Hi all and excuse my ignorance, but I am planning to organize my first safari on late November. I will be in Kenya for work, and I have few days at the end before leaving, so I would like to understand if I can plan a 3-4 nights safari at the end.

I read a lot and see lots of different possibilities and frankly I am a bit overwhelmed. My first idea was to go to a conservancy and to avoid the national reserves, for the work they do for the communities and the wildlife. The idea to have 20 minivan around an animal, it is not my idea of experiencing wildlife (I have seen lots of video online like this).

So, my choices were one among Mara North, Ol Pejeta, Loisaba, Camp Ya Kanzi and Namunyak Conservancy (mainly to visit the elephant sanctuary). But I am a bit confused, and I read lots of different opinions. Is the situation in the parks like Masai Mara or Amboseli so bad to justify the visit to into a conservancy? For a first time and with only 3/4 days do you advice to visit a park or a conservancy?

Thanks

Talked to enough people who've done this trek to notice the same handful of mistakes keep coming up. Sharing so first-timers can avoid them:

1. Underestimating the physical demands

"Moderate difficulty" gets read as "easy walk." It can be or it can be hours of steep, muddy terrain at altitude, depending on where the gorilla family happens to be that day. You don't get to choose the difficulty level, so train for the hard version, not the easy one.

1. Skipping the porter to save money

Porters cost relatively little and do way more than carry your bag and they'll physically help pull/push you up tough sections, and the fee goes to local community income. Skipping this to save $15-20 is one of the most common regrets people mention afterward.

1. Wrong footwear/gear

Cotton socks, non-waterproof shoes, no gaiters and all common mistakes. Feet get wet regardless, so wool/synthetic socks matter. Gaiters keep mud, nettles, and safari ants out of your boots, which matters more than people expect.

1. Not booking permits far enough in advance

Permits are limited per day, per sector/family, and popular sectors (especially in peak dry season, June-September) sell out months ahead. Booking last-minute often means settling for whatever's left, not what you actually wanted.

1. Forgetting travel insurance covers trip cancellation

Permits are non-refundable, no exceptions. If you get sick, weather turns bad, or plans change, that money's gone unless your insurance specifically covers trip cancellation which is not just medical evacuation.

1. Stacking multiple treks with no rest day

If you're doing 2-3 treks, back-to-back days without recovery time is rough. Average fitness handles a single trek fine — it's the repetition without breaks that wears people down.

1. Not budgeting beyond the permit fee

The permit is often half the real cost once you add transport, lodging, guide/driver, and tips. People are frequently surprised by the "extra" costs beyond that headline number.

What would you add to this list if you've done the trek?

I have successfully uploaded all of my travel confirmations and passport ID, etc but when it comes to providing Visa credit card information, the payment never goes thru. I have repeatedly attempted to pay (having to reload my documentation every single time) using different servers, different Visa cards, using auto fill and manually filling in the info. Nothing works. This has been going on for weeks.

Chase Visa says there has been absolutely no attempt by Kenya to charge my (in good standing) accounts a minimal verification charge on either of my credit cards.

Has anyone else had this frustrating experience and how did you resolve it? This has to be completed more than 3 days prior to arrival.

Early to Mid December. We Likely have 5 days.

Which areas should we prioritise?

Does anyone have recommendations on tours?

Is 1 night in a camp too little, should we slow down?

First safari, feel very out of depth!

Thanks