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“The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa — for he has so much to look forward to.”

Frequently Asked Questions

There are way too many misconceptions about traveling to, and within, Africa.

We hope to convince you that Africa is an incredible place to visit.

Who are Surprise Tours & Safaris?

We are not travel agents. We are a small company run by Kenyans and Australians. We are not a big company nor do we want to be.

We set up Surprise Tours &Safaris as part of an arm of our sustainability for our children’s home: Registered in Kenya as Umoja Children’s Village Ukunda and registered in Australia as Umoja Orphanage Kenya.

We believe firmly that all children have no better place to be than with their families.  However that is not always possible, and therefore we are the safety and wellbeing for our children until they are able to be reintegrated back into their family or extended family.

We would be happy to arrange a personalised safari to fit your needs – this is our other real passion!  In fact our Children's Home Manager is a very experienced safari driver of over 14 years, who still relishes his time back in the wild taking clients on safari.

What will our accommodation be like?

High level safari lodges, tented camps and hotels in Africa provide world class accommodation. Rooms have proper beds with mattresses and comforters, ensuites, flushing toilets, basins and showers with hot and cold running water. Other amenities include mosquito netting, lamps, purified water, insect repellent, flashlights, wardrobes, and traditional furnishings.
Medium level safari lodges still are very comfortable with all the above inclusions.
Low level safari camps and lodges also will have the above, but will not have the range and quality of food, nor the quality of bedding.  
NOTE:  Within all safari lodges in the National Parks power is run by generators. They are turned off around 10pm in the evening and restarted well before sun up.

How do we know what accomodation to have?

We are here to work with you to design the best trip possible.

If you have special destinations or properties you would like to visit we would be happy to incorporate these into your itinerary adjusting the number of nights in each area to suit other areas you may be visiting and local conditions (such as activities on offer, wildlife movements or other seasonal changes).

We work within your budget, and you are able to see lodges online and reviews relating to them.
 

We aim to provide you with an extraordinary safari. We work with you adjusting until you are competely happy with your choices.

Are children allowed on safari?

Children are definitely allowed. 

Please note: if you are travelling with small children, child car seats that you are used to in your country will not be available on safari. 

Safaris are rough and long, so prepare for long days looking for animals and observing them with your children.

Who runs / guides the safaris?

The safaris are  organised and overseed by one of our Kenyan partners with over 14 year's experience in safari touring and guiding within all of Kenya’s safari parks.  We only hire experienced drivers who follow our code of conduct.  

You may have him as your tour guide or another of our trusted tour guides & drivers.

What if I get sick?

You must notify your driver/guide if you are not feeling well. 

Lodges are able to contact medical assistance, and safari parks do have airstrips for light planes if the medical condition is urgent.

Do cell/mobile phones work on safari?

Cell/mobile phones do pick up some network coverage but it is mostly poor.

There are some network towers in Massai Mara.  You may get a signal and then lose it a few minutes later.

Do you provide testimonials ?

Please check out our testimonial page.

As we have not lang commenced Surprise Tours & Safaris, at the moment we only have testimonials from volunteers we have taken on safari prior to starting our own company.  

Are luxury tented camps really luxury?

Whilst staying at a luxury tented camp you will enjoy the comfort of a proper tented room with the sights and sounds of camping—the best of both worlds while giving you the feel of being in the wild. Most tented camp rooms consist of very large walk in tents with entry doors.

Walls are canvas with large roll up viewing sections. Inside you will enjoy a bed (usually 2 twin beds or a king) with pillows and comforters, bed side tables, dressing table, mirror, wardrobe, throw rugs or full carpeting, battery powered (solar) lighting, ensuites, shower with hot and cold running water, flush toilet, and basin. Some tents even include baths, air conditioning and private pools.

How can we help?

Frequently Asked Questions

We are here to help

If you book direct with individual lodges and camps in Africa they may offer you a discount but then you are stuck trying to figure out who is meeting you at the airport and who is flying/driving you into the bush and bringing you out. You may not know if you are full board or if you are even getting the best rate.

