Everything you ever needed to know about a trip to Karen Blixen Camp: how to get there, what to pack, and what to expect at the Camp.

Kenya has extremely strict laws and regulations when it comes to bringing drones into the country. In order to operate a drone, a permit needs to be acquired from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority – this is a rather lengthy process and a permit is not guaranteed. Furthermore, drones are not permitted to fly in or over the Maasai Mara Reserve and for the privacy of our guests we do not allow drones to be flown at the camp. For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Many countries require travelers to have a Yellow Fever certificate prior to returning from a visit to Kenya, including children from the age of 9 months. For updated advice, we recommend consulting the WHO’s international travel & health department, and checking their list of specific country requirements.

Karen Blixen Camp is located at an elevation of 5,515ft and in a low-risk malarial area, and each tent is equipped with mosquito and bug repellent. A mosquito net is provided on request and the tents are also built with netting on the openings to keep bugs out. However, although Malaria is sparse in this region, it does exist. It is strongly advised that you speak with your physician about taking Malaria prophylaxis before traveling.

Many nationalities, including the US and the UK, require a visa to enter Kenya. These are obtainable through the new online portal as of 1st of September 2015, although manual applications on arrival are still accepted. The online process is recommended in order to avoid any queues and potential issues on arrival.

Please make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months after arrival in Kenya, with a minimum of three consecutive blank pages.

In an effort to reduce the impact on the environment, Kenya made the use and importation of all plastic bags illegal. The ban applies to carrier bags, flat bags, zip lock bags etc, with extremely severe consequences if not complied with. Plastic bags (includes those from duty-free shopping) are known to be confiscated upon arrival in Nairobi. In line with this base, Karen Blixen Camp is a plastic-bag-free lodge.

All game drives have a maximum of six guests per vehicle. Should you prefer, private safari vehicles can be booked in advance. Please request rates when making an enquiry.

Karen Blixen Camp welcomes children aged 0 years and older, and we believe that children should be connected to the world’s beautiful wild places from a young age. It is a life changing family holiday – not only seeing the animals but meeting the people who call Africa home.

The safety of our guests is paramount and our primary concern, as the Mara North Conservancy is a wilderness area and home to the Big 5 and many other dangerous predators and animals. The lodge is unfenced and entirely open to its surroundings, and wild animals are known to roam freely around the lodge. We urge guests to take utmost care when walking around the lodge, and at all times to be accompanied by an askari after dark. (An askari is a Maasai warrior, and in East Africa has come to mean a night watchman, or security guard).

Please note that scheduled flights to the Mara carry a luggage restriction of 15 kg per person in soft bags, including carry-ons. The carriage of excess baggage is at the sole discretion of the airline and may be subject to additional charges. Should it be required at Wilson Airport, there is a storage facility available for large bags, and soft bags can be hired.

• Comfortable cotton clothing
• A light jacket and/or warm fleece
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunhat, sunglasses, sun block
• Bathing suit
• An extra pair of reading glasses (if you need them)
• Camera, binoculars, extra memory cards, charging equipment