Do I need a
passport?
You need a passport for all international travel.
Do I need a Visa?
An entry visa into Kenya is required and is payable at US$50
per person.
What is the flight time and what
are the suitable connections?
Flight connection over Europe is mainly with North West Airlines
and Klm or British
Airway with a total flying time of approximate 16 hours including
connecting time.
Alternatively, South African Airlines through Johannesburg or
Cape Town with a total
Flying time of approximate 22 hours including connecting time.
What is the climate like in Kenya?
Temperatures rarely fall below 24 degrees centigrade during
the day and around 10 degrees centigrade at night. Please note
that temperatures vary from place to place. Warm clothing is
recommended for evening both in Nairobi and on safari.
What clothes do I need?
The kind of clothes to be worn depends on the seasons. During
rainy seasons and cold seasons, clients will need to put on
heavy or warm clothes and during dry and warm seasons, light
clothing is recommended. Hot season range at highs of 28-30
degrees centigrade with lows of 18-20 while cold seasons range
at highs of 15-18 degrees centigrade with lows of 12-14. The
coast region can be humid.
Do I need insurance?
We recommend that clients purchase adequate and comprehensive
insurance before departure. The flying doctors insurance cover
is available in Kenya. The flying doctor service provides air
evacuation service in medical emergencies as well as air ambulance
transfers between medical facilities. It also covers first aid
but not medical evacuation back to home countries.
What are the baggage allowances?
It is advisable to pack light bags / suitcase for domestic flights
as the weight restriction is 15kg per person. It is also advisable
to pack light for safari by road. This ensures your comfort
in the safari mini-bus. Excess luggage can be stored at your
Nairobi hotel at no extra charge. The porter on duty will fill
a left luggage form and you will be required to sign the same
form.
What is the security like?
Like many other cities in the world, security is of significant
concern. Nairobi is generally safe but we advise clients not
to drive or walk in dark alleys or unlit streets. If one has
to leave the hotel at night, the hotel reception staff will
be of great help to obtain a taxi for you. Do not carry a lot
of money with you. Just have enough money for what you wish
to buy. The rest of the money and other valuables can be kept
in the hotel safe. A receipt will be obtained for the same.
Is water provided for and is tap water safe?
It is advisable to use bottled water for drinking. Water from
taps in the rooms can however be used for brushing teeth and
bathing. Bottled water is available in all lodges during safari
but can be expensive. Bottled water is however, provided free
of cost in the Ele Africa safaris’ vehicles.
What is the tipping procedure?
Tipping is the appreciation of services offered. It is not
compulsory but highly recommended. A guideline on how tip
is as below. However, if services are exceptionally good,
you are free to give over and below the guidelines. Porters:
US$0.5 per piece of luggage. Restaurant staff: about 10% of
cost consumption per meal. Driver guide: US$03-US$05 per person
per day.<
How do I communicate back home?
Telephone calls can be made directly from hotel rooms. Telephone
rates can be found in each room and should be referred to
before making calls. However note that rates can be pretty
high. It is advisable to communicate by e-mail. E-mail in
Kenya can be relatively cheap. This is offered by most city
hotels at their business centers. Postage stamps are available
at the reception/ hotel shops. It is advisable to post from
Nairobi. It is faster and more convenient.
Are laundry facilities available on safari?
Laundry services are available in all city hotels, lodges
and camps. A laundry list is provided in the rooms indicating
the various clothing types and their laundry charges. If n
laundry list is included in the room, kindly consult the reception
for the same.
What are the road conditions like?
All main roads connecting major towns in the country are well
on tarmac, especially from the capital city; Nairobi. However,
the roads to the national parks and game reserves can be bumpy
and fairly rough roads, but only short distances of mainly
not more than 70 kilometers.
What kind of vehicles will we be using and are they
Air-conditioned?
Traditionally, transport is usually on 08 seater safari minibuses
(Nissan or Toyota vans). They can carry up to maximum capacity
of 09 people, but recommended 06 pax per safari minibus to
allow comfortable sitting and guarantee window seats. Alternatively,
4x4 wheel drives land cruisers or land rover can be used.
They carry a maximum of 07 pax, but recommend 05 pax per vehicle
to allow comfortable sitting and guarantee window seats.
How many extra beds can be provided in a room?
Traditionally, all rooms in the Kenyan setup are double rooms
and only in a few cases some lodges could have some rooms
that fit three beds and very few hotel units/ lodges can take
four beds.
How do I pay for shopping?
Shopping payments can be made by either credit card or cash.
Most international currencies are widely accepted and can
be changed either in banks or forex bureaus. The following
cards are widely accepted: Visa, Amex and Master Card.
What do I buy as souvenirs in Kenya?
Kenya has a variety of souvenirs to offer, on a willing buyer
– willing seller basis. There are however major disparities
in prices and in some places you have to bargain whilst in
others the prices are fixed. The decision to buy or not to
is entirely yours. Souvenirs and other items are cheaper in
Nairobi in Mombasa. The following are some of the items you
can purchase a your souvenirs; carvings of animals and local
people, kiondos(traditional baskets), Batiks, jewelry and
many others. The African heritage is a one stop-shopping complex
that we recommend and has a wide range of souvenirs.
Is it safe to fly on the internal flights?
The airlines used for our clients have a reputable track record
both locally and internationally. They have employed professional
staff work for them and are covered.
Is it safe to eat raw fruits
and vegetables?
The hotels and lodges take great care in preparation of food.
Kenya is famous for wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables.
It perfectly safe to eat raw fruits and vegetables, as they
are well cleaned and stored.
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