FAQs

Kindly find the answers to our most frequently asked questions (FAQs), below. In the event that you may require further clarifications to your queries, please, initially have a look at these provided FAQs, because most of the answers to your various queries would have been already addressed, therein. Thereafter, in the event that you do not manage to find your desired answers/clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Security & Well-being?

Your personal safety and security is mostly a matter of common sense. So take the same precautions while travelling on safari that you would in any major city at home:

  • Do not carry large sums of cash (see below for more information on Cash, Credit Cards & ATM’s).
  • Carry your cash in a money pouch hidden under your shirt. Keep it out of sight or stowed in your camera bag or knapsack.
  • Leave your passport & airline tickets in a safe place (the hotel/lodge safe) when venturing out.
  • Keep a close watch on your personal bags when walking in crowded areas (airports, markets, restaurants and on the street).
  • Keep tempting valuables (including phones, cameras, wallet pouches, handbags) out of sight. Lock them up in the room safe.
  • Take only guided tours and excursions that have been approved by our staff.
  • Do not travel long distances at night on your own and only take taxis that have been recommended by your hotel of residence.
  • Avoid walking in the streets with lots of cash and valuables.
  • Do not display your valuable jewellery on the streets.
  • Use the hotel safe and obtain a receipt.

Packing/Luggage Allowances?

If your itinerary includes any domestic flights you are restricted to a maximum of 44 lbs (20kgs) – for checked-in baggage, and a maximum of 22 lbs (10Kgs) – for carry-on baggage. In the event that you have excess baggage, please consult our representative who will arrange for safe storage of your baggage at your hotel.

Health Precautions?

We advise all clients to carry their own first aid kit.

Can I pet the wild animals? No. Touching or petting of pets and/or wild animals is forbidden.

Bring lots of sunscreen and stay hydrated. Plenty of bottled water is provided in our safari vehicles.

Take out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your travel plans. Of pertinence, ensure that you select a policy that covers cancellation, medical illness, emergency evacuation and associated hospital treatments. Be sure to take your travel insurance emergency phone numbers and your policy number/details with you.

Driving Distances?

The typical distance that our dependable top-of-the-range 4×4 Safari vehicles usually travel to reach a game park is roughly 124 miles (200 Kms). Our expert drivers/guides are trained to make your journey as safe and as comfortable as possible – and are under strict instructions not to rush to their destinations. Although more costly, for greater comfort – air transport is recommended to certain destinations.

Safari Vehicles Reliability?

Our vehicles are maintained to a very high standard and are equipped with state-of-the-art communications equipment (UHF or VHF radio or mobile phones) that are linked to the head or associate offices, or ranger posts/lodges on a 24-hour basis. Each vehicle is specially designed for the safari, with a roof hatch that allows our clients to enjoy an excellent viewing position for the wildlife, and a comfortable suspension system that reduces the discomfort on bumpy roads.

Game Drive Schedules?

Once in the park or private ranch/reserve, you will be able to enjoy early morning, mid-morning and evening game drives (depending on the time available at the park and the number of drives included in your safari).

In some areas, usually, just outside the parks, you may also have the opportunity to go on night drives and guided bush walks. If your itinerary so provides, by 6:30 am, you will be well on your way for your morning game drive. The early morning light provides the perfect opportunity for stunning photography. The predators are all very active early in the morning, and you may well see them on their hunt.

After a two-hour game drive with our expert driver/guide, you will return to your lodge for your breakfast, which may be followed by either a mid-morning game drive with a picnic lunch, or relaxation by the pool, or guided walks until the evening game drive. Please keep time for game drives.

Special Needs?

It will be important for us to know of any special health needs, e.g., disability, or special dietary requirements that have not been declared at the time of booking your itinerary. This is important for us, to ensure that we strive to provide our best service – to accommodate these needs.

Food & Water Quality?

The hotels, lodges and camps in which you stay are renowned for their high-quality selection of cuisines. Food within our destinations is delicious, varied and plentiful. Africa’s famed fruits including pineapples, pawpaw, mangoes, avocados, passion fruits & bananas are all available. Fresh vegetables are equally abundant, together with an array of cuisines from many other parts of the world.

Drink bottled water. You are always safe drinking the bottled water that is readily available at all the camps and lodges. Carry a bottle of water with you at all times – including on transfers between camps.

