USEFUL INFORMATION

Useful Information

CLIMATE
There are two rainy seasons: March to May ("long rains") and October to December ("short rains"). During the day, temperatures rarely fall below 25C. Due to various elevations, the nights can be cool.

COMMUNICATION
Other than in major cities, the camps do not have telephone or Internet facilities.

CURRENCY
Local currency is Kenyan Shilling (KSH) Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most lodges, however American Express and Diner Club have limited acceptance. Local craft markets are cash only. ATM's are available in cities only.

DOCUMENTATION
Passports must be valid for 6 months from date of entry. Visas are required and can be obtained in advance from your closest Kenyan Embassy or High Commission. Visas can also be issued upon arrival. Cost is USD 50.00.

ELECTRICITY
Kenya uses a 220/240-volt system and 3 point square. North American electronic equipment will need an adaptor.

FOOD AND WATER
Food in the camps is hearty wholesome home- style meals. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary needs. Drinking bottled or filtered water is highly recommended and available at the camps.

HEALTH
Malaria is endemic to the region. You are at most risk in the summer months. (Nov-March) Malaria prophylactics are highly recommended year round. As there are many choices, consult your family physician or local health clinic for the right one for you. Highly recommended are yellow fever, typhoid and paratyphoid and cholera.
Yellow fever is required if travelling to Tanzania.

INDEMNITY FORM
Each safari lodge will required you to sign an indemnity form stating our are aware you are in a wildlife area.

INSURANCE
All safari lodges required that you must have emergency medical evacuation insurance when on safari. Reservations Africa strongly suggests trip cancellation and interruption insurance as well. Premiums are based on dates of birth and number of days out of country and will be quoted with your itnerary.

LANGUAGE
The national language is Swahili although English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas. In total there are 42 ethnic languages in Kenya. You will find Kenya rich in culture with a mix of Arabian, African, European and Indian influences.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE-light aircraft flights
Only soft bags will be accepted and maximum weight is 15kg/33lb

TIME ZONE
Kenya is +3 hrs GMT

TIPPING
Tipping is at your discretion so these are guidelines only.
Porter-USD 2.00 per bag
Airport Transfers-USD 5.00 per person
Safari-Your guide is tipped separately, and recommended amount is USD 10.00 per day, per person. At all the lodges, there is a general staff tip box located by the check in/check out counter. Suggested amount is USD 10.00 per person per day. Tipping is done at the end of your stay.
Nairobi 10-15% in restaurants

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SAFARI
Bring sunglasses, sun block, sun hat, T-shirts and long sleeved fleece, shorts, long pants, underwear, socks, walking shoes, sports sandals, bathing suit, tissues and moist towelettes, insect repellent, waterproof/windproof hooded jacket, camera equipment including plenty of film or memory cards and extra batteries. While on safari, clothes should be neutral or earth tones.

WILDLIFE & SAFETY WHEN STAYING AT SAFARI CAMPS/LODGES
Safety is of utmost concern to us and we request you take note of the following guidelines:

The wild animals are not like those found in theme parks - they aren't tame.
Most of the safari camps are unfenced and dangerous animals can (and do!) wander through the camps. Many of the animals and reptiles you will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare. However, there are no guarantees that such incidents will not occur. None of the safari companies, their staff members, associates, agents, or their suppliers can be held liable for any injuries caused during an incident involving the behaviour of wild animals.
Please listen to the camp staff and guides. The safety precautions need to be taken seriously, and strictly adhered to.
Never walk on your own without a guide - even to your rooms. After retiring to your rooms at night, don't leave them.
Observe animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.
Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.
Please respect your driver-guide's judgment about proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. Don't insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.
Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.
Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill animals.

Kenya destination Information