Because we are bringing clients regularly we are able to get you a cheaper rate they will offer you. You also lose the security of having one company overseeing all of your arrangements with the ability to make changes if they are necessary due to flight delays or other unforeseen problems. 

You may have thought you have your park fees paid for and you haven’t for example. You cannot drive yourself within the game parks.    We know Kenya, let us do the work for you so you won’t have that nightmare of a holiday you hear others talking about when they decided to do it on their own.

What about safety on safari?

Who looks after us while on safari?

Is there internet access while on safari?

Is it safe to visit
Kenya/Tanzania?

While at safari lodges and tented camps you are typically far removed from human settlement and crime is virtually non-existent. We still advise that valuables be locked away in a room safe or kept under the supervision of the camp or lodge manager while on safari.

Importantly, travel safety concerns arising from a negative event in one African country do not apply to Africa in total just as travel safety concerns in Northern Australia for example do not apply to a trip to Tasmania or in London to Ireland.

When planning a Kenyan safari, it is best to work with a company that has intimate knowledge of the country: not just its wildlife and attractions but also its unique cultures, economy, and government, as safety issues often stem from these areas. You will gain a much better experience by  being able to listen to the knowledge of our drivers and guides.

What if a family member has to get hold of us about an emergency back home?

Do people speak English in Kenya?

Do we have to book our safari park accommodation with you?

What about special dietary
needs (vegetarian, diabetic, no
spicy foods)?

A very important element of traveling to a largely unknown destination is the peace of mind to know that you will be properly taken care before, during and after your trip. Our drivers must have exceptional skills when your holiday experience is in their hands.  
Not only are our drivers and guides experienced in touring and guiding, but also in most mechanical repairs and second and third languages. While in Kenya you will be met at each location and transferred from airports, to hotels to lodges and camps; driver and guide are on call 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have or to handle any eventuality - from medical emergencies to retrieving a bag that may have been left behind and having it delivered to your next destination. 
In this way it is possible to travel with all the security of a packaged tour, but all the flexibility and privacy of an individual traveller.
 

Yes – at all hotels, lodges, and permanent tented camps you will be able to recharge your cameras, phone, and  all other devices either in room or in the main area. We recommend that you bring a spare charger for your phone as that is the most left behind item whilst on safaris.

We highly recommend that you bring your own adaptors suitable for East Africa. 

The vast majority of hotels in Kenya have telephones and can be easily reached. Smaller safari lodges and tented camps are able to send and receive messages via radio.

If you have activated international roaming on your mobile, whilst on safari you will be able to access network coverage back at your lodge.

Alternately you may purchase a Kenyan sim card on arrival and phone credit and notify your loved ones back home of your Kenyan number.

In an emergency we suggest client's friends and family contact our office so we may assist.   


English is spoken widely throughout East Africa.  Your tour guide and driver speak fluent English.  If you are French, Italian, German etc., your tour guide and driver will be of your preferred language.  

Please let us know at the time of booking to ensure we assign a driver with your chosen language. 

English is actually the national language, but Swahili is the cultural language.

What is the time difference?

Can we have our clothes washed while on safari?

Our number one concern is your safety. If we felt that traveling to Kenya was unsafe we would not arrange Kenyan safaris. Certain countries are generally considered safe while others are not, and in this changing world of ours many places can change in a heartbeat.


In general, petty theft is common in Kenya and Tanzania's major cities and towns. Visitors should take the same care as they would normally take in any other destination worldwide. Keep a close watch on handbags, wallets, devices and cameras when walking in crowded places.

Avoid walking at night and place valuables in safe deposit boxes at hotels and do not leave any money available in your lodge or hotel room.

Special diets are not a problem as long we know your needs in advance at the time of booking.
 

What drinks are available on safari?

Water is included on safaris only. 

