Travel Info

GENERAL INFORMATION

 Kenya and Tanzania safari travel Information.

 VISAS:

 KENYA VISA:

All travelers to Kenya must have current passports valid for 60 days after the expected departure date from Africa.

A visa is required and costs $50.

The visa can be obtained through a Kenya embassy in advance of your trip or upon arrival at the airport.

TANZANIA VISA:

A visa is required and costs $50.

The visa must be obtained in advance of your trip unless you live in a country that does not have a Tanzania embassy.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

We strongly recommend you have travel insurance in place as at time unexpected events or accidents can leave you with cancelled plans and significant unbudgeted expenses. We work with two reputable travel insurance providers with whom you can gain easy online quotations.

Wildlife Safari Exploreans requires that all clients arrange personal travel insurance to cover their medical, property and other personal risks for the duration of their safari.

Temporary one month membership of AMREF’s Flying Doctors’ Society may be purchased with your safari arrangements.  This cover provides the services of light aircraft and skilled doctors for emergency treatment and evacuation to Nairobi during incidents resulting from accident or medical emergency in Kenya and Tanzania.

This is supplementary to and not a replacement for a standard travel insurance policy.

HEALTH:

Vaccination requirements change from time to time.

Tanzania requires advance inoculations for yellow fever (and certificates thereof) that are good for 10 years.

Malaria is rare in many parts of Safari circuits.

We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on malaria prophylactics and the latest health precautions.

If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).

BAGGAGE:

While international flights from North America allow the transport and handling of two large pieces of luggage per person, clients are strongly advised to travel with one medium sized piece of check- in luggage, and a carry-on bag or camera bag if desired.

On light aircraft flights in Kenya the baggage allowance is limited to a maximum of 33 pounds, including camera and video equipment.

Any additional luggage can be stored at the hotel in Nairobi until your return.

Luggage and personal effects are at owner’s risk throughout the tour.

Baggage insurance is recommended.

CLIMATE:

Kenya and Tanzania are year-round destination with delightful temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Although East Africa is on the equator, only on the coast is the weather tropical. Most safaris are at moderate altitudes where the days are warm and the evenings cool. The humidity is low and daytime temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Except at the highest elevations, it rarely drops below 50 degrees at night. July and August are the coolest months, with highs in the 70’s. The warmest months are December to March with highs in the 80’s. The principal rains occur for approximately three weeks during April. Shorter rains usually take place in late October and early November. Travel is possible during the rains. Because you will be near the equator and at an altitude of several thousand feet above sea level, it is easy to sunburn very quickly. It is wise to limit your exposure to the sun.

SAFETY:

Guests should exercise the same common sense as one would in America, the UK, Europe or any other part of the world.

Normal care and sensible precautions should be taken.

Please do not leave cash, jewellery or travellerscheques unattended in hotel rooms.

Every lodge or hotel has a safe deposit facility for your valuables.

As a precautionary measure, do not wear flashy jewellery, or leave handbags and photographic equipment unattended in public places.

SAFARI ACCOMMODATION:

Each of the Safaris carefully chosen hotels, camps and lodges add to the flavor and romance of your program.

They are comfortable and relatively luxurious.

On safari we will encounter a variety of accommodation options.

Luxury lodges blend nicely with the landscape and have rooms with all amenities you would expect from a good hotel. Tented camps are on permanent foundations and have en-suite bathrooms.

SAFARI CLOTHING:

Travelers should bring very casual summer clothes that are easily laundered and dry quickly. Visitors on safari have traditionally worn olive, tan or other neutral colors. These clothes reflect the heat, don’t show the inevitable safari dust, and do not stand out when you are trying to look inconspicuous on a game drive. With cool temperatures in the early morning and evening, layering is the best approach. Laundry service is available in most places so you can replenish your supply of clean clothing, as you need it. Much of the time on safari is spent in a van so lightweight and comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes or desert boots) are appropriate. Hiking boots are not necessary. The style in Africa is casual, even in the evening. For Dinner in Nairobi and at the Mount Kenya Safari Club, dress is smart casual. You will be in the sun a great deal and at these altitudes it is easy to sunburn very quickly.

LAUNDRY:

Laundry services are available at any game lodge or camp where two or more nights are spent.

Dry cleaning is not available except in Nairobi and Mombasa.

CURRENCY:

In Kenya, the unit of currency is Kenya Shilling.

We recommend that you exchange money only as needed.

You will find it easiest to make small purchases in local currencies, and will usually receive a better price.

You may conveniently exchange money at all lodges and hotels at close to the bank rate, but the best exchange rates you get from “Bureau de Change”

CREDIT CARDS:

Kenya:

Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa and American Express) are widely accepted. Diner’s Card is not generally accepted.

 Tanzania:

Most top hotels and lodges around the country accept Visa and MasterCard.

In addition to credit cards, clients should bring US dollars/Euros/ English Sterling Pounds.

 KENYA CUSTOM DUTY:

Customs regulations are quite straightforward. The usual one bottle of spirits, 200 cigarettes, a reasonable amount of camera equipment, film and one tape recorder are allowed to enter Kenya duty free.

DRIVER / GUIDE:

Your Driver/Guide will be an integral part of your safari experience.

He will spend many days with you revealing the wonders of Kenya’s geography, history and of course their wildlife. Each guide is a Kenyan national, steeped in the traditions and folklore of his country as well as exceptionally knowledgeable in areas such as local flora and fauna, tribal lore and regional geography.

ELECTRICITY:

The voltage is 220 as in Europe; however, the plugs are different than those in North America or most parts of Europe. As outlets may vary, we suggest you travel with a variety of international adapter plugs as well as a voltage converter, which may be purchased as a set.

The most commonly used adapter plug has 3 square prongs.

It is important to note that lodges in the game parks may turn off their generators during the day and late at night, meaning that no electricity is available.

Plan ahead to recharge video camera batteries at applicable times of the day, or carry extra batteries.

FEES & TAXES:

The land portion of the safari includes government taxes and service charges relating to accommodations and meals provided entrance fees to national parks and game reserves, and game ranger services (where obligatory).

CUSTOMER SERVICES:

We are committed to providing safe, dependable and professional service to all our customers. We strive to make your experience positive, with the hope that you will continue to use our service in the future. This Customer Service Plan addresses a number of service goals that we have defined for ourselves, as your safety, comfort and convenience are our most important concerns.

RESERVATION AND PAYMENT:
You will be invoiced upon making a reservation and then payment becomes due. Your tour will be confirmed ONLY on reception of a deposit of a minimum of 10-20% per person of the total tour costs. The transfer bank details shall be given out promptly after making the reservation and payment becoming due. All abroad bank charges incurred in sending the payment to Wildlife Safari Exploreans account is entirely the responsibility of the clients. Notwithstanding any prior confirmation arrangements, the right is reserved not to execute tours if payment has not been received in accordance with the foregoing.

SAFARI GRATUITIES:

All hotel and porterage gratuities are included on your safari; however, it is customary at the end of the program for each individual to tip the Driver/Guide.

The sum is usually contingent upon your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered.

The amount is at your discretion, you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staff thathas provided special services.