VISA //..
Kenya: Travelers ought to have current passports valid for 60 days after the expected departure date from Africa. A visa is required and costs US$50 per person upon arrival at airport or border. The visa can be obtained through a Kenya embassy in advance of your trip, but this shall cost you more.
Tanzania: A visa is required and for most nationalities it costs US$50 per person upon arrival at airport or border. However, it costs US$100.00 per person for U.S. Citizens, and US$200.00 per person for Pakistanis. Unless you live in a country that does not have a Tanzania embassy, you can choose to obtain visa in advance of your trip, but this shall cost you more.
Uganda: Travelers must have current passports valid for 60 days after the expected departure date from Africa. A visa is required and costs US$50 per person upon arrival at airport or border. The visa can be obtained through a Ugandan embassy in advance of your trip, but this shall cost you more.
ROADS //..
Kenya : Major roads on tourist circuit are paved up to 70%. Surface of lesser roads vary. Many roads within the National Parks and reserves are only navigable by 4×4 in rainy season.
Tanzania: About 65 – 75% of highways are tarred. Only key roads are in good condition. Road conditions in reserves and parks can be rough.
Uganda: Up to 70% of the feeder roads are in good condition. Surface of lesser roads vary. National Parks and reserves roads are regularly graded.
CREDIT CARDS //..
Kenya: Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa) are widely accepted. Diner’s Card and American Express are generally not readily accepted.
Tanzania: Most top hotels and lodges around the country accept Visa and MasterCard. In addition to credit cards, clients should bring US dollars cash. Traveler’s checks are not popular!
Uganda: Major Kampala hotels shall accept credit cards, lodges outside Kampala – only cash.
HEALTH //..
Vaccination requirements change from time to time. Tanzania requires advance inoculations for yellow fever (and certificates thereof) that are good for 10 years – Jacko Africa Safaris will advise you of these. Malaria is rare in many parts of Safari circuits. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on malaria prophylactics and the latest health precautions. If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).
WATER //..
Avoid drinking water straight from the tap. Complimentary bottled water will be provided on game- viewing drives on all our programs. This will be clearly documented on your pre-safari documentation. Sodas, beer and other beverages can be purchased at the lodges and camps throughout the safari as they have bars and comfortable lounges with fire places for those cool evenings.
BAGGAGE //..
While international flights from North America allow the transport and handling of large pieces of luggage per person, clients are strongly advised to travel very light with one medium sized piece of checked luggage, and a carry-on bag to contain your cameras. On light aircraft flights in Kenya the baggage allowance is limited to a maximum of 33 pounds, including camera and video equipment. Any additional luggage can be stored at the hotel in Nairobi until your return. Luggage and personal effects are at owner’s risk throughout the tour. Baggage insurance is recommended.
Most travelers average approximately 2-3 rolls of film for each day of the safari. As film in East Africa will most likely be costly and hard to find, it is suggested that film be purchased before departure. During the day, almost any film speed will be fine. If you are using telephoto equipment, you will need more sensitive film for early morning and evening; we suggest that half of your film be ASA 400.
CLOTHING //..
Travelers should bring very casual summer clothes that are easily laundered and dry quickly. Visitors on safari have traditionally worn olive, tan or other neutral colors. These clothes reflect the heat, don’t show the inevitable safari dust, and do not stand out when you are trying to look inconspicuous on a game drive. With cool temperatures in the early morning and evening, layering is the best approach. Laundry service is available in most places so you can replenish your supply of clean clothing, as you need it. Much of the time on safari is spent in a van so lightweight and comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes or desert boots) are appropriate. Hiking boots are not necessary. The style in Africa is casual, even in the evening. For Dinner in Nairobi and at the Mount Kenya Safari Club, dress is smart casual. You will be in the sun a great deal and at these altitudes it is easy to sunburn very quickly. Do pack a swimsuit and cover-up, as most of the properties have lovely pools.
CURRENCY //..
