The Ultimate Kenya Travel Guide

by Natasha Wolff | March 21, 2016 12:50 pm

A companion guide to “Great Plains[1],” which originally appeared in DuJour’s spring issue.

Before you go…

Currie Co. Travels
[2]Atlanta-based luxury travel veteran Betty Jo Currie and her team of well-traveled agents can create a full itinerary based on your interests, budget and timeline, and advise on your best-bet lodges and excursions.

Safety
The U.S. State Department[3] currently warns that travel to Kenya comes with risks, though the greatest are in major urban areas—not the Mara. Practice caution and common sense, says Currie, while noting that her requests for bookings to Kenya are up. “I have no problems sending clients to Kenya,” she says.  

Vaccinations
The CDC recommends all travelers get Typhoid and Hepatitis vaccines; your doctor may also recommend vaccines for meningitis, yellow fever and a polio booster, as well as anti-malarial medication, although Angama Mara is in a low-risk malarial area. All guests at Angama are covered by evacuation insurance in case of medical emergency for up to $25,000. If you’re arriving from or heading to another African country, be sure to consult the World Health Organization[4]. Kenya requires travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk to have a certificate proving vaccination.  

Visa
Kenya requires visitors from most countries, including the U.S. and the UK, to have a visa, which you can get at the airport or (better) in advance, here[5]. You should also be sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months after arrival in Kenya, with at least three consecutive blank pages. 

Getting to the Masaai Mara…
A number of airlines fly directly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). From there, you’ll need to transfer to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (Angama can arrange your transfer), from which a number of regional airlines, including Air Kenya[6] and SafariLink[7], service the Masaai Mara. Angama Mara has its own airfield about 45 minutes from Nairobi Wilson and just minutes from the camp. 

Angama Mara[8]
Game drives, walking safaris and most excursions are included in your stay, but extra—and not to be missed, despite the 4 a.m. wake up call—is a hot air balloon ride over the Mara. We chose Governors Balloon Safaris[9], where our cruise over the Mara was guided by the capable Sebastian and followed by a picnic breakfast among the zebras and giraffe. You can also request visits to a local Masaai village or school. For more information on getting to, and staying at, Angama Mara, visit angama.com[10].

Source URL: https://dujour.com/life/kenya-travel-guide/