Q: How safe is Kenya?
A:  Kenya is politically relatively stable and has not experienced any major violent upheaval over recent years. Tourists are advised not to go alone to remote areas or close to the north-eastern borders as volatile tribes have been known to attack solitary travellers.  Other than that, like much of the African continent, street crime occurs and visitors are warned to hide their valuables, not to go about walking with their cameras unguarded and to lock car and hotel doors. Avoid walking alone at night in cities and remote areas. Nairobi has jokingly been referred to as Nairobbery due to high incidences of pickpocketing, so be on guard and watch your possessions closely. The beaches of Mombasa have also been known for incidences of petty crime.

Q: What is the best place to see wildlife?
A: Kenya has many game reserves where one may see the Big Five, with the Masai Mara and Amboseli probably leading the popularity stakes. The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous game reserve. Wildlife can roam freely into the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania – just on the other side of the border - and both reserves have an astounding diversity of wildlife and birds. This is also where the annual 'Great Migration' takes place – considered to be one of the greatest natural events in the world. The Masai Mara has enormous herds of just about any animal you can think of and it is possible to see lions in large prides and it is not uncommon to observe them hunting. As the Maasai tribe are able, by agreement, to graze their cattle here, visitors are offered the opportunity to see how man and beast can live side by side in harmony, as they’ve done for thousands of years.

Q: When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
A:  The Great Migration happens annually, but as it is weather-dependent, it is very difficult to pinpoint when it will happen and where. The rains are the determining factor that signal the animals to begin their great journey. As a rule of thumb, between July and September, the animals usually move through the Masai Mara on their way to the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Q: I want to avoid the tourist crowds, but see great wildlife, what do you recommend?
A: It is true that Kenya is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa, therefore there are always lots of tourists during the high season. If you want to avoid the minibus traffic jams, but still come to major reserves like the Masai Mara, it would be best to come out of season. Otherwise, consider reserves like Meru National Park, which is one of the country’s most remote wildlife reserves as it is situated in the far north, but still has amazing wildlife to see. Tsavo National Park is similarly less known, but home to huge elephant herds and should also be considered. 

Q: What are the roads like?
A: The quality of the roads varies greatly. Most major roads have been tarred, but many vehicles drive at great speed and rather dangerously, so motorists should be cautious and drive very carefully. During the rainy season, most roads are only navigable by 4x4 cars. Fuel stations are also known to be far off with few in between.