🌍 15 Essential Travel Tips Every First-Time Traveller Should Know Before a Safari in Kenya

Welcome to the Wild Heart of Africa

Your first safari in Kenya isn’t just a holiday, it’s an awakening. The moment your plane touches down, you’re stepping into a world where golden savannahs stretch to infinity, elephants march in slow majesty, and lions yawn beneath acacia trees.

At Stawi Adventures, we know that your first safari can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. What do you pack? How close will you get to the Big Five? Is it safe to drink the water? Should you bring a power bank, binoculars, or both?

Breathe easy, we’ve guided many first-time travelers through Safaris in Kenya’s wild beauty, and we’ve gathered our 15 essential tips to make your journey seamless, safe, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a photographer, a couple on honeymoon, or a family ticking off a lifelong dream, these tips will help you prepare like a pro and savor every sunrise on the savannah. 🌅

1. Hydration Is Your Secret Safari Weapon

Kenya’s landscapes can be deceptively hot, especially in open safari vehicles under the African sun. Dehydration is a silent safari spoiler.

Tip: Carry a reusable, insulated water bottle. At Stawi Adventures, we provide refill points at lodges and in our vehicles to help you stay hydrated sustainably. Avoid single-use plastics (they’re banned in Kenyan parks).

Pro Tip: Mix electrolyte sachets or a pinch of salt and sugar in your water to replenish minerals after long game drives.

2. Dress the Part – Comfort Over Catwalk

Forget bright, bold colors — animals spot movement and color contrast easily. Instead, opt for neutral tones: khaki, beige, olive, or stone.

Pack lightweight, breathable layers: mornings can be chilly (especially in Amboseli or Maasai Mara at dawn), while afternoons can hit 30°C+.

Essential items:

• Long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection

• Convertible cargo pants

• A wide-brimmed hat or cap

• A fleece or windbreaker for evening drives

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots

Avoid: camouflage prints (reserved for military), dark blue (attracts tsetse flies), and white (dust magnet!).

3. Safari Etiquette 101 – Respect the Wild

On a Stawi safari, you’re a guest in the animals’ home. The closer you respect that balance, the richer your experience.

Golden rules:

• Keep noise low – silence rewards you with rare sightings.

• Never feed or approach wildlife when on a safari in Kenya.

• Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.

• Stay inside the vehicle unless told otherwise.

Remember, safaris are about patience and observation – nature reveals her beauty on her own time.

4. Camera Gear Prep – Capture, Don’t Chase

Your first lion sighting in a safari in Kenya will take your breath away – but a shaky photo will break your heart later.

Must-have gear:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with zoom lens (70 – 300mm minimum)

• Spare batteries and memory cards

• A bean bag for stabilization on car roofs

• Microfiber cloth to wipe dust off lenses

Pro Tip: Practice shooting with moving subjects before you arrive. At Stawi Adventures, our guides often help position the vehicle for the perfect lighting – your golden-hour shots deserve it.

5. Bring Binoculars – The Safari Game-Changer

You might see a leopard lounging in a tree half a kilometer away or a cheetah crouching in tall grass. A good pair of binoculars (8×42 or higher) turns distant shapes into vivid memories.

At Stawi, we provide complimentary binoculars for our guests — but bringing your own ensures you don’t miss a moment.

6. Stay Connected – Power, SIM, and Wi-Fi Tips

While safaris help you disconnect from the noise of daily life, staying connected to share photos or navigate logistics is still important.

Pack:

• Universal travel adapter

• Power bank (10,000+ mAh)

• Portable solar charger for multi-day expeditions

Internet: Most lodges have Wi-Fi, though signal may fade in remote areas. We recommend purchasing a Safaricom SIM card with data upon arrival in Nairobi for smooth connectivity.

7. Travel Insurance Isn’t Optional

From lost luggage to unexpected medical emergencies, comprehensive travel insurance is your safety net.

Ensure your policy covers:

• Medical evacuation (especially for remote locations)

• Trip cancellations or delays

• Lost equipment

At Stawi Adventures, we work with trusted evacuation partners like AMREF Flying Doctors for total peace of mind.