Meal plans: Generally, unless otherwise requested, bed & breakfast is the common meal plan provided for in Nairobi and other major cities, and Full-board basis on Safaris.

Weather Conditions?

The temperature in most of the safari locations reaches a high of about 80° F (26°C) during the day and could drop down to 52°F (11°C) by nighttime. In addition to packing your favorite t-shirts and shorts, it is also advisable to pack a light jacket or warm sweater as well as a light rain jacket in case of rainy weather.

Electricity Availability?

Most of our destination hotels and lodges generate their own electricity. The voltage range is 220 -240V/50Hz AC, which is similar to the United Kingdom and much of Europe.

The power outlets are of UK design, so we advise those of you traveling from North America to carry a suitable step-down adapter.

Currency Options?

Most global currencies (US Dollars, Pound Sterling and Euros) are acceptable legal tender within our destinations. Cheques or cash can also be converted to local currency at airports, hotels and banks.

Cash should always be kept with you in a safe place or stored in secure safes. Major credit cards are also widely accepted by shops, restaurants and hotels.

A few shops may charge a surcharge for accepting cards. Credit cards are usually not accepted by market traders or governmental institutions – so visitors should keep some local currency with them at all times.

Do not exchange money on the street.

Additional helpful hints

Mobile (cell) phone & Internet access

Check with your service provider that your phone is registered for international roaming (and check that the phone you have is compatible with the networks in Africa). Most operate on GSM digital networks, running at a frequency of 900 MHz (and some 3G networks too). If your phone is a dual or tri-band GSM phone, it will work just fine.

Wi-Fi is offered at all of our safari camps/lodges.

Will I be able to walk among the animals?

Not really. There are a few times that you will be able to walk in the parks, but that will be in a limited capacity. This will not, however, be among the animals. Some of the lodges have monkeys, baboons or giraffes living around the property – but remember these are still wild animals and should be left alone.

Feeding/Noise/Touching

It is strictly forbidden to feed any form of wildlife as it encourages them to abandon their natural feeding habits. It is also dangerous to feed little animals, as they can get aggressive and bite. It is important that conversation is in hushed tones near wildlife. Loud voices disturb animals and fellow travelers. It is strictly forbidden to touch any animals. All animals are wild and dangerous. Drivers’ and guides’ instructions must be obeyed at all times. Walking within game parks and private reserves is strictly forbidden without a qualified guide(s). Some lodges may have no fencing, so lodge rules on walking must be strictly observed.

Conservation

It is illegal to buy wildlife products in many parts of Africa. In order to support the conservation of wildlife and marine life, please avoid purchasing any sorts of wildlife and sea products.

Indemnity

Occasionally, lodges and hotels will require you to sign an indemnity form for walking, horseback and camel riding, and other similar types of adventures.

Photography

We encourage you to take as many photos as possible to capture these great memories and to share with your family and friends.

People/Dressing

Warm weather attire (t-shirts & shorts) is what you will be wearing the majority of the time. It is advisable to carry a light rain jacket in case of rainy weather.

Tipping

Should we tip, and if so – how much? This is a common dilemma for most visitors to any foreign country! In Africa, tipping is not expected but is customary. The traditional gratuity to safari guides or camp staff is not included in the price of your tour and is completely discretionary.

Bear in mind that what may seem like an inconsequential amount to you may be significant to local African staff and will certainly be received with a display of gratitude that is genuinely humbling.

Most safari lodges will have a ‘tip box’ at the reception for the staff – this covers all the ‘unseen’ services you have enjoyed during your stay, including the housekeeper and kitchen staff.

Guidelines: Tip moderately and in accordance with the level and quality of service provided – and only if you are satisfied with that service. Tips can be paid in US dollars and Pound Sterling, or local currency. Use the following guide:

Driver/guide – US$10 and upwards per day.
Private safari guide – US$25 and upwards per day;
Camp staff – US$10 to $20 per day, as a pooled tip to be shared among the housekeepers, waiters, bartender, etc.

If you spend a great deal of time with a single guide, consider increasing the above amounts in accordance with the enthusiasm and effort displayed (or your overall satisfaction level).

Helpful Swahili Words & Phrases

  • Hello -> Jambo
  • Please -> Tafadhali
  • Thank you -> Asante
  • Sorry -> Pole
  • Water -> Maji
  • Money -> Pesa
  • Vehicle –> Gari
  • Good –> Mzuri
  • No problem –> Hakuna Matata