GEOGRAPHY

Kenya lies on the equator and shores of common borders with Tanzania and Uganda, which makes up the region of “East Africa”. Kenya is roughly the size of Texas or Spain.

PEOPLE

There are 40 tribal ethnic groups, each with their own dialects though most people in the country speak Kiswahili as well as their own tribal language. English is commonly spoken in the major towns and at all the lodges and hotels.

CLIMATE

The Kenyan climate is very pleasant and variations in altitude and terrain can create contrasts. Generally in the Highlands and the climate is cool, elsewhere the temperatures can reach approximately 35 degrees C during the day. The coast is humid and balmy.
Over most of the country there are two rainy seasons:
-         The short rains which occur from late October through November.
-         The longs rains which occur from late March to early June
It is possible to visit Kenya during rainy season. Few roads are affected, the parks are fresh green and there are fewer people and vehicles. Rain usually falls in the late afternoon preceded by bright, sunny and fresh days.
July and August are the coolest months and are often overcast especially in the morning. December to mid March is the warmest time of the year.

HEALTH PRECAUTION

Kenya is considered a generally health place to travel. Malarial mosquitoes are not present in large quantities inland due to the high altitude of the country, but there is a higher risk at the coast and it is recommended that you take Malaria prophylaxis. There are no mandatory inoculations required for Kenya but clients should contract their doctor or specialized travel clinic for further advice.

INSURANCE

There is no national welfare scheme and visitors to Kenya are responsible for heir own medical expenses. We recommend our clients have evacuation insurance in Nairobi. All clients are requested to leave a copy of their travel insurance with us at the briefing, along with the copies of their airline tickets and passports. Whilst every care is taken of you and your property, we cannot be held responsible for any accidents, injury, or illness that you may incur or any loss or damage to baggage. We therefore advise you have your property be fully covered by insurance and it is advisable to have separate baggage and ticket insurance.

DRINKING WATER

Please ensure that you drink bottled water only throughout your stay in Kenya.

CURRENCY

The monetary unit is the Kenyan shillings. There is no limit to the amount of currency or traveler’s Cheques that you bring into the country. Traveler’s Cheques are recommended. Most of the hotels, lodges and shops in Kenya will take the major credit cards. Reverting your Kenyan shillings into hard currency is easily done at the airport, hotels and banks. As there is no longer “exchange control” the rate of exchange varies between banks, foreign exchange bureaus and hotels. It is recommended that visitors do not change money on the black market, as there are no more likely to receive a lower rate of exchange.

LUGGAGE

Please ensure that your baggage is packed in soft bags and should weigh no more than 15kg per person. It is possible to store luggage during the safari either at your hotel if you are returning there after your trip or with us at our offices. Most lodges have laundry facilities. On air safaris the maximum luggage allowance per person is 15kig in Kenya.

TIPPING

Tipping is not compulsory in Kenya, however, if you are happy with the service that you have received, any gesture of appreciation will be enthusiastically received.

VOLTAGE

Voltage throughout the country is 220 – 240 AC. Most safari vehicles have a cigarette lighter socket operating on a 12 –volt system. In most lodges and camps there is no mains power and generators are used during limited times during the day and in the evening. Please carry adaptors with a square 3-pin English standard option and sufficient batteries for photographic equipment.

COMMUNICATIONS

All camps and lodges have a radio communication with Nairobi. The outside world is of very little interest or consequence to us on safari, but if there are urgent messages they should be sent to our office in Nairobi for onward transmission by radio, Email/Tel/Fax.

VEHICLE

Your vehicle will be comfortable and specially safaris equipped with game viewing hatches, HF Radio and are prepared for any eventuality!

ON SAFARI

When you are out on safari our schedule is completely flexible. Our staff and vehicles are there exclusively for your safari. We can spend the day exactly as you wish. The best times for viewing animals are the cool hours of the early morning and late afternoon. Therefore, our usual routine will be to have an early rise with a cup of tea or coffee before leaving camp on a game drive, returning to camp midmorning for breakfast unless otherwise. Your guide will be there to plan your day, tell you about what you seeing, take you to the loveliest place, look after any formalities or negotiation with the local people, and take care of your safety and comfort. All our guides speak the local language, are proficient in bush craft, and can tell you about the animals, identity of birds, and help you learn more about the world around you.

