TRAVEL FACTS

SHOPPING
Excellent, well-stocked gift shops can be found in may hotels, lodges and camps throughout the country. But often-real finds can be found a little further off the beaten track.
Bargaining is the expected norm in Markets and even in some shops throughout Kenya. The art of bargaining has deep roots in Kenyan culture, and is regarded as an essential business skill.

Visitors to Kenya should never be afraid to bargain, it is expected and rarely considered offensive. Opening prices are always an exaggerated gambit, and considered the first step in a long process of bargaining. The basic rule of bargaining is this: Bargain hard but don't be unreasonable. Most shops open from 0830-1730hrs on weekdays and 0900-1300hrs on Saturdays.

BUSINESS TRAVELLERS
Business travellers to East Africa will find all of the facilities they need are widely available. Many hotels and resorts throughout the region offer corporate rates and discounts and have modern, efficient business centres with complete computer, telecommunication and Internet services.

CONFERENCES
One of the key ingredients for any successful conference is location. We offer something new for conference planners and organizers. We have more options than you could ever imagine for a conference with a real difference. Many of our top class hotels, safari lodges, beach resorts, and even tented bush camps offer world-class conference facilities. These include conference halls and private meeting rooms, audiovisual and multimedia services and telecommunications. These facilities, combined with comfortable surrounds, well appointed accommodation and fine cuisine, means that you can hold a professional, effective conference in the wild. We offer the perfect combination of work and play. Your time outside of the conference room can be spent exploring the wilderness, taking game drives, hikes or visiting local villages. What better way than develop team strength and strategy than to take your delegates on a challenging adventure safari? Rock climbing, white water rafting, came trekking and more are all available. Imagine ending your day's meetings and discussions with a classic safari sun downer. Your group can gather for drinks around a campfire, as day gives way to night and the air rings with the calls of the wild. In this magical atmosphere, minds become more open, creative and focused. When you're planning this year's conference, consider East Africa..

INCENTIVE TRAVEL
Many people dream of visiting East Africa. If you are looking for the perfect incentive travel option for your employees, affiliates or partners, why not let their dreams come true and offer them an African safari?

Putting together the perfect safari package to suit any individual needs and interests couldn't be any easier. With our world of safari options, you'll be spoilt for choice.

SAFARI STYLES
We offer the traveller an unparalleled range of options. The incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, wildlife and activities mean endless opportunities. With so many choices at hand, some people find the prospect of planning a trip quite daunting. It doesn't have to be that way. With us it is very easy to plan and prepare for a safari that is as individual as you are, and that satisfies your own personal needs and interests.

WHO TO BRING
Whether you are travelling solo or looking for a family trip, we have plenty of options to suit. Think in advance about whether or not you'd like to join an organized safari group, or have your own private transport and guides. We have plenty to keep the single traveller busy. Organized safaris and camping trips are often great social experiences and a good way to meet other travellers. East Africa is popular with independent travellers, and is quite easy to meet up with travelling companions on the road. For couples, East Africa is a perfect destination for a relaxing break. We have many secluded, private guesthouses, camps and hotels ideal for romantic stays or honeymoons. It is also a great family destination. Kids love it , and the sights and experiences of a safari can outdo any theme park. There are hotels that cater especially for families and have special facilities, programs and safari guides for children.

YOUR OWN STYLE
If you want five star Luxury accommodations you'll be spoilt for choice. But if you want to really rough it and experience life away from the trappings of civilization it can be equally easily arranged. Do not even think about how you are going to get around and how long it will take. We will arrange everything! Do you want to be use light aircraft to avoid long road trips, or do you enjoy the experience of driving through the countryside? It is possible to plan a safari that blends adventure and relaxation, luxury and natural simplicity, social experiences and solitude.

VISA AND PASSPORT
A valid passport is required for all foreigners entering Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Visa requirements vary according too country of origin. Most nationality however, require visa to enter Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. We advise that you check with the nearest Consulate of Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda, if travelling to the respective country. Visa can be processed at the airports upon arrival but this can be very slow. We therefore advise clients to purchase them from their countries of origin before travelling.

