Q1. When is the best time of year to visit Kenya and Tanzania? A1. Kenya and Tanzania are great year round destinations. The main
tourist season is in January and February, since the hot, dry
weather at this time of year is generally considered to be the most
pleasant. It's also when bird life flocks to the Rift Valley lakes
in the greatest numbers. June to September could be called the
'shoulder season' as the weather is still dry. The rains hit from
March to May (and to a lesser extent from October to December).
During these months things are much quieter - places tend to have
rooms available and prices may decrease. The rains generally don't
affect travelers' ability to get around.
July/August and December are the busiest times in Kenya and Tanzania
when parks and lodges get a bit crowded and reservations often must
be made at least 6 to 8 months in advance. Travel during rest of the
year primarily depends on the weather.
Q2. What is the weather like in Kenya and Tanzania? A2. Tanzania and Kenya enjoy a tropical climate. It is hot and humid
at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and
northeast parts of the country. The average annual temperature in
Nairobi (altitude 4,980 feet) is 77°F maximum and 56°F minimum. The
coastal town of Mombasa (altitude 50 feet) is 86°F maximum and 73°F
minimum.
There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes
are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night
and early in the morning. The long rains occur from April to June
and short rains from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes
heavy and when it does come it often falls in the afternoons and
evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coolest
in July to August.
Q3. When does the famous animal migration take place? A3. The annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park
in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place
between June and September. The migration of almost two million
wildebeest, zebras and other species is nature's greatest spectacle
on earth. During the rest of the year the herd can be seen in
different parts of the massive Serengeti National Park.
Q4. Is a Visa required for entry into Kenya and Tanzania? A4. Yes, you require a visa to enter both Tanzania and Kenya
depending on your country. Please check with your embassies. Visa
can be obtained upon arrival or in advance through the respective
embassy offices closed to you.
Q5. Which is the mode of payment when i want to book a safari? A5. We require 40% deposit to confirm a booking, sent by wire
transfer to our bank account, and balance is payable at least 30
days prior to commencement of the safari or can be paid in cash US
dollars or travellers cheques on arrival. Balance can also be paid
by credit card - Visa, Master Card, JCB and American Express, but
there is a 5% surcharge for credit card payments.
Q6. Do I have to pay a departure tax at the airport? A6. Like most international destinations, Tanzania and Kenya charge
an airport departure tax for all international flights. The tax may
be included in the airline ticket price. If it is not included,
visitors must pay the tax in cash at the airport upon arrival.
Departure taxes can be paid in local currency or U.S. Dollars.
Q7. Is tipping required in Tanzania and Kenya? A7. Most major hotels and restaurants include a service charge.
Tipping is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion.
Porters at airports, hotels or lodges may be tipped a $1.00 per
piece of baggage. A gratuity of 10% is customary at restaurants and
bars where a service charge is not included.
Note that on safaris, tips are considered almost part of the pay. A
tip for your guide of $2.00 to $5.00 per person per day is
appropriate.
Q8. Will I be able to use my electrical equipment while on Safari? A8. The local electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs
are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera
charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and
plug adaptors where appropriate. Major hotels usually provide hair
dryers, irons and other electrical amenities upon request.
Q9. How many paxs do you take for a safari? A9. Most of our safaris operate on private basis with a minimum of
two persons booking, and we recommend not more than 7 persons for
maximum comfort and guaranteed window seats.
Q10. What is Safari accommodation like? A10. The type of accomodation is either basic camping, luxury tented
camps or lodges depending with your budget.
Q11. What are the meals like? A11. The meals are primarily European style buffets with African
influences.
Q12. What kind of vehicle will we be traveling during the Safari? A12. Our classic safari vehicle is a purpose built 7 sitter minibus
specially designed for easy photographing. It comes complete with a
pop up roof for easy game viewing.
Q13.Do we require Travel Insurance? A13.We strongly recommend that you take out all of the necessary
Travel Insurance before commencing on your journey. However, we
offer free membership with Flying Doctors' Society of Africa to all
our clients while on safari with us. This will offer you, the
traveller security in the knowledge that should a medical emergency
arise, the Flying Doctors Service and evacuation to a reputable
hospital are just a call away. This service covers only rescue.
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