Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, the dry season is the best time for game-viewing. The ideal times to visit Kenya are **December through March**, and between **mid-July to late October**, which is the **Great Wildebeest Migration** period. The only time to avoid Kenya and East Africa in general is during the main rainy season, typically lasting from April to May, with a short wet season during November.

No. You will apply for an **Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)**. To apply online, please visit www.etakenya.go.ke. It is recommended that travelers apply for the ETA at least 3 days prior to their travel, and it's a quick and straightforward procedure. Since these arrangements may change, it is essential to double-check ETA requirements well ahead of your trip.

It is important to check the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or a healthcare professional, as the required vaccinations may change depending on factors such as individual health, planned activities, and duration of stay in Kenya. However, generally, **no immunizations are required to enter Kenya if arriving from the United States, Canada, or Europe**. Yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from an endemic country.

Travel Insurance offers many advantages, and we highly recommend that our clients have a policy that covers their trips while abroad. **It is not a mandatory requirement**, though.

Both Kenya and Tanzania are located near the equator, so they generally have a **tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity**. The rainy seasons in these countries typically occur in the spring (long rains, April-May) and fall (short rains, November), while the summer months can be dry and hot. Generally, temperature variance is determined more by region than by season: upcountry areas such as Mount Kenya and the Aberdares are at elevated altitudes and can be cool, while the drier bush country is warmer. Mombasa and Zanzibar are quite hot.

Situations can vary depending on the country you wish to visit. But in Kenya, **there's no minimum age for children**, and our Safaris - the family Safaris in particular - can be tailored to accommodate children of any age. Please call / Whatsapp us on  +254 716 251 937  to discuss which Safari is best suited for you and your family.

Just select clothing for all seasons. **Light and casual is the clothing code for the coast and on a Safari**. Any light clothing in muted colors, plus a hat and sunglasses for protection against the sun will do. For footwear, comfort should take precedence over style. Since laundry services are available in most places we visit, we advise that you resist the temptation of over-packing. Smart casual attire is appropriate in the evenings as formal clothing is not necessary unless you want to make your evening formal.

The **Great Wildebeest Migration** is an annual event where over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrate clockwise in a circular route in search of fresh grazing lands and water sources in the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem in East Africa. The best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration depends on where the animals are in their migration cycle. Typically, the migration begins in late December to early January in the Southern Serengeti; and the best time to see the herds crossing the Mara River in Kenya is from **July to October**. If you want to see the calving of the wildebeest, the best time is **January and February** in the Southern Serengeti. However, the migration is a constantly evolving phenomenon, and the timing and location of the herds can vary year to year.

**Medical services are first-class in Kenya** compared to most other African countries. There are good quality medical facilities in Nairobi and the Coast with specialist physicians and surgeons. Therefore, you are assured of first-class medical attention in Kenya, should you fall sick or require urgent medical attention. In more remote regions of East Africa, you will access the services of highly specialized medics in flight - the **Flying Doctors**.

The "**Big Five**" is a term used to describe the five most iconic and difficult-to-hunt large mammals in Africa, and today it is often used to refer to the five most sought-after wildlife species for tourists to see on an African safari. They have become synonymous with an African wildlife experience and continue to draw tourists from around the world to African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and more. They include:

• Lion: Known for its strength and dominance, the lion is the king of the African savanna.
• Elephant: The largest land mammal on earth, elephants are known for their intelligence and social behavior.
• Buffalo: Known for their powerful horns and unpredictable nature, buffalo are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
• Leopard: A solitary and elusive predator, the leopard is known for its distinctive markings and powerful hunting abilities.
• Rhinoceros: With its distinctive horn, the rhinoceros is one of the most recognizable and endangered animals in Africa.

Kenya and Tanzania are both popular tourist destinations known for their stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage. Here are some of the best places to visit in both countries:

• **Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya):** A great wildlife reserve known for its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, including the Great Wildebeest Migration.
• **Serengeti National Park (Tanzania):** This park is known for its large herds of wildlife, including the Great Wildebeest Migration, and its breathtaking landscapes.
• **Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania):** A large, intact volcanic crater and home to a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos etc.
• **Amboseli National Park (Kenya):** At the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and is known for its large herds of elephants and spectacular views of the mountain.
• **Zanzibar (Tanzania):** This historic island is known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and well-preserved Stone Town.
• **Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania):** This iconic mountain is the highest peak in Africa and is a popular destination for trekking and climbing.
• **Samburu National Reserve (Kenya):** This park is known for its unique wildlife, including the rare reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra.
• **Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania):** This park is known for its lush forests and diverse wildlife, including tree-climbing lions.
• **Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya):** This park is known for its flamingos and other birdlife, as well as its rhinos and other wildlife.
• **Mount Kenya National Park (Kenya):** This park is home to Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa, and offers stunning views, trekking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• **Lamu Island (Kenya):** This historic island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved Swahili architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
• **Nairobi National Park (Kenya):** This park is located within the city limits of Nairobi and is known for its diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and rhinos.

These are just a few of the many great places to visit in Kenya and Tanzania. Both countries offer a wealth of natural, cultural, and historical attractions, making them a top destination for travelers from around the world.

Yes! Upon landing and clearance by the Customs, you will be met by a **Lamlav staff member** who will warmly welcome you to our homeland and transfer you to your hotel.

**Mouth-watering local specialties** in addition to Continental cuisines are offered in our lodges and camps. Nairobi and Mombasa offer a variety of savory regional specialties, in addition to French, Italian, and Indian cuisines. All your meals are included from the moment you arrive up to the end of your safari, and each is extremely appetizing!

**Wi-Fi is not available in all the camps and lodges** but it's complementary for all Lamlav travelers wherever it exists.

Our luxury Safari is always small and intimate in size and has a **maximum of 14 travelers**. You are assured of a comfortable 4x4 Vehicle - with no more than six passengers - and excellent game sightings, no matter which Safari you choose. Simply let us know if you want a more private safari for your party or family.

No. Only proof of vaccinations and/or a negative COVID-19 test may be required for your entry. Please check the latest requirements before your travel date.

Even though COVID-19 rules and protocols have been relaxed in most countries, **we strongly recommend that you mask up during your journey**. We encourage you to bring your own mask; although a supply will be on hand where needed.

If a traveler receives a positive COVID-19 test result, they must follow local and service provider regulations, including potentially being **quarantined and tested, at their own cost**. For those traveling on a Small Group Journey, and Luxury Expeditions, they must not participate in scheduled activities for at least five days after receiving the positive test result.

Our travel specialists can assist in planning a customized or signature trip to a destination where getting vaccinated is not mandatory.

For all **Small Group Journeys and Luxury Expedition Safaris, all guests, including children, must provide evidence of complete COVID-19 vaccination**. For all Tailor Made and Signature trips, children must meet the entry requirements set by the country and the service provider.

Yes. It is a **Lamlav policy direction that all staff: Tour Directors, Tour Guides, and Drivers must undergo mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations**. This is absolutely necessary as it essentially guarantees the safety of our staff and clients. Lamlav field staff, including Safari Directors, Guides, Drivers, and Concierges, have all received vaccinations, undergo regular COVID-19 testing prior to traveling, and have their temperatures checked daily. They follow health and safety protocols, including frequently washing their hands with soap, wearing masks supplied by Lamlav, carrying personal hand sanitizers, and regularly sanitizing their mobile devices and any surfaces they touch.