Kenya Safari Tours
Masai Mara, Amboseli & Diani Beach

If you are a German citizen, you need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure to enter Kenya. An eVisa is also required, which can be applied for online . Anyone entering the country from a yellow fever-endemic area must present proof of vaccination upon entry. If you are traveling from Germany or have spent less than 12 hours at the airport of an affected endemic area for transit reasons, you do not need to provide proof of vaccination. Further information can also be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

The Kenyan shilling (KES), which is divided into 100 cents, is used for payment in Kenya. We recommend having a few small dollar bills with you for your travel budget. You can use it to pay for a small purchase or a tip. Please note that only dollar notes printed before 2006 are accepted. In Kenya, you can withdraw cash from ATMs using EC cards with the Maestro symbol and most major credit cards. If you are unsure, ask your bank before you leave.

When traveling in Kenya, it is no problem to communicate in English. The official language is Swahili. With a friendly “jambo” (“hello”) you can quickly strike up a conversation with the locals. Over 70 languages are spoken in Kenya, as each ethnic group has its own language tradition.

Kenya is one hour ahead of German summer time. In winter, the difference is +2 hours.

In addition to the standard vaccinations recommended by the Robert Koch Institute, a yellow fever vaccination is also recommended. You should also find out about so-called exposure prophylaxis, which protects you against dengue fever and malaria. When planning your trip, it is best to ask a travel doctor which vaccinations they recommend for you.

A packing list for Tanzania could look like this:
Neutral colored clothing: For safaris, colors such as khaki, brown or green are best as they blend in well with the natural environment.
Long-sleeved shirts and long pants: these help to protect you from sunburn and insect bites.
Lightweight, breathable clothing: As Tanzania has a tropical climate, clothing made of cotton or linen is ideal.
Swimwear: For visiting the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar or the pool at your lodge.
Sturdy hiking boots: these are essential if you are planning to go hiking
A warm jacket or sweater for cooler nights
Rain jacket or poncho: Especially important if you are traveling during the rainy season.
Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor for the skin as well as a sun hat and sunglasses.
Insect repellent: To protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
Binoculars: A must for safaris to observe wildlife from a safe distance. 8×42 or 10×42 are ideal
Camera with telephoto lens, at least 200mm, better 300 to 400mm for decent animal photos.
Headlamp or flashlight: Useful for early morning or late evening safaris, or when staying at campsites.
Reusable water bottle: It is important to stay hydrated during your trip. Many lodges and camps offer filtered water for refilling.
A lightweight backpack: For day trips or hikes.

Kenya mixes African, Indian and Arabic cuisine – an exciting combination.
Nyama Choma is practically the national dish: grilled goat or beef, juicy from the grill, served with kachumbari salad (fresh tomato salad with onions). You can get it on almost every street corner or in lodges with live barbecues.
Ugali is the maize porridge you will see everywhere – firm, nutritious, served with stews and meat. It looks simple, but is filling and a must.
Chapati are Indian-inspired flatbreads, baked until golden brown, perfect for dipping or as a side dish.
Sukuma Wiki literally means “to squeeze through the week” – green leaves similar to spinach, cooked spicy. Healthy and can be found everywhere.
Githeri is a hearty Kikuyu stew made from beans, corn and potatoes. Power food for long days.
Bhajias are crispy, deep-fried potato slices in spiced batter – a popular street food snack, especially on the coast.
The best way to try all this is with a cold Tusker beer. Local Nyama Choma stalls are more authentic than tourist restaurants, and the lodge buffets often have live barbecue stations.

Better not. The locals are used to it, but the risk is too high for European stomachs.
Drink bottled water – it’s always available in hotels and lodges and can be bought everywhere for little money. It’s also best to use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Good lodges often offer filtered water to refill your bottle, which is okay.

For your safari guide and driver, 10 to 15 dollars per day and vehicle is usual, this is divided among the team.
At the lodge, give about 3 to 5 dollars per person and day for the staff (waiters, housekeeping, etc.).
It is best to have cash in US dollars or Kenyan shillings with you, small bills. Many collect tips over the week and give an envelope on the last day – expect about 50 to 100 dollars per person for a week, including guides.
Tipping is voluntary and should recognize good service, not be given out of a sense of duty.

Yes, type G – these are the British plugs with three rectangular pins. German plugs do not fit directly.
It is best to buy a universal travel adapter, which will then also work in other countries. The mains voltage (230V/50Hz) is compatible with German devices, so you don’t need a voltage converter.
Take a power bank with you. In some safari camps, electricity is only available at certain times and you cannot charge on game drives.

Kenya is the easier place to start. Transfers between parks are shorter, the infrastructure is better developed and prices tend to be cheaper. Most guides speak good English.
You can combine Masai Mara and Diani Beach in 7 to 10 days and have the complete safari experience: animals and beach. This is more relaxed to organize than Tanzania.
Tanzania is more for the second safari or if you want to really immerse yourself in nature. Larger parks, longer distances, slightly more expensive – but also quieter and more exclusive.

Amboseli, Tsavo West and East, Samburu, Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru are top.
Amboseli scores with herds of elephants in front of Kilimanjaro – one of the best photo opportunities in Africa. Tsavo has a red desert landscape and is huge, with far fewer tourists.
Samburu in the north is different: dry, specialized animals such as Grevy’s zebras and giraffe gazelles. Ol Pejeta is a protected area with the last white rhinos in the world.
Fewer tourists, same big five opportunities, often cheaper. A good combination: 3 days Amboseli plus 4 days Tsavo instead of Masai Mara. You will see just as much, have more peace and quiet and save money.

Neutral colors are important for animal observation: khaki, olive, beige, brown. Avoid white (gets dirty quickly), red and blue (scares off some animals).
Long sleeves and long pants protect you from the sun and insects, even if it’s warm during the day (25 to 30 degrees). It can get surprisingly cool in the evenings and mornings – pack a fleece jacket or sweater.
Light hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are good, especially if you want to go on walking safaris in the Mara. Comfortable closed shoes are sufficient for normal game drives.
Sun hat, sunglasses and sun protection with a high SPF are a must. The equatorial sun is brutal, even if it looks cloudy.

Yes, and this is taken seriously. Since 2017, Kenya has had one of the strictest plastic bans in Africa.
Plastic bags are completely banned, including bin liners. They are confiscated at the airport on arrival and fines can go up to 500 dollars.
Take cloth bags or paper bags with you. Hotels and lodges offer alternatives, but it’s best to be prepared.

Yes, in the Masai Mara you have all five: Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. The rhinos are rarer, but with a bit of luck and good guides you will see them.
Amboseli also has the famous elephants in front of Kilimanjaro – an iconic photo motif.
With 2 to 3 game drives per park, you have a 90 to 95 percent chance of seeing at least four of the Big Five. All five in one day is possible, but not guaranteed – that’s what makes it exciting.

Tanzania is for every budget. This is a common misconception – of course there are spectacular luxury lodges, but there are also excellent mid-range and budget options. There are also some spectacular mid-range lodges in Tanzania. You are not paying for brand and luxury, but for a fantastic location and real safari atmosphere: such as Santcuary Swala in Tarangire National Park or the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge on the lake of the same name.

All lodges and camps can also be found here in our overview