USEFUL INFORMATION

Health
Prophylaxis (Against Malaria)

The choice of drugs takes into account:

Risk of exposure to malaria
Extent of drug resistance
Efficacy of recommended drugs
Patient related factors (e.g. age, pregnancy, kidney or liver impairment

Protection Against Bites

Prophylaxis is not absolute and breakthrough infection can occur with any of the drugs recommended. Personal protection against being bitten is very important
Mosquito nets that are treated with a repellant, coils, mats and vaporized insecticides are also useful.
Lotions, roll-on fomutations are safe and effective when applied to the skin but protective effects only lasts a few hours.
Long sleeves and trousers worn after dusk also provide protection.

Length of Prophylaxis

In order to determine the tolerance and to establish habit, prophylaxis should be started one week. (Preferably 2-3 weeks in the case of Mefloquine) before travel.
Prophylaxis should be continued for 4 weeks after leaving.

Return From Malaria Region

It is important to be aware that any illness that occurs within 1 year and especially within 3 months of return might be malaria even if all recommended precautions against malaria were taken.
Travelers should be warned of this and told that if they develop any illness particularly within 3 months of their return they should go immediately to a doctor and specifically mention their exposure to malaria.

Sleep Aid And Sedactive Products

Lack of sleep is usually a transient, self-limiting condition caused by stress or change of location or schedule.
Non prescription sleep aid or sedative products are only for occasional use at recommended dosage and their effectiveness in the long-term has not been established.

Insect Sting And Bite

Medication is often requested after symptoms appear, thus it is important to determine the nature of the symptoms following the severity of the symptoms and what other drugs are being used concurrently.

Non-prescription products are of minimal value to hypersensitive individuals. If the symptoms such as localized irritation, itching or swelling are minor an appropriate nonprescription product may be recommended.
Topical lotions, creams, ointments and sprays are the main nonprescription products used for symptomatic relief of local reactions to insect sting and bites. The main consideration in product selection are reducing the possibility of additional stings or bites, providing proper protection to the affected area and relieving itching and irritation.

Security
Like in every big city precaution should be taken while traveling in Nairobi. We recommend that you do not carry valuable or large amounts of money with you when walking in town instead use the safe deposit box provided for in your hotel room or at the front office safe deposit office. Always obtain a receipt for your deposit.

Instead of walking in the streets at night take a taxi.
In your Hotel Room do not leave your valuables carelessly, lock them up in the safe deposit box.
Do not wear expensive jewellery that can be snatched in the streets.
Before taking photos of the local people, always obtain their permission. Usually the person being photographed will ask a small fee. Do not photograph military staff, policemen etc. Beware of conmen. They are always willing to sell you safaris that are cheaper than your agent is. Do not talk or negotiate with street conmen – masquerading as Travel Agents.

Food & Drinks
In Kenya food is of very high standards with a wide selection of tropical fruit, fresh vegetables, meat and fish. The tap water in Nairobi is potable though we would recommend that you take water provided for in your room in a flask. Alternatively drink mineral water which is widely available both in cities and on safari. On safari all meals i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the package. Breakfast and lunch are usually buffets with hot and cold selections. Dinner is Table d’hôte with several selections and either 3 or 4 course. Meals in Mombassa include the meal and breakfast.

Climate
Climate in East Africa is generally good even during the wet season of April/May and November/ Early December when it is usually rains at night. Mornings are bright and sunny. The Kenyan Coast is hot and humid most of the year, so lightweight clothes are recommended. It gets cold in the evening so pack a warm sweater to carry on safari.

Luggage
City hotels have storage facilities for baggage you do not need on safari. Tree Hotels restrict baggage to a small overnight bag. Storage facilities are available at the Aberdares Country Club and the outspan Hotel. Laundry services are available in most lodges and we recommend that you keep luggage to a minimum on safari. When traveling in light aircraft’s baggage is limited to 15 kilos per person.

Visas
Please check with the nearest travel office or diplomatic mission. It is a requirement to have a valid visa when visiting Kenya.

Transport
Safaris are arranged in either 4-wheel drive vehicles or open roofed mini buses, for good photographic opportunities. Drivers are well trained and polite and have a wide knowledge of wildlife, birds, people and the country in general. In big groups we provide tour guides both English and multi-lingual speaking.

Accommodation
In Nairobi we use luxury hotels, most of them 5 stars. On safari we use game lodges or camps which provide comfort luxury. Most game lodges/camp have swimming pools. Tree Hotels have game viewing decks and verandahs and are situated near the flood lit water holes. Generally accommodation is a good with a true safari style of every high standard of comfort and luxury.

Airport Departure Tax
Airport departure tax both for international and domestic flights are charged in your tickets.

Clothing
Safari clothes should be casual and comfortable. On safari lightweight cotton shirts, slacks or for ladies cotton skirts or culottes are recommended. Mornings and evenings can be sold so a sweater, a light jacket or a long sleeved shirt is recommended. Bring your swimwear as many of the lodges and camps have swimming pools. Bring also a scarf or a hat for your hair, as it can be dusty on safari. Footwear should be low heeled and comfortable although you do not do a lot of walking. Bring along some sun screen lotion and a pair of sunglasses.

Electricity
Voltage in East Africa is a 240 volts through three pin square plugs. Video charging facilities in most game lodges are centralized at the front area. Some lodges and camps have electricity only. the mornings and evenings.