GENERAL INFORMATION
Preparing for your Kenyan Safari
Accommodation
Accommodation in Nairobi and Mombasa is of an international standard.
Safari camps are extremely comfortable, most with en suite bathrooms,
hot and cold running water, electricity and flushing toilets. Lodges are
again very comfortable, each with their own character and superb food.
Most lodges we book our clients into have swimming pools and one or more
sports activity as well.
Airport Departure Taxes
For all passengers departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,
Moi International Airport, Kisumu Airport or Wilson Airport, an airport
service charge is payable as follows:
• International flights - US $40 per person (not payable in local
currency)
• Domestic flights - KShs 200 per person (payable in local currency)
• Passengers departing from Malindi Airport on a domestic flight
are also liable for the domestic flight charge.
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday 0900-1400 hrs. Saturday 0900-1100 hrs. Banks at Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport remain open
24 hours a day.
Climate
People invariably ask, “When is the best time to visit Kenya”.
It is a difficult question to answer. Kenya is close to the equator and
has no real seasons. Each time of year has its special attractions, and
some general guidelines can be given.
Clothing
Kenya is in the tropics, but the only tropical air you will encounter
will be at the coast. Safari attire is casual and comfortable. Dress mainly
for outdoor comfort with a change of informal clothes for the evening.
Footwear should be low-heeled and comfortable. There is not much walking
and you stay in your vehicle during game runs. Bring a light-weight raincoat
and a hat for sun protection as vehicle roof hatches are left open whilst
game viewing. Sunscreens are recommended and a swimsuit is essential for
those lodges with pools. Although evening wear is informal, Mount Kenya
Safari Club, Nanyuki and some Nairobi restaurants do require gentlemen
to wear a tie and jacket for dinner. Please do not offend local customs
by wearing very skimpy shorts or miniskirts. You will need cool, casual
clothes for day wear, shorts or slacks for men and simple cotton dresses
for women. Smart but informal clothes are worn in the evenings but something
warm is advised for the nights as the air can be cool.
Accessories - Carry binoculars for added pleasure in
game viewing. Take a small, lightweight flashlight as electric generators
at lodges and camps are sometimes turned off after 2200 hrs or 2300 hrs.
Communication Facilities
Communication facilities are of a modern and reliable standard. Direct
dialling is available in most modern Nairobi and Mombasa hotels and telex
and facsimile machines and internet cafes are installed in the major hotels
and offices.
Currency
Credit cards such as American Express, VISA and Master Card are widely
accepted.
Drinking Water
In Nairobi tap water is drinkable and has a pleasant taste. On safari
and in Mombasa, tap water should not be drunk. All hotels, lodges or camps
supply jugs or thermos flasks of drinking water in your room/tent.
Electricity
Most hotels and lodges outside Nairobi and Mombasa generate their own
electricity. The voltage is 220-240 AC, suitable for appliances, with
the exception of those manufactured in the U.S.A. and Canada. However,
some generators are usually only run for short periods, in the early morning
and again in the evening from 1830 hrs to 2230 hrs. You would be wise
to bring battery operated razors, gas operated curlers and a good quality
torch, with extra batteries and gas refills.
Food in Kenya
In Kenya the food is simply delicious, offering a wide variety; succulent
crayfish from the Indian Ocean, English roast beef, Molo Lamb and many,
many other choices. Fruits are abundant - pineapple, paw paw, mangoes,
avocados as well as bananas, pears and strawberries. Fresh vegetables
are always available. The hotels, lodges and camps in which you stay are
renowned for their high standards of cuisine. Suffice to say Kenya has
everything, even for the most discerning gourmet.
Luggage
For the comfort and convenience of fellow travellers, you are requested
to take the minimum of luggage to Kenya. Heavy bags may be safely stored
in Nairobi.
Photography
We recommend that you bring your own photographic equipment, including
plenty of film and extra camera batteries, all stored in a plastic bag
for dust protection. All normal types of film can be bought in Nairobi.
An average photographer uses up to 600 exposures of film during a two-week
safari, and approximately 650 metres of cine film.
For early morning and late afternoon photography, fast film should be
used. A filter is recommended to guard against the shimmering heat haze.
A telephoto lens is essential for photographing birds and game. We recommend
a 200mm lens for easy handling, as most game photography is done from
inside your vehicle making the use of tripods to support larger lenses
impractical.
Security
Common sense should prevail, and precautions taken as in any major city.
Unless safety deposit boxes are available at your lodge or hotel, always
carry travel documents, traveller's cheques, cash and any other valuables
with you at all times. Only carry small amounts of cash and keep a close
eye on your handbag or wallet. We recommend that you do not walk at night
- take a taxi.
Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policemen,
etc. is prohibited. Before taking photographs of the people permission
should be obtained and a fixed price agreed. You should seek the assistance
of your driver/guide in this matter.
Transportation
Transportation on safari is by either 7-seater minibus or by 5-seater
land cruiser, both fitted with photographic hatches and sliding windows.
All passengers on safari are GUARANTEED A WINDOW SEAT. Our drivers/guides
all speak fluent English. Light aircraft scheduled services are available
throughout Kenya, as are private charter flights. The maintenance of the
aircraft, ranging from 25-seater DC3s to 5-seater Partenavias, is of an
international standard. In Kenya we recommend either Kenya Airways' domestic
scheduled flights for travelling between the major towns, or Kenya Railways'
overnight train for a sedate journey between Nairobi and Mombasa.
All vehicles are equipped with cool boxes to keep your soft drinks. These
are replenished throughout your safari at your own cost.
The Flying Doctors' Society of Kenya
The Flying Doctors' Society of Kenya has been evacuating patients by air
since the 1950s. Several hundred casualties or medical emergencies are
evacuated every year - sometimes a herdsboy mauled by a lion, casualties
from a road accident or a tourist with a fractured leg.
By joining the Society for the duration of your safari you can be flown,
in the event of a medical emergency, back to Nairobi where an ambulance
will be waiting to move you immediately to a leading Nairobi hospital.
Evacuations will not be carried out if the medical complaint is of a minor
nature.
Language:
English and Swahili languages are spoken but French and Italian are widely
understood.
Responsibility:
1. Whilst care is taken for
the security, safety and comfort of our clients these are adventure safaris
and there are certain dangers and risks to our clients, which are inevitable.
The company accepts NO liability for all the following:
a) Sickness, infection, injury or death of any of the clients howsoever
caused
b) Damage to or loss of any of the property of any client howsoever caused
2. The company and its agents will endeavour to ensure that the services
provided by the company or its agents are properly carried out, but accepts
no liability for all or any of the following:
a) Change of itinerary due to road or weather conditions
b) Alleged inferior or inadequate services or transportation, vehicles,
guides or drivers
c) Damages directly or indirectly arising out of delay in departures or
arrivals including delays resulting in the missing of road, rail, ship,
or aircraft connections.
Booking:
A booking deposit of 35% of the full charges is payable. Balance must
be paid at least TWO DAYS prior to or on the day of departure, failing
which the seat may be reallocated.
Cancellation:
Earlier than 30 days before departure will require 75% of deposit to be
forfeited 30 to 2 days before departure will require the full deposit
to be forfeited.
No show between 2 days prior and the time of departure shall forfeit the
full price of the tour once the tour has started, no refunds shall be
made in any manner or for any reasons.
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