Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Mweri Expeditions different from other safari companies?
A: Mweri Expeditions offers personalized East Africa safari tours with locally-born guides who provide authentic cultural insights. We specialize in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda safaris with custom itineraries, transparent pricing, and 24/7 support throughout your journey.
Q: Which countries does Mweri Expeditions cover?
A: Mweri Expeditions specializes in Kenya safari tours, Tanzania safari tours, and Uganda safari tours. We also offer multi-country combinations and beach extensions to Zanzibar, Diani, and Lamu Island.
Q: When is the best time to visit East Africa for a safari?
A: The best time for East Africa safaris is June-October (dry season) for excellent wildlife viewing and Great Migration river crossings. December-March offers calving season and fewer crowds. We operate year-round with seasonal advantages for each period.
Q: How much does an East Africa safari cost?
A: East Africa safari costs range from $1,395 for budget group tours to $8,000+ for luxury private safaris. Average mid-range safaris cost $300-600 per person per day. Prices include accommodation, meals, park fees, guides, and vehicles.
Q: Do I need a visa for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda?
A: Yes, most visitors need visas. Kenya e-visa costs $50, Tanzania e-visa $50-100, Uganda e-visa $50. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days but does NOT include Tanzania.
Q: How do I book a safari with Mweri Expeditions?
A: Contact us at +254 720 454 755 or info@mweriexpeditions.com. We’ll design a custom itinerary based on your preferences, provide a detailed quote, and secure your booking with a 50% deposit. Balance is due 45 days before departure.
Q: Can you combine safari with beach holidays?
A: Absolutely! We specialize in safari-beach combinations. Popular options include Kenya safari + Diani Beach, Tanzania safari + Zanzibar, and multi-country tours with coastal extensions. Perfect for honeymoons and family holidays.
Q: Are Mweri Expeditions safaris suitable for families with children?
A: Yes! Most Kenya and Tanzania safaris welcome children of all ages. Uganda gorilla trekking requires minimum age 15, chimpanzee tracking age 12. We design family-friendly itineraries with shorter drives and interactive activities.
2. KENYA SAFARIS
Q: When is the best time to visit Masai Mara for the Great Migration?
A: The best time for Masai Mara Great Migration is July-October when wildebeest cross the Mara River. Peak crossing months are August-September. However, Masai Mara offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round with resident Big Five populations.
Q: Can I see all Big Five animals on a Kenya safari?
A: Yes! Kenya safari tours in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, and Tsavo offer excellent Big Five viewing (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino). Lake Nakuru is particularly famous for rhino sightings in its sanctuary.
Q: How much does a Kenya safari cost?
A: Kenya safari costs range from $1,395 for 4-day group tours to $6,000+ for luxury private safaris. Budget safaris: $250-400/day. Mid-range: $400-600/day. Luxury: $600-1,500+/day. Prices include accommodation, meals, park fees, and guides.
Q: Which Kenya national parks are best for first-time safari visitors?
A: Masai Mara is the best Kenya safari for first-timers, offering guaranteed Big Five sightings and diverse wildlife. Combine with Amboseli (elephants, Mt. Kilimanjaro views) and Lake Nakuru (rhinos, flamingos) for a comprehensive 6-7 day Kenya safari experience.
Q: Do I need vaccinations for a Kenya safari?
A: Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from endemic countries. Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis advised for all safari areas. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your Kenya safari.
Q: Can I combine Kenya safari with beach holidays?
A: Yes! Popular Kenya safari-beach combinations include Masai Mara + Diani Beach or Lamu Island. Typical itinerary: 5-7 days safari + 3-5 days beach = 10-12 day Kenya safari and beach holiday. We arrange seamless transfers.
Q: How long should I spend on a Kenya safari?
A: Minimum 4 days for Masai Mara and one other park. Ideal: 6-8 days to visit Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Naivasha. For comprehensive Kenya safari tours including northern parks (Samburu), plan 10-12 days.
Q: What’s included in Kenya safari prices?
A: Kenya safari tours typically include: 4×4 safari vehicle, professional guide, accommodation, meals (full board), park fees, game drives, airport transfers, and bottled water. Excludes: international flights, visas, tips, drinks, and optional activities like balloon safaris.
