General Information:

Currency: Kenya money is called Kenya shillings, abbreviated as Ksh. 100cents make 1-shilling, 1-US$ is equivalent to about 80/= shillings but this may change from more to less from bank to bank and lodge to lodge depending on the percentage of the commission taken.

Most banks in Kenya open between 09:00hrs and 15:00hrs. There is however bureau de change in every Urban centres and they open as early as 0800hrs and close at 17:00hrs. Hotels and lodges change currencies as well.

Have a few denominations in local currency; it is cheaper and convenient to have your money changed before the commencement of the safari.

Visa and Master Cards: most lodges, hotels and shops accept the use of Visa/Master Cards 

Water: on the whole safari, it is recommended that you use only mineral water for drinking. Tap water may be used for shower and brushing of teeth, but we do not recommend that you drink it. Hotels and lodges have enough mineral water and you may also purchase this en-route when you make short breaks between the destinations.

Shopping: have enough films to avoid inconveniences; it’s also fairly cheaper over here

Health: take precautions like having some prescribed Malaria tabs. Use mosquito repellent oil/lotion.

Weather: July is the coldest in Nairobi with little or no rain at all. South Eastern Kenya and Northern Tanzania would have cool evenings and a spell of Sun during the day. Temperatures would range from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius during the night and as high as 27 degrees Celsius during the day.

You will require warm clothing during the evenings i.e. Jackets, long sleeved blouses and Shirts, trousers etc. For the day, you may need casual clothing as t-shirts and shorts.

Photography: generally, photography is allowed in Kenya and Tanzania. The animals get a monthly wage for posing for the photos, so you are encouraged to take as much as you wish. However, do not take photos of strangers, police officers, military personnel, presidential motorcade, masai herdsmen and women or any other traditionally dressed persons. You may seek permission first before taking shots of strangers and masai people. Your driver will be at your service for any assistance that you may need.

Power voltage: all regions in Kenya and Tanzania are supplied with 240 volts. Almost all sockets you will find on safari are those that take in the rectangular prongs plug. You may however need to carry an adaptor just incase the two bottom holes are too wide apart for the charger prongs to go in. most lodges and hotels will provide you with an adaptor if you do not have one. It will be very rare to find sockets with rounded prongs.

Tipping: as a sign of appreciation, you may offer some tips to those who offer services at the hotels on the entire safari. However, tipping remains entirely on you. Should you feel like tipping for services rendered, we recommend that porters and waiters be given at least US$1.00 for the driver-guide; we recommend a tip of between US$5.00 to US$7.00 per person per day.

Do’s and Don’ts in the National Parks and Reserves:

Do not throw litter or leave litter. There are litter bins at designated places or you may leave them in the bus.

Do not feed the animals, i.e. monkeys, baboons etc.

Do give the animals the right of way and do not disturb the wildlife

Do not take any plant or animals, dead or alive

Do not start fires or throw cigarettes

Do stay in your vehicle except at designated viewing points

Do not shout, laugh loudly, play radio or cassettes as this will keep away the animals

Do enjoy yourself to the fullest

Keep below the maximum speed limit (40 kph/25 mph)

When viewing wildlife, keep to a minimum distance of 20 meters

Keep to the roads

Stay over or leave before dusk, visitors must vacate the Parks between 7.00pm- 6.00am. Unless they are staying overnight. Night game driving is not allowed.

Beware of the animals, they are wild and can be unpredictable.

Do I require a Visa? 

There is no visa requirement for citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Commonwealth countries with EXCEPTION to citizens of the following countries who do require visas:

Antigua

Bermuda

Guyana

India

South Africa (for visitors staying more than 30 days)

Sri Lanka

United Kingdom

Ethiopia

San Marino

Turkey

Eritrea

Uruguay

Citizens of the following countries need to have a visa PRIOR to arriving in Kenya:

Afghanistan

Somali

Iran

Lebanon

Iraq

Syria

Libya

Mali

Sudan

Nigeria

Yemen

Cameroon

Pakistan

North Korea

Visas are readily obtained at the Airport upon arrival as well as from the Kenya Embassies and High Commissions abroad prior to departure.

Where applicable, visa fees are as follows: –

Transit Visa = US$20.00 per person

Single Entry Visa = US$50.00 for three months (extendable for a similar period) Multiple Entry Visa = US$100.00 – valid.

Travel within East Africa

If you are intending to have a multiple destination tour within East Africa, please request for the “Visitors Pass” upon arrival at the Airport. The Visitors Pass allows free RE-ENTRY to Kenya if you are travelling WITHIN East Africa (Uganda/Tanzania/Zanzibar). You will however be required to pay the normal visa charges for the other countries but may re-enter Kenya freely.

The Visitors Pass is stamped on the passport free of charge for full visa holders. 

FOOTNOTES:

Swahili words:

Karibu: welcome

Asante: thank you

Jambo: hallo

Safari: is an organized tour 

The Cost includes:

Airport transfers on arrival and departure

Accommodation on full board for Camping & Lodge Safaris

National Parks and Game Reserves entrance fee

All Game drives

Services of a qualified English speaking Driver Guide

Safari in a custom made safari mini-bus with Pop-up roof

All government taxes

Conservation fees ( Ngorongoro Crater services fee)

Mattress, 2-3 man tents

Cost does not include:

Visa fees

International flights & Air tickets, unless advised

Drinks

Personal Insurance Policy

Personal effects and toiletries

Laundry and telephones

Tips/Gratuities to the Driver Guide

Sleeping bags while on safari

Mosquito repellent

Single room supplements

Easter and Christmas supplements