Safari Tips

Your minibus / 4WD vehicle will generally be provided with a cool box. You may therefore stock up on water prior to your safari to last you for the duration of your journey from one destination to the next. Bottled mineral water is available at all hotels and lodges and in all towns that you will pass through en route to your next stop.
Many of the roads in East Africa are not in good condition and your journey may prove to be bumpy. Potholes are the norm and not the exception.
Flat tyres, overheating and a few unscheduled delays are all part and parcel of the safari experience!
In the event of an emergency, mechanical or otherwise, your driver / guide has a high frequency radio or mobile access to lodges, park gates and our head office.
Your driver / guide has a wealth of knowledge – be friendly and inquisitive and he will be encouraged to keep you informed.
En route to National Parks and whilst leaving your lodge on a game drive, your driver / guide may have his high frequency radio switched on. He may also stop to chat to the drivers of other vehicles. Please note that your driver is stopping to chat and to gain inside knowledge from the other drivers as to the location of the wildlife within the park so that he can provide you with the best experience possible. In the event that the noise from the radio bothers you, please know that you may ask your driver to switch it off.

Visas

All visitors to Kenya are required to have valid passports. Visas are also required for visitors who are not citizens of the commonwealth countries in order to enter Kenya. At present visitors from Germany, Denmark, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Finland, Spain, Turkey and Uruguay do not require visas. However, since visa requirements may change, it is advisable for the visitors to check the current visa requirements through airlines, tour operators or Kenya Tourist Offices, Kenya Embassies or High Commissions in their countries before coming, to avoid embarrassment. Visas normally take up to six weeks to process and are valid for up to a three month period. Those visitors with proper documents and who also possess onward or return tickets may be given visitor’s passes free of charge on arrival at any Kenyan point of entry.
During the three months period, the visitors’ pass holders are not allowed to engage themselves in any form of work or business in the country without authority from the Principal Immigration officer. Visitors without proper documents will be required to pay a refundable deposit of Kshs. 5,000/= before they are issued with visitor passes.

Weather

Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country.
The average annual temperature for the coastal town of Mombasa (altitude 17 metres) is 30.30 Celsius maximum and 22.40 Celsius minimum, the capital city, Nairobi (altitude 1,661 metres) 25.20 Celsius maximum and 13.60 Celsius minimum, Eldoret (altitude 3,085) 23.60 Celsius maximum and 9.50 Celsius minimum, Lodwar (altitude) 506 metres) and the drier north plainlands 34.80 Celsius maximum and 23.70 Celsius minimum.
There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning.
The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and when it does come it often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August.
The annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place between June and September. The migration of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and other species is nature’s greatest spectacle on earth. The animal trek has been captured by filmmakers worldwide.

Baggage

Baggage on safari I should be restricted to one suitcase or hold-all per person, plus hand baggage. Guests staying at the Treetops and the Ark – Kenya’s two tree-lodges, are asked to take overnight bags only. Extra suitcases and baggage can be left at the base hotels at no extra cost. When using domestic flights either to the National Parks or to the coast, there is a baggage weight restriction of 15 Kg per person.

Currency

Major hard currencies (US Dollars, Sterling Pounds and Euros) can be exchanged in cash or travelers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in Nairobi and other major towns, and in the majority of hotels and lodges that you will stay at. Bank timings are from 08:30 hrs to 15:00 hrs on weekdays, and from 09:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs on Saturdays.
The best / most competitive rates of exchange can be found at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The Kenyan currency comprises of Shillings and Cents – 100 Cents making up a Shilling. Notes range from Kshs 5 to Kshs 1000. Approx. 1 USD equivalent to Kshs 75.

Credit Cards

VISA, MASTERCARD & AMERICAN EXPRESS are accepted as a form of payment at most establishments in major towns, at all hotels and lodges and even at most road side curio shops. Please beware however, that you may be charged an extra 5 % mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions. There are ATM machines in all major towns and cities from which money in cash can be withdrawn.

Dress Code

Smart / Casual attire is required at most hotels and lodges for dinner. Gentlemen, please note no shorts permitted in the dining rooms over dinner. A collared polo-shirt with informal trousers however, will suffice. Ladies, no swimming attire is permitted in dining rooms. During breakfast and lunch a beach wrap that covers your swimming suit or bikini will be fine.
Warm clothing is essential for your early morning and evening game drives at the National Parks.
In the evenings, light long sleeved cotton shirts are recommended as these will not only provide warmth, but will also protect you from mosquitoes which are more abundant at night.
During the day, short sleeved cotton t-shirts and shorts are recommended.
Comfortable shoes and a pair of slip-on flip-flops or slippers are a must!

