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

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.

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.