Safaris Online

KENYA SAFARI & TANZANIA SAFARI TRAVEL FACTS

Welcome Service

Clients arriving at international airports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha and Dar-es-Salaam, are met after clearing customs and escorted to their hotel and fully briefed on their forthcoming tour. They are met again whenever they are back in town and debriefed before they depart.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is 13kms south east of Nairobi.

Wilson Airport, 3.2kms south of Nairobi, is the terminal used for small aircraft servicing game parks such as Amboseli, Masai Mara, Samburu, and also some small provincial towns and islands such as Lamu.

Meals on your Safari Holiday

Meals throughout Kenya and Tanzania are of a universally high standard. On Safari, meals are provided on a full board basis. A large breakfast, excellent buffet lunch, afternoon tea and a three/four course dinner is standard practice.

Food is fresh and includes local fish and exotic tropical fruit. Curries are a traditional feature on Sundays.

Check-In/Check-Out

The standard check-out time is 1000 hrs. It is recommended that rooms be reserved from the preceding night, when early arrival is anticipated.

Language

Swahili is the Lingua Franca while English is the official language. In addition most tribes have their own language. English is spoken by most people in the tourist industry.

Currency

 The Kenya and Tanzania Shilling is an international currency and there are therefore no restrictions on moving shillings in or out of the country. It is a serious offence to deface or knowingly damage East African currency.

Drinking Water

Bottled water is freely available and therefore recommended.

Entry Requirements

All visitors must be in possession of a full passport for the period of stay. Visitors may or may not require visas depending on Nationality and it is therefore advisable to consult the relevant Embassy, High Commission or representative in your area.

Insurance

Appropriate personal insurance cover is strongly recommended.

Photography

There is no shortage of the more usual film throughout Kenya and Tanzania, however, it is expensive and visitors are advised to bring plentiful supplies, especially where specialist film is concerned.

Carry enough film with you to last the trip (double the number of rolls you first thought of). You will find many interesting and beautiful subjects to photograph but there are some taboos, it is prohibited to photograph the President or his residence, Military, police or related installations. Ask permission before photographing locals, especially the Samburu, Turkana, Maasai peoples.

 A pair of good quality binoculars will be a great asset.

Money

There are no currency restrictions in Kenya or Tanzania. The well known credit cards (Visa, Access, Amex, Diners) are widely accepted . We recommend the use of US$ or other hard currency traveller's cheques. Do not carry large amounts of cash.

Climate

If there is a perfect climate in the world, surely it is in Kenya and Tanzania. Although it can be hot and sticky by the sea, inland the air is dry and even midday the temperatures are equitable. Kenya and

Tanzania's position on the equator means sunrise occurs daily between 0600 and 0630, while sunset takes place 12 hours later, the temperature drops dramatically, and visitors should pack a sweater for evenings.

There are two rainy seasons - usually mid-April to the end of May, and November to mid-December. Even during the rains the weather can be pleasant, with rains occurring early in the morning and late in the afternoon or evening.

Clothing on a Kenya or Tanzania Safari

Dress should generally be informal, comfortable and practical. Washable cotton clothing in neutral colours are best for safari. A light jacket and warm sweater are recommended for early morning game drives and evenings, especially if visiting highland areas such as Mount Kenya and The Aberdares.

The Mount Kenya Safari Club and some Nairobi hotels require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie and women to be suitably attired for dinner.

Bring a sunhat, comfortable shoes and swimwear. Good quality, locally made clothing, and shoes for safari are available in Nairobi and Mombasa shops at reasonable prices.

 Please do not offend local customs by wearing skimpy shorts and miniskirts. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach or pool only.

The Flying Doctors' Society of Africa

Safaris Online support the role of the African Medical and Research Foundation in assisting the East African Governments' with their medical programmes, particularly in rural areas.

Our clients are recommended they enroll as members of this society. In case of serious illness or injury, the Flying Doctors' Society will provide emergency treatment and air transportation to the nearest hospital. Please note that the cost of medical expenses is not included.

Baggage on your Safari Holiday

Baggage space on safari is usually restricted to one medium suitcase or holdall per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than seven persons in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction).

Visitors to Treetops and the Ark are asked to take overnight bags only; secure storage is provided at the base hotels - the Outspan Hotel and Aberdare Country Club.

 Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra charge while clients are on safari. On all itineraries where journeys are by light aircraft, the baggage allowance is 15 kgs per person. Safaris Online accepts no liability for loss of or damage to luggage whilst on safari, and clients are strongly advised to effect personal luggage insurance before leaving home.

Electricity

The electrical supply in Kenya is 230/240 volts 50 Hz. Sockets are usually 3 pin square (British type). It is advisable to check that any appliances (e.g. video battery charger) operating on other voltages have a built in adaptor or bring one with you.

Health

Kenya and Tanzania enjoys a healthy, invigorating climate and visitors need feel no concern for their general health during their stay. Malaria is endemic . Prophylatics (available from most dispensing pharmacies) should be taken as prescribed by your travel clinic or doctor.

Valid certificates of inoculation against Yellow Fever is required for entry into Tanzania and Zanzibar Island. 

 Anyone who has any special medication should take enough supplies to last your visit.  Innoculation centers in the country of origin will provide information and advise on health regulations and recommendations.

Security

East Africa is no different from anywhere else in the world, just follow your common sense. Remember that excessive displays of jewellery or large wads of cash in your back pocket are a temptation. Do not leave valuables in hotel rooms - use the safe in your room or at reception. Keep a close watch on handbags, wallets and cameras when walking in crowded places. Avoid walking at night.

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