are over 400 in number. Among these include the long toed lapwing, taveta golden weaver, Eurasian thick knee and many others. The visit to Amboseli national park will also give you a perfect cultural encounter with the Masai locals who will entertain you in different ways including storytelling, songs, dances and other ways.

Masai Mara national reserve

Contiguous with Serengeti national park of Tanzania, Masai Mara national reserve is one of the must visit destinations during a self-drive experience in Kenya. Stretching over an area of approximately 1,510 square kilometers, the reserve is preeminent for hosting the annual great migration where over million wildebeests, gazelles and thousands of zebras cross River Mara from Serengeti national park of Tanzania in the months of July to September. Other animals to watch in the reserve include lions, Nile crocodiles, African elephants, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, hartebeests and may others.

Tsavo national park

In the Kenyan coastal province, Tsavo national park is also a Kenya safari destination suitable for a self-drive excursion. The park is divided into two that is Tsavo west and Tsavo east stretching over an area of approximately 9,065 square kilometers. During the visit to the park, spot various attractions including wildlife, birdlife, and also several water sources like springs, lakes and rivers.

Mount Kenya national park

Encompassing the country’s highest mountain and second highest on the African continent, Mount Kenya national park among the destinations one shouldn’t miss during a self-drive encounter in Kenya. The national park is known for providing a mystical challenge to the adventurous and physically fit travellers during mountain climbing exercise. Aside the mountain, the national park hosts several wildlife species, bird species, butterfly species and many others.

Nairobi national park

Stretching over an area 117.1 square kilometers, Nairobi national park stands as the only city national park located in the heart of the capital city. Besides its small size, the national park consist ideal attractions such as wild animals and more than 500 bird species including both the permanent and migratory species. Also, the park offers a perfect game viewing exercise since it has an animal orphanage which serves as a rehabilitation center to several animals like buffalos, jackals, lions and many others.

Hell’s Gate national park

Situated south of Lake Naivasha in the North western region of Nairobi, Hell’s Gate national park is also among the Kenya destinations suitable for a visit during a self-drive safari. Besides its small size of about 68.25 square kilometers, the national park encompasses a wide range of wildlife such as African buffaloes, zebras, elands, warthogs, waterbucks and many others. Also, the park caters for bird lovers hosting a population of over 103 bird species such as augur buzzards, verreaux’s eagle, and many others.

Lake Nakuru national park

Known for gazetting the shallowest lake in the central region of Kenya, Lake Nakuru, Lake Nakuru national park is another destination suitable for a visit during a self-drive safari in Kenya. Lake Nakuru is famous for attracting vast quantities of lesser flamingos which make the lake appear pink. Lake Nakuru national park attracts other bird species like the ostriches, sooty falcon, cormorants, Abyssinian thrush, and many more. Besides the birdlife, the park is also a home to some wildlife including the buffaloes, African elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and many others. While in the park, view these attractions perfectly from baboon cliff which is one of the viewing points in the park.

For an excellent self-drive experience, there are several safari vehicles to use including the 4×4 land cruiser cars, Toyota vehicles, mini vans, RAV4s, Nissan Patrol and many others. These cars can be hired from different Kenya car rentals at affordable prices.

In the Virunga ranges of Africa; shared by Uganda Congo and Rwanda, you will find the rare mountain gorillas. In Uganda around the Bwindi Impenetrable Natural Forest, Rwanda at the Volcanoes National Park and Albert National Park in The Belgian region of Congo. One of the favorite places for tourists is the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda (found in the small village of Musanze – the former Ruhengeri area) in northern Rwanda. This park is set in the shadows of the Virunga ranges. It has ten habituated by 10 families of mountain gorillas that can be visited by tourists.

The Volcanoes National Park is believed to be the oldest park in Africa. Formed from the Karisimbi, Mikeno and Visoke volcanoes which were gazette for the protection of mountain gorillas that were nearing their extinction.

Dian Fossey, who was researching on mountain gorillas in 1967, was the one behind the conservation of these endangered creatures and even established resources fighting against poaching in the then Karisoke area (Karisimbi and Visoke). Volcanoes National Park, is a home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, spotted hyena, buffalos, elephants, bush back, black fronted duiker as well as birds. This park is habituates about 480 mountain gorillas with more than half of the world’s population and the rest in the Bwindi area of Uganda.

Volcanoes National Park is an easily accessed park; where apart from flying out there, you can also enjoy a two hours’ drive through the hills of Rwanda to the park headquarters of ORTPN in Kinigi. This park offers several tourism activities which include among others; gorilla trekking, hiking on the Karisimbi and Bisoke, visiting Dian Fossey site and the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera.

