Practical
Questions we hear first
Where are you based?+
Friends Life Adventures Limited is a Kenyan company. Our office is in Nairobi (P.O. Box 51001, Nairobi, Kenya). We operate tailor-made trips across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and the East African coast.
Who founded the company?+
Fredrick Ochieng — born and raised in Kenya, a safari guide before he was an operator. The company exists to connect travellers with East Africa while supporting communities and conservation.
Do you only run scheduled group trips?+
No. Many classic itineraries have scheduled departures (for example Kenya Classic, four times a week) and the same route can run as a private vehicle on any day you choose.
How do deposits and gorilla permits work?+
Safaris confirm on a 30% deposit of the basic programme. Gorilla permits must be paid in full in advance and are 100% non-refundable. The safari balance is due 42 days before arrival. Bookings inside 42 days are paid in full at confirmation.
What is not included?+
International flights, visas, drinks beyond mineral water in the vehicle, tips, laundry, travel insurance and items of a personal nature — unless your quote says otherwise.
Can you guarantee the Big Five or a river crossing?+
No ethical operator can. A gorilla permit guarantees you may track; it does not guarantee a close view. Wildlife is wild. We put you in the right park at the right season.
What languages do guides speak?+
English as standard. Several Kenya Classic departures can be guided in French, German, Italian or Spanish when booked ahead.
Do you hire cars without a driver?+
Our featured product is chauffeur-driven: tour vans from $400/day and safari Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs. Self-drive is not the core of how we work in the parks.
Can you book Malawi from Nairobi?+
Yes. Liwonde and Lake Malawi are on the desk. We connect via Lilongwe or Blantyre and use the same 30% deposit rule as Kenya.
Do you create bookings for walk-in or WhatsApp guests?+
Yes. The Nairobi desk logs the same booking as the website: package, dates, party, stay style and an estimate. You receive the same house email.
Plan with us
Tell us how you like to travel
Dates, pace, lodges or tents, gorillas or wildebeest — write a few lines. A trip designer in Nairobi replies, usually within a day.