Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking your African adventure or travel experience with Alval Safaris.
We’ve answered the questions we hear most often. Browse by category below, or email us at info@alvalsafaris.com if you’d like a personal answer from one of our Africa travel specialists.
Booking & Payments
How do I book a tour with Alval Safaris?
Booking with us is simple. Start by emailing us at info@alvalsafaris.com, messaging us on WhatsApp, or visiting our contact page. Once we understand your requirements — destination, dates, group size, interests, and budget — our team will prepare a personalised itinerary within 24 hours. You review, suggest changes, and once you’re happy, we confirm the booking with a deposit. All packages are quoted in KES.
What deposit is required to secure a booking?
We require a 30% deposit to confirm and secure all bookings. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your travel date. For last-minute bookings made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required upfront. Flexible payment arrangements can be discussed for corporate and group bookings. All amounts are quoted and payable in KES.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfers (local and international wire), M-Pesa (for Kenya-based clients), Visa/Mastercard, and PayPal. All transactions are processed securely and you will receive a receipt and official booking confirmation immediately upon payment. Card payments may attract a small processing fee. All pricing is in Kenyan Shillings (KES) — no hidden currency conversion surprises.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus a small administration fee. Cancellations 30–60 days before departure forfeit the deposit. Cancellations within 30 days of travel are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen cancellations. Please request our full cancellation policy document for complete terms.
Can I modify my itinerary after booking?
Absolutely — we understand that plans evolve. 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 dedicated travel consultant and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate you.
Do you offer travel insurance?
We do not sell insurance directly, but we strongly advise all travellers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. A good policy should cover trip cancellation, medical evacuation, emergency repatriation, lost baggage, and delays. We are happy to recommend reputable insurance providers and guide you on the cover levels appropriate for your Africa trip.
Safaris & Game Drives
What is the best time of year to go on safari in Kenya?
Kenya offers exceptional game viewing year-round, but two periods stand out:
- July – October — Peak Great Migration season in the Maasai Mara. Wildebeest river crossings are at their most dramatic. Dry weather makes game viewing outstanding.
- January – March — Excellent in Amboseli (Kilimanjaro clear skies), Samburu, and Laikipia. Fewer crowds and competitive pricing.
- November – June — Green season brings lush scenery, newborn wildlife, and outstanding birding. Some lodges offer reduced rates.
Our specialists will help you time your trip perfectly based on your preferred destinations and experiences.
Will I definitely see the Big Five on a Kenya safari?
No responsible operator can guarantee specific wildlife sightings — nature is wild and unpredictable, which is precisely what makes it thrilling. That said, Kenya’s parks consistently rank among the best in Africa for Big Five sightings. Our guides have deep bush experience and know the terrain intimately. We select routes, parks, and lodges specifically to maximise your chances. The vast majority of our guests see all five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — on every multi-day safari.
What type of vehicles do you use for game drives?
We use purpose-built 4×4 safari vehicles — typically Toyota Land Cruisers and custom pop-top minivans — fitted with wide-opening roof hatches for unobstructed 360° photography, charging ports, binoculars, and a cool box stocked with water and refreshments. All vehicles are regularly serviced and equipped with first aid kits. For private safaris, you have exclusive use of the vehicle and guide for the entire trip.
Are your safaris suitable for children and families?
Kenya is one of the world’s most family-friendly safari destinations, and Alval Safaris specialises in family-tailored experiences. We select child-friendly lodges with family rooms and junior ranger programmes. We design shorter, more varied game drives so children stay engaged. Amboseli and the Mara are perennial family favourites. Please share the ages of your children when enquiring so we can tailor everything accordingly.
How long should my safari be?
We recommend a minimum of 4 nights / 5 days to truly immerse yourself in the bush. If you want to combine multiple parks — Amboseli and the Maasai Mara — or add a beach extension in Diani or Mombasa, 7–10 days is ideal. Short 2–3 day safaris are possible for travellers with limited time, particularly from Nairobi. For multi-country itineraries combining Kenya with Tanzania or Rwanda, 10–14 days gives you the best experience across all destinations.
Can you arrange a hot air balloon safari?
