When on East Africa vacation you are supposed to consider or look at all needs for travel and ensure you have everything in place confirmed so that you don’t get mixed up running up and down at the 11th hour. The most essential things you need to ensure are in place and in your possession are your air tickets, accommodation, and transport for transfers, game drives, visa, travel insurance and your private charter flights.

Kilimanjaro airport operates 24 hrs as it is an international and named after Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest in Africa and a hub linking flights from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda to the national parks and game reserves in Tanzania. The aircraft charter companies based in Kilimanjaro and Arusha but for any aircraft which is foreign to fly to Arusha it have to go via Kilimanjaro to and from as Arusha are not a point of entry and it is just 15 minutes flight. When flying from Arusha to cross border you will have to fly to Kilimanjaro airport for customs and immigration clearance. You can use celebrity jet, private charter aircraft, and private plane, air charter services to Kilimanjaro as it is internationally approved for bigger aircrafts and has all the facilities for encountering any problem that may occur for outbound and inbound aircrafts. Tours to Tanzania takes you around the coastal strip enjoying scenic safaris of the islands like Mafia, Pemba, Mnemba and Tumbatu and many others and from Kilimanjaro you will sight see the oldonyo lengai and olduvai gorge as you head to Ngorongoro Serena or Lake Manyara with a view of the green forests, hills and mountains and the Africa wildlife of Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Wildbeast, Giraffee and many others. We have high class camps, lodges in the Tanzania national parks and game reserves like Sopa Lodges, Serena Hotels, Tanzania wildlife lodges,Grumeti,Kleins Camp, Lobo which have been recognized internationalllyand even prominent personnel have had the pleasure to spend their holidays  and have recommended them.

African vacation packages are tailor-made to meet each individual, group, executive needs for your travel to Kilimanjaro whereby you will be booked for what you have requested for in terms of accommodation, charter flights, and motorvechicle for transfers. Chartered flights  can be requested from Kilimanjaro,Arusha,Zanzibar,Mwanza,Daresaalam and Mbeya airports for your air charter services of any kind be it helicopter,jets,turboprop and piston aircrafts. Apart From Mwanza, Mbeya,Arusha which opens at 0630 hrs and closes at  1830 hrs the rest mentioned operate 24hrs.Direct private charter flights from Masai Mara, Samburu.Shaba,Amboseli,Tsavo ,to Kilimanjaro are available and can be arranged with 4 working days notice whereby a customs and immigration officers will be assigned and they will facilitate your clearance at the lodge or camp.

Make sure you have your camera and the choice of cameras these days is vast. For really successful safari photographs a top brand Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera, either digital or film, with an interchangeable lens facility is idea. Most of today’s top models have an auto focus facility which is a great asset to the wildlife photographer. This system can save valuable seconds and consequently secure pictures that may have missed with manual focus equipment. Due to the rig ours and stresses that any safari places on equipment, we strongly advice you to take at least two camera bodies –there will be little or no chance of getting any camera repairs undertaken outside major cities. It is obviously beneficial to have two cameras identical camera bodies, but if this is not feasible you should ensure that your back up camera accepts the same range of lenses and accessories as your principle camera body. Compact cameras have either a fixed or zoom lens, are quick and easy to operate and prove ideal of those visitors wanting just a photographic record. If you are visiting coastal areas it is also possible to obtain underwater compacts. This is a relatively cheap way of getting started in underwater photography. As most of these underwater compacts are not pressurized they are only operational to depths of just over a metre.Most  compact digital cameras are similar to their film equipment in size and operation but have the added advantage of instant replay, either through a small built in monitor or compact link. Images are recorded on a memory card, so pictures can be quickly sorted, saved or deleted, to make space for more photography. An increasing number of digital video records have a stills option, and these have the added advantage of being able to record hours of action. As most digital cameras are powered by rechargeable batteries, don’t forget to pack chargers, leads and plug adaptors. A spare rechargeable battery and memory card are essential. With all this done then you will have a very successful photography and filming safari as you will take all that you need for your archives for your grandchildren’s and other people who are unable to take a tour to Africa.

