FAQ's

A Safari in Africa is one of the most fascinating and most enjoyable vacations one can ever experience. Nowhere else in the world can you see such a variety of game, without sacrificing nowadays modern comforts - luxurious accommodation, connoisseur cuisine and very comfortable transportation!

1. Is it safe to go to Africa?
2. What about the risk of AIDS?
3. When should I go?
4. What will I see on safari?
5. When is the wildebeest migration?
6. What about language barriers?
7. How is the food on safari?
8. Is the water save to drink?
9. Are children welcome on safari?
10. What about travelling single?
11. What do people wear on safari?
12. What inoculations do I need?
13. Can I charge my safari costs?
14. What is a typical day like on safari?

Is it safe to go to Africa? 
One always hears about political strife, riots and health problems? First of all, the areas where safaris are undertaken are completely safe, and free of political strife. We only conduct safaris in countries which are politically stable, and where it is safe for our guests.

What about the risk of AIDS? 
There is no greater risk of exposure on a safari than there is at home. Mosquitoes do not transmit AIDS.
Are we safe from the animals? Our hand-picked rangers and trackers ensure that close encounters with wildlife are exciting, informative and safe. Rangers undergo extensive selection and training, and are engendered with a code of ethics and a reverence for all life. All are armed with rifles on game viewing drives and bush walks, and trained guards patrol the camps. In case of an emergency, medical rescue services are on standby to airlift anyone to the best medical facilities.

When should I go? 
Go now! The proverbial "winds of change" are blowing in Africa constantly! Africa has changed tremendously during the lifetime of just one generation. In some countries, wildlife has just about disappeared... and their infrastructures destroyed, which to a large extent can be blamed on guerrilla wars... (Mozambique and Angola are classic examples.)
However, wildlife is also disappearing to a large extent due to modernization. Primitive cultures are disappearing due to Western influences... a lot has changed in Africa since World War II. Visiting the continent of Africa is not an experience one should postpone to "someday".

What will I see on safari?  
The greatest profusion of animal, bird and plant life on earth. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Cape buffalo and Leopard (the so-called "Big Five"). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelle, Giraffe, Baboon and Hippo. The bird life is fantastic - in some areas up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and the hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! The acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrise one could ever imagine. Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow when the clouds clear. And the romantic evenings, around a camp fire, with a star-filled sky like you have never seen before!

When is the wildebeest migration? 
Every year the wildebeest migrate from the Serengeti National Park into the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.
From the vast Serengeti plains to the champagne coloured hills of Kenya's Masai Mara over 1.2 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa's great predators, migrate over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.
There is no real beginning or end to a wildebeest's journey. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water. The only beginning is at the moment of birth. An estimated 400,000 wildebeest calves are born during a six week period early each year - usually between late January and mid-March.
By July the countless herds have amassed along the swollen Mara River - a final barrier from the short sweet grasses of the Masai Mara. Sometimes the crossing place they have chosen is shallow allowing the majority of animals to pass safely. In other areas the waters boil with drowning wildebeest and slashing crocodiles. Between July and October wildebeests are in the Mara.

What about language barriers?  
Although more than 2000 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa, in many cases it being the official language like it is in Kenya.

How is the food on safari?  
You will find the food exquisite! Breakfasts are substantial in the true colonial tradition, offering a selection of fresh fruits or juices, hot or cold cereal, eggs, sausage or bacon, toast and fresh baked bread, and coffee or tea. You can expect your lunch and your dinner to match the standards which you would find in any high quality restaurant in the world. If you have a sweet tooth you will certainly enjoy the specially prepared desserts.

Is the water safe to drink?
The water in Nairobi is perfectly safe. While out on safari, however, only drink the purified water provided by your camp, or drink bottled water.

Are children welcome on safari? 
In MARA TIMBO CAMP yes. A safari is a family experience! Children will enjoy wildlife and meeting the tribal people.

What about travelling single?  
Sure! A safari is the ideal trip for the independent traveller. Go new places - meet new people!

What do people wear on safari? 
People find casual wear to be in style.Cotton slacks and shirts are ideal, with a sweater or other layers to shed as the day heats up. A hat with a brim is essential. Khaki and cotton travel well, and pale earth colours such as tan or olive are best for viewing wildlife and birds.
Comfortable walking shoes, such as topsiders or running/tennis shoes with socks, are recommended over sandals; thorns are everywhere, and socks with your shoes deter mosquito bites. Include a lightweight raincoat or jacket.
Chinos and khakis work better than jeans, which take forever to dry. Laundry service is offered at MARA TIMBO CAMP. Take at least three changes of clothes for a week on safari. Dry cleaners are rarer than rhinos. The best advice is to travel light, and wear cotton.

What inoculations do I need?  
We suggest contacting your physician for professional advice on anti-malaria medication. A yellow fever inoculation may be required if you travel from some North-African countries to Southern Africa.

Can I charge my safari costs?  
MARA TIMBO CAMP accepts Master Card and Visa as well as cash in Kenyan Shilling, US Dollars and Euros.

What is a typical day like on safari?  
No two days are alike on safari. The only thing the days have in common is that each day will be filled with some new experiences coupled with the joy and excitement of being on safari in Africa!.
Your day usually begins with n early morning wake up call, accompanied with a hot beverage, before you prepare for your first game drive of the day. This game drive is early in the morning when the animals are most active. Then, after viewing the African wildlife for about three hours, you return to the comfort of your lodge for a sumptuous breakfast. Most animals bed down over the heat of the day, and are not active until the day cools down again in the afternoon.
Between the game drives in MARA TIMBO CAMP you can ask for a relaxing massage, a 1,5 hour adventurous nature walk with local Masai guides or even just relax viewing from our lounge the many hippos directly in front of the camp with a cool cocktail in your hand.
You can return to your game viewing vehicles for an afternoon game drive which ends around sundown. Upon your return to camp, enjoy a hot shower and sundowner around a camp fire and then you are off to a delicious dinner.
After dinner at MARA TIMBO CAMP you have the possibility for a 1,5 hour Night Gamedrive where you can see nightactive animals.