Useful Information

Health
Take the necessary and recommended vaccinations when travelling to East Africa.

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.

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 in the mornings and evenings.