Safari Masterclass & FAQs

East Africa is a phenomenal year-round destination, though the best timing depends entirely on your wildlife objectives. For the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration in the Masai Mara and Serengeti, aim for July through October. If you prefer lush landscapes, newborn wildlife, and exceptional birding, the "green season" (November to May) offers incredible value and exclusivity away from the crowds. Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is generally best during the drier months of June to September and December to February.

For Kenya, travelers must secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to departure. Tanzania requires an e-Visa, which can be applied for online. If your bespoke itinerary spans multiple countries, we highly recommend the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 USD), which grants seamless multiple entries across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days. Our concierge team will provide specific guidance based on your passport nationality during the booking process.

Absolutely. Absolute exclusivity and personalization are the hallmarks of Urban Jay Safaris. While we offer curated Signature Itineraries as inspiration, every journey we execute is entirely bespoke. Whether you wish to extend your stay at a luxury tented camp, charter private scenic flights, combine deep bush exploration with pristine Indian Ocean beaches, or track chimpanzees alongside researchers, our luxury concierges will design an itinerary tailored precisely to your preferences and pace.

Yes. To protect your luxury investment, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover medical emergencies, emergency repatriation (we utilize AMREF Flying Doctors for immediate bush evacuation), trip cancellation, and baggage delay. Proof of insurance will be required prior to your departure to ensure your absolute safety and peace of mind.

We utilize a private fleet of extended, custom-engineered 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers designed specifically for the rugged African terrain. Each vehicle is piloted by an elite, silver or gold-level guide and features pop-up roofs for unobstructed 360-degree photography, wide sliding windows, high-frequency radios, onboard refrigerators stocked with premium beverages, and charging ports for your devices.

The wilderness dictates our schedule. Your day begins at dawn (around 6:00 AM) with fresh coffee before embarking on a sunrise game drive when predators are highly active. You will return to your luxury lodge for a decadent breakfast. Mid-day is reserved for relaxation, spa treatments, or enjoying your private plunge pool. A high tea precedes your late afternoon game drive (4:00 PM), culminating in classic sundowner cocktails overlooking the savannah. Dinners are elegant, multi-course affairs served under the African stars.

The "Big Five" (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino) are the pinnacle of African wildlife viewing. While nature operates on its own terms, our expert trackers possess an intimate knowledge of animal territories. Parks like the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater offer exceptionally high success rates. Rhinos are critically endangered and elusive, so we often incorporate sanctuaries like Ol Pejeta or Lake Nakuru into your itinerary to guarantee sightings.

The culinary experience on an Urban Jay Safari rivals top international restaurants. Despite the remote locations, executive chefs utilize fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients to create exquisite multi-course meals, artisanal baking, and fine dining experiences. We seamlessly accommodate all dietary profiles, including vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and severe allergies, ensuring a flawless gastronomic journey.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are entering from an endemic country, and is strictly required for cross-border travel between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. We strongly advise Malaria prophylaxis, as most premium reserves are in malarial zones. We recommend consulting a specialized travel physician 4 to 6 weeks before your departure to ensure all standard boosters are up to date.

To maximize your time, our luxury itineraries frequently utilize private charters or scheduled light aircraft (such as Safarilink or Coastal Aviation). Due to strict aviation safety regulations, luggage is capped at exactly 15kg (33 lbs) per person, inclusive of hand luggage. Crucially, bags must be soft-sided (duffel bags) without rigid frames or wheels to fit into the aircraft's cargo pods. Complimentary laundry service is provided at nearly all our luxury partner lodges, allowing you to pack light.

While entirely at your discretion, tipping is a deeply appreciated cultural norm that directly supports local communities. For your dedicated Urban Jay driver-guide, the international standard is $15–$25 USD per guest, per day. At your luxury camps, we recommend utilizing the communal tip box at the end of your stay (approx. $10–$15 per guest, per day) to ensure the invisible "back of house" staff who made your stay magical are also rewarded.