About this trip
As host to the famed Great Migration, Kenya is rich in biological diversity. On safari through this beautiful country, you will have the opportunity to observe and photograph the “Big Five”—leopards, rhinos, buffalos, lions, and elephants—as well as other iconic African game such as gazelles, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, and more. Capture their beauty in the wildest and most natural form, all while learning photography techniques from expert photographer Reinier Munguia of Wildstock Photography.
Highlights
- Explore Nairobi National Park, where big game like giraffes, lions, and impalas can be found within the capital city limits.
- Witness the conservation of the black rhino up-close on a game drive at Solio Ranch, a privately owned reserve committed to the protection of these great creatures.
- Take a boat ride to Crescent Island Animal Sanctuary, where wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, and more roam free.
- Spend three days in Africa’s “ultimate wildlife reserve,” the Maasai Mara, venturing on morning and afternoon game drives to observe one of the world’s greatest concentrations of large mammals.
- Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a Maasai village for entertainment and dance.
Meet your leader
Reinier Munguia
Reinier Munguia is a commercial and nature photographer with a strong education and conservation vision. His work has appeared in several publications including textbooks and magazines. His passion for nature has taken him to become an advocate for causes related to the protection of species. Educating people about nature has become his most important goal. Reinier has also taken on the role of vice-president of education for the Lake Region Audubon, where he has been doing multiple presentations as well as leading conservation and outreach programs. Over the years he has presented at large nature and photography events such as the Space Coast Birding Festival, The Big “O” and the First Coast Nature & Photo Fest among others. Wanting to explore more of the natural world has led Reinier to lead photography and birding trips though the United States, as well as other destinations including Costa Rica, Ecuador and Puerto Rico. As the President and teacher of the Polk County Camera Club, he has been educating amateur photographers not only in the proper use of their equipment but also in the ability to self-evaluate their work.
$5,725
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $715
What makes us different
Wildlife up-close
Service anytime
We know what photographers need
Cultural immersion
Meaningful experiences
Expert guides
Daily Itinerary
Print ItineraryEn Route
Nairobi
Nairobi
Aberdare
Samburu
Samburu
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru
Lake Naivasha
Masai Mara
Masai Mara
Masai Mara
Departure
Arrive US
Pricing
Print Pricing$5,725
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $715
What's Included
- Accommodations with private bathrooms
- Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
- Full time driver/guide for the duration of your program
- Non alcoholic beverage with meals
- Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
What's Not Included
- Carbon Offset
- International airfare
- Items of personal nature
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
- Trip cancellation coverage
Pricing Details
A $500 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 105 days prior to departure excluding a $0 cancellation fee.Cancellations after this date are non refundable
Please note: Your participation as a traveler indicates acceptance of Holbrook Travel’s Covid-19 protocols in place at time of travel.
Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.
Single room supplement $715
Final payment due date: April 28, 2022
Travel Info
Print Travel InfoEntry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Kenya. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry and have at least two blank pages available.
A tourist visa is also required for entry. The visa application and payment must be submitted online prior to travel. Visit https://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html to complete the visa application. Once you receive your approval via email, you must download and print the eVisa and carry it with you when you travel. Visas cannot be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Nairobi or via the Kenyan Embassy or consulates. The visa fee is USD $50 for a single-entry visa and USD $100 for a multiple-entry visa. These fees are subject to change at any time.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Kenyan Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
Yellow fever is a risk in much of Kenya, and according to the U.S. State Department, travelers should have proof of yellow fever immunizations or risk being denied entry into the country.
Though not required for entry, the CDC also recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Kenya.
Meningitis can be a risk during the dry season (December-July). If you are traveling during these months, your physician may recommend a meningitis vaccine.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Kenya may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
To protect against mosquitos and other biting insects, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).
OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES
In addition to yellow fever and malaria, the CDC warns that travelers may be at risk for other illnesses transmitted by mosquitos, ticks, or sand flies, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, African tick-bite fever, leishmaniasis, and others. Travelers are advised to protect themselves against insect bites using the measures noted above.
After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.
Parasites & Bacteria
Avoid swimming or bathing in freshwater lakes or rivers. Some freshwater bodies contain disease-causing parasites or bacteria that may be contracted through contact with infected water.
CPAP Machines
This program spends time in remote areas of Kenya where electricity is supplied through generators or solar power. Most safari lodges and tented camps shut off electrical power during part of the night in order to conserve energy. If you use a CPAP machine, please bring a battery pack (and any necessary cables) to power your equipment when electricity is not available. The battery pack can be charged during the day in preparation for nighttime use. Please be aware that if you do not have a battery pack, some lodges may assess a fee to run electricity through the night.
WILDLIFE
Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may become aggressive to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply. Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as threatening or territorial. Avoid stray dogs, as they may carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Resources
Print ResourcesPacking Recommendations
Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.
You can find many of the items below in our Gear Store.
CLOTHING
Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Kenya. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.
Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services (at additional cost). If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.
Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.
Bring clothes in neutral or muted colors such as green, khaki, brown, or grey. We recommend that you avoid wearing bright colors or white as they can easily be spotted by animals. In addition, blue is particularly attractive to certain insects and should be avoided.
Army-style camouflage clothing is illegal in Kenya.
Locals tend to dress conservatively. Tank tops and shorts/skirts cut above the knee are typically not recommended in public.
- A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
- Shorts and/or skirts
- A combination of lightweight, quick-drying long pants and medium-weight pants or trousers
- Undergarments
- Sleepwear
- Light- to medium-weight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt – Evenings can be cold, especially in desert areas and during May-August
- Bathing suit – Some hotels have pools.
- Socks – Bring extra pairs.
- Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes with thorn-proof soles, suitable for hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar), plus a pair of casual flip-flops or sandals for around your hotel.
- Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
- Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
- Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter
Personal Toiletries
Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits.
- Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
- Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor
- Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Aloe vera gel
- A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed
In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.
Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.
Miscellaneous
Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
- Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
- Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
- Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
- Yellow fever certificate
- Sunglasses with strap
- Small day pack for hikes and excursions
- Flashlight and/or head lamp
- Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
- A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
- Binoculars with lens cleaner
- Reusable water bottle
- Non-perishable snacks
- Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
- Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics)
- Notepad or travel journal and pen
- Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
- Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
- A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
- Money belt
- Voltage converter and plug adapter
- Chargers for electronics
Note that Kenya has banned single-use plastics. Visitors are requested to avoid bringing plastic bags into the country. This includes garbage bags and grocery/shopping bags. Zip-top style bags specifically used to carry toiletries per TSA’s liquids rule are still permitted on the assumption that they will be reused on the return flight. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Please double-check your carry-on luggage before disembarking in Kenya; any plastic bags should be left on the plane to avoid delays and possibly fines.
Questions
Contact Sandy Schmidt at 877-907-5360 or email Sandy.
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Back from the Field: Kenya Trip Report with Reinier Munguia
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