No, we do not charge any booking fees for making your safari /hotel reservations through Ellysons Travel & Safaris.

Visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay. Visa is required, depending upon the passport you carry.

Almost all currencies can be exchanged for the local equivalent upon arrival into the country. You may also utilize your major credit card at many locations. You will need both for incidental expenses, souvenirs, hotel meals and drinks, tipping and drinks purchased at safaris destinations. All pre – booked travel, accommodation, tours and transfer expenses are otherwise prepaid before departure.

Traveler’s cheque can be exchanged at the banks in Kenya. Traveler’s cheque is however not accepted at many destinations.

We will arrange and manage all your pick-ups and transfers, with our professional and reliable team. You will be provided, upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with your personalized, complete and detailed itinerary, for your entire trip booked through us. You will know when and by whom you will be met, you will have their local contact numbers. You need never to have to rent a car or catch a taxi or bus on your pre-booked itinerary.

Vaccination requirements change from time to time. Malaria is present in many parts of Africa- we will advice you if you will be visiting a malaria area. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on malaria prophylactics and the latest health precautions. If you are on prescriptions medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of you stay and a copy of your prescription(s).

There is no general answer to this question, since your travel itinerary may take you to cities with excellent medical services and to remote areas with more limited resources. If you have a medical condition, please take this into account when planning your itinerary. Many safari destinations have qualified emergency first – aid staff members. Please advice us of nay medical conditions you have and ensure that you have sufficient medical insurance cover.

It really depends on the type of animals you wish to see. Certain reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good sightings or at different times of the year. It is generally felt that the African winter (June- August) is the best time to go on safaris, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the move looking for food and water. In the last few years with African travel becoming so popular, we are finding our guests are choosing anytime of the year to travel whether it be summer or winter. In Kenya, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over two million animals. Temperatures in winter are generally mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

GMT +3 hours.

Yes, English is spoken through out, especially by those involved in the tourist trade.

Safari dress in casual, preferably neutral colors (e.g. khaki, brown or green), T- shirt and shorts/ skirts for the day, long sleeved cool shirts and long pants with socks for evenings outdoors (for the mosquitoes) good walking shoes, swimsuit, warm sweater or light coat for early morning and night safaris drives, polarizing sun glasses, a hat or cap, good camera and plenty of film (you will not be able to get the film you need in remote areas) Sun block creams if are prone to sunburn, malaria medication, insect repellant (often supplied by your lodge), scarf and gloves for cool evenings especially in the winter months (June – August), it can be cold in the early mornings and evenings, and a good pair of binoculars (essential).A wind resistant jacket is always good to have with you, especially when out on open land rovers in the early morning or evening game drives.

When on safari, you may typically be tracking and viewing wild animals in an open 4x4 vehicles – herds of elephant, buffalo, lion, rhino, leopard and others. You may feel very exposed, but the wild animals are mostly accustomed to the vehicles and will usually ignore it. You will always be accompanied by an experienced (and armed) ranger and your safety is the highest concern. Please however always follow the advice given- remain in the vehicle at all times, don’t stand up and observe silence when requested. Wild animals are unpredictable and deserve a high degree of respect.

Many safari destinations do not accept children less than 12 years. We do however also offer safari destinations that will accept children of all ages, but younger children cannot participate in the safari drives and walks, for safety reasons.

It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel(4-6months), especially during the peak seasons in some destinations( July and August and Holidays / New year years). This is especially important for those wishing to travel on private tailor- made safaris and those adding extension to schedule trips.