Frequently asked questions

WHY SHOULD I GO ON SAFARI IN AFRICA
Africa remains the last outpost of raw adventure, a refuge from the modern world. From the splendor of the Masai Mara / Serengeti teeming with herds of a million wildebeest, to the pristine beauty of the Lake Nakuru / Ngorongoro Crater, to the scenic viewing of game parks and forgetting the gorilla tracking at Queen Elizabeth National Park. This ancient land and its people offer a travel experience truly unlike any other. Eastern Africa in particular, in our opinion, provides travelers with the highest quality African wildlife, mountain climbing and beach relaxation experience of a lifetime.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO ON SAFARI
All Year Round! But it also really depends on the type of animal you wish to see and your budget. Certain reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year. It is generally felt that the African winter (Jan to March and July – October) is the best time to go on safari, there is no rain, 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 Kenya and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over two million animals. However, for budget travelers (March/April to May/June and November to Mid /December) is the low season so you can take advantage of the special offers and sometimes even pay half the price of high seasons. March/April to May/June is also rainy season as “long rains” occur during these months, so be sure to bring appropriate clothes as well as protective gear. “Short rains” occurs from October to November/ December and around February and start of March, it is usually very hot

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas – this depends on the country you are visiting. It is advisable to check with the Embassy of the country that you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements. For tourists who intend to visit Kenya, visa exempt countries can be checked here.  Citizens requiring visa can apply via the E-Visa portal. Visa costs 52 USD and approval is being done real-time.

WHAT TO PACK
Temperatures in 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. In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally a riskier time to travel. So, before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication. Also bring other emergency medications. Your packing list should include: • Long sleeved shirts, pants and socks to protect from mosquito bites • A small flashlight and batteries • Adapter plugs and convertors for electrical devices • Sun glasses, sun hat and sun screen • Long skirts, t-shirts, sweaters, pants, tops and flip flops • Good walking shoes • A good camera, batteries and a charger • Insect repellent • Light rain gear for summer months • Warm clothes for the morning and evening • Binoculars • Basic medical kit • Padlock • Local sim card for longer stays • Bright colors and white are not advised for a safari but are good for the beach.

ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS
Vaccination requirements change from time to time. Some countries require advance inoculations for yellow fever (and certificates thereof) that are good for 10 years – We will advise you of these. Malaria is present in many parts of Africa – we will advise 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 prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY SAFARI
It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel (4-6 months), especially during the peak seasons (July – October and Christmas/New Years). This is especially important for those wishing to travel on private custom safaris and those adding extensions to scheduled trips.

WHAT IS A SINGLE SUPPLIMENT
A single supplement is a fee imposed by hotels, lodges and camps on single travelers. Tour prices are quoted based on two people sharing accommodation. If someone takes a room by themselves, they have to pay the per-person price plus the single supplement fee. It is the excess cost you pay in occupying a room designated to take two people by yourself alone. Can single Travelers join a group and share a room with other single travelers? Some people frequently ask if they can travel alone or join a group? With us the answer is Yes! provided there is another single traveler of the same sex, on the same safari, and the other person is naturally willing to share! So, go on and join today! This is a great way to meet like-minded people from all over the world, of all ages and interests!

WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLES DO YOU USE ON SAFARI
Jensen Glen Safaris uses customized 4×4 vans with pop up roofs or 4×4 land cruisers. The specific vehicle used on a particular safari depends on the country and the reserves to be visited. All vehicles are equipped with two-way radios and are maintained to provide the maximum level of comfort and safety during safari.

WHAT KIND OF ANIMALS AM I LIKELY TO SEE WHILE ON SAFARI
In a typical day you are likely to see 15 to 40 animal species- lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos, to name a few. Buffalo and wildebeest may be in herds of hundreds or more. Others, like the swift cheetah, are more likely to be found alone. And then there are the birds, over 300 species! Birds in Africa are particularly colorful and easy to spot. Even if you’ve never looked at a bird before, with the help of your driver you’ll easily learn to identify twenty to thirty of the most striking and beautiful birds of Africa. Experienced birders can expect to see 60 to 100 different species in a single day. A special thrill is in store if your safari coincides with the annual wildebeest migration. You’ll see thunderous herds of wildebeest and zebra, totaling more than 1 million, stretching across the horizon. On their trail follow the predators the big cats, and the scavengers’ hyenas, jackals and vultures.

HOW CLOSE CAN I GET TO THE ANIMALS
Because you are traveling in protected game reserves, many of the animals have no fear as long as you are in a safari vehicle. You can get surprisingly close, especially when lions are busy feeding on prey, or at rest. Elephants often walk up to and even surround a safari vehicle. Monkeys and baboons may study you as closely as you study them. But natural behavior will only continue if you give the animals some space and are quiet. If you go too close, or talk too loudly, the animals may just leave. Most animals will be more interesting if allowed the space to continue their natural behaviors- stalking, mating, playing with their young. Your driver will know the best viewing distance. Please do not encourage him to “stalk” or otherwise interfere with hunting or other activities crucial to the animal’s survival.

WHEN IS THE MIGRATION

The” Great Migration” is the heralded movement of millions of wildebeest and zebras across Tanzania’s Serengeti plains into the Masai Mara game reserve of Kenya, from late June through early October. Tanzania’s annual migration occurs March through May and October through November. Whether you catch the migration or not, there will always be plenty of animals, more than you could ever imagine. And you could take the same safari at the same time every year and always see something different. Nothing remains the same, because the animals are constantly on the move in search of fertile grasslands.