A safari vacation in Kenya is undoubtedly an African holiday never to forget. A vacation or safari in Africa, particularly in Kenya, remains one of the most popular and memorable experiences one can ever possibly undertake. It is more than simply a vacation – it is an exploration of the origins of Man, and an appreciation of some of the glorious and iconic animals in the world, within their true habitat. From lions and leopards to elephants and wildebeest, a Kenyan safari is the ultimate in exotic experiences, and will create tales and memories to share and enjoy for the rest of your life.

Although the majority of your memories of Kenya will be animal related, there is much to enjoy and to appreciate that is not in wild and arid plains of the highlands. Indeed, you would be well advised to spend at least a day or two in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. If you have ever read Karen Blixen’s famous book, ‘Out of Africa’, you will enjoy visiting her house here, built in 1912, and exploring many of the scenes and locations described in the book, and the subsequent film adaptation of course.

Also in Nairobi you will find a number of animal sanctuaries, such as the one for elephants, and the one for giraffes. Seeing these animals up so close, and especially watching the adorable young animals cavorting around, is a real pleasure. If you are fortunate enough to have the luxury of a good guide, they will be able to take you through the city, allowing you the time to appreciate the many cultural, historical and natural wonders on offer, whilst also ensuring you get to see a broad slice of Kenyan life.

Naturally, much of your holiday here will be spent either on safari, or at least excursions into the highlands and plains to watch the animals in the wild. It will be necessary to remind yourself frequently that you are not watching a natural history program on television, but that you are just a short distance away from the very real kings of the African plain. Watching lions, giraffes, elephants, leopards and wildebeest in their natural habitat, and surrounded by wild, open landscape that stretches to the distant mountains on the horizon, will require plenty of spare film in your camera.

Not surprisingly, many film crews and top naturalists come here, although it’s well worth knowing when the best seasons are for watching the animals. Although Kenya enjoys a tropical climate towards the coast, and a more arid climate further inland towards the rising highlands and plains, it does experience two rainy seasons. The longest of these takes place between April and June, with most of the rain tending to fall during the afternoons. Between October and December there can be a slightly shorter rainy season.

The best months for a safari vacation in Kenya can be between June and September, as it is during this period that the annual animal migration takes place, with hundreds of thousands of blue wildebeest journeying across the plains. This is often captured by film crews who travel here especially for this remarkable footage. Imagine being there, yourself, with a guide to take you to the best locations where you can watch one of the most incredible and awe inspiring natural events taking place before your very eyes.

Africa is a vast continent, accounting for a fifth of the entire land mass of the Earth, and Kenya itself occupies well over half a million square kilometers. Because of the sheer scale, it is easy to forget, as you look out through the crisp white curtains at your window towards the peaks in the distance, that the tallest of those peaks is Kilimanjaro itself, the highest peak in Africa, the top of which is almost 20,000 feet above sea level.

It’s unlikely that, on even a luxury holiday in Kenya, you’ll wish to scramble up the mountain, since its beauty can be appreciated from all around, but should you be interested, Kilimanjaro offers every possible climate on earth, from the arid dryness of the base, through tropic regions, and towards the top there are monumental glaciers and snow that lasts all year round. Perhaps just as astonishing is the fact that there is mobile phone reception at the top – the highest mobile reception in the world!

If at all possible, make sure you book an excursion to see the Great Rift Valley, 6000 kilometers of breathtaking scenery. To make the most of this, there is only one way to appreciate it fully – and that is to book a flight. Flying across the immense trough, with a guide to help identify the features and aspects to you, will be something you will remember for a very long time.

Whether you choose unrivaled views a full safari, or a holiday with safari excursions, Kenya will provide you with outstanding, and, opportunities and experiences, with all the best of Africa on hand for your pleasure. Always remember to look at the stars at night – the African plains have a secret that will stay with you forever. A safari vacation in Kenya is, to most, the ultimate in adventure vacations: an African holiday never to forget.

