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Travelers' Guide to East Africa
Immigration
All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport. Visa requirements vary from time to time and depend on the visitor's nationality. Visitors are strongly advised to check the latest requirements from airline offices or Kenya High Commissions as part of their travel plans.
Health
Health rules change from time to time. Checking with an airline flying schedule to Kenya is advisable. Malaria is endemic in some parts of Kenya. Visitors are advised to take anti-Malaria drugs two weeks before departing for Kenya. It is also advised that visitors carry mosquito repellant. Nairobi has excellent medical specialist. There are drug stores in all major centers. For a small fee, visitors can enjoy membership of AAR, Flying Doctors, or Medi Plus. Such membership entitles an injured person to free emergency evacuation by air from any part of East Africa to Nairobi for specialized treatment. Some cover normal outpatient and inpatient treatment.
Water
Piped water is generally safe in Nairobi, Mombassa, and other major towns but, to be sure, we strongly recommend bottled water.
Security
As with all major urban centers, do not carry excess money, wear excessive jewelry, or walk in isolated areas. We shall brief clients on arrival regarding the areas to be avoided
Telecommunication
Nairobi and other major urban centers throughout the country are well served with telephone and fax services. In Nairobi, e-mail and Internet services are readily available.
Airport Tax
For International departures there is a tax of US $20. This can be paid for in any convertible currency.
Electricity
Voltage in Kenya is 220-240 AC. An adaptor will be necessary on appliances which operate at 110-120 AC.
Luggage
It is strongly recommended that luggage be kept to a minimum on safaris. Most hotels have storage facilities for goods not required on safaris. Laundry in hotels, lodges, and camps, is normally fast and inexpensive.
Banks
These are open from Monday to Friday at 9:00am - 3:00pm and every first and last Saturday of the month from 9:00am-11:00am. Banks at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport are open 24 hours a day, the entire week.
Photography
Film is available in most areas. It is, however, advisable to buy these in Nairobi or Mombasa as some sizes and brands may not be found in remote areas. Visitors are warned that it is an offense to photograph the president, military buildings, or the police. It is advised that visitors seek permission before photographing people.
Language
English and Swahili languages are commonly spoken, but French and German are widely understood.
Safari Details
- Confirmation
To confirm any safari, we request at least a 40% deposit. We recommend that the balance should be remitted to our account at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the safari. When this is not possible due to time limit, balance must be cleared before the safari takes off.
- Cancellation
We should be notified of any cancellation, changes of itinerary or group size once it occurs. Cancellation charges will vary depending on what other suppliers, e.g. lodges and hotels, have levied on us.
- Transportation
Transportation will be by 9 seater safari vans with pop up roofs, land rovers/cruisers, 20 seater coaches, trucks, or air. This will be determined by guest's preference, nature of the road, and weather conditions.
- Accommodations
Varies from hotels, lodges to tents. This will be allocated as per clients' request. If the lodges mentioned are not available, suitable alternatives will be provided. In most cases, accommodation is on full board at the lodges and tented camps. All accommodations are priced on the basis of two persons sharing a room. Where possible, single rooms are available at a supplement charge. Accommodation in major towns is normally based on bed only, bed and breakfast, or half board.
- Other Safaris
We do offer other tours and short excursions, so please contact us if the safari you want to undertake has not been included in this brochure, such as balloon safaris, golf safaris, and desert camel rides. We also arrange for water rafting in rivers Nile and Tana, camping safaris, dhow safaris to Kiwayuu and Zanzibar, Gorilla treks to Bwindi impenetrable forest, and Mghalinga National Parks of Uganda among others. We also offer study tours in East Africa, internships, and home stays.
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