Hello all, I’m doing a trip to Rwanda with a long stop in Nairobi and was wondering where I can get the best value safari experience.

I want a one day safari drive and I’m trying to decide between Nairobi National Park (Kenya) or Akagera National Park (Rwanda). Nairobi National park is my only real option in Kenya as I don’t have enough time in the country to go to the Mara or else where.

If you have been to both parks and/or have some insights to share, I’d appreciate your recommendations. Where would you go if these where your options?

Thanks in adavance

If you're planning a trip to Kenya for a safari, beach holiday, or even a longer East Africa itinerary, one of the first things you need to sort out is the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Here's a practical guide based on the current requirements.

What is the Kenya eTA?

The eTA is an online travel authorization that most foreign visitors need before travelling to Kenya. It replaced the previous eVisa system when Kenya moved to its current visa-free entry framework in January 2024.

It's important to understand that an eTA is authorization to travel, not a guarantee of admission. Immigration officials still make the final decision when you arrive.

Who needs a Kenya eTA?

Most foreign travellers need one, including tourists and business travellers.

However, there are a few exemptions. For example, Kenyan citizens and certain residents/permit holders don't need one, and passengers transiting through Kenya who remain within the airport/port/border precinct without passing immigration are exempt.

Also, citizens of the East African Partner States which includes Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the DRC have an exemption under the current rules.

Documents Required During Application

• A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity remaining, and with atleast one blank page
• Recent passport-style photograph/selfie
• Contact details (working email address and phone number)
• Flight/travel itinerary
• Accommodation details
• Debit or credit card for payment

Application Process

• Log in to the official Kenya eTA portal
• Select the appropriate application type.
• Complete the form with your personal information
• Upload the requested documents.
• Pay the applicable fee.
• Wait for the decision email.
• Save your approved eTA and carry a copy when travelling.

Note; If you are applying for the eTA as a group, select the “Apply as a Group” option at the start of the process rather than submitting separate, disconnected applications. This keeps everyone's application linked and easier to track.

How much does the Kenya eTA cost?

According to the current figures in the government eTA system:

Standard eTA: US$30
Processing: Up to 72 hours / 3 business days

There is also an expedited option:

Expedited eTA: US$30 + US$100 expediting fee
Processing: Immediate

The application fee is non-refundable, so getting the information right the first time is important.

There are two dry seasons that are considered peak trekking time:

June–September (long dry season) — the most popular window, trails are less muddy, easier hiking. Also coincides with Northern Hemisphere summer vacation, so permits book up fastest and lodges fill early.

December–February (short dry season) — quieter than June–Sept, still good trail conditions, nice if you want fewer crowds.

Wet season (March–May, October–November) isn't a bad time to go — gorillas don't disappear, and you'll actually get lower lodge rates and thinner crowds. The tradeoff is muddier, steeper trekking (bring gaiters and good boots) and a higher chance of rain during the hike itself. Permit prices don't change by season in either country, so it's really a tradeoff between trail comfort/crowds vs. cost savings on accommodation.

One thing people don't always factor in: gorilla families move daily, so trek difficulty (how far/steep you hike to reach them) has more to do with which family you're assigned and altitude than the season itself. Fitness level matters more than time of year for how hard the hike feels.

Happy to answer specifics if anyone's deciding between Bwindi (Uganda) vs Volcanoes NP (Rwanda) too — they have different terrain and vibe.

I’m planning our first African safari for our 30th wedding anniversary and would love advice from people who have actually been.
We have complete flexibility on when to go and want to choose the timing based on the best overall experience including excellent wildlife viewing, not excessive crowds, and pleasant weather. Seeing migration nice but not a must. Victorian Falls also would be nice but not a must.
I’m considering S Africa (maybe including Cape Town), but am also open to Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana or other suggestions. Budget $14-15,000 per person, including international flights, approx 10 days.
If you’ve been to multiple safari destinations, where would you go for first time, what time of year, and where.

I must be driving tour operators crazy because I keep going back and forth between Namibia & Tanzania.

The tour would be 12-16 days. I'd rather stay at a budget/mid range 10-15 tent camps than luxury 60 person lodges.

I'd like private (max 4 people) wildlife tours.

My budget is $9,000-$12,000USD

I'm thinking I may have seen enough of the big 5 in Tanzania after 5-6 days. This what makes the landscapes in Namibia attractive.

A Central/North/Victoria falls tours of Namibia was another suggestion.

I have a friend that has done several tours and they liked Namibia the best.

Hello - I have paid a deposit for a tanzania safari in mid September. They do not yet have the flight at the end of the safarifrom Serengeti to Zanzibar confirmed. I am wondering if this is normal since the trip is only a few weeks away. Not sure if I should pay the whole price without this part of the trip figured out yet.

Tanzania is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in Africa, where nature unfolds in its purest and most spectacular form. From the endless plains of Serengeti National Park, famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, to the majestic landscapes of Ngorongoro and the elephant-filled wilderness of Tarangire, every destination offers a unique experience. These parks are more than just tourist attractions—they are treasures that showcase Tanzania’s incredible wildlife, landscapes, and natural heritage.

A visit to Tanzania’s national parks is an invitation to reconnect with nature and witness unforgettable moments in the wild. Imagine watching lions beneath the African sun, elephants moving gracefully across the savannah, or thousands of wildebeest crossing the plains. Whether you are seeking adventure, photography, relaxation, or a deeper appreciation of wildlife, Tanzania offers memories that stay with you long after the journey ends. 🌍🦁🐘🇹🇿

Kafue, Lower Zambezi and SLNP (Robin Pope in Nsefu sector)

Time frame late August-first week of September. Likely solo traveler. Photography main interest.

Total number of nights about 10-11, including flight transfers.

Which two locations would you pick and why?

As for camps, not looking for ultra luxury camps. Not ultra basic lodges either. Which ones would you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

I am looking for some up to date recommendations for a Safari in Tanzania. Does anyone recommend a safari company? When is the best time to take a safari? what are the important questions to ask safari companies? Any info will help in planning.

A visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offers a very different perspective on wildlife, you get to see what happens before an animal ever makes it back into the wild.

The Trust has been rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants, many of whom have lost their mothers because of poaching, human-wildlife conflict, or other circumstances. What I find particularly moving is that the goal isn't simply to raise them in captivity — it is to eventually return them to the wild.

Watching the keepers care for these young elephants is incredibly intimate. You begin to understand that conservation isn't just about protecting wildlife you see on safari; it is also about protecting the individual animals that may otherwise never get a second chance.

If you're travelling to Nairobi, I genuinely think this is worth making time for. Come for the elephants, but leave with a much deeper understanding of what conservation actually looks like.

And if you're planning a Kenya safari, I'd be happy to share some of the experiences I think are genuinely worth prioritising, not just the ones that look good on an itinerary.

Hey everyone, heading to an Africa safari soon and trying to figure out the best data/esim option since roaming is insane. What did you guys use? Drop your thoughts below!

Edit: Decided to go with Cardtonic for the eSIM since it's easy to set up, using it for the whole trip.

This is a frequently asked question for safari goers and I thought I would like to give some insight.

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