Hills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African safari tours, African family safaris, honeymoon safaris, and dream African safari vacations. We offer spectacular African safari tours with personalized and customized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime. Whether you’re taking a romantic honeymoon safari, a fun-filled family safari, or have always dreamed of experiencing the natural beauty of Africa and its wildlife, our exceptional African safari travel agents and dedicated tour operators are here to provide you with the perfect African safari vacation.

About Hotels in Kenya

Most hotels in Kenya are considered to be among the best within the East African Region. They are best known for their high class hospitality. Their facilities and amenities blend with the African traditional culture. This provides a very unique surrounding where visitors can enjoy throughout the day. There are also numerous cultural activities that you will enjoy for the period you will stay at either of these hotels.

In most of these hotels you will find most amenities such as; swimming pool, hairdressing saloon, shops, cybercafés, tennis courts, sauna, masseur and conference rooms.

Kenya hotels Cuisine

Guests have different choice of what to eat in most of Kenyan hotels. In each hotel you will find a restaurant. Each restaurant offers a diverse and unique cuisine for its customers ensuring all gastronomic tastes are met.

Some hotels serve authentic Kenyan meal at lunchtime which consists of locally caught fish and exotic fruits. No matter which hotel you are in you will be served with the finest of Kenyan cuisine.

Accommodation in Kenya

Every Kenyan hotels offers accommodation services for the guests. There are many options from Nairobi hotels, Mombasa hotels, Kisumu Hotels. Your budget determines your choice of accommodation since they have differing rates.

Flight options to Kenya

Kenya is a very accessible destination in East Africa And also Africa at large. There are various direct flights connecting Kenya and the rest of the world e.g. from Europe, the USA and the Middle East. Kenya has three major International airports which are located at Nairobi Eldoret and Mombasa. There are daily flights that connect Kenya to most major destinations in the world. There are also local airlines which serve the Coast region, Central Kenya, Western Kenya and major game parks.

Kenya Hotels Kenya Hotel Quality Review – Compare Hotel Standards

Kenya’s capital boasts top hotels and many furnished apartments.Visit Here http://chittagong-guide.blogspot.com

 These are rated according to international standards and offer similar service that rival many other destinations in Africa. Here we try to review some of the luxury and budget Kenya hotels that you can stay in.

The Hilton Hotel

The Kenya Hilton Hotel is part of the global Hilton chain and offers all the facilities you need for your Kenyan vacation. The Hilton offers airport transfer service to and from the Kenya based hotel, a limousine serve, club lounge and executive floors including meeting and banqueting services. The rooms are serviced 24 hours and are connected to satellite television. They also offer a health club and a heated swimming pool. Also available is a business centre with internet access and electronic safes in your room.

The Kenya hotel is centrally located within town and offers easy walking access to shopping and the business district and other entertainment joints.

The Yaya fully furnished apartments

The Yaya apartments are located adjacent to Nairobi’s premier mall-the Yaya center. The fully furnished apartments offer very secure and spacious 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms. They also have a business service with high speed internet connection, satellite television, flood lit tennis courts, a full equipped gym including other finer luxuries. They will offer airport transfers on request.

The 680 Hotel

The six eighty hotel is in the center of the CBD and is a budget accommodation facility. They offer standard services and are well located for business and pleasure in the central business district of Nairobi. The Kenyatta Conference and exhibition center is only 5 minutes walk and the famous Kenyatta Avenue and Central Park are nearby. This Nairobi-Kenya hotel is famous with budget travelers and mid-level business people.

The Grand Regency Hotel

The grand regency Nairobi-Kenya hotel is situated along the Uhuru Highway and opposite the central park. The hotel offers 5 star deluxe accommodations and is popular with dignitaries visiting for business or pleasure. The Nairobi-Kenya hotel offers 194 deluxe rooms and 1 presidential suite. Food service includes fine dining, buffet and snacks and a coffee shop. They also offer banqueting and conference services. They also offer airport transfer service in either the hotel van or limo. The regency also offers an exclusive health and recreation club and a sun screened pool. The hotel recently opened a very popular in-house casino and also offers an exclusive shopping arcade, beauty parlour, and an airport VIP desk. This is one of the finest hotels in Kenya with all the extras of luxury.