Gorilla Trekking

One to view mountain gorillas, it is necessary to buy a permit in advance prior your tour. This can be obtained from Rwanda Tourism Board. Permits currently cost $750USD a person, and are set to go up to $1000 a person in 2014.The gorilla permits allow you to spend an hour with a gorilla family group.

Along side gorilla trekking, tourists can also enjoy other adventure activities within the park. These include golden monkey tracking, hike to Karisoke research centre to visit the tombs of Dian Fossey -an American primatologist who conducted her ground-breaking studies about the behavior of the mountain gorillas. Three years following her death, Dian Fossey’s work was uncovered to a crowd audience with the launch of “Gorilla in the mist”, a cinematic story of her impressive life filmed right on location within the Volcanoes Park. The “Gorilla in the Mist” attracted international attention to the troubles of the mountain gorillas and created unparalleled awareness in the gorilla-tourism programme which had been launched in the park about 10 years earlier.

Day Hikes

Day hikes are non – tiring nature walks to a group of stunning crater lakes, although the most thrilling innovation is that today tourists can actually visit the habituated groups of the endemic golden monkeys.

How is Gorilla Trekking Conducted?

Rwanda is blessed with 10 mountain gorilla families with seven available for the tourists , 8 persons per group (Susa, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Group 13, Kwitonda, Umubano , and Hirwa from Group 13 and Sabyinyo. Normally for a gorilla visit, you are assigned to a gorilla group in line with your level of fitness and ability to take the longer gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park.

Each gorilla group is only exposed to eight tourists a maximum one hour each day. Therefore less than 100 people are permitted each day.

Note: Children under 15 years of age can not go gorilla tracking.

On the fretful day of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, tourists assemble at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters early in the morning (7:00am), here you enjoy a traditional Intore dance performance while sipping a cup of African coffee. At the headquarters you are also assigned a gorilla group and a guide, based on your fitness level. You can opt for: a short hike ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, a medium hike running between one hour to three hours, and a long hike that can even last for a day to the large Susa group. Your guide will be in contact with trackers in the park who know pretty much where each gorilla group is – so each morning they have a good idea of all the gorillas’ whereabouts.

After mastering the briefing on these creatures, you set off into the park with your guide, for the most amazing wildlife experience of your life.

Republic of Madagascar (previously Malagasy) is actually an island nation located in Africa off the southeastern coastline of the ‘Black Continent’ that is positioned within the Indian Ocean. In addition, the main island of this country which is as well acknowledged as called Madagascar which is the fourth leading island (Total Area = 587041 sq km) all across the world as well as is renowned for its flora and fauna genus preponderance of which are widespread to this nation itself. Furthermore, Madagascar is known to be one of the numerous poorest countries all across the world. The national capital of Madagascar is Antananarivo.

Now about the Humpback Whale:

The humpback whale (also known as Megaptera novaeangliae) is actually a baleen whale. It is identified as one of the few larger rorqual kind found within a variety of oceans as well as seas all across the world. In addition the Humpback whale has an extraordinary body shape that comprises of extremely long pectoral fins as well as a twisted head. Over and over again found in situation of animation, the fully developed humpbacks can be almost 12-16 m in length as well as weight virtually 36,000 kg. In addition to this the male humpbacks are time and again heard ‘singing’ as well that in general lasts for almost 10-20 mins. Humpbacks are as well identified to be immigrants covering an area up to 25,000 km per annum. They consume barely in summer season as well as their food for the most part comprises of krill, planktonic crustaceans that are similar to shrimp as well as small fish. Whilst making an attempt to grab hold of their quarry, these humpback whales might smack the water by means of their long fins or else can even molest them straight. They move around to tropical or else sub-tropical water as to rise in winter season. These humpbacks can survive up to almost 50 years.

Humpback Whales at Isle-Sainte-Marie

Mating put on show around this time is as well an additional mesmerizing treat for all of the whale-watchers. All through this time these whales practically envelop the complete island as well as one can easily get exceptional quick look of these creatures traveling all the way through the constricted channel, which separates Isle Sainte Marie as of the mainland Madagascar. Moreover the prospect of these whales eating within groupings is as well a magnificent one.

Isle Sainte Marie is for the most part roofed by means of orchids as well as lemur-covered palm in addition to mango trees. The constructive coral reefs as well proffer glorious diving as well as snorkeling chances.

Humpback Whales at Antongil Bay

Antongil Bay is the largest bay as well as is positioned at the northeastern coastline of the island of Madagascar; in addition Antongil Bay is an imperative reproduction terra firma for the humpback whale. Moreover a huge of whales assembles at this place from the month of July up to September each year.

