TRAVEL  BRIEFING

WE HOPE THAT THIS BRIEFING WILL ADEQUATELY PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR TRIP TO AFRICA AND WILL REDUCE THE NUMBER OF GENERAL ENQUIRIES WE HAVE BEEN RECEIVING BY E-MAIL. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO SPEND MORE TIME ANSWERING YOUR MORE DETAILED SAFARI ENQUIRIES AND REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT TAKES US TO REPLY TO YOUR MORE IMPORTANT E-MAILS.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON AN AFRICAN TRIP.

Please be aware that an African safari is not a stroll through the park, or a leisurely drive to the beach.

Itineraries are given as a guide and what everyone strives to achieve,
but in this harsh and challenging environment, no-one can guarantee that it will be achieved.

Road and weather conditions in Kenya can be bad and push both vehicle and driver beyond their limits.

In the event of a problem, we will do everything in our power to resolve the issue with the minimum of delay and inconvenience to our guests, but cannot be held responsible for problems caused by conditions over which we have no control.

If you have never been to Africa before, be aware that you need an open mind and a tolerance of pressure selling from touts at stations, airports and on the beach. Never purchase from these outlets as often you will not see either them or your money again.

Remember that you are embarking on an African adventure, physically challenging and with conditions that are basic, so please be tolerant with the crew, as they have a difficult job to do, delivering a service in an environment that is harsh on them, on the vehicles and equipment and on the clients.

WESTERN INTOLERANCE AND IGNORANCE OF WHAT TO EXPECT IS THE BIGGEST SINGLE CAUSE OF A MESSED UP TRIP TO AFRICA, NOT BECAUSE THINGS GO WRONG, BUT BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT THE SAME AS YOU ARE USED TO!

If you intend trekking Mt Kenya or Kilimanjaro, consider doing some physical exercise in preparation, as although it is not climbing, the going can be very tiring as the air is thin at 5000 metres!

Wildlife Code

Respect the privacy of the wildlife, this is their habitat.

Beware of the animals, they are wild and can be unpredictable.

Don't crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements.

Don't feed the animals, it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence.

Keep quiet, noise disturbs the wildlife and may antagonize your fellow visitors.

Stay in your vehicle at all times, except at designated picnic or walking areas.

Keep below the maximum speed limit (40 kph/25 mph).

Never drive off-road, this severely damages the habitat and can result in unseen wildlife being run over in the long grass.

When viewing wildlife keep to a minimum distance of 20 meters and pull to the side of the road so as to allow others to pass.

Leave no litter and never leave fires unattended or discard burning objects.

Stay over or leave before dusk, visitors must vacate the Park between 6.00 p.m. - 6.00 a.m. unless they are camping overnight. Night game driving is not allowed.

Marine Wildlife Code

Check local weather and sea conditions before entering the marine park.

Some marine life is dangerous; do not touch anything under water.

Do not damage or remove corals. It is a living organism which takes many years to form and is host to many rare and endangered species.

Do not remove shells, starfish or any other sea – flora or fauna. Removal is illegal, seriously disrupts the eco system and some marine life is dangerous. The areas outside the parks and reserves is threatened by excessive shell collection. Empty shells provide homes for hermit crabs and some fish.

Do not buy shells and other marine animal products as souvenirs as this encourages further plundering of the reefs and beaches.

Never dispose of litter on the beach or in the sea. It is illegal and environmentally unfriendly. Marine turtles can confuse clear plastic waste with jelly fish and will die if they eat it.

Hand–feeding of fish is discouraged. It disrupts normal feeding patterns.

Hook and line fishing is allowed in the Marine Reserves but prohibited in Marine Parks. Spear guns are not permitted for use in either.

Environmentally friendly activities such as snorkelling and diving are encouraged, under the supervision of the Kenya Wildlife Service wardens, who work closely with tour operators and hoteliers to ensure strict adherence to this code of practice.

Avoid restaurants that serve undersized crabs and lobsters as this contributes to their rapid demise.

GENERAL CONDUCT

Support traditional coastal livelihoods and do not give money to children on the beach, as this can encourage them to stay away from school.

Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya, never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission, respect the cultural traditions of Kenya and always dress with decorum. Topless sunbathing is against the law on public beaches. This includes the beaches fronting hotels, as the beaches do not belong to the hotels.

WEATHER AND SEASONS

East Africa does not have Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, it has 2 dry seasons and 2 wet seasons. In the past, we could advise guests on what weather to expect at different times of year, but now the effects of world climate change have hit Kenya. The seasons as we knew them seem to have gone totally crazy and we can no longer predict when the rains are going to come. Normally, there are two rainy seasons. The short rains occur from late October through November and the long rains from late March through to early June. Rain usually falls in the late afternoon. Dry periods occur during the rainy seasons and sunny spells are often experienced even on rainy days, but be prepared regardless of the time of year, because when it does rain, it is as if a dam has burst. This particularly applies on the mountains.

The variation in altitude and terrain creates contrasts in climate. The coast is hot and often humid. Nights in the central Highlands can be very cold and mornings can be cool while in the North and North East, the days are dry and very hot.Due to Kenya’s location on the equator, there are almost equal nights and days all year around. The sun rises between 5.45-6.15 a.m and sets at 6.30-7.00 p.m.

