Kenya has hundreds of safari companies, from one-vehicle operators to large companies with their own lodges. Most are honest, but quality varies widely and scams exist. A few checks help you choose well.

Check the company

  • Tourism licence. Tour operators must be licensed by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA). Ask for the licence number.
  • Membership of KATO. The Kenya Association of Tour Operators has a code of conduct and a complaints process, and you can check membership on its website.
  • A physical office and a company registered in Kenya.
  • Reviews on several independent sites, including recent ones - not only testimonials on the company’s own site.

Comparing quotes

Quotes are hard to compare until you break them down. Ask each company:

  • Park and reserve fees - included, and for how many days? These are a large part of the cost. See Maasai Mara from Nairobi.
  • Vehicle - a pop-up-roof minivan or a 4x4 Land Cruiser? 4x4s handle rough roads and rain far better.
  • Private or shared - your own vehicle and guide, or joining a group?
  • Window seats - a guaranteed window seat for everyone?
  • Accommodation - the names of the camps or lodges, so you can look them up.
  • Meals and drinks - full board? Are drinks included?
  • Game drives - how many a day, and are full-day drives possible?
  • Transfers - pickup from your hotel or the airport?

The cheapest quote often uses a shared minivan, budget camps outside the reserve and fewer game drives. That can still be a good trip, if you know what you are getting.

The guide

Your driver-guide makes the safari. Ask about their experience and qualifications, and whether they are certified by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association.

Paying safely

  • Pay the company, by card or bank transfer to a business account - never cash to an individual or to a personal M-Pesa number.
  • Get a written itinerary and invoice listing what is included.
  • Check the deposit and cancellation terms.
  • Take travel insurance.

Red flags

  • Prices far below everyone else’s for the same itinerary.
  • Pressure to pay immediately, especially in cash.
  • Touts approaching you on the street or at the airport.
  • Vague answers about accommodation, vehicles or fees.
  • No licence number or KATO membership.

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