24/7 Support · All Quotes in KES · Kenya Safari Specialists
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We have answered the questions we hear most often. Browse by category or email us directly for a personal reply.
Getting Started
How do I book a tour with Alval Safaris?
Start by emailing us at info@alvalsafaris.com, messaging us on WhatsApp, or filling in our contact form. Once we know your destination, dates, group size, and budget our team will send you a personalised itinerary within 24 hours. You review it, suggest any changes, and once you are happy we confirm your booking with a deposit.
What deposit is required to secure a booking?
We require a 30% deposit to confirm all bookings. The remaining balance is due 30 days before travel. For bookings made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required upfront. All amounts are quoted and payable in KES.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfers, M-Pesa (Kenya-based clients), Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. You will receive a receipt and booking confirmation immediately upon payment. All pricing is in Kenyan Shillings with no hidden currency conversion fees.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellations more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus a small administration fee. Cancellations 30 to 60 days before departure forfeit the deposit. Cancellations within 30 days of travel are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen changes. Please request our full cancellation policy document for complete terms.
Can I modify my itinerary after booking?
Yes. Minor adjustments such as adding activities, changing accommodation preferences, or tweaking dates can usually be accommodated at no extra charge if made well in advance. Changes closer to departure may incur amendment fees depending on supplier terms. Simply contact your travel consultant and we will do our best to accommodate you.
On Safari in Kenya
What is the best time of year to go on safari in Kenya?
Kenya offers excellent game viewing year-round. Two periods stand out. July to October is peak Great Migration season in the Maasai Mara with wildebeest river crossings at their most dramatic. January to March is outstanding in Amboseli, Samburu, and Laikipia with fewer crowds and competitive pricing. The green season from November to June brings lush scenery, newborn wildlife, and reduced lodge rates. Our team will help you time your trip based on your preferred destinations.
Will I see the Big Five on a Kenya safari?
No operator can guarantee specific sightings as nature is wild and unpredictable. That said, Kenya’s parks consistently rank among the best in Africa for Big Five sightings. Our guides have deep bush experience and we select routes and lodges specifically to maximise your chances. The vast majority of our guests see all five on every multi-day safari.
What vehicles do you use for game drives?
We use purpose-built 4×4 safari vehicles, typically Toyota Land Cruisers and pop-top minivans, fitted with wide roof hatches for 360 degree photography, charging ports, binoculars, and a cool box with water. All vehicles are regularly serviced and carry first aid kits. Private safari clients have exclusive use of the vehicle and guide for the entire trip.
Are your safaris suitable for children and families?
Yes. Kenya is one of the world’s most family-friendly safari destinations. We select child-friendly lodges with family rooms and junior ranger programmes, and design shorter, more varied game drives to keep children engaged. Amboseli and the Maasai Mara are perennial family favourites. Please share the ages of your children when enquiring so we can tailor the experience.
How long should my Kenya safari be?
We recommend a minimum of 4 nights to truly experience the bush. To combine two parks such as Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, or to add a beach extension in Diani, 7 to 10 days is ideal. Short 2 to 3 day safaris are possible from Nairobi. We will advise the best duration based on your specific destinations and interests.
Can you arrange a hot air balloon safari?
Yes, and it is one of the most extraordinary Kenya experiences. Drifting silently over the Maasai Mara at dawn, watching the savanna come alive below, is unforgettable. Balloon safaris depart at first light, last about one hour, and end with a traditional champagne bush breakfast. We recommend booking early especially for peak season July to October.
Getting There
Can you book international flights for me?
Yes. We book international flights on all major airlines flying into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Mombasa’s Moi International Airport. We search across multiple carriers to find the best fares, routings, and connections. Simply tell us your departure city, travel dates, and preferred class of travel.
Do you book domestic flights within Kenya?
Yes. Within Kenya we book scheduled and charter flights with SafariLink, AirKenya, Kenya Airways, and Fly540. A short hop from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara takes around 45 minutes and can replace a 5 to 6 hour road journey where it makes sense for your itinerary and budget.
