Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR TRAVEL TO KENYA?
To book plane tickets and enter Kenya, every traveler needs an international passport book that is valid six (6) months from the return trip date. A visa is required to enter Kenya and can be applied for online once plane tickets are purchased. You will apply for a single entry visa for the purpose of tourism here. The approved visa will need to be printed and carried with your travel documents throughout your entire time in Kenya.
DO I NEED VACCINES TO TRAVEL TO KENYA?
If you are coming from the U.S., you are advised to consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding travel. Your doctor or healthcare provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check your local requirements for vaccinations for travel to Kenya. Further, Sherpa is a reliable website for updated restrictions and guidelines on COVID-19 travel.
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO KENYA?
Traveling in Kenya is very safe. The Amali drivers and trip hosts are also trained to serve as security and act as such. Taking guidance from your driver and their instructions is recommended. They are native to Kenya and highly experienced in the areas where they will take you. Your group’s safety is their top priority! Like traveling in any major city or tourist area, be mindful of yourself and your belongings. Do not travel with large amounts of cash, only wear simple jewelry, and leave other valuables at home or the hotel. You can register your trip with the US Embassy's STEP program for free. They track your travel and send safety updates. For any other questions or concerns, contact your Adventure Specialist.
HOW DO I BOOK MY FLOURISH ADVENTURE?
Simply fill out this short form, and one of our Adventure Specialist will reach out to you or call (704) 559-9386
WHAT AIRPORT WILL I FLY IN AND OUT OF?
You will arrive and depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya (NBO). There are many options for flights that connect in Europe and even flights from JFK in New York direct to Jomo Kenyatta in Nairobi. For your comfort, seek to arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon or early evening. The most popular airlines and flights have departures from Nairobi late in the evening.
HOW WILL OUR GROUP TRAVEL BETWEEN DESTINATIONS?
From the time you arrive, your group will travel in the comfort of Amali Safaris custom Land Cruisers. Designed for Kenya’s rough and unpredictable roads, the trucks provide the comfort you need for the journey. They are equipped with cold water, WiFi, and power outlets.
During your time on the Maasai Mara safari, you will ride in unique open trucks driven by trained safari guides to provide the best wildlife viewing.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN KENYA?
Since Kenya is situated in the southern hemisphere, its seasons reverse those in North America, with midwinter in June and July and midsummer in December and January. However, Kenya is also equatorial and there is not as much variety in temperature as you might find in other areas of the world. Certain areas at higher elevations will have mild temperatures during the day and are often chilly at night.
Kilgoris can have warm to hot daytime temperatures and cooler mornings and evenings.
Early morning and evening game drives can be quite chilly on the Masai Mara, and adequate warm clothing is required. Many guests find that a warm hat, scarf, and gloves, combined with cool weather layers of clothes, are sufficient to remain comfortable.
HOW STRENUOUS ARE THE ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP?
Your trip can be as active or relaxed as you choose! Keep in mind that many areas you will visit are at higher elevations (6,000-8,000 ft.) and the roads in Kenya are unpredictable and rough. While you will always be traveling in the most comfortable trucks, we can not control the bumps. Motion sickness prevention is recommended for those who need it.
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
It is NOT safe to drink the water. Bottled drinking water will always be provided. Always brush your teeth with bottled water and prevent shower water from entering your nose and mouth.
WHAT MEALS ARE PROVIDED?
Most meals are included in your lodging, but meals in restaurants are on your own. Note that most beverages, even sodas, and tea or coffee are an additional charge at most hotels. Your driver and trip host will assist you in choosing meal locations.
CAN DIETARY RESTRICTIONS BE ACCOMMODATED?
Yes, in most cases, dietary needs can easily be accommodated with no extra charge. We will make every effort to accommodate your special needs. To make arrangements, please let your Adventure Specialist know of restrictions as soon as possible.
IS ALCOHOL INCLUDED WITH THE MEALS?
Alcohol is not included with meals. However, you can purchase beverages at most hotels and restaurants, including the safari camps.
WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRIP?
