Do you arrange group / Jeep sharing safari tours at Unscripted Safaris?
Almost all safari tours operated by Unscripted Safaris are private per booking and are operated in own pop up top 4×4 jeep with a dedicated tour driver/guide. Guests booking with Unscripted Safaris can however form private groups to travel together as families or friends. We do not make tour groups from individual bookings for medium/long range safari tours. This is to allow for flexibility, customization, pace and choice of safari lodge/camp preference. Is there WiFi at the safari lodges & tented camps on safari? Almost all safari lodges/tented camp accommodations during your safari do provide free WiFi. These are in the three accommodation levels of economy, comfort and luxury. Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents. We provide free WiFi in our 4×4 Safari jeeps with connectivity being at approximately 70% due to local Kenyan network coverage.
Can we choose a favorite tour driver guide from the online reviews or driver/guide profiles?
Unscripted Safaris has invested in the employment of among the best tour driver/guides. However, we allow our guests to have that special preference for an individual driver/guide either from recommendation or online reviews. If you prefer a specific safari tour driver/guide from our team, we are happy to allocate him as your guide for the duration of your safari tour. This is however subject to his availability. In case he is already requested for during the period of your planned safari tour, you can always choose another driver/guide from our diverse team.
Are mosquito nets provided in safari lodge rooms/tents?
Our selection of safari lodges and tented camps is well researched and offers the best in terms of comfort, relaxation and atmosphere during safari. Each accommodation category is well catered for in the selection. We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquito and other insect bites. All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect proofed to protect you against bites. You are also advised to carry/use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Do you have a maximum number of persons allowed to sleep in one safari room/tent?
The maximum number of persons allowed in one room/tent are 3, these can be accommodated in a double bed and a single bed or in 3 single beds. Where 4 persons or more are traveling together and prefer to stay in one room/tent, we may book them in 2 rooms with interconnecting doors. For those that may prefer to stay close as family or friends, we may book them in adjacent tents/rooms. Some safari lodges/camps have family units for a maximum of 4 persons only. This however includes an extra cost. All safari rooms/tents are private with own bathroom/toilet.
What is the size/weight limit allowance of an individual in safari Jeep?
Your safari tour Jeep has a generous luggage compartment at the rear and can comfortably carry 6 suitcases with an average 25-30kgs each. You may carry hand luggage with your vital stuff inside the safari jeep. We suggest that you pack/carry your luggage in soft-sided suitcases for ease of storage in safari vehicle and also to minimize on friction and damage during the sometimes bumpy road safari trips.
What is the baggage allowance on local domestic/internal flights?
In case you are booked on a Kenya fly-in safari and or you would consider taking local/domestic safari flights to the national parks/game reserves, there is a baggage allowance. The baggage allowance for local domestic flights commuting between national parks is 15kgs excluding hand luggage. You may store extra luggage not required on safari at our Nairobi offices for free. You may also choose to pay an extra $5 per kilogram for any extra baggage if you decide to carry all your baggage around with you (this is subject to flight/carrier capacity).
Do you provide airport hotel airport transfers when we arrive and depart Nairobi or Mombasa in Kenya?
As an extension of our safari tour services, Unscripted Safaris provides free return airport/hotel transfers for our guests booked on a 3 days plus safari tour with us. The transfers are provided even when you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end. In all cases, you shall share with us your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and timings, we shall in return provide transfer driver name and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
What is the difference between Safari lodge and tented camp?
Safari Lodges A safari lodge in Africa is located in a remote Wildlife area and is made up of a number of cottages/chalets spread over a landscaped land. There shall be a main building which houses a restaurant, bar, gift shop together with the reception and also administration facilities. In most cases, there may be a swimming pool. The lodge’s en-suite guestrooms are spread in smaller separate scattered cottages around the main central building. The atmosphere is usually rustic and complements the natural surroundings while bringing in the essence of the wild. Safari lodges vary in size, unique design, location and standards with a nice range in economy, comfort and luxury category. SAFARI CAMPS The safari tented camps share some similarities with safari lodges in layout , purpose and location. A tented camp is composed of the Main building (housing the public areas) usually thatched African style for effect .It may also be made of a large tent .The en-suite guest tents are scattered around the main building providing a private feel. The tented camp is a composition of large en-suite walk in tents which are built on a solid floor base and are complete with private bathrooms and a small terrace or veranda. Essentially they are rooms with the exterior being canvas rather than wood or brick. The tented camp complex may also have a swimming pool. Tented camps range from the comfort, superior comfort, luxury to the super luxury.
When proceeding to the Kenya coast at end of safari, where/when do we get our Nairobi to Mombasa first class travel train tickets?
If you are booked on any of our Nairobi to Mombasa safaris, you shall catch the Nairobi to Mombasa SGR train at Emali, Mtito Andei or Voi train stations depending on your last national park visit. Your first class train tickets shall have been booked and paid for in advance and you shall only need to print your travel ticket once at the respective train station. This takes only a few moments and your safari driver/guide shall be at hand to assist. Remember that we shall pick you up from the Mombasa train station and transfer you to your beach hotel in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu or Malindi as part of the safari service.
Is the Nairobi to Mombasa SGR train safe for both passengers and luggage?
