Kenya Safari Amboseli Tsavo East West

We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of

non-availability

–           Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior

notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.

Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris

–           All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal

flights

–           Baggage on internal flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand

luggage).

Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.

–           Passengers arriving in Kenya and Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow

Fever Vaccination Certificate.

While planning an East African Safari can seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be! Take the stress out of the experience with this helpful summary of the key things you need to think about before you jet off. Once you have all of them covered, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to your safari adventure.

Note: While this is a general guide to vaccinations required for your East African safari, you should always visit your doctor before your departure to obtain the best advice. A pre-trip health check and discussion of what vaccines are necessary for you, as well as how to deal with any unique health concerns, is imperative for a safe and enjoyable safari.

On an East African safari, you should go for comfort and convenience when it comes to your clothing. Some of the things you should remember, include:

• Bring lightweight layers in both long and short lengths, plus socks, sleepwear, and swim wear.
• Always take a sweater or fleece jacket, as it can get quite chilly at night and during early mornings.
• Unless you’re planning to trek, bulky hiking boots are rarely necessary. However a comfortable pair of lightweight trainers are a must and if you’re planning on going to the beach after your safari, don’t forget your flip-flops.
• Don’t forget a hat, as you’ll want to protect your face and scalp from the equatorial sun.
• It’s not recommended to wear bright colors on safari, so consider buying some khaki, dark green, or darker colored clothes before your trip.

A full passport with at least six month validity from the date of departure is generally required for travel.
● It is recommended that travelers contact the relevant Consulate/Embassy prior to travel for current visa requirements.

1.    Applying for an East African Visa

One of the greatest things to happen to East African tourism over the past few years is the introduction of the East African visa. This visa allows you access to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and it’s not only a time saver, but it also works out considerably cheaper than purchasing individual visas.

To apply for the East African Visa, you’ll need the following:

• A passport with at least six months validity
• $100 USD application fee
• One standard sized passport photograph
• A completed application form

Tip: It’s important that you apply for the East African visa with the country from which you will begin your travels. The visa will be valid for 90 days from the date marked in your passport.

• Credit & debit cards (MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa) are widely accepted in the cities.
  ● ATMs, banks and Bureau de Changes are found throughout major towns.
  ● Cash is king, although it is advised that you limit the amount of money you carry on your person.
  ● Some African countries will accept USD, GBP or EUROs, but Kenya requires Rand (KES),.

Most safaris are all-inclusive when it comes to food and drink, but you still need money for certain activities, local purchases, and tipping. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry some local currency with you.

Carrying US Dollars

The US dollar is widely accepted by international hotels and safari camps in East Africa and traveller cheques are also an option. Visa cards are usually a safe bet, no matter where you go.

Tip: You may want to consider changing money at the airports, as banks there usually give better exchange rates than hotels.

*** All of the countries we represent are Ebola free ***

• Ensure that you have adequate travel & health insurance cover.
  ● South Africa has excellent medical care and facilities compare favourably with international standards.
  ● Malaria Vaccinations & Yellow Fever Certificates may be required for certain countries.
  ● Please consult your local doctor or travel clinic for advice prior to departure for appropriate medication.

2.Vaccinations and Health Requirements

When travelling to East Africa, there is only one shot that is compulsory, and that is the yellow fever vaccine, but there are other health precautions and vaccinations recommended by the WHO and CDC, which include:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A and B
• Meningitis
• Polio
• Influenza
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

Tipping is optional and dependent on the level of service. Although it is customary and considered an insult if you do not.

• As a guideline, a minimum of 10% should be added to restaurant bills.
  ● For guides and/or drivers please calculate USD 5 – 9 per person per day (or equivalent).
  ● For rangers and trackers when on safari please calculate USD 5 – 9 per person per day (or equivalent).
  ● Porterage ranges between USD 1 – 2 per person per service (or equivalent).
  ● For helpful petrol attendants, USD 1 (or equivalent) is perfectly acceptable.
  ● When assisted by a car guard, it is a custom to tip USD 1

• Value-added-tax (VAT) of 14% / 16% is charged on most items.
  ● When visiting South Africa & Namibia, be sure to request a tax invoice for larger purchases as foreign visitors may claim back VAT paid on items taken out of the country when the total valued exceeds USD 18.93. It is advisable to keep these purchases in your hand luggage as you will need to present the items at the VAT Refund Administration for inspection and endorsement of the tax invoices when departing the country.
  ● A Tax Invoice must include the following:
  – The words “Tax Invoice”
  – A Tax Invoice number
  – The seller’s VAT Registration number
  – Date of Issue of the Tax Invoice
  – The seller’s name and address
  – The buyer’s name and address
  – A full description of the goods purchased
  – The cost of the goods in Rands
  – The amount of VAT charged or a statement that VAT is included in the total cost

• Animals don’t stop for selfies, so be quick on the finger!
  ● Avoid getting too close, some animals are dangerous and in the wild – uncontrollable.
  ● Experiment at home in the garden and with the cat or dog to learn how your camera works and perfect your technique.
  ● For instance which is the anti-motion, or motion button? Does it have a landscape function? What sort of zoom range does it have? How do you set it to manual and change the aperture and shutter speed?
  ● Observe the animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance – loud talking on game drives can frighten the wildlife away.
  ● Early morning and evening game drives offer exceptional lighting opportunities.
  ● don’t be in a hurry to cover the most distance, stay in a well set up position for a while – you’ll be amazed by what may enter your frame.
  ● most importantly, be sure to enjoy the whole view – not just the one from behind your lens. Stop and look around every once in a while!

Most areas are as safe as any other destination in the world, however, basic common-sense precautions should be used:

• Ask the concierge at your hotel which areas are safe to walk around in and when
  ● Travel in groups or pairs and always choose well-lit areas
  ● Order taxis or transport ahead of time
  ● Carry only as much cash as necessary
  ● Don’t leave your property unattended
  ● Be aware of pickpockets and petty criminals
  ● Don’t draw attention to yourself by flaunting valuables around openly or counting your cash at the ATM
  ● Carry a copy of your passport in a separate section of your luggage

Clothing
Most lodges and safari camps offer laundry as part of their service, so you can afford to pack lightly.
● 2x khaki/brown cotton trousers
● 2x pairs khaki/brown shorts
● 3x long sleeved shirts/blouses
● 1x fleece/jersey
● 1x lightweight, waterproof jacket
● 1x Swimming costume
● 1x Walking or hiking boots
● 1x Sandals
● 4x short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
● 5x underwear
● 5x socks
● 1x Hat with a brim
● 1x Gloves (if you really feel the cold)
● 1x Sarong or kikoi type garment

The Must-Haves For Your East African Safari

Before you leave for your East African Safari, make sure to have these items packed and ready to go:

• Mosquito repellant
• Sunblock/Body lotion
• Any prescription drugs (keep these in your hand luggage)
• A camera
• Electrical adaptors
• Sunglasses
• Binoculars (a pair per person)
• A small bag or day pack

The Basics
● Sunscreen
● Toiletries
● Insect repellent
● Sunglasses
● Camera (with extra memory card and batteries)
● Binoculars
● Lip balm
● Hand wipes
● Wildlife checklist (or just paper) & a pen

In the event of written cancellation, the following forfeiture of the program cost will be assessed based on the number of days prior to program departure that the cancellation was received:

90-60 days prior 20% of the program cost
59-30 days prior to 50% of the program cost
29 days or less 100% of the program cost