The complete preparation handbook for Kenya & Tanzania safaris – designed for senior couples and families.
1. Welcome to Your Safari Journey
At Benuki Safaris, we know your trip isn’t just about seeing wildlife — it’s about creating memories, sharing moments, and traveling with comfort and peace of mind. This guide gives you everything you need before, during, and after your safari so you can enjoy Africa with confidence.
2. Before You Travel
Passports & Visas
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
- All names on bookings must match your passport exactly.
- Kenya – Apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before arrival via the official government site: Kenya ETA Application.
- Tanzania – Apply for an eVisa at the official immigration site: Tanzania eVisa.
- For multi-country trips (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda), get the East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100, valid 90 days): East Africa Tourist Visa Info.
- Carry printed copies of your visa approval & key travel documents.
Health & Safety
- Yellow Fever Certificate – Required if arriving from or transiting through a risk country.
- Recommended Vaccinations – Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Malaria prevention.
- Carry a personal medical kit with:
- Prescription medications (in original packaging)
- Pain relief tablets
- Oral rehydration salts
- Antihistamines
- Motion sickness tablets
- Drink bottled or purified water only — provided on all Benuki Safaris game drives.
- Wear long sleeves/trousers in the evening for mosquito protection.
Travel Insurance
- We require comprehensive travel insurance for all guests.
- Cover should include medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and evacuation.
- Benuki Safaris includes AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover for every guest: AMREF Flying Doctors Info.
Money & Payments
- Currencies – USD, Kenya Shillings (KES), Tanzania Shillings (TZS).
- USD notes must be clean, untorn, and issued after 2013.
- Credit Cards – Accepted at most lodges (3–5% surcharge).
- Tipping –
- Driver/Guide: USD 10–15 per guest/day
- Lodge Staff: USD 5–10 per guest/day (in shared tip box)
3. Packing Guide for Seniors & Families
Clothing
- Neutral-colored layers (avoid bright colors and camouflage patterns).
- Warm fleece/jacket for early mornings & evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Wide-brim hat & sunglasses.
- Light rain jacket during green season (Nov, Apr–May).
Gear
- Binoculars (8×40 or 10×42 recommended).
- Camera with extra memory cards & batteries.
- Power bank & universal travel adapter.
- Small daypack for game drives.
Luggage
- Soft-sided bags for safari flights (max 15 kg).
- Hard suitcases allowed on road safaris but not recommended for small aircraft.
4. During Your Safari
Arrival
- Kenya Entry Points – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Wilson Airport (WIL) for domestic flights.
- Tanzania Entry Points – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
- Our driver-guide will meet you at the airport with a Benuki Safaris signboard.
On Safari
- Always follow your guide’s instructions.
- Stay inside the vehicle unless told otherwise.
- Keep noise low during sightings to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Rest stops are planned for long drives to make journeys comfortable for seniors and kids.
Connectivity
- Most lodges have Wi-Fi (may be slow in remote areas).
- Mobile coverage is good in towns; patchy in parks.
- Local SIM cards available — Safaricom (Kenya), Airtel/Vodacom (Tanzania).
5. When to Travel
- July–October – Great Migration in Masai Mara & Serengeti.
- January–March – Serengeti calving season; great for photography.
- June–September – Cool, dry season ideal for seniors and families.
- Year-round – Amboseli’s elephants, Ngorongoro Crater, Tsavo’s red elephants.
6. Optional Safari Enhancements
- Sunrise hot air balloon over Mara or Serengeti with champagne breakfast.
- Guided walking safaris for close-up wildlife viewing.
- Maasai, Samburu, or Hadzabe cultural visits.
- Beach extensions in Zanzibar, Diani, or Mafia Island.
7. Contact & Support
Benuki Safaris – Your Safari, Your Story
📧 Email: info@benukisafaris.com
🌍 Website: https://kenyaandtanzaniasafari.com
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +2547 92555600