General Information

Please keep your passport and money on you at all times. Never leave money or valuables in your room or in the vehicle. You can check valuables in security boxes at the hotels and lodges. Be especially careful whilst in camps and lodges and on special excursions such as boat-rides. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery (necklaces etc.).

The currency of Kenya is Kenya shillings (kes) and Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (tzs) which is also used in Zanzibar. You will be able to change foreign exchange at the bank at the airport and also at any other banks in the major towns (the rates in town are better). The currency of preference is the US dollar (USD). We recommend you change enough money for smaller personal expenses such as shopping, meals and drinks in town restaurants and keep the rest in USD. Most tips, gifts, drinks, etc. can be paid for in dollars. Credit cards are accepted at larger, upscale hotels and some restaurants (some impose a surcharge).

Do not walk around towns at night and apply extra caution on weekends when towns are relatively deserted. Please take a taxi instead. Always let a tour member know where you are going when you go off to do your own thing. Please take the same care and common sense precautions that you would take in any other part of the world.

You may make international telephone calls to keep in touch with your family and friends back home. Do not, however, expect all hotels to be able to get through. In towns, it’s the best place to make these calls. in towns hotels, there is telex, facsimile machines and internet services. You can also buy a cheap sim card, and then you can make your calls.

On a safari be prepared for bumpy and dusty roads. These can be an irritant to contact lens wear. Eye drops and a spare pair of glasses are a sensible precaution.

Pack light, hard body suitcases are discouraged as they are hard to store in the safari vehicle. There is limited space and soft-sided duffel bags are perfect to store in the vehicle. Laundry facilities are available in most of the accommodations but an extra charge. Remember your 23 kg limit (30 kg for first and club class travellers) on your return from East Africa. Excess luggage charges may apply.

The climate is hot and sometimes humid. From December to March, when the north-east monsoon blows, it is hot and humid. In April and may heavy rains occur from June to October being the coolest and driest period. The lesser rains fall in November. Temperatures sway between 25 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius and annual rainfall is about 20mm. Sometimes you may experience a cold temperature of fewer than 15 degrees Celsius especially in higher grounds like the Ngorongoro highlands.

Safari attire is casual and comfortable. Dress mainly for outdoor comfort with a change in informal clothes for the evening. Evenings and early morning can be chilly especially on the mountain areas. Warm jerseys, socks and walking shoes or sneakers are recommended. Footwear should be low-heeled and comfortable. There is not much walking and you stay in your vehicle during game drives. Bring a light-weight raincoat and a hat for sun protection. Roof hatches on safari vehicles are left open whilst game viewing.

Food in East Africa is delicious, varied and plentiful, succulent crayfish from the Indian ocean, smoked sailfish, English roast beef, Molo lambs, and much more. The hotels, lodges and camps in which you stay are renowned for their high standard of cuisine. Depending on a number of guest in the house, they may offer à la carte or buffet.

Are all available around East Africa. The price of soft drinks and beer is reasonable, whilst imported spirits, wine and cigarette tend to be on the expensive side.

The larger towns around East Africa have pharmacy and hospitals, but you should carry with you adequate supplies of your own medicines and toiletries items as in the smaller towns these cannot be obtained. A spare pair of prescription glasses is recommended.

Most hotels and lodges outside of towns generate their own electricity mostly solar. However, take a small lightweight flashlight as some generators are usually only run for short periods in the early morning and again in the evening from 1830hrs to 2230 hrs. The voltage is 220-240 ac, suitable for appliances with the exceptions of those manufactured in the USA and Canada.

Do not take photographs of the locals without their permission. Never take photographs of military, military institutions, armed forces barracks, policemen, the president, government officials, or airports. Always keep your camera loaded and ready for action.

Please remember that in the parks the animals are wild and should never be approached on foot. Please be alert and cautious in the lodges and camps when walking from your room to the public areas and always ask for an escort.

Carry binoculars for added pleasure whilst game viewing.

Most people, when visiting a foreign country like to be given some guidelines regarding tipping. Tipping is an extremely personal matter; ultimately, expectations are left to the discretion of the individual safari.

The length of time you should spend depends on what you want to see, how much time you have available, your budget and whether it’s your first time on a safari. You can go for a short safari of 3 days or a long safari of up to 12 days. An extension to the beach is usually the best way to experience East Africa.

All major credit cards (master cards, Visas, American express) are accepted at large scale shop, hotels and restaurants. A Surcharge will be imposed in most cases. At some places cash will be required and we advise you to always have some cash with you. We accept credit cards.

Yes we do, let us know your needs and we will tailor- make it to suit your budget and needs.

Yes, scheduled and charter flights available to almost all safari destinations

We use the land cruisers 4WD 7 seats and 5 seats. We also use new models of 4WD minibuses (vans) that carry up to 8 pax. They have pop up roofs for game viewing. Each passenger is guaranteed a widow seat.

The cost of a safari varies depending on what kind of safari you wish to undertake e.g. luxury, budget, economy, etc. The number of days on safari or number of persons sharing a vehicle will have effect on safari cost. This could cost anywhere between US $ 150 to US $ 900 per person per day.

Yes, you are required to make a deposit prior to commencement of the safari, as we have to make certain commitments to secure bookings, accommodation, flights, vehicle etc.

People tend to be quite secure for tourists especially within the tourist circuits. You do however need to observe the basic precautions like in any other country i.e. avoid walking in dark/isolated areas at night, do not wear flashy jewelry, avoid carrying valuables around, etc.

We have long rains in April and May and the short rains in November. However these are not confined to the months allocated.
We have three (3) distinct tourist seasons:
High Season; this is between June-October, December-March. The weather is dry and the roads are accessible to the various Game Parks and National Reserves.
Low Season; April-May. Long rains are experienced about this time. Should you wish to travel at this time, please consult us accordingly e.g. what kind of vehicle to use.
Shoulder Season; November. Short rains can be experienced at this time.