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 A
weekly departure from Nairobi visiting Amboseli, Lake
Nakuru, Masai Mara.
more... |
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Welcome - Karibu to East Africa!
GENERAL INFORMATION
PASSPORT & VISAS :
A valid passport is required. It is advisable to seek information from our Mission in your respective country.
Visas are required by all. They can be obtained at the Kenya High Commission in your country of residence or alternatively on arrival in Nairobi.
Tanzania Visas are also obligatory and can be obtained on arrival also.
Cost of each visa is US$ 50.- per passport
Also for guests combining Kenya and Tanzania, please note that only a single-entry visa for each country will suffice.
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HEALTH AND IMMUNISATION :
A course of anti-malarial tablets is essential, seek advice from a GP.
A mosquito repellent is also advisable.
Swimming is not recommended except in hotel pools and in the ocean.
If on medication, it is best to take a supply of medicines to last the entire trip.
Yellow Fever Vaccination is now obligatory for all visitors to Tanzania.
Please ensure that you have this before your arrival.
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CURRENCY :
The Kenyan currency is denominated in notes and coins as follows: 1000/- note, 500/- note, 200/- note, 100/- note, 50/- note, 40/- coin, 20/- coin, 10/- coin, 5 /- coin, 1/- coin and 50 cent coin. US dollars are acceptable but it is advisable to have local currency on you. There are several bureau de change (Foreign exchange) at the airport and in the city.
A commission is levied for changing of the foreign currency. However, most of the Banks and establishments including African Quest Safaris will not accept US Dollar bills printed before the year 2000.
CURRENT CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES as at December 2011
1 US$ = Kshs 85.- (Kenya Shillings)
1 Euro = Kshs 110.- (Kenya Shillings)
These are median rates, and should only be used as indicative rates.
As in the bureau de change and in the lodges, the exchange rates are at least 3-5% lower than the above.
LOCAL CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES as at December 2011 (Tanzania)
1 US$ = Tshs 1,580.- (Tanzania Shillings)
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CUSTOMS :
Visitors may import, duty-free, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and one litre of spirit.
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BAGGAGE CLAIM :
All bags arrive on the conveyor belt.
Each person picks his/her bag, onto a trolley and then clear Customs - where he/she presents their passport.
This is just a formality - nothing more than that.
And immediately in front of them are the Exit doors to the Public Waiting Area/ Rendez-vous point.
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MEETING POINT ON ARRIVAL :
Once you clear immigration and customs - our representatives will meet you on arrival entry outside the Customs Hall.
The common name on the MEETING board will read the name of the group.
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POWER :
Our National grid power supply ranges between 240v-220v. Many of our lodges/camps in the parks and reserves get this supply from the National grid. Most of them generate their own power supply from generators and power ranges 240v –220v.
However, a variety of plugs are usable and an adaptor is available upon request.
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TELECOMUNICATIONS :
Auto roaming of mobile phones is available in Kenya & Tanzania with excellent network in the cities and in and around some of the national parks and reserves. This will however depend on whether there is a reciprocative agreement with your country. Otherwise, most lodges/hotels are connected to land lines.
There is a cost for usage of the phones.
You may also buy a Pre-Paid line from Zain or Safaricom (with easy switch over from Kenya to Tanzania), whilst on holiday here. This is the cheapest option.
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WATER :
Water in Kenya & Tanzania is chlorinated and safe to use for showering and washing of hands but should not be drank directly from the tap. We recommend that you use the mineral water provided for you at the hotel or you may buy some at the hotel bar/shops and service stations.
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FLYING DOCTORS :
The temporary membership cost is US$ 15.- per person and is valid for a 3 months visit in East Africa.
It entitles the subscriber to one free 'evacuation' flight from a radius of 1000 km within East Africa.
The areas we are going to fall within this range of mileage.
The evacuation flight consists; depending on the emergency, a nurse, a doctor, flight attendant and of course the crew.
The aircrafts are equipped with Blood, Oxygen etc..
So if we had an accident or somebody fell ill, we could call upon the Flying Doctors and within a turn-around time of maximum 40 minutes to one hour, they would be at the nearest airstrip to our location.
