Unveiling the Hard Truth: The Real Situation and Challenges of Tourism in Africa 😥

Information cocoons do indeed exist 😥
Having worked in African tourism for several years, here are some current insights on African travel 📝
Although the truth may be hard to hear, this is the reality. I hope it provides some practical help for those planning to visit Kenya❗
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1) When booking a tour, choose one with accommodations inside the reserve.

You can see animals right when you open your door every day! 🦁 Hotels outside the reserve require an early start, leaving around 5 am to enter the park, and the hot water flow is also very weak 🚿
2) Exchange dollars in advance, but try not to use them for shopping ❌! This is because using dollars will incur additional fees 💰, including at supermarkets and airport shops!

3) Independent travel is not recommended. National parks require local guides to enter, and finding animal tracks relies on the guide’s experience. Safari drivers also need off-road driving skills 🚙
4) Only one carton of cigarettes 🚬 is allowed; any excess may result in fines or confiscation by customs officials 🚫
5) Choose a Safaricom SIM card, which has coverage even in scenic areas.

You can get one right after leaving the airport. A data plan costing $10-20 is sufficient for your needs 💰
6) Animals used to ingest plastic bags accidentally, so Kenya has strict plastic bag restrictions. Do not bring plastic shopping bags 🛍 as they will be confiscated by customs 🚫
7) Confirm power and water outage times with the hotel in advance.

Some hotels have outages from around 10 pm to 6 am
8) Bring a pair of slippers for the safari vehicle. Sitting for long periods can cause swelling in the feet, and wearing slippers is more comfortable 👣
9) The roads in national parks are indeed poor, with a lot of dust. Prepare plenty of masks before setting out, or else your photos will show dusty faces 😷
10) Remember to bring a UK plug adapter and a power bank.

During the safari, you can only charge your devices at the hotel, so keeping your electronic devices charged is important 📱
11) Bring a few packs of pickled mustard! Kenyan food lacks seasoning and can be quite bland. There aren’t many vegetable options, but the rice 🍚 is soft and delicious. When nothing else appeals, pickled mustard goes perfectly with the rice
12) Bring extra clothes for changing.

The water quality is poor, and washed clothes can become stiff. Use bottled water for brushing teeth and washing your face to avoid diarrhea 💦
13) During the peak season of July and August, good hotels are in high demand. European and American tourists book in advance, and yellow fever vaccinations should also be scheduled early 💉
14) For viewing the great migration, July to September is recommended.

The sight of animals crossing the Mara River in groups 🐃 is spectacular!

Avoid the rainy seasons (April-May, November-December) as the roads can become treacherous, with vehicles often getting stuck in mud and a risk of flooding.

Due to recent protests, it’s advisable to steer clear of the city center and its attractions to avoid any potential risks. Upon arrival, arrange for your local tour operator to pick you up directly from the airport.

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### Classic 8-day Itinerary for Kenya
**Day 1: Nairobi ➡ Masai Mara 🦒🦁**
Embark on an exciting journey from the bustling city of Nairobi to the breathtaking Masai Mara, where wildlife roams freely.

**Day 2: Masai Mara 🌿🐯**
Spend a full day exploring the vast savannahs of Masai Mara, home to a rich variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

**Day 3: Masai Mara 🐃**
Continue your adventure in Masai Mara with more game drives and the opportunity to witness the incredible migration of wildebeests and zebras.

**Day 4: Masai Mara ➡ Nakuru 🐘**
Travel to Lake Nakuru, known for its stunning flamingos and diverse birdlife, as well as the chance to see rhinos and other large mammals.

**Day 5: Nakuru ➡ Naivasha 🛶**
Head to Lake Naivasha, where you can enjoy a boat ride and spot hippos and a variety of water birds.

**Day 6: Naivasha ➡ Amboseli 🏜**
Journey to Amboseli National Park, famous for its majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large herds of elephants.

**Day 7: Amboseli 🐘**
Spend the day in Amboseli, taking in the spectacular scenery and observing the park’s abundant elephant population.

**Day 8: Amboseli ➡ Nairobi**
Conclude your trip with a return to Nairobi, filled with unforgettable memories of Kenya’s natural wonders.