Park Fees

National Parks: Smart cards and pre-payment of entrance fees are essential for the Nairobi, Nakuru, Aberdares, Amboseli and Tsavo national parks.
Park fees will generally be included in the cost of your safari and the relevant documentation will be given to your driver / guide, who will be responsible for and handle all your entrance fees.
Reserves: Cash payments are still acceptable at reserves such as the Mara and Samburu.
The cost of non-resident park fees in Kenya and Tanzania is currently US Dollars 30 per person per night spent in the park / reserve.
Payment of the driver and vehicle’s entry fees is included in the cost of your safari and you are not responsible for these costs. Your driver / guide will carry his own Smart card or cash in this respect.

Health

Since rules concerning disease prevention and inoculation requirements change occasionally, information should be sought from the Kenyan / Tanzanian Embassies / High Commissions, Tourist Offices, your local travel agent or from any airline flying scheduled services into Kenya in your country of residence prior to travelling. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and Tanzania, and visitors to these countries should start taking anti-malarial tablets prior to departure from your home country, and should continue taking them for the prescribed period of time after your return home. Insect repellants should be utilized after dusk and suitable cover-up clothes should be worn in the evenings.

Flying Doctors Society

We recommend that you purchase temporary membership of the Flying Doctors Society services for the duration of your stay in Kenya / Tanzania. In the event of an accident or sickness whilst on safari, the Society will fly / evacuate patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance into a private hospital. The current cost for a 1 month membership is US $ 30.00 per person and this can be organized by Discount Tours & Travel prior to your arrival.

Drinking Water

Please do not consume any tap water during your trip. Hotels and lodges generally provide a thermos flask in your rooms with safe drinking water. In addition, bottled mineral water is available at all supermarkets, lodges and hotels.

Security

During your visit to Kenya / Tanzania, you should take normal security precautions as you would in any other country. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms, but to ensure that use is made of safe deposit boxes which are available at a minimal cost at all hotels and lodges. Visitors should never carry large sums of money in cash, and ladies should maintain a tight hold on their handbags in crowded or busy streets. Jewelry snatching is quite common in the city streets, and as such very noticeable adornments should be avoided. As in all major cities, walking alone or in small groups at night could be considered dangerous, and should be avoided. Reliable taxi services are available (your reception desk will assist you with this), and should be made use of.

Photography

Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policemen, the president, the national flag, the State House, state properties and prisoners, is completely prohibited.
Before photographing local people, please ask their permission and via your driver / guide, negotiate a price that they will charge you for the privilege of taking their photograph.
Please note that the use of your flash light may be restricted at certain locations.

Shopping

Hours of opening: Generally 09:00 – 17:30. Shopping malls: 09:00 – 20:00. Sundays: 09:00 – 13:00.
Curios: Recommended a visit to see the City Market, but beware of being hassled by hawkers. Bargaining essential.
Food stuff: Kenya and Tanzania are famous for their tea and coffee. Macadamia nuts and cashew nuts are also popular with visitors. Indian spices are readily available. Materials are also varied and of excellent quality.
Brasses and bronzes of wildlife and birds; ebony carvings, soap stone chess sets, glassware….
Please note that the sale and purchase of game skins, all ivory products, marine products and trophies are strictly forbidden.

Voltage

Both the mains electricity and the generated supply available in lodges provides 240 volts AC 50 cycles. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with 110v 50 cycles. Sockets are usually 3 pin and are of the square variety.

Tipping & Portarage

Although hotels, lodges and restaurants include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters and waiters (US Dollars $2 – $5 per service rendered is acceptable), and safari drivers / guides (US Dollars $8 – $15 per person per day is acceptable).

Language

Kiswahili is the Lingua Franca while English is the Official language in both Kenya and Tanzania. The different tribes in both countries have their own languages and dialects but in all touristy establishments, English will be spoken and understood.
Discount Tours & Travel, Leisure & Holidays is in a position to provide driver / guides who speak other languages for those who do not understand or speak English. Please let us know in advance so that we can arrange this for you.

Post & Telephones

Keeping in touch by email, telephone and mail is generally easy. Direct overseas dialing and email facilities are possible / available from major centers and hotels, and increasingly available from more remote locations and game lodges. Special international calling bureaus are widely available in Nairobi as are the cyber cafes for email and internet access. Like most public facilities, the post office hours are from 08:00hrs to 17:00 hrs Mondays to Fridays, and on Saturdays until noon.

Check-In Times/ Reconfirmation

• Minimum check-in time for international flights: 3hours.
• Minimum check-in time for domestic and other flights: 1 hour.
• On-line check in - Discount Tours & Travel team will assist you with this service at your request . For clients who have not purchased tickets through us, please ensure that you provide us with your full flight details to enable us to provide this service.