Yes — and it is one of the most extraordinary experiences Africa has to offer. Drifting silently over the Maasai Mara at dawn, watching the savanna come alive below, is utterly unforgettable. Balloon safaris depart at first light, last approximately one hour, and end with a traditional champagne bush breakfast. Due to limited capacity, we recommend booking early — especially for peak season (July–October).
East Africa & International Africa
Do you organise gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda?
Yes — gorilla trekking is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on earth and we organise it in both Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest). We handle all gorilla permit bookings, which must be secured well in advance as demand is extremely high year-round. The best seasons are June–September and December–February. We manage all flights, accommodation, and cross-border logistics so your journey is completely seamless. All packages quoted in KES.
Can you combine Kenya with Tanzania — Serengeti and Zanzibar?
Absolutely — a Kenya and Tanzania circuit is one of the most popular and rewarding itineraries in East Africa. We regularly design trips combining the Maasai Mara (Kenya) with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania), often finishing on the beaches of Zanzibar. The Serengeti calving season (January–March) and the Mara river crossings (July–October) together form an unbeatable wildlife calendar. We handle Tanzania visas, cross-border transfers, and all logistics end to end.
Do you arrange travel to Cape Town, Egypt, Morocco, Zimbabwe, and Namibia?
Yes — these African international destinations are all part of our portfolio. We arrange complete packages including flights from Nairobi, accommodation, guided tours, and on-the-ground logistics for:
- Cape Town — Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, winelands, whale watching (Sep–Nov)
- Egypt — Pyramids of Giza, Luxor temples, Nile cruises, Red Sea coast (best Oct–Apr)
- Morocco — Marrakech, Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, coastal Essaouira (best Mar–May, Sep–Nov)
- Zimbabwe — Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park (best Jun–Oct)
- Namibia — Sossusvlei, Etosha, Skeleton Coast (best May–Oct)
All packages are quoted in KES. Contact us to start planning.
Can you design a multi-country Africa itinerary in one package?
This is one of our specialities. A classic combination might be: fly Nairobi → Rwanda gorillas → Serengeti safari → Zanzibar beach — all in one seamless 14-day package managed by a single team in KES. We handle cross-border visas, internal flights, ground transfers, and accommodation across every country, so you travel as one smooth, coordinated journey rather than a patchwork of separate bookings. Tell us what excites you and we’ll design the route.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa and do I need one?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a single visa that grants entry to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda — an excellent option for multi-country travellers. It is available at port of entry and through some embassies. Tanzania requires a separate visa. The Kenyan eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is now the standard entry requirement for Kenya — apply online at etakenya.go.ke. Our team will advise you on the exact visa requirements for your specific nationality and itinerary.
Flights & Air Ticketing
Can you book international flights for me?
Yes. We book international flights on all major airlines flying into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Mombasa’s Moi International Airport (MBA), and onward to East and Southern African destinations including Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Cape Town, Entebbe, and Cairo. We search across multiple carriers to find the best fares, routings, and connections. Simply tell us your departure city, preferred travel dates, and class of travel.
Do you book domestic flights within Kenya and East Africa?
Yes. Domestic and regional flights are one of the smartest ways to cover East Africa’s distances. Within Kenya we book scheduled and charter flights with SafariLink, AirKenya, Kenya Airways, and Fly540. Regionally, we book flights between Nairobi and Kigali, Entebbe, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Johannesburg. A short hop from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara takes around 45 minutes and can replace a 5–6 hour road journey where it makes sense.
Is it better to fly or drive to the parks?
Both have real merit. Flying saves time — ideal for shorter trips or travellers combining multiple destinations. The road journey to Amboseli (4 hrs) or the Mara (5–6 hrs) through the Great Rift Valley is itself a scenic adventure with flexibility for spontaneous stops. For extended safaris covering 2–3 parks, a combination of road and air is often the most sensible and immersive approach. We’ll advise based on your specific itinerary, timeline, and budget.
Can you help with stopovers, seat upgrades, or special meal requests?
Yes — these are details we handle as part of our full-service ticketing. We arrange seat preferences, special meals (vegetarian, halal, kosher, etc.), unaccompanied minor services, extra baggage allowances, and lounge access where available. We also advise on attractive stopover destinations for travellers routing through hubs like Dubai, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Doha.
