Frequently Asked Questions, What do I need to know?

What do I need before I depart for East Africa

Visa: All visitors require an entry visa. This can be obtained from the local Kenyan High Commission or Consulate in your country of origin or you Can purchase a visa on arrival in Kenya approx $50 per person.

1.Travellers to East Africa can travel between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania on single entry visas (one for each country) as many times as they like within 3 months.

2. This means you can exit one of these countries and re-enter it from one of the other two without requiring a multiple entry visa, as the three countries have a special agreement that allows this.

3. However, if you enter a neighbouring country that is not part of this agreement (e.g. Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi etc.) and wish to re-enter either Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania you either need a multiple entry visa for the re-entered country, or another single entry visa.

e.g.1 - I arrive in Kenya and go into Uganda, then back through Kenya and then into Tanzania. I only need single entry visas for each of these three countries.

e.g.2 - I arrive in Tanzania and travel into Uganda then Rwanda and back into Uganda. I need a single entry visa for Tanzania (unless I'm returning there in the future part of this trip), a single entry visa for Rwanda (if required for nationals of my country) but a multiple entry visa (or alternatively another single entry one) for Uganda because I've gone outside the countries with the agreement and am coming back in.

Do I need Insurance

Insurance: Whilst every care is taken of you and your property, we cannot be held responsible for any accidents, injury or illness that you may incur, or for any loss or damage of luggage. We therefore advice that you and your property are fully covered by insurance.

Medical: Our company takes temporary membership with the Flying Doctors’ rescue service for emergency evacuation for ALL our clients. However, you should carry your own complete holiday/ medical insurance. Malaria prophylactics must be taken and can be obtained from your local doctor. As with travel in any part of the world, it is advisable to know your blood type incase of emergency. Please consult your local health authority for up-to-date recommendations and regulations regarding inoculations.

What do I need to Pack

Documents: Passports (with visa entries) ,Health cards (vaccination certificate),Airline tickets Cheque book Cash & Travellers’ Cheques ,Separate record of T/Cheque numbers ,Credit Cards (VISA, MasterCard and/or American Express), Photo copy of passport/visas/Insurance papers.

Clothing: The list given below is a basic indication of what you should bring. However its not a must you bring all of them. We recommend that you bring khaki and green colored clothing. Bright colors should be avoided while on safari (fine for the coast and Nairobi); camouflage clothes are illegal because local soldiers wear them. Tennis Shoes. Flip-flops .Hat. Windbreaker/Jacket. Pullover Sweater/Sweatshirt .2 pc. Safari pants (or chinos). 2 pc. Safari shorts.4 pair sport socks.3 short sleeve shirts.1 long sleeve shirt. 2 t-shirts. Pajamas. Swim Trunks .1 pair casual slacks (men) evening outfit (women) - for evening. Bras (sports type) - women .6 sets underwear. Belt.

Toiletries & Medicine: Malaria prophylaxis. Prescription drugs (also bring the generic names for these drugs, good idea to pack 2 separate lots). Motion sickness pills .Insect repellant (containing DEET for mosquito’s) .Sun Screen (SPF 15 or higher) .Lip Balm Shampoo/Conditioner .Deodorant .Toothpaste / Toothbrush .Dental Floss. Hair Brush / Comb Electric / Hand Razor .Emery Boards .Tweezers .Hand Lotion Fem. Hygiene Supplies. Wear sunscreens and cover up during the hottest time of day - between 11H00 and 15H00.

Other Supplies: Sunglasses / Case. Prescription glasses (and a spare pair) . Flashlight (small with extra batteries). Batteries (for electronic equipment). Converter plug set if needed (the electricity supply is 240 Volt, 50 Hz). Sockets are usually 3 pin and are of the square variety. Alarm clock. Money pouch. Pocket Knife (not in hand luggage). Binoculars (very important, one per person). Day pack. Favourite road snacks. Books / Magazines / Journal. Small Sewing Kit. Small Scissors (not in hand luggage) .Pen/paper.

NB: It is not a must to bring all of the above, please choose what you may need.

ARRIVAL IN KENYA/TANZANIA

We Promise you:
Personalised attention to your interests and requests...Detailed scrutiny to every little detail in your booking or enquiry,

Professional suggestions and advice on the best quality of products and services to you. Quality services as a full package with no hidden cost.

Meet and greet: We understand the anxiety everyone undergoes while visiting a foreign country for the first time. We have put in place a team that will meet you upon your arrival and ensure your safe passage to your hotel/next destination.

Airport pick-up and drop off: Once you book a Safari with us, we provide an airport pick up and drop off, should you need these services.

Hotel reservation: We will assist you with Hotel reservations when the need arises.

WHILE ON SAFARI

Guarantee on departures: Most of our Safaris have guaranteed departures on daily basis. Should there be an extreme reason to affect this flow, you will be informed in good time.

Difference between Luxury Safari and camping Safari: The difference between these 2 types of Safari is on the accommodation provided while on Safari. In luxury Safari, accommodation is provided in top of the range 5 Star and 4 Star Lodges. In camping Safari, accommodation is provided in basic campsites. In either case, you see the same things and follow the same itinerary.

Park fees. All visitors are required to pay park fees upon entering the game reserves and the National parks. We have Resident and Non resident fees. For you to qualify to pay Resident fee, proof of residency must be shown. Kenyan expatriate work permits and alien/citizen cards are also acceptable.

Location of Campsites is in the Parks: All Campsites at Masai Mara are located about 10 minutes drive. Campsites at Amboseli and Samburu parks are inside the parks. Accommodation at Lake Nakuru for budget camping is in a budget hotel located 10 minutes drive to the park.

Location of Lodges is in the Parks: All lodges and luxury-tented camps are located inside the parks.

Facilities available in camping: These are tents, mattresses. Flash toilets pit latrines and water for bathing (hot water can be arranged for) –these are for sharing, cooks, dinning place, and bonfire in the evening.

Type of vehicles used on Safari: Most of our safari is in customized safari vans. 4WD Landcruisers are also available on request, at an extra cost.

Vegetarian/Non vegetarian meals: We guarantee both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory in Kenya and Tanzania, however, if you are happy with the service that you have received from our staff, any gesture of appreciation will be enthusiastically received.

Baggage:

Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase or holdall per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 7 persons in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction). Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra cost. We will also be glad to store any excess luggage at our head office at no extra charge. A baggage weight restriction of 15 kg per person applies on air safaris. Where very small aircraft are used this maybe reduced to 10kg.

Currency: Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash or travellers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in major cities and at most large hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay. As a norm, always ask what commission and charges will be deducted prior to the transaction. Banks are usually open from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, Mondays through Fridays and from 9.00 am and 11.00 am on Saturdays. Forex Bureas are open from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Fridays.

Credit Cards: VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS credit cards are widely accepted for tourist services. There's usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions.

Drinking water: Drinking water from the tap must be considered risky. Hotels and lodges usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarket.

Postage, Telephones and the Internet: Keeping in touch by mail and telephone is generally easy. Direct overseas dialing is possible from major centers and increasingly from remote places such as game lodges. Call home bureaus are in plenty in Nairobi as are the Cyber café for e-mail and Internet access.

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