The SGR train travel between Mombasa and Nairobi and now being extended to near Lake Naivasha is the most recent and safest way to travel in Kenya. It is also the most exotic means of travel between the Kenya interior and Kenyan coast. The train coaches are air-conditioned and with wide windows for best scenic views. From Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa, the train meanders through the Tsavo West & Tsavo East. It is absolutely safe for both passengers and luggage. Best 360 degrees landscape views can be experienced from the restaurant car of the train.
What are your safari tipping guidelines for safari tour guests?
Tipping in Kenya although not mandatory is expected after a good service. All hotels, lodges and porterage gratuities are included in your safari price – this is collectively referred to as service charge. Individual waiters, porters and other hotel service employees may provide exemplary service and it is your discretion to decide to tip. Usually $1-$5 per move or sitting is appropriate and appreciated. It is however customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your (safari only cost) is suggested. The amount is however at your discretion, you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staff who have provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable. You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD or in Euro at the end of your safari/tour and preferably in an envelope.
What are the visa requirements for tourist travelers to Kenya?
Tourists visiting Kenya must have a valid visa. Your passport must also be valid for at least six months after the date of your arrival in the country. Effective Jan 1, 2023/2024, all passengers traveling to Kenya from countries that require visas to enter Kenya shall be required to apply and obtain E-visa before boarding an aircraft as no visas shall be issued on arrival.
Electronic visa application for Kenya: The visa application process involves uploading your passport picture along with your passport photograph. Your visa shall be issued approximately five days after you register. You shall be required to print a copy of your electronic visa, bring it with you for presentation along with your passport on arrival in Kenya. If you have any problems or inquiries related to applying for an electronic visa, please contact the Kenyan Embassy in your country/region or email evisa@immigration.go.ke.
Kenya Evisa Application procedure:
Click register on evisa.go.ke (This is the only official portal, others are scams).
Select Register as a Visitor.
Once Logged in, Select Department of Immigration services.
Select submit Application. Select Kenyan Visa.
Select the type of Visa and read the Instructions Carefully.
Fill in the application form.
Pay Using visa card, Mastercard and other debit cards.
Await approval via email, then download and print the E-Visa from your eCitizen account.
The processing time is 2 business days.
Present your printed E-Visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Visa Charges as at 5th January, 2023/2024: Single entry visa + service charge: US$51.00 Transit entry visa + service charge: US$21.00 Courtesy entry visa + service charge: US$0.00 East African tourist visa + service charge: US$101.00 Multiple entry visa + service charge: US$101.00 5-year multiple entry visa + service charge: US$201.00 Fast-tracked visa fees: coming soon Useful Links: - Eligibility & Exempted States: Eligibility - Visa Types & requirements: e-Visa Types - E-visa FAQs: e-Visa FAQs Visa Validity: An E-visa to Kenya once issued is valid for 3 months before you travel. Once you present yourself to immigration control at the port of entry, you may be issued with a stay period not exceeding 90 days, which may be renewed for a further 90 days at the immigration headquarters. The maximum number of days a visitor may stay in Kenya is 6 months.
What are the distances and driving times on safari?
Distances and driving times in Africa vary from the European and American concepts. In Kenya, roads are narrow and may not be well maintained. The roads immediately leading to the National Parks and Game Reserves are rough. Please note that advertised driving time on safari itineraries/programs on the website are estimates and may vary depending on road conditions and road traffic.
What is the difference between luxury, comfort and economy accommodation options listed on tour packages?
Our selection of economy, comfort and luxury accommodation options for lodges and tented camps are sufficiently comfortable and adequate for relaxation, overnights and meals. However, the standard of facilities, style, and location vary. Luxury Safari Lodges and Tented Camps: In almost all instances, luxury lodges and tented camps are located at vantage locations within the national parks and game reserves. They are unique in architecture and design, providing easy access to the game viewing areas. The facilities and comfort levels are of a higher standard. Rooms and tents are private and en-suite. There is most likely a swimming pool in most of the luxury facilities. Comfort Safari Lodges and Tented Camps: Comfort lodges and camps may be located inside or just at the boundaries of the national parks and game reserves. Others may be slightly further. In all instances, they are less than 30 minutes from the park entry gate. The facilities’ comfort levels are sufficiently adequate, although slightly lower than for luxury accommodation. The rooms and tents in this comfort level category are also private and en-suite. Most comfort lodges/tented camps have a swimming pool. Economy Safari Lodges and Tented Camps: Almost all economy lodges and tented camps (except a few) are located outside of the national park boundaries and just next to the park. They are comfortable and sufficiently adequate for relaxation, overnight, and meals, although relatively basic compared to the luxury and comfort options. Rooms and tents are private and have en-suite bathroom facilities. Most of the economy options may also have a swimming pool.
What safari vehicle types do you use on your tours?
Our standard safari travel and game viewing vehicle is a custom-designed 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep with a pop-up top for ease of photography during game viewing drives and sightseeing. The vehicle seats a maximum of 6 persons to guarantee window seats and access to the pop-up top. Our 4x4 safari Jeeps are fitted with long-range radios for easy communication, cooler boxes, and first aid kits, on top of the other extras in the Jeep. The 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep has several advantages on safari, including higher elevation, better navigation on rough terrain, deeper reach, more comfort, and a better African adventure experience.