The Mimosa Court furnished and serviced Apartments

The mimosa court apartments are set is a serene and quiet environment away 15 minutes away from the CBD. This is a modern complex of beautifully furnished, fully serviced, and totally secure apartments with short and long-term lets on offer. They offer airport transfers on request.

The apartments are accessible conveniently located within close proximity of popular upmarket shopping malls. Nestled away in peaceful, idyllic surroundings and set in beautiful landscaped tropical gardens all apartments are beautifully appointed. The apartments enjoy a host of value added facilities on site like the pool, a fully equipped gymnasium and health spa and a conference room.

The Jacaranda Hotel

This is a 4 star Nairobi-Kenya hotel set within 4 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns surrounded by lush gardens and jacaranda trees. The serene settings welcome you to jacaranda hotel set 10 minutes from the CBD. The hotel is adjacent to major businesses and next door to a popular shopping mall in westlands, an offshoot satellite business centre from the CBD. The hotel offers airport transfer services. The hotel is popular with business and most safari travelers on their 1 night prior to a wildlife safari. The service is good and moderate ambience.

The Kenya Comfort Hotel

This is another budget hotel in the CBD and offers superior quality budget accommodation. The Kenya based hotel offers single and double accommodation in clean and well laid out rooms. It also offers conference facilities and internet connectivity. The hotel is popular with visiting student and volunteer groups as well as budget safari groups. See site for a full range of affordable Kenya rates for budget and luxury, hotel, lodge and apartments.

The Serena Hotel

This is a five star Kenyan hotel is set next to the Central park of Nairobi. The hotel is heavily rich in ambience and service is perfect. The food ranges from continental to western, Indian and Chinese cuisine. The hotel offers high standard accommodation with spacious rooms, a satellite TV, minibar in rooms. There is also business centre and internet connectivity in the cyber café. They have 2 indoor bars, a pool and bar, a fully equipped gym and aerobics studio and well manicured grounds for banqueting and airport transfers. Its conferencing facilities are also of high quality with well furnished conference halls and arranged private meetings in rooms. The Nairobi Serena is popular with high-end business and safari travelers.

The Nairobi Safari Club Hotel

This is a Nairobi-Kenya hotel located in periphery of the CBD and next to the Nairobi University. The Kenya based hotel’s maize cob architecture is unique and gives it a towering resemblance to the Malaysian tower. The hotel is an all en-suite and is very popular with family groups traveling for safari with their children. The service is standard and food is good. It also has a members club, a swimming pool and health and fitness centre and offers airport transfers. The business centre offers internet connectivity and beauty parlour.

The Norfolk Hotel and furnished apartments

This former colonial bastion has a rich history and was a preserve of the colonialists. The 5- star Nairobi-Kenya hotel is set on the outskirts of the CBD and opposite the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and the Nairobi University. It is set in a quite serene environment and yet a 5 minute walks from the CBD. The hotel offers spacious rooms fronting well manicured lawns strewn with colonial and world war relics and gunship (defunct though).

The ambience is British in style and offers fine dining and has several well serviced conference rooms. The hotel has undergone heavy refurbishment that has brought a modern aura while retaining the historical touch. It is famous with high end business and safari travelers mainly from Europe. The service is excellent and reflective of its 5-star rating. Airport transfers offered.

The Norfolk Kenya apartments are high-end fully furnished and serviced apartments for short and long-term stay. The five-star apartments are located next to the hotel and are popular with expatriate clients working in Kenya for 2 weeks or more. They have well manicured lawns and are well serviced. The security is good and in quiet.

