BAGGAGE:
Baggage space on safari is limited to one medium suitcase or hold-all per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 5 people in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction). Visitors to Treetops and the Ark are asked to take overnight bags only. Suitcases can be left at the base hotels. Hotels will generally store baggage at no extra cost , and baggage may also be stored at the Going Places offices. A baggage weight restriction of 15 kgs per person applies on air safaris, and where very small aircraft are used, this restriction may be reduced to 10 kgs.
CURRENCY:
Hard currencies 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 most large hotels and lodges. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay. As a norm, always inquire as to what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction. Banks are opened 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.
CREDIT CARDS:
VISA, MASTERCARD & AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourist services. There is usually a 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 There are ATM machines in all major towns and cities where money can be withdrawn from.
HEALTH:
Since rules concerning disease prevention vary from time to time, information should be sought from the Kenyan / Tanzanian Embassy / High Commission, Tourist Office 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 intending visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and should continue taking them for the prescribed period of time after their return home. Insect repellants should be utilized after dusk and suitable cover-up clothes should be worn in the evenings.
FLYING DOCTORS SOCIETY:
Membership of the Flying Doctors Society is strongly recommended. In the event of accident or sickness while on safari, the society will fly / evacuate patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance into hospital. The current cost for a 1 month membership is US $ 30.00 per person and this can be organized by Going Places, prior to your arrival in Kenya.
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:
Normal precautions as in any other destination should be taken. 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 in cash and women should keep a tight grip 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 taxis 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. Prior to taking photographs of local people, permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed upon. Please seek the assistance of your driver / guide regarding this matter.
VOLTAGE:
Both mains electricity and generated supply in lodges and hotels provide 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 and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters and waiters (US $ 2 - 5 per service rendered is acceptable), and safari drivers / guides (US $ 8 - 15 per person per day is acceptable).
LANGUAGE:
Kiswahili is the lingua franca while English is the official language. In addition, most tribes have their own dialects / languages.
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 increasingly from remote places such as game lodges. Call home bureaus are in plenty 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.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Visas can either be obtained from the Kenyan / Tanzanian High Commissionsin your country of residence, or at cutoms upon arrival in the country.
ZANZIBAR
Yellow fever certificates are essential for entry into Tanzania and in particular, Zanzibar.
CLIMATE
Kenya and Tanzania are at the same altitude as the equator, and as aresult, we have a very tropical climate. Coastal areas are hot and humid,the Central Province is semi-desertic with hot days and cold nights, theMount Kenya and Aberdares region of Kenya is much cooler and warm clothing will be required especially in the mornings and at night.
RECOMMENDED PACKING AND MISCELLANEOUS LIST
Click here to view our recommended packing list
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