From November till April the sun can be very hot especially at the coast, where the temperature can average between 30 and 40 degrees C. Avoid the noonday sun to avoid serious sunburns! Drink as much as you can but you should take a min of 2 litres of non alcoholic liquid per day.

July and August are the coolest months and the days are often overcast, especially in the mornings.

VISAS

Visas for all East African countries, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda can be obtained at the relative borders and airports upon arrival. The East African Union, as these countries are known, has an agreement that allows movement between these countries with a single entry visa only, for example you can come to Kenya, go to Uganda, then back to Kenya, back to Uganda and back again to Kenya, with just a single entry visa for Kenya and a single entry visa for Uganda.

MALARIA AND YELLOW FEVER, MEDICAL FACILITIES

Malaria is still present in most of the lower regions of Kenya, especially the coast, so preventative medication is advisable for those staying less than 3 months. The most common tablets are malarone, lariam and doxicyclin.

Malarone is the best and with less side effects, but is the most expensive. It is however available in Nairobi without prescription and is cheaper than in Europe.

Lariam is ok, but several people complain of unpleasant side effects, particularly bad dreams.

Doxicyclin reduces people’s ability to stand the sun, so particular care with sunscreen is needed by people taking this tablet.

Yellow fever certificates are very rarely checked these days, but it is still adviseable to have an up to date vaccination and card.

State run medical facilities are very poor in East Africa. Private clinics and hospitals exist, but treatment can be expensive, so ensure that you take out medical insurance from home, before travelling.

MONEY

There are Automatic Teller Machines, (ATM) in most larger towns in East Africa, which issue local currency from most international bank cards that are affiliated to VISA, Mastercard and Delta debit or credit cards, but American Express and Diners are not widely accepted. This is the cheapest way of getting local currency, but they have a daily maximum, which is currently 40,000 Kenya shilling, but your personal daily maximum from your bank is also considered if less than the ATM maximum.

Foreign Exchange bureaus tend to be better value than banks for changing foreign currency and some will even negotiate better rates for larger amounts.

Airports generally have Forex counters, but do not usually offer favourable rates. It is better to use the ATMs at the airport to obtain a little local currency on arrival.

Travellers cheques are not a good way to travel in East Africa. They offer poor exchange rates and very long and tedious transactions to exchange them, which requires passport and the purchasing agreement.

It is adviseable however to have a travellers cheque emergency fund, as they can be replaced if stolen.

US Dollar Notes.  Most places, even banks in East Africa will not accept US$ notes that were issued before the year 2000. Check your notes when drawing them from your bank at home.

Several foreign exchange bureaus have a higher exchange rate for US$100 and US$50 bills, than for the smaller notes.

Never carry too much cash around and never put it all in the same place. Spread it around and do not under any circumstances carry it in a bag or waste belt that is worn outside your clothing.

Whenever possible, take advantage of secure lockups in hotels and hostels and always carry a photocopy of your passport.

DRUGS

THE USE OR CARRIAGE OF DRUGS IS FORBIDDEN IN EAST AFRICA. DO NOT GET CAUGHT USING MARIJUANA, OR ANYTHING ELSE, AS THIS WILL UNDOUBTEDLY RESULT IN BEING TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN AN AFRICAN JAIL. NOT AN EXPERIENCE THAT YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE. TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!!

TIPS ON WHAT TO BRING

SLEEPING BAG (3 season unless you are doing Kilimanjaro or Mt Kenya, then 4 season).

CAMERAS -

Nowadays, more and more people are turning to digital photography, but there are several points to consider when using one. Firstly, most of the time in the bush, you may not find mains electricity, so if the camera is re-chargeable, consider bringing a charger that works on 12 volts, from the vehicle and/or spare batteries.

The compact digital cameras are very convenient, but limited when it comes to taking distance shots of the wildlife, because of their very small zoom. The SLR digitals are expensive but excellent for safaris. If you have a compact digital and still have your old 35 mm, bring it as well, with a zoom lense, preferably up to 300mm. Film is readily available.

BINOCULARS -

Remember, the animals are not in a zoo. They may be close, or they may be 200 metres away and driving off the tracks is not permitted, otherwise the game parks would be destroyed.

TORCH -

A torch of some description is essential and the most useful is the type worn on the head.

CELLPHONE -

Simcards for the local networks are very cheap here, so if your telephone is not blocked for one service, bring it and use the local network.

CLOTHING -

Although the climate here can be hot, the evenings can be quite cool, plus if you wish to climb a mountain, temperatures are often below zero, so bring something warm, plus waterproof jacket and trousers. Good boots are also an essential for Africa. Many mountain routes can be loose scree and steep, so climbing sticks can be an advantage. If you are doing lots of travel and don't want to carry too much, outdoor and climbing supplies can be bought or hired here.

OTHER USEFUL ITEMS -

SUNSCREEN, AFTER SUN, WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS, INSECT REPELLENT, ANTIHYSTEMINE CREAM AND TABLETS, SUNGLASSES, SUN HAT AND WATER SHOES, (MANY OF THE COASTAL AREAS HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF SEA URCHINS, WHICH GIVE A NASTY STING IF YOU STAND ON THEM). BATTERIES, (THEY ARE EXPENSIVE HERE)..