Is it better to fly or drive to the parks?
Both have real merit. Flying saves time and is ideal for shorter trips or those combining multiple destinations. The road journey to Amboseli or the Mara through the Great Rift Valley is itself a scenic experience with flexibility for spontaneous stops. For extended safaris covering two or more parks, a combination of road and air is often the most practical approach. We will advise based on your itinerary, timeline, and budget.
Can you help with seat upgrades, stopovers, or special meal requests?
Yes. We handle seat preferences, special meals (vegetarian, halal, kosher, and others), extra baggage allowances, and lounge access where available as part of our full-service ticketing. We also advise on attractive stopover options for travellers routing through major African hubs.
Where You Stay
What types of accommodation do you offer?
We work with a carefully vetted portfolio ranging from luxury tented camps in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli, boutique lodges across Kenya, beach resorts in Diani and Watamu, to Nairobi city hotels for arrival and transit nights. We also arrange community conservancy camps where your stay directly supports local conservation efforts.
What does full board mean at safari lodges?
Full Board includes accommodation, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and typically two game drives per day. Drinks are usually charged separately. All Inclusive adds house wines, beers, soft drinks, and sometimes additional activities. We will always specify exactly what is included in every quote.
Can lodges cater for special dietary requirements?
Most properties in our portfolio handle requirements including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and common allergies. We communicate all dietary needs directly to the property at booking and follow up before your arrival. Please inform us when enquiring.
Entry Requirements
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
Kenya uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system. Most nationalities apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel. The eTA is typically processed within 72 hours. We recommend applying at least two weeks before departure and will guide you through the exact requirements for your nationality.
How long can I stay in Kenya as a tourist?
Most visitors are granted entry for up to 90 days per visit under the eTA. Always ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of entry and at least one blank page for entry stamps. Specific conditions may vary depending on your nationality.
Can Alval Safaris assist with visa applications?
Yes. We assist with the Kenya eTA process and can advise on outbound visas for destinations including Dubai, Schengen countries, Turkey, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. Our team handles documentation, application guidance, and follow-up so the process is smooth and stress-free.
Staying Safe
Do I need vaccinations before travelling to Kenya?
Always consult your GP or travel health clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Commonly recommended vaccinations for East Africa include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio boosters, and Yellow Fever if arriving from an endemic country. Antimalarial medication is strongly advised for most safari areas. This is not medical advice — please consult a healthcare professional for guidance specific to your health and itinerary.
Is Kenya safe to travel in?
Kenya is among Africa’s most visited and well-managed destinations. National parks, safari lodges, beach resorts, and major hotels operate with robust security. As with any destination, sensible precautions apply: use reputable operators, avoid displaying valuables, and check current travel advisories from your government. Our team monitors conditions continuously and advises honestly.
What happens in a medical emergency on safari?
All Alval Safaris guides are trained in first aid and carry comprehensive kits. Most luxury lodges have resident nurses and connections to medical evacuation services. AMREF Flying Doctors provides air ambulance services across East Africa. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Our team is reachable at all times via info@alvalsafaris.com or WhatsApp.
Business & Groups
What corporate travel services do you offer?
Our corporate division offers flight bookings, business hotel reservations across Nairobi and the wider region, airport transfers, executive ground transportation, conference and MICE travel, and team retreats across East Africa. We provide a dedicated account manager and consolidated invoicing in KES.
Can you manage travel for an entire organisation?
Yes. We manage travel for companies ranging from small businesses to large NGOs and multinationals operating in East Africa. Corporate accounts include tailored reporting, consolidated invoicing in KES, negotiated rates, and a single point of contact for all travel needs. Contact us to discuss a corporate travel management agreement.
Do you plan team-building safaris and incentive travel?
This is one of our specialities. A private game reserve is one of the most powerful settings for team bonding and strategy retreats. We design bespoke corporate safari experiences from exclusive lodge buyouts with facilitated workshops to guided bush walks and community engagements with Maasai communities in the heart of the Mara.