Frequently Asked Questions
Get your questions answered. If you don't see what you're looking for, reach out directly—we respond within 24 hours.
General Safari Questions
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The lodges are located within the National Reserve, with experienced staff managing the properties and with established safety procedures.
Kenya is a well-established safari destination, but as with any international travel, appropriate preparation and awareness are important.
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Yes. Shilen and Sahel personally host every Peponi safari, from the time you arrive in Nairobi until you return to the airport for your journey home.
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Our groups are limited to a maximum of 12 guests, with no more than six guests per safari vehicle.
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The Maasai Mara is home to lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino, along with cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, crocodiles and abundant birdlife.
Wildlife is wild and sightings can never be guaranteed, but the Mara offers exceptional game viewing throughout the year.
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The Peponi Safari starts from AU$11,900 per person, twin share. Optional experiences and extensions are available at additional cost. Final pricing depends on season, group size, availability and your chosen itinerary.
Talk to us and we'll prepare a detailed proposal for your journey.
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Yes. Applicable national park and reserve entrance fees included in your agreed Peponi itinerary are included in your safari price.
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No. For maximum flexibility, guests arrange their own flights to and from Nairobi. Peponi Safaris can provide assistance and guidance if required.
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Yes. The Maasai Mara is at the heart of the Peponi journey, and we recommend Amboseli as a contrasting second destination.
Depending on your interests, season and availability, alternatives such as Samburu, Meru, Ol Pejeta or the Aberdares can also be incorporated. Talk to us and we'll help shape the right journey for you.
If you would like to extend your time in Kenya or travel elsewhere in East Africa before or after the safari, speak with us. We can help arrange a tailored extension at additional cost.
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Optional experiences may include hot-air ballooning, Maasai cultural visits, guided bush walks, bush meals and sundowners, subject to availability and location. Talk to us about what interests you.
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Our 10-night Peponi Safari includes accommodation, safari and transfers within Kenya, scheduled game drives, experienced local guides, applicable park and reserve fees, meals while in wildlife areas, breakfast in Nairobi, and personal hosting by Shilen and Sahel.
For full details, see our Peponi Safari page.
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Pack lightweight, breathable layers in neutral colours such as beige, khaki, olive or green.
Early mornings and evenings can be cool, so bring a warm fleece or light jacket. We also recommend long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a sun hat, comfortable closed shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Formal wear is not required at the lodge.
We provide guests with a more detailed packing guide before departure.
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Peponi is founder-led and personally hosted. From your first conversation in Australia to your departure from Kenya, you deal directly with Shilen and Sahel. We personally host every departure and work closely with experienced local guides and trusted partners throughout the journey.
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Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory for all guests. Our safari partners maintain established communication and emergency procedures, and full guidance is provided before departure.
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Breakfast is included with your Nairobi accommodation. While in wildlife areas, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, together with water and soft drinks at our safari lodges. Nairobi lunches, dinners and alcoholic beverages are generally at guests' own expense unless specifically included in your itinerary.
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Most dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
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As we travel by safari vehicle between Nairobi and the game parks, we recommend travelling with a small to medium-sized suitcase or soft-sided travel bag, together with a small carry-on bag or backpack.
If you are bringing additional luggage for your international travel, left-luggage facilities are available at our Nairobi hotels, allowing you to take only what you need on safari.
We'll provide more detailed luggage and packing guidance before departure.
BOOKING & COMMUNICATION
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Start with a conversation. Fill out the contact form or email info@peponisafaris.com.au. Shilen or Sahel will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss your interests, answer questions and explore the journey that best fits you. Once you're ready, we'll provide a detailed proposal and booking terms. That's it. No pressure. Just a genuine conversation.
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Yes, a booking deposit secures your spot. Full payment and cancellation terms are provided before booking and form part of your booking agreement. Deposits and final payment schedules vary depending on your departure date. We'll be transparent about every cost upfront. No surprises.
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Cancellation terms depend on timing and commitments already made to accommodation and other suppliers. Full terms are provided before booking and form part of your booking agreement. You'll know the terms before you commit.
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You'll deal directly with us throughout the planning process and while you're in Kenya. Real people, personal service.
Traveller Information
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Australian and New Zealand passport holders currently require a Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel. Entry requirements can change, so guests should always check the official Kenyan eTA website and Australian and New Zealand Government travel advice before departure.
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Health and vaccination requirements depend on your personal circumstances, travel history and itinerary. We recommend consulting your GP or a travel health clinic well before departure and checking current Australian Government travel advice.
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Malaria is present in parts of Kenya. Guests should seek professional medical advice about appropriate precautions before travelling and use protective clothing and insect repellent where recommended.
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The local currency is the Kenyan shilling. Credit cards are widely accepted at major hotels and at our lodge, but some cash is useful for smaller purchases and gratuities.
We’ll provide practical guidance on money and tipping before departure.
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Kenya uses UK-style Type G plugs.
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Mobile coverage is generally available in Nairobi and much of the Mara, though signal strength can vary. Consider international roaming with your provider or a Kenyan SIM/eSIM. You can also take the opportunity to disconnect for a while.
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Wi-Fi is generally available at our hotels and safari lodges, although speed and reliability can vary by location.
Photography Questions
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The Photography Experience follows the same Peponi journey, but with photography at its heart. Game drives place greater emphasis on light, positioning, longer time at suitable sightings and dedicated field guidance from Shilen.
Same Peponi journey. A different focus.
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A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens is ideal. A telephoto lens covering approximately 100–600mm, or part of that range, provides useful flexibility for wildlife and birds, while a shorter zoom is useful for landscapes, people and wider environmental images.
Bring spare batteries, sufficient memory cards, chargers and a protective camera bag.
We’ll provide Photography Experience guests with a detailed equipment guide before departure, and Shilen can also advise on suitable gear.
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Yes. Midday breaks provide time to review and edit images. Informal image critique sessions may be offered during the safari in a relaxed, supportive environment.
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Yes. We carry no more than six guests per safari vehicle, providing good sightlines and space for photography.
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Yes. Shilen can help you identify suitable camera equipment for your safari based on your existing gear, experience and photographic interests.
Peponi has also partnered with leading Australian photographic retailers who can provide additional specialist advice and competitive pricing on camera bodies, lenses and accessories.
There is no obligation to purchase anything — the aim is simply to help you arrive with the right equipment for the experience.
Legal & Insurance Clarity
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Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Peponi guests and should include appropriate medical, cancellation and evacuation cover. Details will be provided before booking.
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Cancellation terms depend on the timing of cancellation and commitments already made to accommodation and other suppliers. Full payment and cancellation terms are provided before booking and form part of your booking agreement.