Planning FAQs for families
These are the questions family organisers ask most when planning a Kenya safari. Use this guide to reduce decisions quickly, then share your dates and ages for a clear recommendation.
Two–three nights per location. One transition per day maximum. Late mornings when preferred. Private vehicle and flexible drive times. Time built in for rest.
Start with the most useful pages
A clear plan begins with dates, ages, and a calm pace.
First-time family safari basics
- Yes. Your host matches regions to your dates, ages, and energy levels, then keeps the plan simple.
- 7–9 nights suits one safari region plus Nairobi landing.
- 9–12 nights suits two regions with two–three nights per location.
- Longer trips add depth through longer stays, not more stops.
- Two–three nights per location.
- One transition per day maximum.
- Late mornings when preferred.
- Time built in for rest.
Children’s ages and safari rules
- Many families enjoy safari most once children can follow safety instructions and enjoy longer drives. Camp rules vary by property.
- Some camps set minimum ages for certain activities. Your host confirms rules during planning.
- Walking activities often have higher minimum ages than vehicle game drives. Your host confirms by property and region.
Safety, health, and medical reassurance
- Safety is shaped through camp standards, guide protocols, and a steady day plan.
Health guidance depends on your route and personal circumstances. Your host shares practical guidance, and your family confirms with a clinician.
- Your host selects regions and camps with access considerations in mind, then shares practical steps for your travel window.
Best time for safari and school calendars
- Many families choose drier months for easier logistics, then your host aligns route and lodge fit to your exact dates.
School holiday and festive weeks often need earlier planning to secure family suites and connected rooms.
Getting around, flights, and luggage
- Internal flights are used when they reduce road fatigue and protect energy.
Luggage rules vary by route and airline. Your host confirms limits early and shares a packing plan that fits them.
One transition per day maximum, and private vehicle timing with comfort breaks.
Rooming, food, and comfort
- Family suites and connected rooms are requested early where available, then confirmed by property.
Camps usually accommodate dietary needs when they are shared early. Your host confirms this in the proposal stage.
Yes. Time built in for rest is planned daily.
Costs, tipping, and what is included
- A starting point based on season assumptions and two guests sharing. Your host confirms your family’s exact range after dates and rooming needs are known.
Your host confirms inclusions per journey and lodge combination in your proposal.
Many families prefer clarity. Your host handles all tipping and gratuities on properties and activities of your stay,with this no tipping decission is expected of you and your family
Choosing Private vs Custom
- Private Family Journey and Custom by Design.
- Private fits families who want fewer decisions and a proven structure.
- Custom fits fixed dates, complex rooming, or specific lodge priorities.
Practicalities at a glance
A few core topics come up again and again when planning. Detailed guidance is shared personally and, where helpful, through Field Notes.
Flights & arrival
Guidance on routing into Nairobi, preferred arrival windows, and how airport hosting works.
Health & visas
Plain-language notes on visas, routine travel health, and when to speak with a doctor or travel clinic in your home country.
Packing & clothing
Simple, non-fashion-driven guidance on what to bring, how to pack light for bush flights, and what lodges typically provide.
Money, payments & gratuities
How payments are handled, what is usually included, suggested tipping ranges, and when (or if) cash is actually needed.
Connectivity & being offline
Where Wi-Fi is common, where it is intentionally limited, and how to protect pockets of offline time for rest and connection.
Accessibility & special considerations
How to plan for mobility needs, dietary needs, children’s ages, or other considerations so the journey feels genuinely comfortable.
Flights & arrival
International flights are often the biggest moving part of a safari. The aim is to make arrival feel simple and spacious, not rushed.
Where to fly
Most journeys begin and end in Nairobi. Guests usually arrive into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and depart from the same airport at the end of the journey.
When to arrive
Arriving at least one night before the first safari flight allows time to rest, adjust to the time zone, and recover from any delays. Many itineraries are designed with two nights in Nairobi at the beginning for this reason.
Airport welcome & transfers
On arrival, guests are met by a local representative, assisted through to the vehicle, and driven to the chosen Nairobi base. Transfers between Nairobi hotels and domestic airports are included in the journey plan unless clearly stated otherwise.
Domestic flights within Kenya
Light aircraft flights connect Nairobi with the bush and coast. These flights have strict luggage limits and use soft duffel bags; details are clearly listed in each proposal so packing can match the aircraft requirements.
International flights
International tickets are usually arranged directly with the airline or a trusted travel advisor. Recommended arrival and departure windows are shared during planning so everything lines up calmly.
Health & Visas
Health and entry rules change from time to time, so the focus is on clear information and space to make good decisions.
Passports & visas
Most guests require:
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the travel dates.
At least two blank pages for stamps.
Many nationalities can obtain a visa online before travel or on arrival, depending on current regulations. Guests are encouraged to check the latest information from:
The official Kenyan immigration website, and
The foreign travel advice service of their own country.
Travel health
Every traveller’s health situation is different. Before travelling, guests are encouraged to:
Speak with a travel clinic or doctor about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention.
Carry any personal medication in hand luggage, with copies of prescriptions where helpful.