The various other tourist attractions at Sainte Marie, as well as Antongil Bay and Madagascar are as follows

• Band that plays Malagasy music
• Mouth-watering chicken dishes cooked in coconut
• Make out baobab trees that are found at Andohahela National reserve
• Take pleasure in dhow sailing as of Nosy Be

Both primates and nature enthusiasts will find heaven at Kibale National Park. The park is situated in western Uganda, close to the districts of Fort Portal, Kyegegwa, and Kamwenge. Astonishingly diverse primates, animals, and bird species may be found in Kibale National Park, which also offers fantastic nature trails for park visitors. The park’s proximity to numerous other must-see sights is what thrills visitors.

Before we continue, there are five main reasons to adore Kibale Forest National Park. After reading this post, you will understand why. We advise explore Uganda Tours to plan a minimum 3-day visit to Kibale Forest National Park so that you may learn more about it and enjoy its many attractions.

1. Carry out chimpanzee tracking

When it comes to chimpanzee tracking, Kibale Forest National Park is the best place to go. Similar to gorilla trekking in Uganda, you can go chimpanzee trekking and habituation in Kibale Forest at the same time, however, habituation takes a lot of time and concentration. Chimpanzees are the main attraction in this park. It costs $200 and $250 to go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. A briefing always precedes a small-group tracking trip with a qualified ranger guide to see these wonderful animals in their native habitat. Once you locate a group of these obstinate and active primates who like to live in trees, you are permitted to spend an hour observing their actions and recording them with photos and videos for your historical record and memory keeping.

2. The bird watching is hilarious

One of the main activities of Kibale National Park, which has since been dubbed the “birder’s refuge,” is birding. More than 350 different bird species can be found there, of which 6 are indigenous to the area. During forest and nature hikes to the forest and at the Bigodi wetland, one can see these lovely rare bird species. Although it can be done throughout the year, the optimum months are from March to May and from September to November. Food and fruit are more plentiful in the forest during this time, luring more birds to dine on them.

Among the fascinating bird species to see while on your tour of Kibale Forest National Park are the violet-backed starling, African pitta, dusky crimson wing, blue-breasted kingfisher, and green-breasted pitta, black bee-eater, yellow-rumped tinkerbird, eastern nicators, and sunbirds.

3. The nature walks and hikes

In Kibale Forest National Park, there are numerous and magnificent nature trails, but some are seasonally designed. You may enjoy and explore a wide range of attractions, including vegetation like the tropical rainforest, riverine forest, swampland, and grasslands, as well as other animal species, like the antelopes, elephants, and several primate species that live in the park.

4. Home to 12 primate species

Kibale National Park is the place to go if you enjoy seeing primates. More primate species than any other national park in Uganda can be found there, with 12 in total. I’m going to present them to you, and if we were betting, I’d wager that you haven’t heard of them before. They are as follows:

Olive baboon

These monkeys need to be handled gently and given room because they are the most destructive of all species. They use vocalizations to communicate, such as furrowing their brows or showing their jaws in an aggressive manner. They are omnivores with a varied and opportunistic diet who may live in a variety of settings, including those along the coast. They are able to consume anything they come upon, including young birds, frogs, grasses, fruits, seeds, and a variety of other things.

Gray-cheeked mangabeys

There is only a limited portion of Uganda where gray-cheeked mangabeys can be found. Experts can’t clearly spend a lot of time on the ground because their numbers are unknown.

Their thick, almost-black brown fur and light gold mane around their neck make them look like a little, hairy baboons. The only significant difference between the female and the male is that the females are smaller.

L’Hoest’s monkey

These are a time called mountain monkeys, they have tails that can grow as lengthy as 80cm. the white beard is a dead giveaway that you have seen a L’Hoest’s monkey all through your walks. They are most active in the morning and in the course of the afternoon hours and are usually observed on the ground foraging for food. When threatened from the ground, they flee to the trees to get away from the threat and flee from the trees when threatened by the eagles to the ground.

Black and white colobus monkey

These stunning monkeys can be identified by the white fur that is present at the tip of their tails. The name “colobus” is derived from the Greek word “Kolobos,” which describes a thumb that resembles a stump. When these monkeys are reunited with people they know, they engage in a ritual that may include embracing.

Red colobus monkey

These individuals are classified as vegetarians because they exclusively eat leaves, flowers, and fruits. The giant apes prey on these red colobus monkeys surprisingly frequently (the chimpanzees). When they are assaulted, the group comes together to defend itself while the young ones and females attempt to flee.

