Giga Destinations, Tours and Safaris

Kenya Safari FAQs

Is Kenya a safe place to visit?

Despite a spate of attacks by Alshabaab terrorists along the Kenyan-Somali border, visitors may travel freely in Kenya. Our top aim is to keep you secure. While you are with us or in Africa, we will brief you on essential safety precautions. Our safari jeeps are equipped with more than one spare tire and first-aid supplies in case of breakdowns, illness, or accident. In the event of a major illness or injury, the “Flying Doctors” are ready for emergency evacuation.

What if I become very ill while on safari?

Most campgrounds, lodges, and hotels have on-site doctors, and if your health is critical, we may contact the Flying Doctors Service, which will transport you to a nearby medical institution.

What kind of travel insurance should you get?

We recommend purchasing both travel and trip cancellation insurance. This insurance will protect you in the event of an emergency. Your safari cost includes medical evacuation insurance.

How long do I need to go on safari?

This is dependent on the locations you wish to visit. However, you will need at least 5 days to be able to have enough time.

What parks do you think people should go to?

We recommend seeing the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru National Parks if you have 5-7 days or more to spend on safari. If you enjoy activities, Lake Naivasha is a great place to visit. If you have additional time, you should visit Samburu National Reserve and Tsavo National Park.

How long do you think the Great Migration safari should last?

You’d need seven to eight days.

How many days do you propose seeing the parks, meeting local tribes, and participating in activities?

You’ll need 8 to 10 days to complete the task.

How long do you think a safari with a visit to Diani Beach should last?

You’d need between 9 and 14 days.

What can I expect once I make a reservation?

You can anticipate a stress-free tour. We will give you a booking voucher when you have made your reservation. We’ll send you a “Travel Information Booklet” a few weeks later, and after you get it, you may start the tour on the scheduled start date.

Is it possible to make adjustments after I’ve made a reservation?

Yes, and we’d like to assist you. Please email us at info@gigadestinations.com if you need to modify the amount of persons, your contact information, or the start time or date. Before making a reservation, be sure you understand the cancellation policy. Keep in mind that, while we will try our best to accommodate modifications, the closer they are to the last minute, the more difficult it will be to organize.

What if I have to cancel my trip?

Please check our cancellation policy in our booking terms and conditions. Please click here to learn more.

Are there any additional fees that I should be aware of?

Giga Destinations Tours & Safaris does not impose any additional fees. All prices are obtained directly from our local partners, and no additional costs are added. We don’t have any booking or service fees, either. When you book with Giga Destinations Tours & Safaris, you can rest assured that you will always get the greatest deal.

What sort of camera should I bring with me?

A long fixed lens camera is ideal for clear and understandable photographs in the wilderness. Small cameras are adequate for ordinary photographs such as cityscapes, market scenes, and so on. All of these technologies may be purchased in Africa, but owing to import duties, the cost may be twice as much as in the United States or the United Kingdom.

What should we do in the event that our flight is delayed?

If something changes early or at the last minute, we should be notified as soon as possible. If we are not notified in a timely manner, you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation to Arusha. At the airport, shuttles and fees are available. Simply phone us when you arrive and we will connect you.

Will a Giga Destinations Tours & Safaris representative or guide greet me at the airport?

Yes. Please provide us your flight information at least 2-3 weeks before your scheduled arrival. In the public area outside customs, you will see our person carrying a Giga Destinations Tours & Safaris sign with your name on it.

What should I do if my luggage is delayed or lost?

If your baggage is late or lost, you must complete a lost luggage form and send it to a Giga Destinations Tours & Safaris representative, who will track it down and deliver it to you at the hotel when it comes.

Is it safe to drink the water?

Bottled water is always safe to drink, thus we strongly advise you to do so. Do not consume tap water since it may be polluted or of poor quality. Bottled water is available for purchase at the lodge where you are staying, as well as nearby restaurants and stores. Throughout the training, we supply safe mineral water.

What is the acceptable currency?

Hotels, huge supermarkets, and stores take US money or Euros. The native money is widely acknowledged. Banks, the airport bureau of change, and other bureaus of change throughout town are all good places to exchange money and receive local currency. ATM machines may be found in all airports and across the city.

What is the current rate of exchange?

1 US dollar is equivalent to KSH 101. Every day, the rate of currency conversion changes. In KSH, different denominations provide different rates. The greatest conversion rates are always available for US $50 and $100 notes.

Is it possible to pay using cash, credit cards, or checks?

The majority of the lodgings and stores only take cash. In certain large stores and hotels, major credit cards are accepted. Changes to traveler’s checks are exceedingly difficult, if not impossible. It will be much easier to make purchases if you carry cash.

How much cash do I need to bring?

The quantity of cash you should have with you is determined by your particular costs. Your safari package’s features will cover your hotel, transportation, meals, and other expenses.