HEALTH
Malaria is endemic to certain areas of Kenya all visitors should begin taking anti-Malaria prophylactics two weeks before arriving in Kenya, throughout their stay and for a minimum of three weeks after leaving Kenya. Bottled mineral water, both local and imported, can be purchased in hotel sundry shops and other tourist kiosks. You will find filtered and safe drinking water in thermos, bottles in your hotel or lodge rooms, but it is advisable not to drink water from the taps, rivers or lakes. Do not bathe in rivers and lakes.

VACCINATIONS
A yellow fever and Cholera vaccination certificate is required in Kenya if visitors are arriving from a country where these diseases are present. Yellow fever certificate is required in Tanzania regardless of country of origin. We advise that all clients seek advice from their doctors when planning to travel. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended

CURRENCY
Kenyan currency is based on the decimal system. The unit of currency is the Shilling divided into 100 cents. Visitors are advised to check currency exchange rates regularly. Banks give slightly better rates of exchange than hotels. It is a serious offence to deface or knowingly damage Kenyan currency. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid street dealers and to transact all currency dealings through official dealers.

BANKING
Nairobi, Mombasa and most other principal centres in Kenya have banks with Bureau de Change. Banking hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday, though some open between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the first and last Saturday of each month. Banks at Jomo Kenyatta and Moi International Airports operate a 24-hour service.

TIPPING
A Service Charge is usually included in all tariffs, however the tipping of exceptional service is always appreciated. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5% to 10% tip.

SECURITY
In keeping with many tourist centres worldwide, visitors are advised not to leave any valuables in their hotel room when they go out, but to make use of the safe deposit boxes which are available at most hotels and lodges. As in all major cities, it is advisable to avoid back streets at night (especially alone); in fact is it much safer to avoid night walking altogether and use taxis or self-drive hire cars instead. Kenya has an excellent police force and most hotels have experienced security personnel and caring doormen.

HOTEL CHECK-OUT TIME
The standard checkout time in Kenya is 10 a.m. regardless of the actual departure time from your hotel. Day room facilities maybe available for clients leaving in the evening or they may allow you keep your room until departure depending on the occupancy of the Hotel. A charge will be payable locally for this service.

ACCOMMODATION
Whenever possible we book rooms with private bathrooms on the basis of two persons sharing a double room. Single rooms are available at supplementary cost but neither single room nor rooms with private bath can be guaranteed especially within the national parks and game reserves. Hotels, where mentioned, are named as an indication of category and rooms may be reserved at similar hotels.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Film is available at most game lodges, even in remote areas, but stocks are usually small and of the common sizes and brands. Nairobi and Mombasa have supplies of the most normal types of film. For game and bird photography a telephoto lens of 200-300mm is strongly recommended. Twin lenses reflex cameras are generally impractical. It is wise to equip yourself with plenty of batteries, ultra-violet filter and lenses hood as these are seldom available when on Safari.
Visitors are advised that it is an offence to photograph Kenya's head of state, military installations, policemen in uniforms, etc. As a general rule elsewhere, visitors are strongly advised to seek permission before taking any photographs

WHAT TO PACK
We advise all clients to pack as little as possible to minimize 'headaches'. Space on Safari vehicles is limited and on all domestic charter and scheduled flights baggage allowance is limited to 15kg / 33lb per person. Extra luggage can be stored in Nairobi, in Arusha or in Kampala depending on your itinerary.

Following are some items we recommend for carrying:
1 or 2 pairs of Shorts
2 pairs Long Trousers or Skirts (for women)
Swimming suite
A smart evening attire
T-shirts
Long sleeved shirt or blouse
A pullover or sweater
Smart casual shoes and safari boots
Under wear and socks enough for at least 3 days
A jog -bra for women will be good for bumpy roads
Light sleep ware
Personal toiletries and insect repellent
Small carry on bag
Adequate supply of film
Sun protection cream and hat
Sun glasses
Lastly do not forget to carry your Passport, vaccination certificates, airline tickets, money and credit cards.