In Kenya, the unit of currency is Kenya Shilling. We recommend that you exchange money only as needed. You will find it easiest to make small purchases in local currencies, and will usually receive a better price. Traveler’s checks are NOT any more the best way to carry your cash. If you do carry them, you will not only get the worst exchange rates, but also so many questions asked, before they are cashed! You will conveniently exchange money at all the lodges and hotels, but at a much lower rate than at a forex bureau. Bank exchange rates are also lower than forex bureau rates. If you happen to bring cash (US dollars), the bills ought to be new latest version, dated 2000 or later for a better exchange rate.
ELECTRICITY //..
The voltage is 220 as in Europe; however, the plugs are different than those in North America or most parts of Europe. As outlets may vary, we suggest you travel with a variety of international adapter plugs as well as a voltage converter, which may be purchased as a set. The most commonly used adapter plug has 3 square prongs. It is important to note that lodges in the game parks may turn off their generators during the day and late at night, meaning that no electricity is available. Plan ahead to recharge video camera batteries at applicable times of the day, or carry extra batteries.
LANGUAGES //..
English is the official languages in East Africa, Swahili is the national language. Most people you meet will be able to speak English. You may wish to learn and use a few phrases in Swahili.
LAUNDRY //..
Laundry services is available at any game lodge or camp where two or more nights are spent. Dry cleaning is not available except in Nairobi and Mombasa. If you wish to do any of your washing yourself, please bring along Woolite® or soap powder.
MEDICAL FACILITIES //..
Nairobi has excellent medical facilities. Most camps and lodges have a doctor on call who is experienced with common travel related ailments. We suggest that you make certain your health insurance has adequate coverage, as once you are returned to Nairobi any further medical expenses will need to be covered by you.
SAFETY //..
Guests should exercise the same common sense as one would in America, the UK, rest of Europe or any other part of the world. Normal care and sensible precautions should be taken. Please do not leave cash, jewelry or traveler’s checks unattended in hotel rooms. Every lodge or hotel has a safe deposit facility for your valuables. As a precautionary measure, do not wear flashy jewelry, or leave handbags and photographic equipment unattended in public places.
SHOPPING //..
Attractive, inexpensive baskets, copper jewelry, batik cloth, beads, carvings, Kenya coffee and tea are all for sale in the shops and markets of Nairobi. Boutiques sell fine art and handicrafts, gemstones and jewelry, including a locally mined semiprecious stone called tanzanite. Most popular are items carved from wood, which range from small trinkets, such as animal head salad spoons and letter openers, to world-class ebony sculpture. Carved soapstone from napkin rings and candlesticks to complete chess sets, are also attractive.
Bags woven from sisal and baobab are available in myriad colors, sizes, styles and shapes much more artistic and unique than those reaching the US Market. East African artisans have responded to the increasing appreciation of tribal artifacts with a variety of stunning original pieces and faithful reproductions: drums, headrests, stools, shields, and beaded necklaces and belts from various parts of the region.
Some of the most prized pieces feature elaborately worked silver, malachite and amber beads. We suggest that you take all goods you purchase with you as shipping and duty cost may easily exceed the cost of the item. When purchasing large pieces, if you must have the items shipped, please note that freight can run into many hundreds of dollars.
WARNING ON SHOPPING //..
Your purchase decision(s) is very personal. You must use your best judgment when deciding whether an item is worth the price being asked. Be especially careful when buying tanzanite, golden articles, animal skins, rugs, large carvings to ship. JACKO AFRICA SAFARIS cannot be responsible for any purchases you make. It is only our duty and goal to identify and provide for you shopping opportunities that highlight unique articles / locally produced products with good value from vendors.
We give our recommendations, but we cannot be responsible for the goods you buy, for any damages, delays or problems you may encounter with shipping your purchase(s). Don’t buy, if you are not sure of the item or if you are not sure of the vendor. Don’t blame anyone, if you are not satisfied with what you have bought. Insure any shipping you make. You must use your best judgment when deciding whether an item is genuine, and is worth the price being asked! JACKO AFRICA SAFARIS cannot be responsible for any goods you have purchased when you like them this moment, but then you don’t like them the next moment. Please make up your unassisted mind!