CLOTHING ON SAFARI

Light cotton clothing is recommended; ideal safari outfits can be purchased in Kenya. T-shirts, shorts and long cotton trousers (or jeans), a hat against the sun, long sleeved shirts and sweaters for game drives (it can be cold in the morning and evening), swimming costume as some lodges / camps have swimming pools. Good and comfortable walking shoes (e.g. sneakers).

SECURITY

Avoid carrying large sums of money. Be sensible with handbags, jewellery and camera cases. Avoid walking at night. Lock up valuables in the safety deposit boxes provided by all hotels and lodges.

PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT

Do not photograph local people without their prior permission. Your driver will advise you further on this sensitive matter. Take a good supply of film as local supplies are limited when on safari. Please also carry spare batteries (please note the rechargeable batteries cannot be relied upon as some camps and lodges only have solar or generator power). Binoculars are invaluable for game and bird viewing.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Kindly note that all nationals require a visa to enter Kenya. Visa fee is USD. 50.00 PER PERSON, irrespective of adult, child or infant but may also increase. Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at the airport but it is recommended to obtain them prior. Others fees are as follows:

1. Transit Visa = US$20 per person;
2. Reference Fee = US$10;
3. Single Entry Visa = US$50 for three months (extendable for a similar period);
4. Multiple Journey Visa= US$100 - valid for one year;

DANGER OF THE BUSH AND PARK REGULATIONS

Although the animals we see may seem completely unconcerned by our presence, they are wild and dangerous.
DO NOT walk outside the limits of the camp
DO NOT get out of the safari vehicle in the park without first consulting a guide
DO NOT climb out onto the roof etc. of your safari vehicle to photograph or view animals.
All the above are against park regulations. It is also against regulations to sit on top of the vehicle, play loud music in the bush, or attempt to provoke some “action” from an uncooperative animals by hooting, whistling, or banging the side of the vehicle e.t.c. Littering is of course prohibited. Should you come across an unwelcoming guest – please call a member of staff to deal with.

ENJOY YOUR STAY IN KENYA!

1. Maasai Mara game safari for 2 nights, need I say more? It is the place to view lions and possibly Kenya’s big five.
2. Sweet Waters Tended Camps in Nanyuki for 1 night game viewing and a chance to do a walking safari, night safari and play with a friendly rhino
3. Mombasa beach holiday for 4/5 nights either at White sands or Sun and Sands Hotel
4. White Water Rafting / Bungee jamping on the Tana River for 1 night
5. A tour of Nairobi City
6. Eat at Carnivore restaurant – Located in Langata
7. Day trip to David Sheldrick to see and possibly play with orphaned baby elephants. Only 30 minutes drive from Nairobi and is open only from 11:00 for one hour
8. Nairobi Safari Walk in Langata. Newly opened with excellent setup.
9. Bowling in Village market or Cosmic.
10. Giraffe Park, Ostrich Park & Mamba Village – Located in Karen all within 20 minutes of each other
11. Climb Mount Kenya – Fastest way up is the Naro Moru route, 3 nights
12. Maasai Market – Located in the Village Market on Fridays and Globe round about in town on Tuesday
13. Camping in Naivasha – only about 2-3 hours drive from Nairobi right at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley, best camp site is Fishermans Camp or Hells Gate
14. Water slides – Located either in Village market or Splash near carnivore in Langata
15. Nairobi National Park day trip – if going to Mara this is not worth it
16. GP Karting in splash – Located in Langata great fun for the young
17. Lukenya rock climbing – Located near Athi River great fun for the day
18. Amboseli National Park – great views of Mt.Kilimanjaro and some amazing elephants
19. Lake Bogoria/Nakuru – excellent scenery and a chance to see the Pink Lakes populated with flamingos and also the hot water springs of Bogoria

Thika and Chania waterfall – located just 25 Km from Nairobi in Thika, drinks and food ia available from Blue Post Hotel