8. Vaccinations & Health Prep

Before flying for a safari in Kenya, check recommended vaccinations. Common ones include:

• Yellow fever (mandatory for many entry points)

• Typhoid

• Hepatitis A & B

• Tetanus booster

You’ll also want malaria prophylaxis — consult your doctor at least two weeks before departure.

Bonus: Bring a small first aid kit with insect repellent (DEET-based), sunscreen, lip balm, and hand sanitizer.

9. Embrace the Early Mornings

The best wildlife sightings happen at dawn when predators are active and the light is cinematic.

Game drives typically start around 6:00 AM, meaning wake-up calls at 5:00 AM. You’ll be rewarded with misty horizons, soft golden light, and the quiet pulse of the wild coming to life.

At Stawi Adventures, we serve fresh Kenyan coffee before sunrise drives — the perfect ritual before your first lion roar of the day.

10. Learn Basic Swahili – It’s Heartfelt

A few Swahili words can warm hearts and open doors:

• Asante sana – Thank you very much

• Jambo – Hello

• Karibu – Welcome

• Hakuna matata – No worries

Kenyan people are incredibly welcoming, and even a small effort to greet locals in Swahili shows genuine respect and connection.

11. Choose a Responsible Safari Operator

Not all safari companies are equal. Look for one that values conservation, community, and comfort — not just checklists of animals.

At Stawi Adventures, we prioritize:

• Supporting local guides and artisans

• Partnering with eco-conscious lodges

• Promoting low-impact tourism

• Offering personalized itineraries, not cookie-cutter tours

Your safari shouldn’t just change your life — it should positively impact the people and wildlife that make it possible.

12. Don’t Overpack – Travel Light, Travel Smart

Internal flights (like Nairobi to Maasai Mara) often have strict 15kg baggage limits, including hand luggage.

Essentials checklist:

• Safari clothes (see Tip 2)

• Toiletries

• Medications

• Camera & gear

• Power accessories

• Light rain jacket

• Swimwear for lodge pools

Pro Tip: Soft duffel bags fit better in safari vehicles than hard-shell suitcases.

13. Expect the Unexpected – That’s the Magic

A safari in Kenya isn’t Disneyland. You might wait hours for a glimpse of a rhino, or stumble upon a cheetah mid-hunt when you least expect it.

Be flexible. The wild operates on its own rhythm, and every sighting feels more meaningful when it’s earned through patience.

At Stawi, we call this the art of slow travel — surrendering to nature’s timing and savoring every detail along the way.

14. Support Local – The Heartbeat of Kenya

Kenya’s magic extends beyond wildlife. The people, cuisine, and crafts tell the country’s deeper story.

How to give back respectfully:

• Buy handmade souvenirs from local cooperatives

• Visit community-run conservancies

• Dine at local restaurants for authentic flavors (try nyama choma!)

• Tip fairly — it’s appreciated and helps local livelihoods

Every purchase and smile makes your safari more meaningful.

15. Book with Confidence – Plan Ahead

The best lodges and guides are in high demand — especially between June and October during the Great Migration and festive months (December–January).

Booking early ensures:

• Access to prime camps with the best views

• Flexible itineraries tailored to your pace

• Peace of mind knowing every detail is handled

At Stawi Adventures, we handle everything — from your airport pickup to private guides, park permits, and even your champagne bush breakfast. 🍾

Our goal is to make your first safari feel effortless yet unforgettable.

Bonus Tip: Disconnect to Reconnect

Put your phone down sometimes. Watch the sunset paint the Mara plains. Listen to the hippos grunt in the river. Feel the wind shift as elephants pass by.

The soul of a safari in Kenya lies not in what you post online, but in what you feel deep inside.

Your First Safari in Kenya, Redefined

A Kenyan safari is more than a bucket-list adventure; it’s a journey into stillness, beauty, and connection. It reminds you that the world is vast, alive, and awe-inspiring.

At Stawi Adventures, we don’t just show you Kenya — we help you feel it. From your first game drive to your last campfire under a starlit sky, every detail is designed to make your first safari extraordinary.

Love these ideas?
👉 Sign up for our newsletter to get more insider tips about Safaris in Kenya and a surprise travel gift! Check out our previous blog here about luxury balloon safari experience in the Mara