GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
Airport departure tax (currently US $ 20 or equivalent) is payable on departure from Kenya unless it is factored in the flight ticket. Domestic departure tax is US $ 3 or equivalent in Kenyan currency.

BAGGAGE
Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase or hold all per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 7 persons in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction). Visitors to Treetops and the Ark are asked to take overnight bags only; suitcases can be left in storage at the base hotel. Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra charge while clients are on safari. A baggage weight restriction person applies on air safaris. Where very small aircraft are used this may be reduced to 10kg.

BANKS AND SHOPS
Bank opening hours are 0900-1500hrs Monday to Friday. Most hotels and lodges change money outside these hours. Shop opening times are generally 0830-1300hrs and 1430-1700hrs on Monday to Friday and 0830-1300hrs on Saturday. However, many shops do open outside these hours.

CLIMATE
Although Kenya is on the Equator, climate and temperature depend on altitude and proximity to the sea. The coastal climate is tropical, being hot and humid except during July and August which is cooler with lower humidity. Inland, the days are usually warm, sunny and with low humidity. In the highland areas nights can get quite cold especially during July and August when skies may be overcast. The long rains occur from the end of March to end of May and the short rains from mid November to mid December. During this time rainfall is not continuous but occurs periodically between bright intervals.

CLOTHING
Dress should generally be informal, comfortable and practical. Washable cotton clothing in neutral colours are best for safari. A light jacket and warm sweater are recommended for early morning game drives and evenings, especially if visiting highland areas such as Ngorongoro, Mt. Kenya and the Aberdares. Bring a sunhat, comfortable /casual shoes and swimwear (most lodges have pools) Good quality, locally made clothing and shoes for safaris are now available in Nairobi shops at reasonable prices.

DRINKING WATER
Tap water in Nairobi hotels is usually safe to drink, but outside the city drink only from the vacuum flask provided in your room or bottled water.

ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply in East African countries is 230/240 volts 50hz. Sockets are usually 3 pin square (British) type. It is advisable to check that any appliances (e.g. battery chargers) operating on other voltages have a built in adaptor or bring one with you.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport for the period of stay. Visitors may or may not require visas depending on Nationality and it is therefore advisable to consult the relevant Kenya Embassy, High commission or representative in your area.

FLYING DOCTOR SOCIETY
Membership of the Flying Doctor Society is strongly recommended. In the event of an accident or sickness while on safari, the society will fly patients (subject to on the spot assessment by the medical team) by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance to hospital. The current cost for 1 month membership is US $ 40 per person.

HEALTH
Health requirements for entry into East African countries depend on country of origin and countries visited en route. Those requirements may also change from time to time. It is therefore recommended that visitors consult their local inoculation centre before traveling. Malaria is endemic in Africa. Prophylactics (available from most dispensing pharmacies) should be taken before, during and after your visit as prescribed. This will normally be from 2 weeks before travel until 4 weeks after returning home. Anyone who has to take special medication should take enough supplies to last your whole visit as they may not be available locally.

INSURANCE
All persons booking services with Trans Kenya Safaris whether directly or indirectly must have appropriate personal insurance cover.

HOTEL CHECKIN/CHECKOUT
Check out time at most hotels and lodges is 1000 hours. Room availability cannot therefore be guaranteed before 1100 hours unless the room has been booked from the night before. Day rooms up to 1800 hours can usually be arranged with hotels.

LANGUAGE
Kiswahili is the Lingua franca while English is the official language. In addition, most tribes have their own language. English is spoken by most personnel involved in the tourist industry.

MONEY
There are no longer currency restrictions in Kenya. There are still restrictions operating in other East African countries. The well known credit/charge cards (visa, Access, Amex, Diners) are widely accepted in Kenya although to a lesser extent in Tanzania and other countries. We recommend the use of US $ or other hard currency travelers cheques. Do not carry large amounts of cash.

PHOTOGRAPHY
It is recommended that you take enough film with you to last the trip. Film bought locally is expensive and could be out of stock. Don't forget spare camera batteries. Zoom and/or telephoto lenses are a must and an ultra-violet polarising filter is a good idea. Video cameras can be brought in and most lodges can provide facilities for battery chargers (see section regarding electricity supply). Bring a dustproof bag for cameras and accessories. You will find many interesting and beautiful subjects for photography but there are some taboos. It is prohibited to photograph the President or his residence, Military, police or related installation, airports, railway stations, harbours, town halls, prisons, prisoners or the national flag. Ask permission before photographing the local people, some of whom may wish to negotiate a fee.

SECURITY
Africa is no different from anywhere else in the world just follow your common sense. Remember that excessive displays of jewellery or large wads of cash in your back pocket are a temptation. Do not leave valuables in hotel rooms-use the safe in your room or at reception.

TELEPHONES
Most hotels provide telephones in the bedrooms for local and international calls. However, it is recommended that you check the charges before making calls as taxes and handling fees can add up to 50% on normal rates. Some game lodges on safari do not have telephones and can only be contacted by radio-phone.