Frequently asked questions
These are the questions travellers ask us most before booking a Kenya safari: how planning works, what the online estimate covers, deposits and payment, how residency changes park fees and currency, the best time to travel and safety. If your question is not here, call +254 752 585 346 or message us on WhatsApp.
How does planning work?
Build a trip in our online Trip Builder for Kenya, or tell us what you have in mind. A safari consultant checks availability with each property, then confirms the final price. Nothing is booked or charged online.
What is the estimate, and what is it not?
The estimate is a price range based on the comfort level, dates, and party you choose. It is not a fixed quote or a booking confirmation, and nothing is held or charged. Your consultant confirms the real price once availability is checked.
What makes a safari with Bushking Safaris unique?
At Bushking Safaris, we believe your safari should be as individual as you are. We specialise in creating personalised private journeys designed around your interests, travel style, budget and pace. Whether your dream is witnessing the Great Migration, finding elephants beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, discovering local cultures, enjoying a romantic escape or combining safari with a beach holiday, we build the journey around you. Our experienced guides, carefully selected accommodation and attention to detail come together to create a safari that feels personal, seamless and memorable.
How much does a typical safari cost?
There is no standard safari price because every journey is different. Your safari cost can depend on the destination, length of stay, number of travellers, accommodation, season, park and conservation fees, transport, domestic flights, activities and special experiences. We can work with different budgets and accommodation preferences to create the best possible experience for you. Your quotation will clearly outline what is included and excluded.
How do I pay?
Once your itinerary has been agreed, we will provide a quotation and payment instructions. Bank transfer, cash, or M-Pesa are recorded today, and online card payments are coming. An invoice is not a booking confirmation: your safari is confirmed once the required payment has been received and the relevant services have been secured with our suppliers.
How much deposit do I need to pay?
A 40 percent deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is payable 60 days before the start of your safari, unless different terms are stated in your quotation or invoice. For bookings made within 60 days of travel, the full balance may be required at the time of booking. Your consultant will give you the exact dates and amounts on your invoice.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance for most safaris. For peak travel periods, Christmas and New Year, the Great Migration season, or specific camps and lodges with limited availability, we recommend booking 6 to 12 months ahead. Last-minute travel is also possible, subject to availability.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your trip is confirmed at quotation. A formal cancellation policy page is coming soon. Ask your consultant for the current terms before you pay a deposit.
What does residency change about my price?
Kenyan citizens, Kenyan residents, and East African citizens or residents pay different park fees and, for some parks, a different currency than non-residents. You choose your residency in the Trip Builder, and it never affects anything except park fees and currency.
Which currency will I see?
Non-residents see prices in US dollars. Kenyan citizens and residents see prices in Kenyan shillings. This follows directly from the residency you choose.
When is the best time to go on safari in Kenya or Tanzania?
There is no single best time. It depends on what you want to see and experience. January to March can be excellent for wildlife, with Tanzania's Serengeti particularly rewarding during the wildebeest calving season. June to October is generally the most popular period for safari, with dry conditions, excellent wildlife viewing, and the Great Migration moving through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems. April and May bring the long rains: the landscapes are beautifully green, visitor numbers are generally lower, and some properties offer more attractive rates. November and December bring the short rains, and safaris remain rewarding, with fresh vegetation, fewer crowds and excellent photography opportunities. Weather and wildlife are natural phenomena, so sightings and specific migration movements can never be guaranteed.
What is the Great Migration, and where can I witness it?
The Great Migration is one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife spectacles, involving millions of wildebeest, together with large numbers of zebra and other grazing animals, moving through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems in search of fresh grazing and water. The animals move between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara throughout the year. The famous river crossings generally occur between around July and October, although the exact timing depends on rainfall and the movement of the herds. If witnessing the Migration is on your bucket list, we recommend booking early and allowing some flexibility in your itinerary.
Should I take a private safari or a shared safari?
If you value flexibility, privacy and having your safari built around you, we recommend a private safari. You have your own vehicle and guide, allowing you to decide how long to spend at a wildlife sighting, when to start your day and how you would like to experience the destination. Shared safaris can be a more economical option and can be a great way to meet other travellers, but they generally involve fixed schedules and shared arrangements.
Is a safari suitable for families with young children?
Absolutely. A safari can be an incredible family experience. We can tailor your itinerary around your children's ages, interests and comfort, including recommending family-friendly accommodation, shorter game drives and suitable activities. Some camps and lodges have minimum age requirements, which we will consider when planning your trip.
What are flying safaris?
Flying safaris allow you to travel between destinations by small scheduled or charter aircraft rather than spending long hours on the road. They are particularly useful when you have limited time or would prefer to maximise your time at your safari destinations. Flights operate from various airstrips, often located close to camps and lodges, with transfers arranged between the airstrip and your accommodation.
Can I combine a safari with a beach holiday?
Absolutely. In Kenya, popular combinations include the Maasai Mara, Amboseli or Tsavo followed by Diani, Watamu or Lamu. In Tanzania, you can combine your safari with Zanzibar, Mafia Island or Pemba. We can also explore combinations across Kenya and Tanzania depending on your interests, available time and travel arrangements.
Are safaris safe?
Yes. Millions of travellers visit East Africa safely every year. Your safety is one of our priorities. Our experienced guides understand the parks, roads, wildlife and local conditions and will guide you on appropriate behaviour around animals and in different environments. As with all international travel, we recommend taking normal precautions with your personal belongings and following the advice of your guide and accommodation providers.
Do I need a visa or special vaccinations?
Visa and immigration requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you will visit. Kenya and Tanzania have different entry requirements, and these may change, so we recommend checking the applicable requirements well before departure. Bushking Safaris can also guide you on the documentation required for your itinerary. Travellers should consult a qualified travel-health professional regarding recommended or required vaccinations, malaria prevention and other health considerations. Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical and emergency evacuation cover, is strongly recommended.
Can I include cultural experiences?
Definitely. Africa is about more than wildlife. We can incorporate cultural experiences into your itinerary, including opportunities to meet local communities, learn about traditional ways of life, explore local markets, meet artisans, and discover the history and culture of the places you visit. We aim to make these experiences respectful, authentic and meaningful.