Kenya Tour Packages from Kolkata

July to October is the most popular period, dry and coinciding with the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. January to March is also dry and good for game viewing, while the rainy months bring lush scenery and fewer vehicles.

The Masai Mara tops the list for lions, cheetahs and the migration river crossings. Amboseli offers elephant herds with Kilimanjaro in the background. Other favourite places to visit in Kenya include Lake Nakuru for rhinos and flamingos, Lake Naivasha for boat rides among hippos, Samburu for rarer species, and Nairobi's Giraffe Centre and elephant orphanage. Travellers with more time often add Tsavo, one of the country's largest parks, or a few days on the Indian Ocean coast at Mombasa or Diani.

Game drives in a safari vehicle and park entry fees for the listed reserves are usually part of the package. The Great Migration generally reaches the Masai Mara between July and October, though timing shifts with the rains and river crossings can never be guaranteed. A hot-air balloon safari is typically optional.

Kenya works well for families and seniors on a guided safari, with comfortable lodges and game drives in covered vehicles. Roads to the parks can be bumpy and long, so seniors with back problems should mention it while booking. Kenya tour packages from Kolkata build in rest breaks between drives.

The tour generally includes return flights, lodge or hotel stays, transfers, game drives, park fees as listed, meals as per the itinerary and a Tour Manager. Inclusions differ between departures, so compare lodge categories, the number of game drives and optional activities before booking. That way the full value is clear, and you can budget for extras like a balloon safari or a Maasai village visit.

Nairobi has a large Indian community and many Indian restaurants, and safari lodges are used to preparing vegetarian meals. Tour meals are planned with Indian tastes in mind, so share your preference at booking.

Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (KES). US dollars are useful for tips and souvenirs, and cards work at hotels and larger shops. Carry newer dollar notes, as older ones are sometimes refused.

Indian roaming works in Kenya but can be costly. A local SIM from Nairobi airport is cheap with decent coverage, though signal is patchy in parts of the parks, where lodges often have Wi-Fi.

Kenya's safari circuit is generally safe for couples, solo women travellers and senior citizens travelling in a group. In Nairobi, avoid walking alone at night and use arranged transport. Always follow your driver-guide's instructions in the parks. Kenya holiday packages make things easier, with lodges, transfers and a Tour Manager arranged.

Your Tour Manager travels with the group and is the first person to call in an emergency. They coordinate medical help, including evacuation arrangements from remote parks where needed, work with lodges and transport, and adjust plans where possible. Carry passport copies, medicines, emergency contacts and insurance details.