HOW ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS
Jensen Glen Safaris uses only the finest accommodation available. Hotels in Nairobi are deluxe, with quality shops, restaurants, and amenities. The game lodges are imaginatively built with marvelous gardens and terraces. A typical lodge has bungalows spread across the grounds, a large central reception area, dining room, shops and an attractive outdoor swimming pool. Many have exercise room as well. Each room has twin beads and private bathroom with flush toilet and shower or bath. Tree hotels, such as the Ark or Mountain Lodge, are more rustic, yet feature great views from their lofty perspective, and each bedroom has its own private facilities. Some of our safaris feature permanent tented camps, with large canvas tents erected on concrete or wood platforms. They all have sewn-in floors and net screens. Comfortable beds and a private connecting bathroom with flush toilet and shower make for a most comfortable stay. Many even have swimming pools! Most permanent tented camps in Tanzania retain all the style and glamour of the famous mobile-tented camps. Sensitive to this fragile environment, these camps retain an elegant simplicity, yet offer every feature to ensure a comfortable stay: excellent meals: fine wines and liquors: insect proofed tents with twin beds: private hot water bucket shower: discreet safari toilet: free laundry service. Private camps are set up in private game viewing areas far from other tourists. Here you’ll have a chance to view game on foot, or by four-wheel drive vehicle with your highly trained naturalists’ guides. For most, these exclusive camps are the ultimate African experience.

HOW EXPERIENCED IS MY DRIVER GUIDE
Jensen Glen Safari guided have has escorted over 10,000 visitors on safari to Africa. Years of first-hand experience mean that your every need has been anticipated and all our tours have been thoroughly proven. Each vehicle has its own local driver/guide. These well-trained professionals make their living by knowing every inch of ground, making sure you have a good time. Their keen eyes and experience give them the uncanny ability to spot birds and wildlife all along the way. In addition to their wealth of knowledge about wildlife, they are happy to tell you all about life in their native land. One of the hardest parts of leaving Africa is saying good-bye to your driver, who will have become a wonderful friend and companion. For most programs there is a naturalist guide in addition to your driver. These dedicated professionals are with you at all times to make sure that your every need is attended to, answer all your questions, and give informative briefings on the reserves you visit, the birds and wildlife you see, and the people you meet. They can explain animal behavior, pointing out the matriarch in a herd of elephants or the zebra’s unique way of listening for predators. We are particularly proud of the outstanding quality of our guides.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES DO I WEAR ON SAFARI
Normal, comfortable fitting, neutral-colored clothes like khaki and cotton travel well, and pale earth colors such as brown, tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds. Camouflage clothes are illegal in many African countries. Solid-colored safari clothes, however, are practical and widely available; Comfortable, closed walking shoes such as topsiders or running/tennis shoes with socks, are recommended over sandals; thorns are everywhere, and socks with your shoes deter mosquito bites. Also, opt for pants or leggings to avoid insect bites. Include a lightweight raincoat or jacket, and a swimsuit (many lodges have pools.) Safari hat would be convenient to avoid sunburn as well. A nice dress is useful for hotels, clubs, casinos and restaurants in Nairobi, where men need to wear a jacket and tie. The 5star Safari game lodges will not seat dinner guests wearing vests, shorts, swim wear. As for beach hotels they do enforce a dress code of “Smart Casual.” Safari/Bermuda shorts are unwelcome at most dining rooms; visitors should dress conservatively in Islamic communities (Lamu, Mombasa, Zanzibar;) long sleeves and long pants also deter mosquitoes and sunburn. Laundry service is available at most lodges and even tented camps, but be very clear about when you need your clothes returned. Take at least three changes of clothes for a week on safari, plus your own detergent to wash a few things. Dry cleaners are rarer than rhinos. The best advice is to travel light, and wear cotton.

WHAT ABOUT MY BUGGAGE
You are allowed two normal size pieces of luggage not exceeding 44 lbs. per person on the international flight. However, on chartered aircraft within Africa, the baggage allowance may be 33 lbs, and in small planes, the limit is 26 lbs., including your camera gear. Please read your itinerary carefully and pack accordingly. In many cases you can plan to leave a larger bag behind in the capital or port of entry city, and take only a small duffle bag on safari. In most cases, arrangements have been made for storage of your luggage while on safari, but all baggage is the tour member’s responsibility while on tour. If possible, we do recommend baggage insurance. 

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I TAKE
Aside from shopping, you need money for drinks, tips and incidentals. Experience has shown that most clients spend between $400 and $500. The shops are full of tempting items. Major credit cards and travelers’ checks are accepted in major hotels and stores, but some game lodges and rural shops accept only cash. We also recommend that you take traveler’s checks rather than cash with you. Do not keep all valuables in one place, such as a purse, that could be lost. It’s a good idea, if you have more than one credit card to keep the second in a separate pocket or locked in the hotel safe. Your airline ticket will be collected by our office upon arrival in Nairobi for reconfirmation of your return flights.

HOW MUCH SHOULD TIP THE DRIVER
Tips to driver/guides, tour managers and guides are own discretion, but customary they are highly appreciated for a job well done. For your Tour guide/driver $10.00 per tourist per day is the recommended amount for most safaris. At lodges and camps, the recommended tips are $5.00 per tourist per day to be shared among camp personnel.

WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF ANY EMMERGENCY OR SICKNESS
You are advised to get a travel insurance before embarking on safari to cover for lost property and medical and emergency. The insurance is available locally at an added cost. Please enquire for more details on how you can get the cover. If you have purchased your cover and in the event of an emergency or sudden sickness while you’re on safari in East Africa, we guarantee medical evacuation to a hospital. The medical facilities in Nairobi offer a full staff of professionals along with state-of-the-art testing equipment. Your cover will pay for the Flying Doctors Service to come to your side. Most hotels and safari lodges you will visit has in-house doctor who will attend to you in case of a need.

WHAT IS THE TIME ZONE IN KENYA
Kenya follows this time zone: East Africa UTC+03:00