Please note that all other drinks are your responsibility. These are typically inexpensive in US dollar terms.


The majority of safari lodges and camps offer complimentary laundry service (some charge a small fee) weather permitting; however please note that undergarments are often excluded.

You may wish to bring a small supply of liquid laundry soap. Clothing washed dries very quickly in Kenya/Tanzania.

Internet access is available at most large city hotels, typically for a small fee.

The majority of safari lodges and camps do not have internet access, however some do, but it will be only in the lodge lounge areas.  With lodges being in very remote areas, you will not have the good network coverage that maybee are used to.

Kenya has only one Time Zone. Kenyan local time is G.M.T. plus three hours.
 

Can I charge my devices?

What foods should we avoid?
What about drinking water?

In the vast majority of cases it is safe to eat ALL of the foods offered by lodges and camps as they take great care to ensure that food is prepared in a healthy manner. If you are really worried about contracting a "stomach bug" don’t eat salads, avoid ice cubes in drinks (many places use purified water for ice cubes – simply ask if you are concerned), and eat only fruits that have thick skins which are peeled (oranges, bananas).

Drink only bottled drinks which are readily available. In addition don’t swallow water during a shower and use purified water for brushing teeth. Don't worry, bottled water is readily available.

What types of food are served on safari?

The food served at most up-market safari lodges and tented camps is of the highest quality. Gourmet cooks bake fresh breads, and produce soups, salads, and entrees that could easily grace tables at top restaurants around the world.

Meals are international in flavour with soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, and breads. Your day normally starts with tea and biscuits before your morning activity. Returning to your lodge or camp late morning, brunch is enjoyed - cereals, fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, and toast are on offer as are salads, quiches and cold meats.

Before your afternoon activity tea and light snacks are served. Dinner consists of an appetizer followed by meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted vegetables and sauces. Dinner is followed by coffee (or tea), cheeses, and gorgeous desserts.

Alcohol is served at all lodges, though may not be able to access the brands you have in your country.


 

Are wild animals dangerous?

While viewing wildlife there is a degree of danger as the behaviour of wild animals cannot be guaranteed. However, most animals are frightened by the sight / smell of humans and the diesel from the safari vehicles, and rather than attack they will simply ignore you. Attacks on humans are very rare. Always stay in the safari vehicle and listen to the instructions of your guide and driver.

While on safari you will be accompanied by licensed guides who are very well trained and armed with an amazing understanding of the wildlife with which they share their lives on a daily basis.

At your tented camp or lodge it is not uncommon for wildlife to wander through as camps and lodges are typically not always fenced. An attack on a sleeping traveller would be highly unusual.



How is security?

In keeping with the acceptable practice elsewhere in the world, visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms and to make use of hotel safe deposit boxes or safes. You should not carry large sums of cash on your person while walking in the streets.

Ladies are advised to be careful with their bags in crowded places, while jewellery and necklaces should be left at home or kept in hotel custody with other valuables. As in all major cities walking alone at night should be avoided. Kenya has an efficient police force as well a special Tourist Police Unit with highly trained officers.

In addition most hotels employ experienced security personnel. However, it is advisable to always take those precautions you would take anywhere else in the world.

What shots or medicines do we need before traveling?

Only Covid-19 fully vaccinated persons  may enter Kenya.  All our drivers are fully vaccinated against the virus.

It is mandatory also to have a yellow fever vaccine 30 days prior to entry, and you will require it to re-enter your country.

For most travellers a safari to Kenya raises a number of red flags regarding health issues. For east Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) health concerns and inoculations are the same as those for travel to South America or East Asia. The vast majority of traveller’s to Africa return from their safaris happy and healthy.  

No matter where you travel in Kenya a course of anti-malaria tablets are essential and many doctors advise a dose of Hepatitis-A vaccine. All childhood vaccinations should be up to date. We recommend that you visit with a local travel health specialist in your home town for further details some time prior to travel.