Hotels & Lodges
What types of accommodation do you offer?
We work with a carefully vetted portfolio across the full spectrum:
- Luxury tented camps — iconic safari-style canvas suites in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Serengeti
- Boutique lodges — intimate properties with exceptional food, service, and location across Kenya and East Africa
- Beach resorts — premium oceanfront properties in Diani, Malindi, Watamu, and Zanzibar
- Nairobi & city hotels — five-star business hotels and boutique guesthouses for city stays and transit nights
- Community conservancy camps — off-the-beaten-path camps in private conservancies where your stay directly funds conservation
- International Africa hotels — curated properties in Cape Town, Marrakech, Cairo, Victoria Falls, and Windhoek
What does ‘full board’ and ‘all inclusive’ mean at safari lodges?
Full Board includes accommodation, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and usually two game drives per day. Drinks are typically charged separately. All Inclusive adds house wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, and sometimes bush walks and other activities. We will always specify exactly what is included in every quote so there are no surprises.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements at lodges?
Most lodges and hotels in our portfolio handle dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, nut allergies, and more. We communicate all requirements directly to the property at booking and follow up closer to your arrival. Please inform us of any dietary needs when enquiring and we will ensure everything is arranged ahead of your arrival.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
As of January 2024, Kenya uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system. Most nationalities — including citizens of the USA, UK, EU, Australia, and many African nations — 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, with the option to extend at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi. 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 apply depending on your nationality.
Can I combine Kenya with Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda in one trip?
Absolutely — East African multi-country itineraries are among our most popular packages. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda in a single permit. Tanzania requires a separate eVisa. We handle all cross-border logistics, permits, and itinerary coordination for fully seamless journeys. Adding the Serengeti, Bwindi Gorilla Trekking, or the Rwandan highlands to a Kenya safari creates one of the most extraordinary itineraries in Africa.
Health & Safety
Do I need vaccinations before travelling to Africa?
Always consult your GP or travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Commonly recommended vaccinations for East Africa include:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio (booster)
- Meningitis (recommended for some travellers)
- Yellow Fever — mandatory if arriving from an endemic country
Antimalarial medication is strongly advised for most safari areas in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Requirements differ for Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa. This is not medical advice — please consult a healthcare professional.
Is it safe to travel in Kenya and East Africa?
Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda are among Africa’s most visited and well-managed destinations for very good reason — the vast majority of travellers have safe, extraordinary experiences. National parks, safari lodges, beach resorts, and major hotels operate with robust security. As with any destination, we recommend sensible precautions: use reputable operators like Alval Safaris, avoid displaying valuables, and check current travel advisories from your government. Our team monitors security conditions continuously and advises honestly.
What should I do in a medical emergency while 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. In East Africa, AMREF Flying Doctors provide air ambulance services — we strongly recommend purchasing their annual membership or ensuring your travel insurance covers medical evacuation. Reach our team at any time via info@alvalsafaris.com or our contact page.
Corporate Travel
What corporate travel services do you offer?
Our corporate travel division offers a full range of managed travel services:
- International and domestic flight bookings with competitive fares
- Business hotel reservations across Nairobi, Mombasa, and the wider region
- Airport transfers and executive ground transportation
- Conference and MICE travel (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions)
- Team retreats, incentive travel, and leadership safaris across East Africa
- Dedicated account manager and consolidated invoicing in KES
Can you manage travel for a large team or entire organisation?
Yes — we manage travel for companies ranging from small businesses to large NGOs and multinationals operating in East Africa. We set up dedicated corporate accounts with tailored reporting, consolidated invoicing in KES, and spending oversight. Our corporate clients benefit from negotiated rates, priority service, 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, strategy retreats, and performance recognition. We design bespoke corporate safari experiences — from exclusive lodge buyouts with facilitated workshops to adventurous team activities like guided bush walks, conservation projects with Maasai communities, and sundowner networking in the heart of the Mara. Your team will never forget it.
Still Have a Question?
Our Africa travel specialists are available 7 days a week to answer any question — no matter how big or small. Whether you’re dreaming about your first safari, planning a gorilla trek, or building a multi-country itinerary, we’d love to hear from you.