faq
Your Questions Answered
Whilst WOW Safaris are exciting, the safety, security and comfort of our guests is the priority.
Trip Preparation
Below are answers we have prepared to questions commonly asked by those planning a safari. Have a question but don't see this on the list? Let us know! There is no such thing as a silly question. Chances are someone else is wondering the same thing. Hakuna Matata - no worries.
The timing of the Great Migration can vary because it is heavily dependent upon the weather. Specifically, the rain that brings the new grasses upon which wildebeest graze. In general, though, the following is accurate:
The great herds can be found amidst the short grasses of Serengeti National Park from November to May. In May, as the grasses become dry and the herds begin the migration. They move north, and by July they are in the more lush plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This is where they generally stay until October.
Kenya lies on the equator and has a pleasant tropical climate, but there are large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Temperatures drop by about 6°C for every 1000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1000ft). Kenya’s daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, but it is warmer on the coast.
The coast is hot (and humid) all year round, but the heat is pleasant and tempered by the monsoon winds. Kenya is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is, however, both a dry and wet season. The wet season is from November to May and the Dry season is from June to December.
Rain may occasionally fall outside of the normal rainy seasons in Kenya.
Please note that in the highland areas north of Nairobi it may get chilly at night or in the early mornings – especially June, July, August when temperatures can be colder – it is recommended that you ensure that you pack some warm clothing.
Travellers arriving in Africa are required to have a passport that is valid not less than six months from the date of arrival and contains at least three pages for affixing visas and arrival stamps.
For most travellers visas may be purchased on arrival in Kenya. Visas may also be purchased in advance which will save time on arrival. This can be purchased by the Kenya e-visa system (http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html)
Our safari standard vehicles are specially-adapted six seater Toyota Land Cruisers (4×4) with pop-up roofs so that guests can stand up when viewing wildlife and can take photographs.
The Toyota Land Cruisers (4×4) are the standard East African design customised for safaris. The vehicles used for overland road safaris have glass windows which slide. We also use open-sided and special photography adapted Land Cruisers.
Although the roads between cities and the national parks are generally well-maintained, the roads inside the national parks can be rough and dusty, and hence, often muddy. During game drives, we drive slowly for a more comfortable drive.
The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol Ksh). Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of Ksh 40, 20, 10, 5 and 1.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at the major banks, bureaux de change or authorised hotels. The banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport have 24-hour exchange services. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent must be declared.
All the major Credit cards are widely accepted in the city hotels, city restaurants and city shops but this may not be the case in the rural areas.
The smaller safari lodges and camps or rural hotels may not accept (all) credit cards. So it is recommended that you obtain some local currency in advance by drawing cash from an ATM at a bank in Nairobi.
Kenya in general is very child friendly! Children of any age can join a safari. Although it’s easier when your child is at least 3 years of age as it is a bit harder to travel with infants. Many camps and lodges offer family rooms or family suites which are either one larger room / tent or simply inter-connecting rooms / tents.
Most camps and lodges offer free WIFI and this can also be arranged for your safari vehicle.
All our vehicles have sockets for charging your devices while on the road. Kenyas electrical sockets are UK type, 3 pin square and are 220 volts.
Most smart phones can be used internationally, but you should be aware of the expensive data roaming fees that can accumulate while travelling. Cell phones are also available for rent at the major airports-rates are reasonable, and you pay for calls made. But it’s sometimes easier to just buy a local sim card and use that for the duration of your stay. That can really help to keep the cost down.
Remarkably, there is even cell service in most remote areas of the bush of East Africa.
Take normal precautions as in any other countries worldwide. Keep a close watch to your handbags, wallets, and cameras at all time. Avoid walking at night, use reliable taxis recommended by hotels. Place all valuables in safe deposit boxes at hotels and lodges and only carry necessary amounts of cash. Wear as little jewellery as possible if any and never leave valuables in hotel rooms or in an unattended vehicle. Overall, however, Kenya is a safe African country.
Nairobi has some of the finest eating establishments in Africa. Many different cuisines and types of restaurants are available, from fast food to fancy. Many five-star hotels have excellent restaurants.
Among the many cuisines available are Indian, Brazilian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, German and French restaurants. Fast food restaurants, mostly by South African chains (Steers, Nandos), are common in the larger urban areas.
On safari the lodges and camps offer mostly continental cuisine, in addition to local specialties to appeal to a wide range of palates.
Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight is your best bet while on safari. It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you’ll want to dress warmly in layers, until the sun has a chance to warm up the air. “Kenya Convertibles”, khaki pants with zip-off legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you’re back in camp.
Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. A cotton bush jacket or wind-breaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for the cool nights. And, a hat is a must. There are no long walks or hikes on most safaris, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate.