Book Memorable Africa mission safari trips and wildlife safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda & Rwanda with African Retreat Tours & Travel. Start your safari in Nairobi and beach resorts of Mombasa, Diani, Malindi & Watamu
Planning a mission trip to Kenya with African Retreat Tours & Travel Limited? That’s fantastic! It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with the local communities, contribute meaningfully, and experience the beauty of this East African nation firsthand.
To help you prepare for this impactful journey, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions. Whether you’re curious about logistics, cultural considerations, or how you can make the most of your time, you’ll find valuable insights here to guide you.
Let’s dive in and address some of the common queries that arise when envisioning a mission trip to Kenya.
The best time to go on a Kenya safari largely depends on your specific interests and the regions you plan to visit. However, there are general trends and peak seasons to consider:
Dry Seasons (Best for General Wildlife Viewing):
Wet Seasons (Good for Birdwatching, Lush Landscapes, and Lower Prices):
Specific Considerations:
In summary:
Ultimately, the “best” time to visit Kenya depends on your priorities and what you hope to experience during your safari.
Yes, all travellers to Kenya including children require Kenya Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
The Kenya Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an online travel authorization system implemented by the Kenyan government to streamline the entry process for foreign visitors. It replaces the traditional visa system for certain nationalities, allowing travelers to apply for authorization to enter Kenya electronically before their trip.
We’re excited to share that Kenya’s journey into digital travel facilitation has taken a leap forward with the launch of the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) online platform. Visit www.etakenya.go.ke to experience this seamless new system, effective from 4th January 2024. This applies to all international travelers, including our youngest adventurers, with the exception of Kenyan citizens and East African Community (EAC) partner states residents.
Your ETA Application Checklist:
Additional Requirements for Certain Travelers:
Application Timeline: You can apply for your ETA up to 3 months before your planned arrival in Kenya.
What Happens After You Apply? Once you’ve submitted your application, look out for an email notification. Upon approval, you’ll receive an ETA receipt with a reference number, which you can use to check your application status on the ETA website.
Processing Time: It typically takes 3 working days to process your ETA.
Please Note: This new ETA system replaces previous visa entry requirements in Kenya. However, if you’ve already applied for an e-visa, don’t worry – it will still be honored within its 90-day validity period.
Application Steps for Your Convenience:
Total Cost: The standard processing fee is $32.50, plus a bank fee of $1.59, totaling $34.09.
Remember, Kenya is waiting for you with open arms and a heart full of adventure. If you have any questions or need assistance, we are always here to help make your African safari dream a reality!
The weather varies depending on the region and altitude. Generally, daytime temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), and evenings can be cooler, between 50°F and 65°F (10°C to 18°C). There are typically two rainy seasons: October to December and March to June.
From witnessing millions of wildebeest, zebra and other antelope traverse the plains of the Serengeti to ascending to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro or sipping chilled drink on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers travellers some of the most diverse safari experiences in Africa.
A vibrant and beautiful country with exceptional parks and reserves, Tanzania is blessed with the winning combination of unparalleled game viewing and dazzling tropical beaches. Because Tanzania is so vast (almost 1.5 times the size of Texas), it helps to divide the country’s major holiday destinations into four areas:
Although gorilla trekking in Uganda is considered a year-round activity, the humid rainy seasons and muddy terrain can make it extra challenging and lessen the chances of spotting the gorillas. To make it easier for your client, we recommend traveling during the dry seasons from January to February and June to September.
A safari is a casual affair. Safari dress is casual, preferably neutral colours (e.g. khaki, brown or green); T-shirts and shorts/skirts for the day; long-sleeved cool shirts and long pants with socks for evenings outdoors (for the mosquitoes); good walking shoes; swimsuit; warm sweater or light coat for early morning and night safari drives; polarizing sunglasses; a hat or cap; a good camera and plenty of film (you will not be able to get the film you need in remote areas); sun block cream (SPF 30 or higher)
If you are prone to sunburn; malaria medication; insect repellent (often supplied by your lodge); scarf and gloves for cool evenings especially in the winter months (June – August) – yes, it can be cold in the early mornings and evenings; and a good pair of binoculars (essential).
Following is a list to help you
1. Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarized – tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
2. Bush Hat
3. T-shirts and one long-sleeved cotton shirt
4. Shorts/ skirts
5. Long trousers/slacks
6. Track suit
7. Underwear and socks
8. Good walking shoes (running/ tennis shoes are fine)
9. Thongs/sandals
10. Swimsuit
11. Warm winter sweater
12. Warm Anorak or Parka (important for the cold winter mornings i.e. June – August)
13. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
14. Camera equipment and plenty of film.
15. Binocular (Favorite pair)-
16. Personal toiletries
17. Malaria tablets
18. Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
19. Anti-histamine cream
20. Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Raid, Jungle Juice, etc
21. Basic medical kit (aspirins, Band-Aids), Imodium, antiseptic cream etc)
22. Tissues/ “Wet Ones”
23. Visas, tickets, passports, money etc
24. A flashlight. Please bring spare batteries and a spare bulb as these are unobtainable in lodges and camps.
25. Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April)
26. Scarf for the winter months (IE. May to September)
If you are going to be staying in the major cities then bring along formal clothing for evening wear.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry season between the months of December to March, and June to September. Not only will the terrain be easier to navigate, it will also be much easier to spot gorillas hidden within the bamboo forests. It is important to note, however, that though it may be the dry season, the weather in Rwanda is notoriously unpredictable so advise your clients to pack a raincoat and waterproof hiking gear.
A mission trip to Kenya involves traveling to the country to serve and support local communities through various activities, often with a religious or humanitarian focus. These trips can range from a few weeks to several months.
The work varies greatly depending on the organization and the needs of the community. It can include:
Safety can vary depending on the specific location and circumstances. It’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Some areas near the borders with Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan are considered high-risk. Crime, including armed carjacking, mugging, and home invasion, can occur. It’s advised to avoid walking after dark, being vigilant in crowded areas, and not displaying valuables. Always follow the guidance of your mission organization leaders, who should be familiar with the local context and safety protocols.
Researching Kenyan culture, customs, and etiquette is important. Be mindful of dressing modestly, respecting local traditions, and being aware of non-verbal communication.
With a combined experienced of 30 years in organizing mission trips and wildlife safaris in Kenya & East Africa, African Retreat Tours stands as a distinguished family-owned business firmly grounded in Christian principles. At the heart of our enterprise, we specialize in curating bespoke tours and orchestrating short-term journeys to the beautiful continent of Africa. However, our purpose transcends mere travel; it is a means for forging connections, fostering spiritual growth, and igniting a ripple effect of positive change.
Elevate your travel experience with our premium car hire and rental services, available not only in Nairobi but spanning across the entire captivating landscape of Kenya. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional value at competitive rates, all while providing you with the expertise of a seasoned driver-guide to enhance your journey. When it comes to reliable and comfortable transportation, we are your trusted choice for exploring Kenya’s diverse landscape.
7 SEATER MINI-VAN
Our 7-seater mini-van, is the perfect choice for your group’s transportation needs. Whether you’re embarking on a family adventure, traveling with friends, or exploring Kenya’s scenic landscapes, our mini-van provides ample space and comfort for everyone on board. With room to spare for luggage and a driver-guide at your service, you can enjoy a seamless and enjoyable journey, making your travel experiences in Kenya even more memorable
4X4 TOYOTA LANDCRUIZER .
Step into the world of adventure and reliability with our 4×4 Toyota Landcruiser. Known for its ruggedness and versatility, the Landcruiser is the ideal companion for your exploration. Whether you’re navigating challenging terrains, embarking on a safari, or simply seeking the thrill of off-road adventures, this iconic vehicle has you covered. Get behind the wheel or relax in the spacious interior, knowing that you’re in a vehicle designed to conquer the toughest journeys while ensuring your comfort and safety. Discover Kenya and beyond with confidence in our 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser.
LUXURY 25-33 SEATER BUS.
Introducing our luxury 25-33 seater bus, where opulence and comfort combine to redefine your travel experience. Step aboard this spacious and lavishly appointed vehicle, designed to cater to your every need. Indulge in the finer things as you enjoy the journey in air-conditioned bliss, surrounded by plush seating and ample legroom. Our luxury bus offers an exquisite travel atmosphere, perfect for a variety of occasions, from corporate events and group excursions to weddings and special celebrations. With a focus on your comfort and style, our luxury bus is equipped to make every moment of your journey exceptional. Whether you’re planning a grand event or a leisurely trip, our 25-33 seater bus ensures that elegance and comfort are always at the forefront of your travel experience.
SAFARI MINIVAN FOR HIRE.
When it comes to safari adventures within Kenya’s majestic parks, the safari tour van reigns supreme as the top choice and preferred vehicle. With a generous capacity of up to 8 passengers, it offers the ideal blend of space and intimacy, perfect for your safari group.
One of the notable advantages is its affordability compared to the Jeep LandCruiser, ensuring that your safari experience is not only memorable but also budget-friendly. Our safari tour van is thoughtfully equipped with a UHF radio call system, allowing seamless communication, a pop-up game viewing roof that enhances your wildlife sightings, a robust heavy-duty suspension for tackling diverse terrains, and side windows that provide maximum comfort while ensuring you capture the best game viewing photographs.
PRADO.
The Toyota 4WD Prado stands as a testament to impressive luxury fused with robust adaptability. This exceptional vehicle is tailor-made for adventure enthusiasts and those with a need for speed. Distinguished by its cruise control feature, the Prado ensures a seamless experience, maintaining constant speed both uphill and downhill. Its elevated height makes it the perfect companion for safaris, allowing you to capture stunning photography from just the right vantage point. Plus, the comfortable back seats can be effortlessly folded flat, creating ample space for all your luggage and gear.
Inside the Prado’s refined interior, you’ll find a world of entertainment with an FM Radio, and MP3/4 player capability, ensuring that your journeys are accompanied by your favorite tunes. With generous baggage space and a plush, comfortable interior, the Toyota 4WD Prado offers an all-encompassing experience that combines luxury, convenience, and rugged versatility.
RAV 4
When it comes to making a smart choice for your travel needs, the 4×4 Toyota RAV4 takes the lead. With its spacious accommodations and impeccable style, it’s the ideal vehicle for a wide range of adventures. Enjoy the convenience of a chauffeur-driven experience with unlimited mileage, allowing you to embark on endless journeys of discovery and excitement.
The elegant and eye-catching 4×4 Toyota RAV4 is not only budget-friendly but also perfect for both off-road adventures and urban commuting. Its all-wheel-drive capability makes it a reliable companion in all weather conditions, ensuring your journeys are worry-free. With comfortable seating for up to 5 passengers, it’s an excellent choice for family safaris, park explorations, and conference attendance.
Payment Methods
African Retreat Tours accepts online payment by credit card, direct swift banking payment, paypal with extra charges for transactions, cheques and PDQ Credit card payments (21 days before safari).
Bank Transfers takes 2-5 Days to be reflected in our accounts and incurs charges on sending the money.
Charges on Payments
Cards via PDQ Machine and Online Credit Payments deducts you between 3% and 6% per transaction.
Essential items include your passport, spending money, copies of important documents, a Bible, a camera, a power adapter, a flashlight, a pen and notebook, toiletries, personal medications, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and quick-drying towels. Modest clothing is essential, including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and below-the-knee skirts or dresses for women. Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are also crucial.
An estimated 2,000 languages are spoken throughout Africa. In several African countries, English is used for official documents and formal written communication. Many African countries have several official languages, one of them being English. Hundreds of millions of people speak English in Africa: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa and Kenya have the highest number of English speakers.
Safari guides are very likely to speak English as well as other languages. If you have a preference for a language, ask your safari operator to arrange this in advance.
For your interest, we have listed some of the popular African Safari countries with their official languages.
| Country | Official Languages |
| Botswana | English, Tswana |
| Kenya | English, Swahili |
| Madagascar | English, Malagasy, French |
| Namibia | English |
| South Africa | English, Afrikaans, 9 Bantu languages |
| Tanzania | English, Swahili |
| Uganda | English, Swahili |
| Zambia | Bemba, Nyanja, English |
| Zimbabwe | Shona, Ndebele, English |
Most mission trips are open to adults and youth (sometimes with a parent or guardian). Some are specifically for church groups, medical professionals, construction teams, or other specialized groups.
Many organizations offer fundraising guidance and tools. You can reach out to family and friends, your church, and explore online fundraising platforms.
Vaccinations are highly recommended, though not always required. Malaria medication is typically required as many areas have frequent outbreaks. It’s also wise to have a preventative antibiotic prescription. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to get personalized advice on necessary and recommended vaccinations and medications.
Accommodation varies depending on the mission and location. You might stay in missionary housing, a children’s center, a local guesthouse, or even with host families.
On safaris, you will stay in standard safari lodges or tented camps with ensuite rooms
While Swahili and English are the official languages, English is widely spoken, especially among younger adults. Knowing some basic Swahili phrases can be helpful and appreciated, but it’s usually not a requirement.
The word safari means “journey” in Swahili. Originally from the Arabic (safara) meaning travel. The verb for “to travel” in Swahili is “safiri“, the noun for the journey is “safari”. These words are used for any type of journey, e.g. by bus from Nairobi to Mombasa. A safari therefore is an overland journey.
Short-term mission trips with African Retreat Tours can range from a week to a few months. Some organizations also offer longer-term volunteer or internship opportunities.
Africa is a safe place to visit on a wildlife safari arranged by African Retreat Tours. Make sure you find out about the safari agency and the African country you want to visit as much as you can, and once there, follow some common-sense guidelines.
Here are some general guidelines that will keep you safe in Africa:
Absolutely! A lot of safari lodges welcome younger children (although there are quite a few that do have age restrictions such as only above 6, 8 or even 13 years of age), and you should keep in mind that kids can become restless on long game drives or scared if they see an elephant or lion close by from an open vehicle.
For younger children the best option is probably a family-friendly safari lodge / tented camp in a malaria-free area of East Africa, where the lodge will provide specific kiddies game drives and activities.
Older children can enjoy all the same experiences as the adults, but again we find that larger lodges where there are other kids about tend to be the best choice for most people with families.
Whatever the age of your kids, you will probably find that you want to mix things up a bit and include a beach or other activities as well as the safari – have a look at our suggestions for family safari holidays to get some ideas.
For the most part, a full day on safari will start with an early-morning wake-up followed by a game drive that starts at sunrise.
After a game drive of around 3 hours or so, you will return to the lodge or camp for breakfast and have some free-time to rest, sleep, go on a guided game walk (where offered).
The afternoon game drive will head out towards the end of the day, and you will usually return to the lodge after dark if you are staying somewhere that allows this.
There are some places where the day might start a little later, and you may have an early breakfast at the lodge or camp before heading out for a full day game drive into a park.
This tends to be more common in East Africa (particularly if you are with a driver guide) and also in national parks where game drives are not allowed out before dawn or after sundown.
Cancellation, interruption and emergency medical travel insurance is essential to protect your investment. Travel insurance should be purchased when you confirm your safari with a deposit.
Please note that emergency medical coverage is a condition of booking a trip with African Retreat Tours.
If you are going to buy a new camera for your African safari, then I suggest you buy a digital SLR camera.
Both Nikon and Canon produce very good, affordable digital SLRs. You will need a good size telephoto zoom lens, at the very least a 200mm lens, and ideally a 300mm lens. Nikon and Canon also have lenses with new technology called Vibration Reduction on Nikon and Image Stabilization with Canon. These lenses have a feature which you can turn on to reduce the old problem of camera shake.
Whilst it might not appear obvious at first, you can actually tell quite a lot about a safari park or game reserve by its name, and it can be important to understand the differences between National Parks, Private Concessions, Private Game Reserves, and Nature Reserves. Broadly speaking:
National Parks are run by the government – they are usually large and in some of the best locations with excellent wildlife. They tend have very strict rules for visitors, and the government run accommodation is often fairly basic, however many national parks also have some privately run lodges and camps.
Private Concessions are usually government or community-owned land that has been leased to a private company for them to manage the land and operate safaris for visitors. This is faily common in Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania.
Private Game Reserves are really a South African phenomenon, although there asre some in other countries as well. These are privately run reserves, often bordering larger national parks, and the very best can offer some of the most memorable game viewing experiences as the guides have greater freedom to track the wildlife off-road. Most private reserves are smaller than National Parks althought some can be quite large.
