life on the wild side...
Visitors to Kenya require valid visa and health documentation on arrival depending on different regulations applied according to Nationality and country of origin. These should be checked with the nearest Kenya Tourist Office or Diplomatic Mission. Inoculation Centers in the country of origin will provide information and advice on health recommendations.
East Africa and especially Kenya enjoy a healthy climate and visitors should not worry so much concerning their general health during their stay. Kenya lies in equator and is particularly hot. Sun burns are normal while in Africa and therefore we recommend our guest to use protective lotions. Water provided in hotels, lodges/camps are practically safe for consumption but we encourage on mineral bottled water which are always provided and on hotels at an extra cost. There are small field hospitals and clinics in most parts of the countries, but it is advisable to purchase all your requirements in Nairobi or Mombasa before setting out on a tour. Please remember to take Malaria preventives and continue these for the required weeks after your departure from East Africa.
East Africa has a wealth of fascinating curio shops, clothes stores and shops specializing in Africana. Some shopping areas: Nairobi main streets and arcades in the city centre and within major hotels, City Market and streets around the Market; if you are going to the Rift Valley then there are some interesting curio shops and everyone will be on you showcasing their products. A bargain is always an interesting thing but be careful to be overcharged.
East Africa has guiding laws and customs as well as all the counties and therefore it good to respect all the procedures. Religious believes are strong in East African countries, kindly respect this while traveling.
Do not leave valuables, including cameras and binoculars, unattended. Make use of hotel safes as much us possible. Try not to make a flagrant display of wealth - your normal holiday spending money amounts to a small fortune to most Kenyans.
We are not insured for damage to, or loss of, baggage. Whilst our driver guides will make every effort to assist you with your luggage, we take no responsibility for any loss or damage. If you are travelling by small charter aircraft, only one suitcase or soft bag of not more than 15 kg may be carried. At Treetops and The Ark, only a small over-night bag is permitted - lock-up storage facilities are available at the Outspan and The Aberdare Country Club.
Kenyan official languages are English and Swahili. Your driver/guide and all people in the hotel industry will speak good English. African Wild Getaway can provide multi lingual guides on request.
During your safari to Kenya you will cross several climate zones: Mombasa and the Coast - hot and humid, Nairobi - cool and dry, Mt. Kenya - chilly, Samburu and the Masai Mara - pleasant weather but chilly during the early morning game drives, Tsavo and Amboseli - pleasant. If you travel during rainy seasons (November - December and April - June) - expect rains everywhere. Prepare your clothes accordingly. Informality is the keynote, be prepared for cool evenings at higher altitudes, on safari try to wear neutral colors as much as possible green, beige and khaki are best not to startle wildlife. A hat and a pair of sunglasses are advisable for protection against the sun. Laundry can be done at most lodges for a reasonable fee. Light comfortable shoes are advised.
In general, the food served in hotels and lodges are international cuisines and mostly European. Breakfast and lunch will be buffet and dinner is usually a set menu. In Mombasa and Nairobi you will find a variety of restaurants - European, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, African, and Seafood. The degree of cleanliness in restaurants is very high, as is the quality of food.
It is important to inform us of special dietary needs or facilities for the disabled early in advance so as to do thorough arrangements.