On safari, what distinguishes a tented camp from a lodge?

A tented camp is built of canvas and is portable, whereas a lodge is composed of concrete walls and floors and is fixed in place. Most lodges are located distant from game regions and secluded, whereas tented camps are located close to wildlife areas.

What is the local cuisine like?

Potatoes, poultry, rice, pasta, maize meal (ugali), beans, different green vegetables, eggs, and seasonal fruits are the most prevalent native meals. Special dietary needs must be stated in detail at the time of booking.

Is it possible to use my phone/iPhone while on safari?

Yes. You should unlock your phone/iPhone (if it is locked) before leaving for your safari and then purchase a SIM card for around $1 when you arrive. You will be able to communicate both locally and globally using the local SIM card (make calls; send text messages, read emails, etc.). Furthermore, most premium lodges and hotels provide Wi-Fi that you are welcome to use.

What communication technology do you recommend I carry with me?

Phone, camera, binoculars, and tablet (all unlocked). Please remove them from their packaging since customs inspectors may deem them “imports” and charge you an extra cost if you don’t.

What sort of binoculars should I bring with me?

Take an Alpen 10 x 42 for spectacular vistas, or an Alpen 8 x 42 for very nice views. Our guides usually have their own binoculars (1-2), so whether you’re traveling alone or with two other individuals, you can use the guide’s binoculars.

In Africa (East Africa), what kind of electrical sockets are used?

When bringing any electrical appliance, a converter (220V) is required. Power adapters with square plugs are highly recommended. Kenya employs outlets that are comparable to those found in the United Kingdom (types D and G), but Rwanda uses types C and J. The US Department of Commerce has created a list of all the different kinds used across the world. We recommend a high-quality universal adaptor that may be found at any decent electronics store. In addition, many hotels and lodges will provide you with an adaptor.

Is it safe for me to bring my medicine with me?

Yes. Over-the-counter medication (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen, cough or allergy medicine) is allowed into the country without restriction, as long as the amounts do not exceed average adult consumption. The type and nature of prescription medicine varies, but as long as the quantity is limited and the drug is shown to be for personal use, there should be no concerns. Some prescription medications, such as those containing morphine, should preferably be obtained through a physician’s prescription. “If you need a doctor’s letter in Europe or the Americas, you need one here,” says the rule. Although the chances of this being discovered are slim.

Is our guide knowledgeable and fluent in English?

Yes. The guides at the Giga Destinations Tours & Safaris have an average of 8 years of expertise in the profession. They are incredibly informed about Africa’s flora and animals, as well as the continent’s rich culture and geography. They are first-aid qualified and get yearly first-aid training. They also undergo different trainings based on their individual disciplines three times a year to ensure that they provide the finest possible service to their clients.

Will our guide accompany us on the safari?

Yes, our guide is committed to being available to you at all times of the day and night when on safari or in town.

What should I give a guide as a gratuity?

There is no set amount for tipping a guide. Tips are given as a token of appreciation for excellent service and labor. Most of our customers tip between $15 and $25 per person per day, however you can give more or less depending on how pleased you are with your guide or your trip budget.

In a safari jeep, how many people are there?

Toyota Land Cruisers (5 and 7 window seats) and Toyota Minivans are the two types of safari vehicles available (6 window seats). Every seat in the jeep has an openable huge transparent window. All jeeps have roofs that can be opened, allowing you to stand and see in all directions.

I enjoy being close to animals, but I’m afraid of wild animals injuring me?

Our guides have undergone extensive training to understand how near you may go to the many different types of wild creatures that dwell in the African wilderness. It is recommended that you do not leave the vehicle while in the jungle, and if you do, you should ask the guide for permission and keep as near to the jeep as possible. When wild creatures are close by, it is critical to maintain silence and make as little movements as possible to avoid scaring them away. When wild creatures reach within inches of your jeep, you should close your window and keep silent while viewing them through the open roof of your vehicle.

PLEASE FOLLOW YOUR GUIDE’S INSTRUCTIONS AT ALL TIMES, AS HE KNOWS THE ANIMALS BETTER THAN YOU DO, AND HE CAN JUDGE THE THREATS BETTER THAN YOU CAN, AS THESE ARE STILL WILD ANIMALS CAPABLE OF HURTING YOU.

Is it safe for my (young) children to be among wild animals?

We do not advocate transporting extremely small children, but they will be safe in the jeep if they follow the same guidelines as the adults. While not all rooms will be suitable for children under the age of one, many of our visitors have traveled with us with children far younger than one year and have thoroughly enjoyed their stay.

Is it permissible for me to feed the animals in the national park?

It is completely forbidden to feed the animals inside the park. The natural environment and eco-system may be harmed if they are fed.