Safari Know How

How to get the most out of your safari
As a guest within the wilderness realm of Olare Motorogi Conservancy, there is a code of practice that should be followed both in your own interest and that of the wildlife you have come to observe. It’s very simple:

The Safari Code
Respect the privacy of the wildlife, this is their habitat.
Beware of the animals - they are wild and can be unpredictable.
Don't crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements.
Don't feed the animals - it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence.
Keep quiet - noise disturbs the wildlife.
Stay in your vehicle at all times, other than under the specific guidance of your driver/guide.
When viewing wildlife keep to a minimum distance of 20m.
Leave no litter or discard burning objects.
Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya - never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission, respect the cultural traditions of Kenya and always dress with decorum.
An informed safari is an enhanced safari; your vehicle is equipped with guidebooks regarding the wildlife, birds and flora.
The best time for wildlife viewing is 6.30 am- 8.30 am and 4.30 pm-6.30pm; this is due to the fact that most of the animals retire to the shade to rest during the middle (hottest) part of the day.
For best viewing, the recognized safari ‘trick’ is not to look AT the bush but THROUGH it. Focus your eyes at mid-range distance and, when you have ‘got your eye in’ start to look under bushes and into the shadows. Watch out for those subtle changes in colour that may indicate the presence of wildlife. And never take anything at face value – an elephant can look uncannily like a bush, a giraffe becomes invisible in undergrowth, and lions are the same colour as the savannah.

Your personal safari health guide
In order to enjoy your safari to the fullest, we suggest that you observe the following simple health precautions.

Remember that the sun is more powerful at altitude. It also burns quickly through both cloud and haze, and you may not immediately realize that you are putting yourself at risk.
To avoid sunstroke or sunburn; protect yourself with clothing, hats and ultra-violet barriers.
Always drink plenty of bottled water – before you become thirsty.
Protect yourself against malaria: which is a serious risk all year round in all areas below 2,600 meters above sea level. Observe the following precautions:
Take preventative measures against infection, in the form of prophylactic tablets (consult your doctor for full details).
Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, malaria-carrying mosquitoes bite from dusk until dawn, so be especially vigilant between these times.
Wear light coloured clothing, long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in the evening.
Use effective mosquito repellents.
Avoid using perfumes or aftershave as these discourage the wildlife from coming within your vicinity.

What to bring with you
In terms of equipment/clothing for your safari, we suggest that you take into consideration the climate at the time of your visit. The climate in Kenya is one of the most beautiful in the world, typically featuring long sunny days with clear blue skies, champagne-fresh air (especially up-country), golden evenings and spectacular sunsets (day and night are almost equal all year round, with sunrise between 6.00 am and 6.30 am and sunset between 6.15 pm and 6.45 pm.

The ‘rains' act as a natural division of the seasons; the ‘long rains' normally lasting from April to June and the ‘short rains' from November to December. During the ‘rains' most of the rain falls at night and showers are moderate in the daytime, often followed by sunshine. In general, July and August are the coolest months while September through to March are the warmest. Specifically, the coast is hot with an average daytime temperature of 27-31 degrees centigrade whilst the average daytime temperature in Nairobi is 21-26 degrees centigrade. Nairobi can become cold enough for coats and fleeces.

What to bring with you
• Guide books and travel literature
• A zippered rucksack (backpack)
• A warm pullover or lightweight fleece
• A windproof/waterproof jacket
• Walking boots or sensible shoes
• Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers for evening; shorts for daytime
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, wet-wipes
• Camera (with charger, dust protection, charger and spare memory cards)
• Mobile phone/tablet etc – plus all necessary chargers/adaptors (the mobile provider Safaricom offers the best reception at Olare). Click here for details on voltage
• Binoculars (8x50 for general game viewing and 10x50 for ornithology)

Be aware of the following
You should be aware that in Kenya it is an offence to: smoke in a public place (other than in a designated area); to deface a Kenyan banknote; to urinate in public; to sunbath topless; to buy or take drugs; to remove any wildlife products from Kenya, to export products made from elephant, rhino or sea turtle derivatives, or to remove coral.