Nature Reserves can be government or privately owned, and they usually have a greater emphasis on landscapes, scenery, and maybe some animals such as antelope, zebra and giraffe (plains game). Nature Reserves would not normally have the Big 5, and the emphasis is much more on enjoying the nature around you rather than going out to track particular types of animal.
Single supplements are charges added to solo travellers or any person in a group that’s on safari, occupying a single room.
Most hotels provide double rooms for people sharing a room which is a common costing price by Hotels/Camps/Lodges. That’s why we have quoted all our safaris as per person sharing and a minimum of two pax per safari.
The Big 5 are lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo – these were deemed to be the animals that were most difficult to hunt on foot, and who, when cornered, presented the most danger to the hunter. The safaris we book for our clients are all photographic safaris, but seeing the Big 5 remains a major highlight for visitors to Africa.
Vaccinations that need to be considered are Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid, we suggest you contact a travelers clinic for specific recommendations for the country you are traveling to. A Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are traveling to Zanzibar.
Each country has a different emergency police number. To make it easy for you, we have listed the emergency numbers for the top African safari countries.
| Country | Emergency Police Number |
| Botswana | 999 |
| Kenya | 911, 999, 112 |
| Madagascar | 117 |
| Namibia | 10111 |
| South Africa | 10111 |
| Tanzania | 112 |
| Uganda | 112 |
| Zambia | 999 |
| Zimbabwe | 999 |
A safari will always depend with your budget and the desired days of stay.
African Retreat Tours recommends 3 days and above for a safari within East Africa.
For Family Safaris, African Retreat Tours & Travel recommend more than 7 days and above for great experiences and child exposure.
Honeymoon Safaris are one of the many categories African Retreat Tours & Travel offers and its recommended to take more than 7 days.
Photography Safaris depends with your exact type of photography you want such as big cats, birds, landscapes and others. African Retreat Tours & Travel Recommends more than 14 Days.
Binoculars are very important. You will not always have the animals under your nose! A good pair of 8 x 30 or 8 x 42 would be ideal. The small pocket pairs can become frustrating to use unless they are a very good make.
All the camps and lodges that we use in Africa supply filtered and bottled water. We do encourage people not to over use the bottled water, for enviromental reasons; it is always a good idea to take a personal water flask with you, which can be filled up by the camps clean water supply.
Power in the lodges varies from area to area; for the most part 12 volt battery power is provided, which is charged by generators whilst you are out of camp during the day. You will be able to charge your camera batteries whilst staying in a lodge. On the camping and canoeing safaris the lights are limited to hurricane lamps and flashlights, for charging batteries etc. you can use an adapter to plug into the vehicle power outlet.
The cost typically covers food, lodging, and transportation within Kenya. Those that have a safari extension also include park entrance fees
In addition to game drives, safari activities may include guided nature walks, birdwatching, hot air balloon safaris, cultural visits to local communities, and visits to conservation projects or wildlife sanctuaries.
Accommodation options on safari range from luxury lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly campsites and guesthouses.
The wildebeest migration is an annual natural phenomenon in which millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and other herbivores, migrate in search of greener pastures between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
National parks are government-managed protected areas set aside for conservation and wildlife viewing, while conservancies are privately owned or community-owned areas managed for conservation and sustainable tourism.
The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). While major credit cards are accepted at many lodges, camps, and larger establishments, it’s advisable to carry some cash for purchases at smaller shops or markets.
Yes, on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, can be visible from certain areas in Kenya, such as Amboseli National Park.
If you encounter a wild animal on safari, it’s important to remain calm, keep a safe distance, and follow the instructions of your safari guide. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that may startle the animal, and never attempt to approach or feed wild animals.
African Retreat Tours & Travel Ltd is licensed under the Kenya Tourism Regulatory Authority ( TRA ) and is also a bonded a Member of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators ( KATO ) – Membership No. AS/751. The scheme is insured to guarantee your Holiday safari in the unlikely event that a bonded KATO member ceases operating.
African Retreat Tours & Travel Limited is a leading fully registered & accredited responsible travel company in Kenya that specializes in affordable & life-changing mission trips and wildlife safaris.
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African Retreat Tours does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, or any other factor. We are committed to providing services to all.
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