By Renuka Natu
What makes Kenya a good travel destination?
The promise and guarantee of spotting the wild animals all year round.
Top 3 things that every traveller must know about Safari experience in Kenya?
• When you observe the behaviour of the animals in their habitat, you can’t miss the uncanny semblance they have to human behaviour – especially the male Lion, lazing around while the Lioness works hard to get a kill & feed the family
• So many words in Swahili and Hindi are similar – Safari (Safar) = Journey; Duka (Dukan) = Shop; Gari (Gaadi) = Car; Dava (Daru) = Alcohol …..
• The huge ethnic Indian influence, especially the Gujarati influence, where sometime even the local Kenyan might throw in a phrase like “Biju kai?” in a restaurant
When is the best time to go on safari in Kenya?
It is a year-round destination. Once is never enough
Ideally one must visit, once during migration season and once during the non-migration season.
What items and clothing should one pack when travelling to Kenya?
Travel very light
-Light Jacket
-One open & 1 closed pair of shoes
-Cotton / Linen Shirts
-Cotton Trousers / Track pants
-Hat
-Bandana
-Glares
-Glasses (no Contact lenses)
-Lip Balm, Sunscreen, hair-oil
What sort of preparations do you need to make before travelling to Africa?
One must take Yellow Fever Vaccination and Polio Vaccination (oral) which is a requirement by Indian Ministry.
When is the great migration?
Mid-June – Mid Sep (depending upon the rain pattern)
Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals?
Locals are mostly into cattle rearing, but also hold white collared jobs today.
They are strongly rooted & connected to their families
What are the local delicacies/drinks which one must try in Kenya?
Food: Game Meat: Ostrich/ Crocodile/ Ox etc, Kasava (Tapioka chips)
Drinks: Tusker Beer
According to you what is the best thing about going on a safari in Kenya?
Being in absolute nature, which is supremely calming. Not many digital/technological distractions. As a family, Safari Van is the best place to bond & reconnect!
“Once is never enough, you have to visit Kenya multiple times if you love the wildlife & the bush”