Is there Internet access while on Safari?

The answer to this varies widely depending on where you are headed. East African safari lodges more often than not, will have WiFi available as locations tend to be more accessible and less remote than in other southern African countries. 

However, wherever you are on safari, expect some unreliability with connections, as you will be quite removed from towns, cities or major hubs.

Places you are least likely to have WiFi or any kind of internet or cell coverage, will be the Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Masai Mara, northern Tanzania safari circuit and other few wilderness areas Kenya and Tanzania.

Speed and reliability of internet connection also varies greatly depending on where you are going. Kenya, as you’ll see, has Safaricom which offers bundles with a good 3G network – you can buy bundles when going on safari if it’s important for you to have a good connection.

Don’t expect to get any good coverage while actively out in the bush, going on game drives. But this is where you should really be focusing on “getting away” and enjoying your surroundings and magnificent wildlife!

Kenya

Safaricom provides a good 3G network in most parts of the country, even remote areas. Most high-end hotels and lodges have WiFi, if not in the rooms then definitely in the main areas, and usually this is complimentary or incurs a small charge.

If it is important for you to have a connection, make sure to contact the lodge or hotel you’re staying at to confirm that there are facilities.Keep in mind that the more remote you are, for example out in the Masai Mara, the slower or more intermittent your connection will likely be.

Complimentary WiFi is increasingly becoming the norm in Kenyan hotels and safari lodges, so chances are good that you will be able to connect at major hotels and lodges.

Tanzania

Major hotels and lodges will have WiFi or a connection in the central areas. Where there isn’t WiFi available, some lodges offer a computer with internet for guest use, if you want to catch up on emails, let family and friends know how you are or do any brief business.

Very remote tented camps will have limited or no connection, and cell coverage will also be intermittent. If you are worried about safety factors in camps in Tanzania or Kenya, all camps and lodges have satellite phones for communication, and you are never completely cut off.

Most lodges in the Southern Tanzania do not have internet access due to their remote locations. 
Some high end lodges will offer WiFi in main areas or rooms, but again it’s important to check with the lodge if they offer this.

Again, satellite phones will be standard at all camps and lodges, if there are any sorts of emergencies.

Please check Safaris in Untamed Africa  for more information in regards to Africa Safari