Kenya: Safari & Conservation >
Kenya has a pleasant, tropical climate due to its location. During the dry season from June to October, the average high is 75°F with a low of 68°F. Early mornings and nights can dip down to 50 degrees. Then from November to May during the wet season, the average high 82°F then cools down into the high 70°F.
IMPORTANT: In 2017, Kenya passed a law banning single-use plastic bags to avoid plastic pollution, so please do not bring those. Plastic bags of any kind are not allowed. This includes shopping/grocery bags and garbage bags. Ziploc bags can be fine, but if it's not necessary to carry those, it might be safer not to. Instead of plastic bags, use dry bags, reusable bags, and a rain cover (day pack).
Suggested Packing List:
IMPORTANT:
Passport (MUST be valid 6 months after trip)
Personal medication. Note: It is best to be packed in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked luggage. Also, this medication should be in its original container. If this is not feasible, a copy of the prescription should be carried along with the medication.
Mosquito repellent (recommended with DEET)
One refillable water bottle
Small backpack or day bag for daily excursions
Clothes:
Even for the summer months (June- Sept) bring layers for the morning and night game drives that you can shed. Bring a warm jacket.
Short-sleeved shirts (we recommend thin, breathable shirts as it can be hot and humid during the afternoons)
A warm sweatshirt/fleece / light jacket
Rain jacket (lightweight, water-resistant for sudden, unexpected tropical showers especially during the rainy season)
Sportswear (for hiking / outdoor activities)
Bathing suits (for pools)
Shorts
Light pairs of long pants (we recommend wearing light pants, especially in the evenings and early morning to prevent mosquito bites)
Hat
One pair of tennis shoes / closed-toe sandals (these are for hiking and may get dirty)
Clothes colors: There are no rules regarding the colors you wear while with wildlife. However, it is highly recommended to have colors such as khaki, green, brown, beige or grey. The Maasai Mara has grown over the years and animals have become acquainted with vehicles (mainly beige or green) and people with colored clothes (including the Maasai community whose traditional attire is mainly red, navy blue, etc). Should you wish to blend in nature, then you can carry some earth-colored clothes mentioned above, but guests should feel free to carry what they would be most comfortable in. The downside of bright colors is how dirty they can become with the dust during the dry seasons with the open-sided vehicles. With some of the hands-on activities in the program, bright colors may not work very well. Guests should however avoid camouflage clothes.
There is laundry available at the lodges at Sweewaters and Encounter Mara but we recommend bringing enough lightweight clothes to last you through the trip. Clothes will be hand-washed; however for hygienic reasons, undergarments are unable to be washed, so pack accordingly.
Bath/ Personal:
Glasses/contacts/contact solution
Personal toiletries (feminine products, deodorant, etc.)
Sunscreen
Bug spray (with DEET)
First aid kit
Other:
Pro Tip! For families traveling with kids, pack flashcards or trivia games to play during the long drives.
If you are sensitive to motion sickness, think about bringing Dramamine for car sickness.
Light day bag or pack
Binoculars (highly recommended for wildlife viewing)
Sunglasses
Earplugs
Portable charger (phone or camera)
Camera
Personal snacks
Books and/or magazines
Watch or small alarm
Universal adaptor - Electrical outlets in Kenya are 240 volts and 50 Hz. Therefore, an adapter is needed if you coming from the U.S. We recommend purchasing a universal adaptor.
Please be sure to pack the following for the Zanzibar extension in addition to the items brought to Kenya:
Beach-appropriate clothing (swimsuit, sunglasses, light shirts and shorts, flip flops).
Light long sleeve shirts and skirts for a time in Stone Town (it is more conservative in town)
Comfortable walking shoes
Rain jacket/umbrella (March to May)
Sun Hat