Geographically, Kenya is sliced in two by the equator, but enjoys the climate of the southern hemisphere, similar to Tanzania. The Great Rift Valley traverses the country from Lake Turkana in the dry, desert-like North (Chalbi Desert) via the lakes Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru and Naivasha, to Lake Magadi in the south and the northern tip of Lake Natron in Tanzania. The country is sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria, and is surrounded by five neighbouring countries: Tanzania in the south, Uganda in the west, South Sudan and Ethiopia in the north and Somalia in the east.

The climate along its seemingly infinite 536 km coastline is hot and tropical. This changes as soon as you reach the highlands further inland, which vary in altitude from 1,500m to 2,000m over sea level and offer very pleasant temperatures. Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, the Laikipia Plateau, Lewa, Samburu, the Nakuru and Naivasha lakes and Mount Kenya, at 5,000m the highest peak in Kenya, are all located in this elevated region.

Kenya (50 Mio inhabitants), with the metropolis Nairobi as its capital, is the economic powerhouse of East Africa. It is followed in significance by Mombasa, which is home to Kenya’s most important seaport. Nairobi Airport is by far East Africa’s most important aviation facility and the gateway to and from neighbouring countries and Europe. It is usually the first port of call for travellers arriving in Kenya.

The annual spectacle of the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara attracts visitors from all over the world. Safaris are most expensive in the months of July and August. The best camps are located in the private conservancies around the Maasai Mara, which we like to combine with other lodges in the Laikipia area or the Chyulu Hills. If you want to experience a beautiful, private safari in Kenya, we are happy to help.

As a general rule, June to October is sunny with little rainfall, daytime temperatures are comfortable and nights cooler. The first rains (short rains) begin in November and persist into December. January to February are transitional months and usually remain dry. March to May is regarded as the wet season (long rains), with partly tropical rainfall, particularly on the islands and along the coast.

Both Swiss and EU citizens require a passport which is valid at least 6 months beyond the date of your departure from Kenya, and must contain at least two blank pages. A visa is required and should be purchased in advance. Exact details must be clarified before arriving.

At the moment there are no direct flights to Nairobi from Zurich. However, there are some good alternatives to get to Nairobi, not directly, but via Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam or Dubai (Emirates) or Doha (Qatar).

All local flights take off from the local Wilson Airport which serves as the safari hub in Kenya. Transfer times from Wilson Airport to the International Airport may vary and depend on the traffic situation. Count in at least one hour between the two airports.

There is a restriction of 15 kg per person when flying in light aircraft. Do not bring hard suitcases, but only soft sports bags. We can purchase tickets at addtional costs that allow to bring extra luggage.

Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel to Kenya. Please seek advice from your doctor. A yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory if you travel in Kenya alone, however in combination with other countries a yellow fever vaccination may be required. An onward journey from Kenya to Tanzania or South Africa for excample requires proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

Please make sure that you are adequately insured, particularly for a medical evacuation from a remote area and repatriation. All necessary medication must be brought from home. Do not rely on getting the required medication in Kenya. All medication must be kept in your hand luggage.

The national currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. Major credit cards are accepted, but please make sure that your PIN code works, as transactions via the automated teller machines (ATM) are faster and much more reliable. Most lodges accept credit cards. Tips to guides and camp staff can be given in cash in US Dollars. The local staff can't change any other currency into local currency due to bank restrictions. Please note that your dollar bills should not be older than 2010 as the local banks do not accept older dollar bills.

There is no specific clothes that you need to bring on a safari. Comfortable, casual clothes are your best choice. For the game drives, all colours are allowed. For walking safaris, only brown, green or beige tones are recommended. For the period from May to August, bring warm clothes, including hats and gloves. As for footwear, we recommend comfortable, open sandals and a pair of sturdy shoes. Hiking boots are not necessary unless you have planned extensive walks.

Swahili and English are Kenyas 's official languages. Numerous dialects are also spoken. Mobile connection is usually good, unless you are far away from urban centres. However, most camps provide Internet / Wifi access nowadays.

Food at the lodges is of excellent quality. We recommend you to drink only bottled drinking water. Only bottled mineral water and filtered ice are available at the lodges.

The power supply is 220 - 230 volts. Adapters for all countries are present at all good lodges. Computers, cameras and iPods can then be recharged. The power supply is available 24 hrs a day at most lodges. The plugs have three large rectangular prongs (UK-Style)

Clothes can be washed at almost all lodges. Please note that clothes are washed by hand and then sun dried at most lodges. Due to cultural differences, guests must often wash their own underwear. Do not take too many clothes, instead make use of the laundry service wherever possible.

Traffic in Kenya drives on the left-hand side. The roads in Kenya can be very busy. Most of the traffic comprises old lorries and busses that are usually in a dubious state of repair. Many accidents occur on these roads so please take care. Also take care at roundabouts and remember to drive clockwise!.

European Summer Time: +1 hour
European Winter Time: +2 hours