Getting Ready To Go!

a) Packing lists, safari tips, local customs etc

Q1. What should I pack?

A1. See suggested packing lists for ladies and gentlemen. (link)

b) Passports and Visas

Q1. Do I require a passport to enter Kenya?

A1. Yes, all travelers to Kenya/Tanzania must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the re-entry date into the USA.

Q2. Do I need a Visa to enter Kenya or Tanzania?

A2. Yes US citizens require a visa to enter Kenya/Tanzania.

Non US citizens may have different requirements.

Click here to go to the Tanzania Embassy site for more details

Q3. How much does the visa cost and how long does it takes to get a Visa?

A3. A single entry visa to Kenya costs $50 per person for US passport holders and can be obtained in advance at the Kenya Embassy or upon arrival at the airport in Nairobi. The latter process only takes a few minutes.

Single or multiple entry visas to Tanzania cost $100 per person for US passport holders and can be obtained in advance at the Tanzania Embassy or upon arrival in Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport or at Namanga or Isebania borders.

Q4. How can I get my visa to Kenya/Tanzania?

A4. They are two options:

Obtain them upon arrival in Kenya/Tanzania or apply for them in advance directly through the Kenya or Tanzania Embassy or via a visa service provider.

Q5. Is the visa for Tanzania also good for Zanzibar?

A5. Yes. Tanzania and Zanzibar are one country – only one visa is required.

c) Luggage Allowance

Q1. How much luggage can I carry on safari?

A1. Luggage limits will depend on the airline you will be flying on. Usually two bags per person of 50pounds each and one carry on. It is however advisable to confirm with the airline prior to departure.

Q2. What is the luggage allowance for flights between parks in Kenya/Tanzania?

A2.The maximum luggage allowance is 33lbs in soft bags. This includes your hand baggage.

Q3. Could we leave part of our luggage at a hotel in the city, and just take what we would need for our safari? Is there a charge for this service?

A3. If you will be returning to the hotel you may not be charged for the service. However this is at the discretion of the hotel management.

d) Reconfirming airline reservations

Q1. Do you assist with reconfirmation of airline reservations?

A1. We would be delighted to assist you. Please let your guide know in good time.

e) Currency, ATMs, how much money to take, travelers checks, credit cards

Q1. What currency is used in Kenya?

A1. Kenya Shillings, $$ US Dollars are widely accepted.

Q2. How much money will we need?

A2. Depends on the gifts and African Art you might buy or drinks you might consume. These are not included in the program. On arrival you will each require to pay $50 for an entry visa unless you have already obtained it advance. There may also be a $20 each departure tax.

Q3. Are ATMs available?

A3. Yes in the major cities like Nairobi and Arusha, but may not be available in the game lodges.

Q4. What currency should we take with us?

A4. Keep your money in US Dollars as they are widely accepted. Each property in your program has an exchange bureau where you can convert USD to the local currency as and when needed.

Q5. Should we take traveler's checks?

A5. We generally recommend a 50/50 combination of cash and travelers checks.

Q6. How much money should we carry on safari?

A6. This will vary with each individual and will depend on how much they want to spend on gifts etc. Drinks and other extras at the lodges can be paid using your credit card. The tipping guide line for drivers is between $8-10 per person per day paid at the end of each driver's trip. They accept US Dollars.

Q7. Where can I change my money or cash my traveler’s checks?

A7. Currency can be exchanged and traveler’s checks cashed at major banks, bureau de change or authorized hotels. The banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport have 24-hour exchange services.

f) Power supply

Q1) Will I be able to use and charge my electrical equipment while on safari?

A1) Yes you will. The local electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. North American travelers planning to bring their 110/120 volt video camera chargers or other electrical devices should also bring voltage and socket adapters. Major hotels usually provide hair dryers, irons and other small electric appliances upon request.

g) Health Recommendations

Q1. What vaccinations do you need to go to Kenya?

A1. VACCINATIONS/IMMUNIZATIONS FOR KENYA

-          There are no mandatory immunizations required for US residents wishing to visit Kenya.

However, immunization against typhoid, yellow fever and cholera are recommended.

-          Anti- Malaria medication is strongly recommended particularly if you will be traveling to the Western and Coastal regions of Kenya. Be sure to consult your family doctor and ask if he or she recommends any additional immunizations or shots for you or your family. For detailed, up-to-the-minute information on immunizations, shots, and health and safety advisories for travelers, visit the Centers for Disease Control Traveler’s Health website.

Q2. What vaccinations do you need to travel to Tanzania?

A2. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for persons from, or those who have visited yellow fever endemic countries. Click here for more details:

Anti-malaria medication is also strongly recommended.

h) Tipping

Q1. What is the typical tipping situation?

A1. Driver/Guide tips average around $8-$10 per day per person.

Q2. When we tip the Driver-Guide and Guide on safari, do we tip in US dollars or in Kenya Shillings?

A2) US Dollars.

i) Laundry

Q1. Are laundry services available on safari?

A1. Laundry services are available throughout your safari. However, lodges in the parks usually require a day (next day service) to do your laundry, therefore plan to do it when you have at least 2 nights in one location.

Q2. How much does it cost to do laundry while on safari?

A2. Expect to generally pay between $1 and $3 depending on the item. As a general rule, do not launder expensive items will safari.

j) Weather

Q1. What is the weather like in Kenya / Tanzania?

A1. Kenya straddles the equator, and Tanzania is not far south, so both countries enjoy a tropical climate. The coasts are hot and humid, while the inland areas are generally temperate (due to the altitude). The northern parts of Kenya are very hot and dry. The average annual temperature in Nairobi (altitude 4,980 feet) is 77°F maximum and 56°F minimum. The coastal town of Mombasa (altitude 50 feet) is 86oF maximum and 73°F minimum.

There is plenty of sunshine throughout the year and summer clothes are appropriate year round. Nights and mornings can be quite cool. The long rains occur from March to May and short rains occur November and 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 coolest is July to August. Click here for more details

k) Gifts

Q1. Are there any small gifts we might bring to give children when we are visiting villages?

A1. You can never go wrong with school supplies for children such as pencils, crayons, exercise books etc.

l) Departure taxes, incidental costs

Q1. Do I have to pay a departure tax at the airport?

A1. Like most international destinations, Tanzania and Kenya charge an airport departure tax for all international flights. The tax of $20 may or may not be included in the airline ticket price; confirm with your airline. If it is not included, visitors must pay the tax in cash at the airport upon arrival. Departure taxes can be paid in local currency or US dollars.

m) Other

Q1. Do I need to bring my own binoculars, or will they be furnished?

A1. Each van has a pair of binocular. You may want to bring a pair for your exclusive use.

Q2. Will I be sleeping under mosquito nets every night?

A2. All the properties in the program provide mosquito nets.

Q3. Is bottle water available at all of the lodges that I will be visiting, or do I need to make arrangements to bring my own?

A3. Bottled drinking water is provided for free during your game drives and is readily available at all the hotels and lodges you will be visiting.

Q4. What other activities are available other than game drives?

A4. You can take nature walks, relax by the pool, visit local villages and meet the local people.