We recommend that children be at least seven (7) years old at the time of travel. This is based on several factors, including flight time and jet lag, time zone differences in the destination, and extreme weather potential. Finally, the game viewing at Eagle View involves close encounters with large wild animals such as lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and rhinoceroses. A level of maturity is required to understand that sitting still and staying quiet is essential for fully enjoying this unique experience. Therefore, children should be a minimum of 6 years old for game drives. Because each child is different, please call us at (704) 559-9386 to discuss whether this is the right trip for your kids.
WHY ARE BACKGROUND CHECKS REQUIRED?
Because of the nature of the cultural immersion experience and work that Flourish Kenya does in the Kilgoris region, Flourish Adventures must ensure the community’s protection. If you choose to visit Kilgoris and experience the life and culture of the Maasai tribe and get a look at the work Flourish Kenya is doing, a background check is required for guests 18 years old and above. For any concerns or questions regarding this, please call your Adventure Specialist.
WHAT IS DUE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING?
25% of the total trip cost per person is due at the time of the booking. The remainder is due 90 days before the travel date.
IS THERE A REFUND POLICY?
Yes. If Flourish Adventures has to cancel your trip for any reason, we will make every attempt to rebook your trip. If that is not possible, we will provide you with a full refund minus any transaction fees. If you or anyone else in your group has to cancel for a medical reason, we will attempt to reschedule the trip with a doctor’s note. The refund policy is as followed:
14-days from booking for full deposit refund minus transaction fees
61-89 Days: 75% refundable minus transaction fees
45-60 Days: 50% refundable minus transaction fees
44 Days or less: Non-refundable
ARE GRATUITIES INCLUDED IN THE TRIP COST?
Yes, gratuity is included for all lodging and Amali staff. Private meal service gratuity is not included. However, you may provide additional tips as you see fit.
WHAT TO PACK?
Please limit your baggage to one piece of checked baggage per person plus one carry-on per person, due to limitations within Kenya.
1 checked bag not to exceed 20kg/44lbs.
1 carry-on bag not to exceed 7kg/15lbs and not to exceed dimensions 22x14x9" (so that it can fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment).
1 small item may also be a carry-on, i.e. purse, coat, umbrella.
With frequent security changes, we recommend that you check with your air carrier and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for current restrictions.
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Most attire is casual. Layered clothes are best, especially sweaters or jackets for cooler mornings and evenings.
Clothing (wicking or technical fabrics can be helpful)
Shirts (short and long-sleeved)
Light sweater
Jeans or long pants
Dress/skirt that falls below the knees even when sitting (required if attending church in the village)
Lightweight rain jacket
Hat / Sun protection
Sturdy-soled walking shoes
Warm jacket, hat, and gloves
Miscellaneous
Passport and Visa
Travel Itinerary
Medication and vaccination record
Camera/video camera
Extra batteries or charger for camera
Power converter and plug adapter
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Toiletries
Insect repellant
WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN KENYA?
English and Swahili are the national languages of Kenya, and both are taught in schools. Many Kenyans speak English, Swahili, and their tribal tongue.
WHAT CURRENCY DO I NEED TO BRING?
The unit of monetary currency is the Kenyan Shilling. ATMs are available in most places to obtain cash in the local currency, and credit or debit cards are widely accepted. You must notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations or you may not be able to access your funds due to fraud protection. Your trip host can assist you with all money exchanges.
WHAT IS A TRIP HOST?
As a Kenyan native and tourism specialist, your highly trained and trusted host will greet you when you arrive in Nairobi and stay with you until you depart. Your trip host is available 24/7 to help your group navigate any language barriers, currency exchange, menu choices, shopping, security, the local culture and landscape, and so much more!
IS TRAVEL INSURANCE AVAILABLE?
Emergency medical evacuation coverage with AMREF Flying Doctors is included in your trip price for each traveler.
We recommend Travelex Insurance. They offer a range of services to meet your travel insurance needs.
Your Adventure Specialist can also help with obtaining travel insurance.
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KENYA BEFORE MY TRIP?
We recommend the short reads, "Kenya- Culture Smart!" by Jane Barsby, and "Foreign to Familiar" by Sarah A. Lanier before you travel.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR ADVENTURE SPECIALIST