East African Wildlife Safari 2021
Here, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for this experience, from packing tips and FAQs to a timeline of post-booking communications.
Safari at a glance
- Sept 26–Oct 4, 2021
- Group size: Up to 26 travelers
- Ideal for: Active families and couples
Pre-Trip Planning Timeline
Traveler Information Form
About six months prior to departure, you'll receive an email from the Inspirato Only Experiences team with the Traveler Information Form. In this form, we'll ask you to provide details such as contact information for each traveler, flight and travel information, etc. We will also include details on passport, visa, and any vaccination requirements.
We'll take this information and begin planning your trip and building your personal itinerary. We'll be in touch with you after receiving the completed form should any follow-up or confirmation be necessary.
Bon Voyage! Itinerary and Final Trip Details
About three weeks prior to departure, you'll receive an email from the Inspirato Only Experiences team with your personal itinerary, suggested packing list, contact information for your on-site Inspirato hosts, pre-trip Zoom call details, etc.
What you need to know
Airport and Transportation Information
You will book your flights in and out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi (NBO). You may arrive at any time on the day the experience begins. On the last day of your safari, please do not book your flight any earlier than 5 p.m.
Your arrival airport transfer is included as part of your package price. The Inspirato Only Experiences team will coordinate any transfers based on the flight details you provide in your form. The safari will end at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, so there is no departure transfer required.
Packing List
What to bring? Your curiosity and sense of adventure, an open mind, and enough memory cards for the camera! As a general guide, comfortable and casual clothing that you can wash and wear is recommended while on safari. Muted colors are best for game viewing.
Game drives are generally conducted in the early morning and the late afternoon, which can be cold, please keep in mind that you will be travelling during the African winter. The temperature often warms up during the day, so it is best to dress in layers.
The most practical items to pack for your South African Safari are:
- Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colours
- Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
- T-shirts
- Shorts or a light skirt
- Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
- Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
- A warm hat, gloves, and scarf
- A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
- Bathing suit (please note that safari camp pools are NOT heated)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturizer, and lip balm
- Binoculars and camera equipment
- A small day backpack to bring in the safari vehicle and shed layers
- Insect repellant
- Universal power adapter, converter (220/240 volts AC compatible)
Note: The luggage allowance on small flights is limited to a maximum of 33 pounds in a soft-sided bag, so please bear this in mind when packing. Most lodges and camps provide a same-day laundry service for your clothes.
- A U.S. passport valid for six months after your return date from Kenya. We recommend having four consecutive blank pages in your passport.
- A visa is required for travel into Kenya. Refer to the Kenyan Embassy with any further questions regarding visas, especially if you are traveling with a passport that is not from the U.S.
- Certain vaccines and medications may be required when travelling to Africa. We recommend contacting your local physician or visiting the CDC Kenya website for more information.
- Travel insurance is not required for the trip, but it is highly recommended that you purchase it. Please contact our preferred partners at Travelex for a quote.
- Travel and medical insurance information
- Credit and debit cards (Be sure that you have contacted your bank about your upcoming travel plans!)
- All gratuities are included in your package. If you would like to leave any additional gratuity that is at your own discretion.
Note: The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling, and can be ordered through most U.S. banks. There are ATMs available to withdraw cash, but we suggest that you first speak with your bank about your intentions to travel in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are happy to coordinate your flights. Please reach out to the Inspirato Air Desk here.
- International flights to and from Kenya
- Meals, drinks, and laundry not specified in the itinerary and Items of a personal nature
- Premium brand drinks, champagne, cognacs, cellar wines, cigars, and cigarettes
- Sightseeing, excursions, flights, and transfers not specified in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
There will be 26 members and guests per departure date.
The minimum age requirement for this experience is 8 years old.
Within three business days of booking, cancel for a full refund. After three business days, reservations are non-refundable unless Inspirato is able to rebook the package. If Inspirato is able to rebook, the Inspirato member will receive 90% back in Travel Credits. If applicable, this would be refunded one day after the package is rebooked.
Yes, there is a limit to the amount of luggage you can bring with you on the East African Experience. Due to the use of small, chartered aircraft, your luggage must stay under the 15 kilograms (33 pounds) weight limit. This includes any handbags or carry-on luggage that you are carrying with you on your journey.
Yes, it is essential that you only carry soft-sided bags with you on your journey (one hard-side on your luggage is fine). The cargo holds on the chartered planes are small, and hard-shelled suitcases will not fit or fill up the hold very quickly.
The accommodations included in this itinerary use filtered water and we believe it is safe to consume food in these locations. In many parts of Kenya, the tap water may be unsafe to drink, so please drink bottled water whenever possible. While on the safari portion of the trip, all meals will be provided.
You will have the chance to fill out a Traveler Information From. Please fill out this form as soon as possible. The earlier we have your dietary requests, the more we can do to facilitate them. Gluten-free, most allergies, and vegan and vegetarian diets are easily accommodated.
Due to the increase in tourism, Kenya’s general safety has steadily inclined over the years. Your tour operator’s number one responsibility is to keep you safe while you enjoy this incredible experience in Kenya. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, feel free to inform your guide or hotel concierge.
As general advice, avoid deserted areas, particularly at night. If you are on a self-drive adventure, then please ensure your car is locked at all times and park in well-lit, busy areas.
Dress-down (i.e. don’t wear excessive jewelry) when exploring Nairobi. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.
Kenya is a very warm and hospitable nation, so please do not hesitate in asking for assistance at any time.
During this time of year, the weather can fluctuate quite a bit. In the mornings and late evenings, you may want a warm, winter jacket or heavy fleece jacket, especially as you will be moving quickly in open-air Jeeps. By midday, the weather is a little warmer, and shorts and skirts may be appropriate. Be sure to bring a few options for both cooler and warmer weather. (You will need both!)
In June, the average low temperature in Nairobi is 57 degrees Fahrenheit and the average high temperature is 73 degrees Fahrenheit. In September, the average low temperature in Nairobi is 56 degrees Fahrenheit and the average high temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, all three of your accommodations feature a pool; however, they all might not be heated. Hemingways is the only accommodation that features a fitness center.
Hemingways offers a full-service spa, while Elewana Lewa Safari Camp and andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offers massages. Please contact your Inspirato Only Experiences team if you would like to make any advance reservations.
Yes, complimentary laundry service is available at Elewana Lewa Safari Camp and Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. Please note that due to cultural practices, undergarments may not be washed by safari camp staff. Laundry service is available at Hemingways for an additional cost.
Questions? We're here to help.
Please contact the experiences team at experiences@inspirato.com