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TRIP PLANNER KENYA
For
a generous dose of wildlife, culture and adventure, take a vacation to
Kenya, Africa’s most popular safari destination
DON’T MISS...
... the great wildebeest migration, which takes place between mid-July
and early September annually. During this time, over 2 million
herbivores—wildebeest, zebras and deer—pour into Masai Mara from the
adjoining Serengeti plains in search of grasslands. Around November, the
huge herds begin their southward trek towards Tanzania. So, this is another
opportunity to catch the spectacle.
GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Barring monsoon in April-June, any time is good to see wildlife. To
beat the heat, go in November-February, but to watch migration,
July-September is best.
TRIP TRAIL
Safari enthusiasts will tell you that even two weeks is not enough to
enjoy Kenya, but for the time-starved, eight days will be just enough to
catch the best sights. Here is a sample itinerary: start your journey in
Nairobi, where an overnight will help you get over the jet lag. There is
not much to see in the city, so take an early morning drive to Aberdare
National Park, the place where Princess Elizabeth learnt she had become the
queen. This park may not be the best place to catch the Big Five—lion,
leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo—but its almost alpine environs make
for a lovely stop before moving to lake Nakuru on day 4. This is home to
400 species of birds, and is known for the thousands of flamingos flocking
around the shores, turning it pink. On day 5, move to the highlight of the
trip, Masai Mara, among the best safari destinations in the world. On day
8, buckle up for a six-hour drive back to Nairobi and your flight home.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
FREE
• Unfortunately, barring the beaches of Mombasa, no attraction in Kenya
comes for free. Be prepared for park entry fees no matter where you go.
PAID (approximate per person rates)
• Nairobi National Park: 2,544
• Mt Kenya National Park: 3,499
• Aberdare National Park: 3,180
• Lake Nakuru: 5,089
• Amboseli National Park: 5,089
• Tsavo National Park: 3,180
BEFORE
YOU LEAVE...
AIR FARE
The bad news is that there are no direct flights to Nairobi, the
capital of Kenya. Return flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Nairobi start at
40,000 and 33,000, respectively (per person). However, flights with short
stopovers cost between 40,000 and 60,000.
EXCHANGE RATE
The Kenyan shilling (KES) is the currency in use, and currently 100
will fetch KES 137.29. If you are planning to take US dollar notes to
convert in Kenya, make sure you carry relatively new bills because the
local banks have been known to reject older currency.
VISA
The good news is that Indian nationals can get a visa on arrival at the
international airport in Nairobi. A single journey entry visa, valid for up
to three months, will cost approximately 3,167.
TRIP EXPENSE
A safari could cost 6,000-38,000 per person, per night, depending on
where you choose to stay. The cost includes all meals, game drives,
entrance fees, etc. When you add the flight expense, an eightday, mid-range
tour will cost around 1.7 lakh per person.
ACCOMMODATION
Nairobi boasts a number of decent hotels across price points. As for
the stay options in the game parks and reserves, you can take your pick
between basic tented campsites, luxury retreats and mid-range safari
lodges. You are sure to find something to suit your budget, no matter where
you go.
LOCAL COMMUTE
While in Nairobi, you will find enough taxis, private bus companies and
matatus—shared minibus taxis—to take you around. Unfortunately, public
transportation does not exist. Given the security concerns in the country,
it’s best to book through a tour operator since it will take care of your
ground transportation.
SAVING TIPS
• Make sure you get vaccinated against cholera and yellow fever. Other
recommended vaccinations are against typhoid, tetanus and hepatitis.
• It is important to guard against malaria, a widespread problem in Kenya.
So take anti-malarial drugs before, during and after the trip, and ensure
you carry a repellent cream with you.
• Make sure you pack sunglasses and a hat; being near the equator, the sun
is very harsh.
• Even if you are planning a summer trip, a light jacket or stole is a must
as evenings can be distinctly chilly. Of course, don’t forget sturdy
walking shoes; a safari is no place for flip-flops and heels.
Sushmita Choudhury Agarwal. ET130826
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