Hello fellow adventurers,

After many self-drive trips in South Africa and 30 days in Namibia last April with a rooftop tent, I’m planning a relaxed 15-day trip to Kenya in a simple 4x4 (like a Rav4) without a tent. The goal is to visit Amboseli and Tsavo East and West parks in January. I’ve read about the differences in climate, vegetation, and wildlife between the two Tsavo parks... We’re thinking of spending one week in the parks and ending with 5-6 days on the coast. I have a few questions about the reserves and the 4x4, and I’d love any tips or observations: - January is the dry season: Is a simple 4x4 enough? - Since we’ll end near Mombasa, is it a good financial and tourist plan to rent the 4x4 only until Mombasa and then take the train back to Nairobi at the end of the trip? - What’s the general condition of the roads, and are there any to avoid? - I read that in Tsavo East, only the Galana River still has water in January. Is it a good idea to enter through Maniant Gate and take the road along the river south, or is it better to head north on the tracks? - Is it better to look for lodging inside the parks, or are there long queues at the park entrances in the morning during this season? - I also saw two reserves around Mount Kenya that look nice. How much time should we plan to visit them, or is it better to focus on Tsavo? What’s holding me back a bit is that the entrance fees have skyrocketed: $80/day/person!! Anyway, if you have any thoughts or ideas, I’d love to hear them to help with my planning!

Hi, For my husband's 50th birthday, we're going to Mombasa for 10 days and 8 nights in March 2026. I found a hotel, the Kappa Club Crystal Bay Resort, and online reviews for this hotel recommend a guide named Omar. I contacted him via WhatsApp, and he's offering a 2-day, 1-night safari in Tsavo East, a "blue safari," and a Marafa Canyon day trip for 400 € per person. I’m asking for help from people who’ve already done these excursions because I have no idea what these offers entail. Thank you for any advice you can give me about this trip. Caroline

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a road trip in Kenya and I’m wondering about renting a vehicle. I’d like to know if a 4x4 is really necessary if I book safaris directly through the lodges in the reserves. If I only need a vehicle for long trips (e.g., Nairobi->Masai Mara and Masai Mara->Amboseli, then later to Mombasa), is it worth renting a 4x4?

Thanks in advance for your feedback—I’m not sure about the road conditions here! !

Hello everyone,

I’m organizing a photo safari with a friend in Kenya, and we’re looking for 2 people to complete our small group.

📅 Dates: July 13–23, 2027

🗺️ Itinerary:

Masai Mara Lake Naivasha Amboseli Tsavo East Tsavo West

We’ll be accompanied by a confirmed French-speaking guide, experienced in photo safaris and deeply familiar with the parks and wildlife.

💰 Price: 3,800 € per person (excluding international flights).

I’m not just looking for travelers—I’m looking for people who share the same philosophy: taking the time to observe, respecting the animals, savoring every encounter, and, of course, fully embracing the passion for wildlife photography. I’ve been lucky enough to go on safaris in Namibia, Botswana, and twice in Kenya. Despite these incredible experiences, Africa still fills me with wonder, and I still get emotional when I hear a lion roar at dawn or see a family of elephants crossing the path.

Whether you’re an amateur or experienced photographer, what matters most is the desire to share this adventure with good humor, patience, respect for nature... and a few very early mornings to enjoy the best light! If this adventure appeals to you, feel free to send me a message. I’d be happy to chat with you!

Hello, I’d love to explore Kenya for a week/8 days in early December by 4x4, with or without a driver-guide. The itinerary includes: biking at Hell’s Gate, hiking in Aberdare Park, visiting a Maasai village (Maji Moto Village), lakes Naivasha and Nakuru, and the Amboseli, Tsavo East, and Tsavo West parks. Optional day trip to Nairobi. Ideally looking for a couple in their 40s or 50s. Arnaud

Hello, We found an English-speaking guide, but do you happen to know a French-speaking one? He’s offering 6 days for $1,700/day per person. There’s just the two of us.

Thanks so much! Planned for July/August 2025 LesBretonsdu56

Hi, I just wanted to step in and warn people who are interested in doing eco-volunteering abroad. I had this experience recently and I’m really disappointed. Watch out for pompous and enticing websites, and their associated blogs where all the comments are inevitably positive. In my case, I went to Kenya after checking out the many sites of this organization (no fewer than 4 links), which boasted about organizing eco-volunteering and eco-solidarity activities, helping the local population, including an orphanage and a refugee camp. In reality, we ended up with a couple of opportunistic French people who treated their staff with contempt and authoritarianism, spending their days on the internet creating new sites to attract more clients. No contact with the local population, let alone the orphanage or refugees, and constant denigration of Africans. The presence of their staff, who were devoted and lovely, made this trip a success. We spent all our time with them and managed to ignore their bosses. We left a review on Tripadvisor, which was quickly contested by the director of the establishment, but we don’t want to let people like that get rich by taking advantage of tourists’ generosity. That’s what we think of Muringa Farm in Subukia, Kenya, and we’re counting on the forum to prevent others from being scammed. Thanks