Red-tailed monkey

There are other names for the red-tailed monkey that you can use, including Schmidt’s guenon, black-cheeked white-nosed monkey, and red-tailed guenon. Overall, the tail of this particular monkey is a sure sign when it comes to identification. The tail can develop and expand to a maximum length of 35 inches, or 90 cm.

Patas monkey

Since they spend most of their time on the ground, the Patas monkeys are simple to find in Uganda. They stand out from the other monkey species thanks to their strikingly colored skin. Patas monkeys are swift; they can run at speeds of up to 55 km/h. The most astounding and distinctive characteristic of Patas monkeys is that they just place their fingertips on the ground when they walk, rather than their entire hand.

Potto monkey

A type of nocturnal primate known as the potto monkey prefers to reside in tree branches. The potto has small, round ears and is between 30 and 50 cm long. In contrast to other species, it has a short, 5-cm tail. Each of its feet has a toe that resembles a claw, which is horrifying to look at but quite useful for grooming. This primate is rarely visible during a daytime trip through the jungle; instead, it is exclusively visible at night.

Bushbaby (Galago)

This is a different kind of primate that lives in Kibale Forest National Park. The smaller Galago (also known as the bushbaby) is a nocturnal monkey that resembles the potto in length and appearance, however, it has a longer, fluffier tail and larger ears. They are most likely to be sighted at night and less often on daytime hikes.

Vervet monkey

These are the most common monkeys in Africa, and they have dark faces with a white stripe running across them. Do not wave your food in front of the vervet monkeys since they are not timid and will steal it from you.

Blue monkey

A wide-faced, white forehead banded primate with a skull that is darkly pigmented is known as a “blue monkey.” The name’s reference to “blue” is a little deceptive because its fur only occasionally exhibits a bluish quality. The body of the blue monkey is covered in little black and white dots. Due to the red-tailed monkeys’ ability to protect them, they frequently congregate with them. The two species will also groom one another.

5. Its closeness to epic destinations

In the southwest of Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is ideally situated and contains a number of attractions that are encircled by other magnificent characteristics. In general, the southwest has a lot to offer tourists interested in nature and adventure. A simple list of the top nearby sights to the Kibale Forest National Park include Semuliki National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Crater Lakes Region, Tooro Royal Palace, Karambi Tombs as well as the Amabeere Caves.

We offer adventure packages to all of these exciting top destinations, if you find our article interesting please don’t hesitate to drop your inquiry and look at some of our sample itineraries to know more about the Uganda safaris and we would be able to tailor a trip of your choice to meet your exact taste of preference.

Ever imagined yourself on a wildlife viewing safari in Kenya? If you do choose a Kenya safari, then there are some more questions to ask to ensure you choose a safari that will be just right for you. Whether you are looking to a self guided safari in Kenya or a guided trip, these essential things are important to know;

1. Where in Africa do you want to safari?

Kenya is where the magic truly happens. You can spot all the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant) in Ol Pejeta Conservancy and there is a wide selection of excellent wildlife parks, reserves and conservancies to choose from. Maasai warriors act as guides, enriching your experience while staying in the bush. The Great Wildebeest Migration travels through Kenya, and throughout the entire year there are hundreds of different species to see.

2. When is the best time to go on safari in Kenya?

There really is no “right” answer because anytime is a good time to visit! Since Kenya is located on the equator, it is considered a “year-round destination.” It really depends on you and what you prefer.

For instance, January-March are the “hot” months. During this time, animals tend to congregate around the watering holes, which provide an excellent view of the wildlife.

April and May comprise Kenya’s rainy season—and some camps close in May when the rains are at their height. But even though there is a good amount of rain, it’s usually at its heaviest at night, so there are always some sunny days.

June is a beautiful month to visit as the vegetation is lush after the weeks of heavy rain. Many animals are having their young during this time, which would be an incredible scene to witness.

July and August are actually the cool months in Kenya. They are a fantastic time to go on safari if you are interested in seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration, but be aware that this can also be a very crowded time inside the Mara Reserve with many more tourist visitors.

September and October have wonderful weather and wildlife viewing, before a shorter rainy season begins again in November and December.

Truly, it depends on your schedule and what type of animal-viewing you prefer. But no matter when you choose, it’ll be the adventure of a lifetime.

3. What animals are your “must see” while on safari in Kenya?

Could you imagine visiting Africa and leaving without having seen a herd of elephants? Or sighting all the iconic African wildlife species like Zebra, Giraffe or Rhino? What is on your “animal bucket list?” Your answer could play a huge part in where you go and when you travel. For instance, there are lots of Big Cats in the Mara Conservancies. The Mara is also the place to see the Great Wildebeest Migration.