Q: Are Kenya safaris safe?
A: Yes, Kenya safaris are very safe. National parks are well-managed with experienced guides. Standard safety protocols include staying in the vehicle during game drives, following guide instructions, and staying at secure lodges. Crime in tourist areas is minimal.
Q: Can I do a Kenya safari on a budget?
A: Yes! Budget Kenya safaris start from $1,395 for 4-day group joining tours. Options include camping safaris, group tours, and off-peak season travel (March-May, November) with 20-30% discounts. Contact us for budget-friendly Kenya safari packages.
3. TANZANIA SAFARIS
Q: When is the Great Migration in Serengeti?
A: The Great Migration moves year-round across Serengeti. Best Tanzania safari timing: July-October (Mara River crossings, Northern Serengeti), December-March (calving season, Southern Serengeti with predator action). Migration is always somewhere in Serengeti on Tanzania safari tours.
Q: What’s the difference between Serengeti and Masai Mara?
A: Serengeti (Tanzania) is larger (14,750 km²), hosts migration year-round in different areas, has more diverse landscapes, fewer tourists. Masai Mara (Kenya) has higher animal density, easier Nairobi access. Many travelers combine both on multi-country Tanzania safari tours.
Q: How much do Tanzania safaris cost?
A: Tanzania safari tours range $2,500-$8,000+ for Northern Circuit safaris (6-10 days). Budget: $300-400/day. Mid-range: $400-700/day. Luxury: $700-2,000+/day. Tanzania park fees are higher than Kenya ($50-100 per park per day).
Q: Can I combine Tanzania safari with Zanzibar beach?
A: Absolutely! Tanzania safari + Zanzibar is the most popular combination. Typical: 6-7 days Northern Circuit + 4-5 days Zanzibar = 10-14 day Tanzania safari and beach holiday. Fly from Serengeti or Arusha to Zanzibar (1.5-2 hours).
Q: Which parks should I visit on a Tanzania safari?
A: Essential Tanzania safari destinations: Serengeti (Great Migration), Ngorongoro Crater (Big Five density), and one of Tarangire (elephants) or Lake Manyara (tree-climbing lions). Minimum 6-7 days recommended for Northern Circuit Tanzania safari tours.
Q: How difficult is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
A: Kilimanjaro requires good fitness but no technical climbing. Main challenge: altitude (5,895m). Success rates: Lemosho route (70-85%), Machame (60-70%), Marangu (50-60%). Tanzania safari tours can combine climbing with wildlife safaris for complete adventure.
Q: Do Tanzania safaris include hot air balloon rides?
A: Hot air balloon safaris are optional add-ons ($550-600 per person) in Serengeti and Tarangire. Not included in standard Tanzania safari prices but highly recommended for spectacular aerial views and champagne breakfast experience.
Q: Is Tanzania better than Kenya for safari?
A: Both excellent with different strengths. Choose Tanzania safari tours for: Serengeti year-round migration, Ngorongoro Crater (unique), larger wilderness, Kilimanjaro climbing, Zanzibar beaches. Choose Kenya for: easier access, lower costs, concentrated wildlife. Best: combine both countries.
Q: What’s the minimum duration for Tanzania safaris?
A: Minimum 5 days to see highlights (Serengeti + Ngorongoro + one park). Recommended 6-7 days for Northern Circuit. Ideal 9-10 days for comprehensive Tanzania safari tours with relaxed pace and multiple parks.
Q: When should I book my Tanzania safari?
A: Book Tanzania safari tours 3-6 months in advance for peak season (June-October, December-February). For specific dates, lodges, or Great Migration timing, book 6-12 months ahead. Off-peak season (March-May, November) allows shorter booking windows.
4. UGANDA SAFARIS
Q: How much do gorilla permits cost in Uganda?
A: Uganda gorilla permits cost $700 USD per person per trek (vs Rwanda $1,500). Permits include 1 hour with mountain gorillas, ranger guides, and park entry. Uganda safari tours with gorilla trekking are the most affordable option in East Africa.