The Intercontinental Hotel

The hotel is set next to Kenya’s seat of government-the parliament buildings and opposite the Kenyatta national monument. The 5-star Nairobi-Kenya hotel is also opposite the central park and offers a quiet atmosphere easily accessible from the CBD. Service is impeccable and ambience is mainly American up market and convenience. The hotel rooms are spacious and overlooking the power bastions of the Kenyan government. It also offers airport transfers. It has high security ratings owing to its location in well guarded government establishments. The hotel is popular with business travelers and up market safari tourists. The American market easily identifies with the Intercontinental since it’s the only chain of American hotel in Nairobi Kenya.

The Boulevard hotel

The Kenyan based boulevard hotel is located in an evergreen quiet location a few yards from the Norfolk hotel. The hotel rooms are surrounded by trees and fronting the Nairobi river. The hotel’s quiet environment offers the silence for private parties and informal meetings. The hotel also offers airport transfers. The hotel ambience is standard and service is good. Security is good despite being tucked in a forested environ.Visit Here http://chittagong-guide.blogspot.com

I will be spending most of my time in Mombasa.

Can anyone tell me if this is a safe time to visit? I am worried about the recent things I’ve heard on the news and would rather not take a chance… can anyone shed some light on this?

Best answer:

Answer by George N
Hello. I don’t know what recent things you have heard but Kenya is very safe at the moment. The only time there was a problem in Kenya was in January 2008 when there was Post Election Violence. Mombasa is very safe and a great holiday get away with some great places to visit.

Add your own answer in the comments!

The words Cheap Africa Vacations don’t really make sense, so why did you search under these three words?

If you think about it logically, the word ‘cheap’ has come to mean poor quality, when really what you want is quality that is inexpensive!!

The question now is, do you know anything that is cheap, but is good quality, so don’t think you can get Cheap Africa vacations that are also high quality!!

The next point is Africa – you need to be more specific – after all Africa is a very large continent, with huge differences in scenery, climate, and cultures, so where in Africa do you rally want to take a cheap vacation?

Consider this – Africa takes in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, all different in themselves, but vastly different to Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, which are themselves different to South Africa.

We must add to this list, the offshore islands of Zanzibar, and perhaps The Seychelles, and Mauritius, although it would be easy to argue they belong to The Indian Ocean, and wouldn’t qualify as somewhere to go for a Cheap Africa Vacation.

Finally from the three words Cheap Africa Vacations, we must take the word ‘Vacation’.

What does a vacation mean to you, because the success or failure of your hard earned break depends entirely on your family unit all being happy with the same kind of vacation.

You may think a safari would be amazing, but how do you feel about tents, creepy crawlies?

Do you want to spend time looking at ancient treasures and tombs?

Are you basically a bone idle beach bum, at your happiest with a good book and a cool refreshing glass?

How about the noise, and smell and adventure of the ‘souk’ with lots of hassle and excitement?

Is sophistication necessary for enjoyment?

Be in no doubt the continent of Africa offers a great variety of vacation opportunities.

From Egypt on the northeastern coast to the game reserves of Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, there is something for everybody.

The most popular tourist areas are those bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the northeastern coast, such as Tunisia, and Morocco, then the islands of the Seychelles.

An area of increasing popularity in South Africa is a wine tour.

At the opposite end of the continent several thousand miles away, Egypt is home to countless antiquities.

A visit to Africa should be made with great care, as it is too large to tackle in one trip.

You need to focus on a region and allow enough time to adequately see that area of the continent.

Is it safe to travel there at the moment, does anyone know where I can find a official government site which advises on places that are dangerous to travel to.

Thanks

Best answer:

Answer by swn in kenya
the unrest was politically instigated after the elections. there is no chaos in Kenya at all now. we are back to the most peaceful country that the world has known for a long time.

even during the unrest, there were tourists that were still arriving and going to the wildlife parks that did not get affected at all. There are people who were still enjoying the sunshine on the beaches at the coast same time. so don’t get worried. Culprit is the international media that highlighted the chaotic spots and never came back to mend the damage caused when tranquility returned.

Give your answer to this question below!

Best answer:

Answer by deanna w
I’ve been to several places in Africa. Just lately I returned from Egypt and for my money its the best place i’ve ever been. Afterall it is the cradle of civilization.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!