GOOD TO KNOW

Frequently Asked QUestions

This page will provide you with all the pre-travel information you will need to make the most of your time at Borana Lodge.

How to book

You can book through our website by “sending us an email”. Alternatively, please get in touch with our reservations team who will be happy to answer any questions and help with internal transfers.

Visas

Visa requirements vary depending on nationality.

If you require an entry visa, you are required to obtain this online prior to departure via www.evisa.go.ke

For further information including nationalities that require visas, please visit https://evisa.go.ke/eligibility

What is included?

Our rates include all Borana Conservancy based activities, full board accommodation, local airstrip transfers (Borana Conservancy & Lewa Downs), a mandatory 24% contribution to conservation and house wines and spirits.

Our rates do not include any activities beyond Borana Conservancy, premium wines, spirits, champagne and any tips or gratuities. All guests travelling to Borana Lodge must have adequate health and travel insurance as well as AMREF flying doctors cover. 

Getting here

Borana Lodge is found at the heart of Borana Conservancy and is accessible via a short flight from Nairobi and various other locations across Kenya. The Borana Conservancy airstrip caters to private charters while the Lewa Downs airstrip, an hour and half’s game drive away, has regular scheduled flights. Borana Lodge also has a heli pad and we can organise road transfers on request.

Health requirements

Nairobi, Kenya has excellent, European standard hospitals. Should evacuation be necessary, excellent medical care is a short flight away.

We insist that all visitors to Borana Lodge have full AMREF flying doctors cover.

The most common cause of stomach upsets and diarrhoea is dehydration; increasing your fluid intake should prevent this illness. All countries have their own 'bugs' to which residents develop immunity.

The African gastroenteritis 'bugs' are the next most common cause of 'traveller's tummy.' Generally, antibiotics will cure this illness within 24 hours. This mild form of stomach upset is most commonly caught from hand to mouth contact with people. If you have shaken hands (harmless) with children or people in the bush, remember to wash your hands afterwards before you accidentally brush your mouth and transfer the germs.

Insects & mosquitoes

Due to the altitude and cold evenings on Borana we do not have very many insects. We do not provide mosquito nets in the rooms and are not home to the malarial mosquito.

Please do get in touch with your doctor or local travel nurse to confirm which medication they advise for your entire safari.

Meals, dietarY Requirements & drinking water

Borana Lodge uses clean water for our food preparation. We take great pride in our exceptional menu, fresh fruits, salads and vegetables, tempting light lunch dishes and delicious dinners.

The water at Borana Lodge is pumped from a nearby well and is tested every three months, it is perfectly safe to drink. We can provide bottled water on request.

At Borana Lodge we have a set menu, although our chefs are happy to tailor meals for particular dietary requirements and allergies. We also have a simpler children’s menu for our younger guests.

LUGGAGE, CLOTHES & EQUIPMENT

Most of our guests reach Borana Lodge by air, via short flights in small planes. Most local airline companies recommend soft bags and have a weight limit of 15kg including hand luggage.

A laundry service is available so large amounts of clothing are not required. Hair dryers are supplied, but please bring your own electric shaver if necessary. All batteries can be recharged.

You can click here for an essentials packing list to ensure you have everything you need while on safari.

Weather & best time to visit

Although weather patterns are becoming harder and harder to predict, the weather on Borana Conservancy is usually warm and breezy.

Traditionally, our rainy seasons have been in March/April and November. April and May rains have short, sharp showers which turn the conservancy a shade of emerald green, all the wild flowers are out and the animals all start having babies. November rains usually bring longer, heavy storms which sometimes last an entire day.


Our favourite time of year is May/June or October. There are fewer travellers as it is not yet school holidays and the weather is wonderfully warm with clear views which go on for miles.

Length of stay

We  recommend a minimum of four nights in order to really make the most of the activities and what Borana Lodge has to offer.

There is a three night minimum stay in peak season and a two night minimum stay in standard season.

Tipping

Gratuities are gratefully received. This is at your own discretion and is usually arranged on departure. You may tip as much or little as you wish but for those who would like a guideline regarding tipping we recommend the following:

  • Lodge Team: There is a lodge staff tip box which is shared between all members of staff including those behind the scenes. We recommend guests tip around $15 per guest per day.
  • Guides: Guides are tipped individually on departure and we recommend $20 per group per day.
  • Stable Team: As the syces (grooms and riding guides) do not reside at the lodge, they are tipped through management or at the end of your last ride. The recommended amount is $10 per ride.
  • Fly Camp Team: Should you participate in a night’s fly-camping please tip the team separately or via Lodge Management. We recommend guests tip around $10 per guest per day.


    Please ensure you bring cash for tips as we can not accept tips on card.
Wifi & phone signal

We would much rather you switch off while you are at Borana Lodge as we enjoy your company. Wifi is available within all the guest rooms but please be aware it may be much slower than you are used to.

The local telephone providers are Safaricom and Airtel with intermittent signal around the lodge and conservancy.