Website: www.flyingdoctorsocietyafrica.com
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WHAT TO CARRY :
Baggage: TRAVEL LIGHT!
Clients should be encouraged to carry soft bags as opposed to hard/roller cases such as samsonite etc..
This saves time during the loading/off-loading of the safari vehicles.
Other Personal Items
Don’t forget the camera, camcorder and a plentiful supply of film and spare batteries.
A pair of binoculars will greatly enhance game viewing while a torch to find your way around camp after dark is a good idea.
Books, pencils, crayons and crackers are very welcome as gifts to the children of local villages that you would pass (or visit) whilst on safari.
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WHAT TO WEAR :
Summer clothing is worn throughout the year, although at times a jacket and light raincoat may be necessary.
On dawn and dusk safaris, a sweater is likely to be needed.
On safari, wear neutral colours, such as brown, beige and khaki - bright colours may alarm the animals. Sensible walking shoes are also recommended.
Since laundry is only possible where you are staying for 2 nights, try to carry quick-dry type of clothing.
Casual wear is the norm during the day, a short-sleeved shirt for men, light cotton dresses, or a skirt and top for women. In the evening, all hotels and restaurants require long trousers for men in particular.
Sunglasses and a hat for protection against the sun are recommended and swimsuits should be packed for the swimming pool or beach.
Topless sunbathing is not permitted.
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TIPPING & GRATUITIES :
Tipping is customary and in many occasions, actually ‘paves the way’. It is indeed a way of life.
Please note that there are variations between Kenya and Tanzania on tipping and gratuities.
Whilst the actual amount of money to tip is left at your discretion, we would like to offer some guidelines here below:
KENYA
| Porter – per bag |
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US$ 1.- each time |
| Server in restaurant - per meal |
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US$ 1.50- per person |
| Driver-guide - per day |
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US$ 5.- per person |
TANZANIA
| Porter – per bag |
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US$ 1.50- each time |
| Server in restaurant - per meal |
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US$ 2.- per person |
| Driver-guide - per day |
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US$ 7 - 10.- per person |
On average, we would recommend that you budget for US$ 70 - 100. per person on a trip of 7-10 days, which would comfortably cover all tipping & gratuities.
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SHOPPING :
There is a big variety of souvenirs to take home. Most hotels have licensed souvenir shops and there are a large number of such outlets in the main towns.
Popular items are wood carvings, African art, African clothing, soap stone carvings, wax batiks, tie and dyes, African jewelry, gem stones
The Cultural Heritage Centre outside Arusha stocks a wide range of African crafts, and is a bonafide dealer in gemstones such as Tanzanite and Tsavorite stones.
As you move along from point to point, you will come across many souvenir shops “kiosks” , if you like something, BARGAIN and BUY.
At several places, barter is also possible. You may want to bring your used T-shirts, caps, sneakers etc.. and in exchange pick up Masai bead bracelets, small animal carvings etc..
As your time can be limited, don’t put off your shopping till the ‘last day’.
Often some of these ‘kiosks’ may stock items that are not available in the city.
The traders accept all major currencies in cash and some of the bigger outlets also take International Credit Cards.
If you like, you may also visit the gold smiths where there is a wide range of beautiful jewelry made from gold, silver and diamond. Latest in African Fashion is available at select outlets.
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VALUE ADDED TAX :
Nearly everything in Kenya and Tanzania is Taxable (Value Added Tax). There is no facility for tax refund. However, you may purchase duty free items from the duty free shops located at our international airports.
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COST OF LIVING :
The average cost of eating out is equivalent to that in most developed countries. Lunch costs around $20 per head and an “a la carte” dinner is between USD $25 and USD $50 per person.
Diners can choose between Local, Indian, European-Continental and Asian cuisine. There are also fast food outlets and fish-and-chip shops!
Kenyan & Tanzanian beer is actually very good and costs around USD $3 for 300ml bottle.
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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS :
Tanzania
January 1, January 12, April 7(Zanzibar), April 26, May,July 7, September 10, December 9 , December 25 & 26
Religious Holidays : Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Haj and Easter.
Kenya
January 1, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May 1, June 1, October 10, October 20, December 12, and December 25 & 26.
Religious Holidays : Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Haj and Easter. |
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