Q: How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
A: Moderate fitness required for Uganda safari tours with gorilla trekking. Treks involve 2-8 hours hiking on steep, muddy trails at altitude (1,160-2,607m). No technical climbing but reasonable cardiovascular fitness needed. Porters available ($15-20) to assist.
Q: What’s the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
A: Minimum age 15 years for gorilla trekking on Uganda safari tours. Strictly enforced by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Alternative for younger children: chimpanzee trekking (12+ years) or general wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls (no age limit).
Q: How do Uganda safaris compare to Kenya and Tanzania?
A: Uganda specializes in primates (mountain gorillas, chimpanzees) unavailable in Kenya/Tanzania. Generally more affordable. Kenya/Tanzania better for classic Big Five savannah safaris and Great Migration. Many combine on multi-country Uganda safari tours for complete experience.
Q: Can I combine Uganda safaris with Kenya or Tanzania?
A: Yes! Popular combinations: 3-4 days Uganda gorillas + 5-7 days Kenya Masai Mara = 10-12 day multi-country safari. Fly Entebbe-Nairobi (1.5 hours). Mweri Expeditions specializes in seamless Uganda safari tours combined with Kenya and Tanzania.
Q: Is Uganda safe for tourists on safari?
A: Yes, Uganda is safe for tourism. National parks are well-managed with good security. Uganda safari tours operate safely with experienced guides. Standard travel precautions apply. Gorilla trekking has excellent safety record with ranger protection.
Q: What’s the best Uganda safari for first-timers?
A: Best first-time Uganda safari: 5-7 day itinerary combining Bwindi gorillas (2 nights) + Queen Elizabeth wildlife (2 nights) + Entebbe. Covers highlights, manageable pace, excellent introduction to Uganda safari tours with both primates and savannah wildlife.
Q: Do Uganda safaris require special vaccinations?
A: Yellow fever vaccination required (certificate checked at entry) for Uganda safari tours. Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus, rabies (if handling animals). Malaria prophylaxis advised. Consult travel clinic 4-6 weeks before Uganda safaris.
Q: Can I see both gorillas and chimpanzees on one Uganda safari?
A: Yes! Uganda primate safaris combine Bwindi mountain gorillas + Kibale chimpanzees in 6-7 day itineraries. This is Uganda’s specialty and unavailable elsewhere in East Africa. Add Queen Elizabeth for Big Five wildlife on comprehensive Uganda safari tours.
Q: When is the best time for Uganda safaris?
A: Uganda safari tours work year-round. Dry seasons (June-September, December-February) offer easier gorilla trekking trails. Wet seasons (March-May, October-November) have lower prices (20-30% off), fewer tourists, lush landscapes. Gorilla trekking operates excellently all year.
5. CONTACT US
Q: How do I book a safari with Mweri Expeditions?
A: Contact us via phone +254 720 454 755, email info@mweriexpeditions.com, or our website contact form. We’ll discuss your preferences, design a custom itinerary, provide a detailed quote, and secure your booking with 50% deposit.
Q: What payment methods does Mweri Expeditions accept?
A: We accept international bank transfers (wire transfer), credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, and M-PESA for Kenya-based clients. All safari payments in USD. Full payment details provided with booking confirmation.
Q: How far in advance should I book my East Africa safari?
A: Book 3-6 months in advance for peak season (June-October, December-February). For Uganda gorilla permits, specific lodges, or Great Migration timing, book 6-12 months ahead. Off-peak season allows shorter booking windows of 1-3 months.
Q: What is Mweri Expeditions’ cancellation policy?
A: 50% non-refundable deposit required to confirm bookings. Cancellation fees: 60+ days before departure (50% refund if fully paid), 15-30 days (25% refund), 14 days or less (no refund). Gorilla permits are 100% non-refundable once purchased.
Q: Do you offer custom safari itineraries?
A: Yes! All Mweri Expeditions safaris are customizable. We design itineraries based on your interests, budget, time, and preferred destinations. Contact us to build your perfect Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda safari with personalized touches.
Q: What are your office hours?
A: Mweri Expeditions office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EAT, Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM EAT, Sunday closed (emergency contact available). We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. Call +254 720 454 755 or email info@mweriexpeditions.com.
