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VISA
AND HEALTH REGULATIONS |
Visa
requirements vary from time to time and between countries,
and should be checked with the nearest tourist office or diplomatic
mission. Health certificates are required, but these vary
with country of origin and so should be checked with the relevant
authorities. However, yellow fever and cholera vaccination
are recommended. Malaria is endemic in Africa and so precaution
should be taken. Anti-malaria medication should be started
prior to arrival. |
CURRENCY |
It is illegal to enter or leave with any local currency. There
is normally no restriction on import of foreign currency.
However, receipts must be retained for currency transactions
in order to re-exchange local currency on departure. Well
known credit cards are widely accepted in Kenya, but to a
lesser extent in Tanzania and Uganda. US$ and travelers cheques
are a most widely accepted form of payment. |
CLIMATE |
Much
of East Africa is considered to have perfect climate with
generally warm sunny days, minimal humidity and cool evenings.
Temperatures do vary with altitude. Coastal climate is tropical,
being hot and humid most of the year round. Highlands areas
can get cold at night |
| CLOTHING |
Cotton, linen dresses, light slacks and short sleeved shirts
are recommended. Bring a warm sweater as nights can be chilly
at high altitudes. The emphasis is on informal wear but some
restaurants and clubs require gentlemen to wear jackets and
ties in the evenings with the ladies dressed accordingly.
Comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit, sunglasses, suntan lotion,
flashlight and an alarm clock will complement your safari
gear. |
HOTEL
CHECK IN & CHECK OUT
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Check
out time is usually 1000hrs. Hence check in cannot be guaranteed
before 1100hrs unless room is reserved from night before.
Day rooms up to 1800hrs are usually available.
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ACCOMMODATION
AND MEALS ON SAFARIS
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Lodges
- Rooms are singles, doubles, triples and suites. Lodge facilities
include lounges & bars with log fires, dining rooms and
viewing platforms. Most lodges have outdoor swimming pools.
Tented camps - These range from simple to luxurious and provide
spacious beds with mosquito netting, private bathrooms and
verandas. Camps also include restaurants, bar and lounge facilities.Meal's
- On safari, meals are provided on a full board basis. There
is a full English breakfast. Lunch is often buffet style,
set out with salads, cold and hot starters and hot main dishes.
Dinner is 3-5 courses with a combination of dishes. |
BANKS |
Banking
hours are from 9.00am to 2.00pm Monday to Friday. Most hotels
and lodges change money outside these hours. |
AGE
RESTRICTIONS |
Children
under 8 years are not allowed at the tree hotels. Due to close
contact with the animals at the water holes and salt-licks,
it is important not to scare them away.
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SECURITY |
As
in any major city, security precautions must be taken. Use
safe deposit boxes, carry only small amount of cash and do
not wear jewelry in town. Avoid walking at night, take taxis.
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AIRPORT
DEPARTURE TAX |
Most
airports require an airports tax of US$20, for departure on
international flights. Some airports also require a departure
tax for domestic flights in the local currency.
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LUGGAGE |
Luggage
should be kept to a minimum, one main lightweight bag and
an overnight bag is adequate. Most city hotels have space
for storing luggage not required on safari. On flying safaris,
where light aircraft are utilized, baggage is limited to 15
kilos per person. |
PHOTOGRAPHY |
Protect
your camera and films from dust with a plastic bag. A lens
hood and ultra violet filter are also available. Films and
batteries are available at most lodges but in restricted stocks
and sizes so it is suggested you bring your own supply. A
200 mm to 30 mm telephoto lens is recommended for game and
bird photography. It is forbidden to photograph the national
flag, the president, the state House, state lodges, police,
soldiers, prisons or prisoners.
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