When I travel on a safari how do I choose a travel agency? Well, I have 9 things that I must keep in mind and I’m going to share with you.
In an age where online booking platforms are abundant and DIY travel planning has become more accessible, the role of travel agencies remains vital for many travelers. Whether you’re planning a complex international itinerary, a luxury vacation, or a specialized trip like a safari or cruise, a travel agency can provide expertise, convenience, and peace of mind. However, choosing the right travel agency requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to help you make an informed decision.
Before you start your search, clarify your travel needs and preferences. Consider the following:
Destination: Are you traveling domestically or internationally?
Type of Travel: Are you looking for leisure, adventure, business, or luxury travel?
Budget: What is your budget for the trip?
Special Requirements: Do you need assistance with visas, travel insurance, or special accommodations?
Understanding your own requirements will help you find an agency that specializes in the type of travel you’re interested in.
Begin your search by gathering recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with travel agencies. Online reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights. Look for agencies with consistently high ratings and positive feedback regarding customer service, reliability, and value for money.
Ensure that the travel agency is legitimate and credible. Look for:
Accreditations: Membership in professional organizations such as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), or local equivalents.
Certifications: Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) designations indicate professional training and expertise.
Licensing: Verify that the agency is licensed and bonded as required by your local government.
Experience matters in the travel industry. Inquire about the agency’s history and the experience level of its agents. Agencies with a long-standing presence and knowledgeable staff are more likely to provide excellent service. Additionally, look for agencies that specialize in your desired destination or type of travel.
Excellent customer service is a hallmark of a good travel agency. Consider the following:
Responsiveness: How quickly do they respond to inquiries?
Communication: Are they clear and transparent about costs, itineraries, and policies?
Personalization: Do they take the time to understand your preferences and tailor their recommendations accordingly?
A reliable agency will prioritize your needs and provide personalized service.
While price is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the sole criterion. Compare the costs and benefits of different agencies, considering:
Package Inclusions: What services and amenities are included in the quoted price?
Hidden Fees: Are there any additional charges that may apply?
Value for Money: Are you getting good value for the price, in terms of both services and experiences?
A slightly higher upfront cost may be justified by better service, exclusive perks, or added convenience.
Carefully read the terms and conditions of the agency, especially regarding:
Cancellation and Refund Policies: Understand the policies for changes or cancellations.
Travel Insurance: Check if the agency offers or recommends suitable travel insurance.
Liability: Know the agency’s liability in case of issues during the trip.
Understanding these details can prevent unpleasant surprises later.
In today’s digital age, a good travel agency should leverage technology to enhance your experience. Look for agencies that offer:
User-Friendly Websites: Easy navigation and comprehensive information.
Mobile Apps: For itinerary management, updates, and support on the go.
Virtual Consultations: Convenient options for planning and consultation.
If sustainability is important to you, consider agencies that prioritize eco-friendly travel options. Some agencies specialize in sustainable tourism, offering eco-friendly accommodations, carbon offset programs, and responsible travel practices.
Choosing the right travel agency can significantly enhance your travel experience, providing expert guidance, personalized service, and peace of mind. By taking the time to research and evaluate your options based on the factors outlined above, you can find a travel agency that aligns with your needs and ensures a memorable and hassle-free journey. Happy travels!
Tell us your dates and dream, and a local specialist will craft your trip.
It depends on what you want to see. For the Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara, visit between July and October, when the herds cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing. For calving season and dense predator activity, January to March is excellent, particularly around the southern Serengeti. Kenya's two dry seasons (June to October and January to February) generally offer the clearest skies and easiest game viewing across Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu, since animals gather around limited water sources. The 'green season' (November and April to May) brings lush scenery, migratory birdlife, and lower rates, though some rural roads can be muddy. Tell us your travel dates and priorities, and we will recommend the destinations that fit best.
Most nationalities need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you fly; Tanzania and Zanzibar require their own separate visa, available online or on arrival depending on your nationality. Entry requirements change from time to time, so confirm the current rules for your passport a few weeks before departure. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a Yellow Fever risk country, and we recommend it in general along with being up to date on routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A and B). Most safari areas are malaria zones, so antimalarial medication is strongly advised. Always check final requirements with your doctor or a travel health clinic, and ask us for the latest entry rules when you book.
Every itinerary we build is private and tailor-made by default: your own vehicle, driver-guide, and schedule, with no strangers added to your trip. That means you can linger an extra morning at a favourite lodge, adjust the route on the go, or add a visit to the Emmanuel New Hope Rescue Centre we support. If you would rather share costs or travel as a solo guest, we can also arrange a scheduled group departure and match you with other travellers on similar dates. Either way, your safari is planned by our Nairobi-based specialists around your budget, dates, and interests, not a fixed package.
Safari costs vary widely depending on where you stay and how you travel. Budget camping safaris in parks like Amboseli or Lake Nakuru can start from around USD 150 to 250 per person per day, mid-range lodge safaris typically run USD 250 to 450 per day, and luxury tented camps in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti can exceed USD 750 per day. Your quote always includes a private vehicle, driver-guide, park fees, and accommodation as specified in your itinerary. Since every trip we build is tailor-made, tell us your budget and travel dates and we'll show you exactly what it buys, with no hidden extras.
Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige) for game drives, since bright colours and dark blue can attract tsetse flies in some regions. Bring layers for early morning drives, which can be cold even near the equator, plus a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A good pair of binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a portable charger make a real difference to the experience. Comfortable closed shoes are more useful than sandals, and most lodges offer laundry service, so you rarely need more than a week's worth of clothing even on a longer trip. We send a full packing checklist tailored to your specific itinerary and season once you book.
Yes. Alongside our guided safaris, we offer both self-drive car hire and chauffeur-driven vehicles for clients who want more flexibility around Nairobi, the coast, or shorter road trips. Self-drive suits experienced drivers comfortable with Kenyan road conditions, while a chauffeur-driven car is the better choice for game-viewing routes, night driving, or if you'd simply rather relax and let a local expert handle the roads. All our vehicles are well-maintained 4x4s suited to both tarmac and rougher safari tracks. Let us know your route and dates and we'll recommend the right option.
Millions of visitors travel safely to Kenya and Tanzania every year, and the main tourist circuits, national parks, and coastal resorts are well-established and closely monitored. As with any international travel, sensible precautions apply: use a reputable operator (we're KATO-verified), avoid displaying valuables in cities, and follow your guide's advice in wildlife areas, where the real risk is animals, not crime. We stay in regular contact with our clients throughout their trip, and our drivers know the routes and current conditions well. If you have specific safety questions about your itinerary, we're happy to talk them through before you book.
Absolutely, it's one of our most popular combinations. A typical itinerary pairs 4 to 7 days on safari in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Serengeti with 3 to 5 days unwinding on the beach in Zanzibar or Diani Beach, taking advantage of short connecting flights between the two. We handle all the logistics, including domestic flight bookings and airport transfers, so you go straight from game drives to the Indian Ocean without the stress of planning it yourself. Tell us how many days you have and we'll suggest a balance between wildlife and beach time that fits your trip.