If you aren’t entirely sure where your favorite animals are located, take a glance at this list to get a good feel of where you should go.

4. What kind of lodging experience are you looking for?

When it comes to choosing where you want to stay on safari, there are lots of considerations. Of course, the first is usually budget. Keep in mind that when you plan to stay can affect the cost as well. Prices will be higher in the more popular months such as July and August.

Another point to consider some of the camps and lodges can be booked on a “game package rate” (to include game drives, meals, drinks, and transportation as a part of their price per night). And some camps and lodges are based on a Full Board basis only with optional game drives and extras payable when you are there. So do be sure to check carefully what is included before you confirm your arrangements.

Next, think about the type of lodging you’d prefer. Do you like the thought of staying under the stars, able to hear the call of the wild? Or is the idea of a hotel more enticing? You can choose either one or both on your Kenyan safari.

Finally, do you want to make sure you leave a positive mark on the environment and its inhabitants? The Porini camps are committed to responsible tourism and take extraordinary measures to be eco-friendly and conserve natural resources.

5. Are you planning on adding any “extras” to your trip?

There are some awesome experiences you can add to any safari but you need to book in advance. Imagine waking up before the sun, only to watch it rise from the same eye level as the birds. A tranquil hot air balloon ride over the savannah is the perfect way to see a side of Kenya that few will ever experience. Did we mention there’s champagne included?

Another amazing add-on: ending your safari adventure with a little R&R on the white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean. After your safari you can fly to the coast for a few days before flying back to Nairobi to connect to your home-bound flight.

6. What items and clothing should you pack?

Light packing is required for your safari, if possible, as there are weight limits on planes, especially the smaller aircraft that will be taking you from camp to camp. However, if you are travelling elsewhere after your safari – such as to the Coast – many tour operators offer the ability to leave your main luggage in storage and you can travel lighter to the wildlife areas.

You’ll want to wear lots of greens and khakis, but nothing that looks like military-style camouflage-print, since that is reserved for security personnel. Simple shirts and shorts, chinos, and light jackets are great to bring. Sturdy walking shoes or trainers are a must as well as a pair of flip flops or sandals for wearing around camp. And you can’t forget a good safari sun hat.

If you are going to the highlands of Kenya such as to Ol Pejeta Conservancy then it can get chilly on early morning or evening game drives, so we recommend taking some warm items of clothing, such as fleeces or sweaters, which can be peeled off, when it gets hotter later in the day.

Don’t forget important documents (passport, health cards, airline tickets), medicines (prescriptions, malaria prophylaxis, motion sickness pills), and other necessities like toiletries, but don’t bring any fine jewelry or other valuable items.

Of course you will need your camera to capture the sights and scenes of safari. Our recommendations are here.

Finally, we recommend having your own pair of binoculars for each person travelling.

7. What type of safari transport should you use?

You can either travel by aircraft or road and road travel takes a lot more time than you’d expect. You can easily gobble up entire days of your trip just getting from camp to camp.

Air travel is infinitely preferable if there are more than a few miles between destinations. A fly-in safari conserves your precious time and is generally more comfortable all around.

Whilst on safari, you may see a range of different vehicles driving around. At the camps and lodges, open sided vehicles with high canvas roofs are used. These are perfect for wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. Road safaris use closed sided vehicles with sliding glass windows and roof hatches, as these protect passengers from weather conditions and dust on the main roads.

8. What can you expect as a typical day on safari?

Wake up to the song birds gently telling you it’s time to start your day. Have a hot tea or coffee and light snack before embarking on your first game drive or guided walk for the day. Mornings are a wonderful time for wildlife viewing as they are cooler and many animals are active.

After your early morning activity, return to camp for a full breakfast / brunch. During the heat of mid-day, most animals are resting, so it’s time for you to do the same. Enjoy a refreshing shower, chat with fellow travelers, or catch up on that book you’ve been trying to read for ages.

Following afternoon tea, set out for another game drive, usually concluded with a sun downer and a picture-perfect view of the sun setting over the savannah. At night, there are night game drives to search for nocturnal animals.

Finish off your evening with dinner prepared by the camp chef and cold drinks or wine, and enjoy conversation with your fellow camp-mates around the camp fire.

Conclusion

Maybe it’s been a dream or maybe it’s a new idea that sparked later in life either way, you can’t wait to get on the Kenya savannah plains and set out on a new adventure accompanied by an expert safari guide to watch the iconic wildlife