General information on typical safari-area clinics and emergency evacuation cover is included in each proposal, and full details appear in the Booking Terms & Conditions.
This page is for planning guidance only and is not medical advice; final decisions about vaccines and medication are always made with a qualified health professional.
Parking & Clothing
Packing for safari is simpler than most people expect. The aim is to travel light, stay comfortable, and avoid worrying about outfits.
Luggage & bags
Light aircraft flights usually limit luggage to around 15–20 kg per person, including hand luggage.
Soft-sided duffel bags fit best in the aircraft holds.
Most camps offer laundry, so there is no need to pack a new outfit for every day.
Clothing
Neutral colours such as sand, olive, stone, and soft browns are ideal in the bush.
Layers work best: a light shirt or t-shirt, a warm layer for mornings and evenings, and a simple waterproof or windproof jacket in some seasons.
Comfortable closed shoes or trainers for drives and walks; sandals or slides for camp.
A hat, sunglasses, and a light scarf are useful for sun and dust.
What lodges often provide
Many high-end lodges provide:
Basic toiletries
In-room drinking water
Hairdryers (sometimes on request)
Robes or wraps
The detailed proposal lists anything that is specifically included or recommended for each camp.
What to leave at home
Formal evening wear, high heels, and very bright, white, or neon clothing are rarely needed. Baggage policies often forbid hard suitcases and very large carry-on bags on bush flights.
Money,Payments & Gratuities
A calm money plan helps the whole journey feel lighter.
What is included in the price
Each proposal clearly lists:
Accommodation and meals
Included drinks (for example, house wines and standard spirits, or non-alcoholic only)
All scheduled safari activities
Park and conservancy fees
Internal flights and road transfers, where relevant
Anything not included—such as premium drinks, optional activities, or spa treatments—is clearly marked so there are no surprises.
How payments work
Deposits and balance schedules are outlined in the Booking Terms & Conditions. Payment is typically made by bank transfer or card in the agreed currency. Once a deposit is received, arrangements such as camp space and flights are confirmed.
Cash & local currency
Credit cards are accepted in most Nairobi hotels and many up-market lodges.
Some smaller properties prefer cash for extras.
ATMs are available in major towns; local currency is usually Kenyan Shillings.
Specific guidance on how much cash is sensible is included in the proposal, based on the exact routing.
Gratuities
All gratuities are already built into your journey and handled quietly behind the scenes by Souls Connection Safaris—there is no tipping on safari at any point: no envelopes, no guessing amounts, and no unspoken expectations, so you can simply receive the care that’s given.
Connectivity & Being Offline
Many guests want to stay in touch with home while also protecting some true offline time. The journey is designed to support both.
Wi-Fi & mobile coverage
Nairobi hotels typically offer strong Wi-Fi.
Many lodges now provide Wi-Fi in the main areas, and sometimes in rooms.
Remote camps may offer limited or scheduled connectivity, or rely on mobile hotspots.
The proposal notes the expected level of connectivity for each stop so expectations are clear.
WhatsApp & calls
Most guests use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or similar apps over Wi-Fi to call home. Local SIM cards can be arranged in Nairobi for those who need mobile data while travelling.
Creating offline pockets
Guests are gently encouraged to:
Use flight time and certain game drives as phone-free windows.
Decide in advance on “online hours” that work for their life back home.
Hosts help protect offline time where possible, so the nervous system gets a genuine rest from constant notifications
Accessibility & Special Consideration
Every traveller brings different needs. The goal is to shape journeys that feel safe, comfortable, and dignified for everyone.
Mobility & pace
Safari days can usually be adapted to:
Limit long walks where mobility is reduced
Use rooms close to the main area where possible
Offer flexible game drive lengths and extra rest time
Sharing mobility needs early in planning helps with choosing the right camps and room types.
Dietary requirements & allergies
Most high-end lodges are experienced with:
Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian diets
Gluten-free and dairy-free requirements
Food allergies and sensitivities
Dietary details are passed to each lodge in advance so menus can be planned with care.
Children & ages
Certain camps have age guidelines for game drives, bush walks, or specific activities. The proposal explains:
Which camps are best for younger children
Where family tents or villas are available
Any age-related restrictions that might influence routing
Other considerations
Time-zone changes, sensory sensitivities, medical equipment, or mental health needs can all affect how a journey feels. Planning conversations make space for these realities so that routing, pacing, and hosting can support the whole person, not just the itinerary
Get one clear recommendation for your family
A clear first step is required. Share who is travelling, your rough dates, and what kind of together time matters most, rest, learning, wildlife, or celebration. Your host will respond with one clear recommendation and a steady plan to match.
Start My Journey Ask a Quick Question
Your host replies personally. Your details are used only to shape your plan.
Contact
Email:
hosts@soulsconnectionsafaris.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +254 718062256
Based in Nairobi, Kenya
Souls Connection Safaris
Designing luxury safaris for meaning and connection—host-led, quietly luxurious, and paced for presence.
Based in Nairobi, shaping journeys across Kenya
© 2026 Souls Connection Safaris.
Planning & FAQs | What’s Included | Booking Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy