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Odyssey Safaris Team Buy Highlights of Kenya Safari Information Links
Highlights of Kenya Safari Information: Highlights of Kenya Safari Tour Information
Airfare Information.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Redemption Instructions
Team Buy - Odyssey Safaris FAQ
1. What are the visa requirements for Kenya and Tanzania?
The updated visa requirements are listed in this packet along with the visa application and procedures.
2. What immunizations do I need for this trip?
Currently there are no required vaccinations for entry to Kenya however you may want to make sure the following vaccinations are up to date: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria & Tetanus, Meningococcal Meningitis and Polio are suggested. Your chances of contracting these diseases without immunizations are very low; thousands of people come to Kenya without them and do not experience any problems. It is up to you how you decide to immunize yourself, we recommend consulting a travel doctor for 100% safety.
3. What medications, if any, do I need for this trip?
The only medication we recommend highly for this trip is an anti-malarial medication. Many of the regions in which we do tours are malaria regions, and by simply taking an anti-malarial you can avoid this mosquito born disease. This medication is not compulsory; by using mosquito repellent, keeping your tent and mosquito net closed, wearing pants and long sleeves, and being attentive to the situation you can avoid malaria without taking medication. We also recommend anti-diarrheal medicine and any other medications that will make your trip more enjoyable. Climbers should bring some aspirin for the altitude.
4. Where do I get more information on immunizations and medications?
The best place to go is a travel doctor. Often general practitioners do not have immediate access to yellow fever and malaria medications, nor do they have up to date information on new drugs or techniques. Simply go to your doctor and he will refer you to a travel specialist. This travel doctor can answer all your questions, prescribe the necessary medications, and administer the immunizations.
5. What is included in my tour?
All lodging within Kenya, all meals prepared by our chef (any others you decide to eat outside of the regularly scheduled meals are paid for by you), all transport within Kenya, airport transfers in Kenya, gear rental (for climbers and trekkers), and park fees.
6. What is not included in my tour?
Optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, deep sea and sport fishing, balloon rides, boat trips, bicycle rental, personal expense money, personal trip insurance and medical fees, expenses of a personal nature i.e. laundry, drinks.
7. Can I Stay Longer?
Yes, you can! Your visa is valid for 6 months so the duration of your trip is up to you. Please contact us at anytime for details and prices on extensions.
8. What is the age limit for bars/casinos?
There is no age limit.
9. What should I pack?
A more detailed list of items is available in your pre-departure packet.
For the mountain: Plan on using two pairsa of shoes, a good hiking shoe for your hikes and a cross trainer type for in camp. This method allows you to dry your hiking shoes should everyday following your hike. A heavy sweatshirt or sweater is a good idea as well as a warm undershirt such as a turtle-neck. Several t-shirts and good, thick socks are recommended. Jackets, pants, gloves, and hats are provided, however a good pair of long john's underwear are a good idea.
For the parks: It is warm during the day so you will need nothing more than shorts and t-shirts. Sun protection is essential so plan on bringing a hat that covers your face, a good pair of sunglasses, and sunscreen. It can get quite cool at night so your sweatshirt, long t-shirt, and jeans will come in handy.
For the beach: Don't forget you flip-flops and bathing suit!
Miscellaneous: Binoculars, camera (if you have ever contemplated spending a couple hundred on a camera and a few more on a zoom lenses now is the time), film, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, compass, journal, spending money or traveler's checks, yellow immunization card (you will get this with your yellow fever immunization), passport, and a sense of adventure!
When packing for East Africa, less is more. If you can live without it, leave it home. While you might need a set of evening clothes for a couple nights out, you should leave your best duds at home.
10. What is the baggage allowance?
Luggage limits will depend on the airline you will be flying on. Usually two bags per person of 50pounds each and one carry on. It is however advisable to confirm with the airline prior to departure.
11. What is the luggage allowance for flights between parks in Kenya/Tanzania?
There are no internal flights on this trip but should you plan additional travel that includes and internal flight the maximum luggage allowance is 33lbs in soft bags. This includes your hand baggage.
12. Could we leave part of our luggage at a hotel in the city, and just take what we would need for our safari? Is there a charge for this service?
You can leave luggage with Odyssey Safaris staff and we will hold it for no extra charge. If you will be returning to the hotel you may not be charged for the service, but often hotels charge to hold luggage.
13. Will I be able to use and charge my electrical equipment while on safari?
Yes you will. The local electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. North American travelers planning to bring their 110/120 volt video camera chargers or other electrical devices should also bring voltage and socket adapters. Major hotels usually provide hair dryers, irons and other small electric appliances upon request. your vehicle is also equipped with an adapter to charge or power your devices.
14. What is the typical tipping situation?
Driver/Guide tips average around $8-$10 per day per person.
15. When we tip the Driver-Guide and Guide on safari, do we tip in US dollars or in Kenya Shillings?
US Dollars or Shillings.
16. Are laundry services available on safari?
Laundry services are available throughout your safari. However, lodges in the parks usually require a day (next day service) to do your laundry, therefore plan to do it when you have at least 2 nights in one location.
17. How much does it cost to do laundry while on safari?
Expect to generally pay between $1 and $3 depending on the item. As a general rule, do not launder expensive items will safari.
18. What currency is used in Kenya?
Kenya Shillings, $$ US Dollars are widely accepted.
19. How much money will we need?
Depends on the gifts and African Art you might buy or drinks you might consume; these are not included in the program. On arrival you will each require to pay $50 for an entry visa unless you have already obtained it advance. We recommend $100 per day per person in cash and credit cards as a ballpark figure. The Kenya Touris Board recently shared a statistic with us that said the average American spends and additional $3,000 USD while on safari.
20. Are ATMs available?
Yes in the major cities like Nairobi and Arusha, but may not be available in the game lodges.
21. What currency should we take with us?
Keep your money in US Dollars as they are widely accepted. Each property in your program has an exchange bureau where you can convert USD to the local currency as and when needed.
22. Should we take traveler's checks?
We can no longer recommend traveler's cheques as most hotels and money changers are no longer accepting them.
23. How much money should we carry on safari?
See above for additional info. This will vary with each individual and will depend on how much they want to spend on gifts etc. Drinks and other extras at the lodges can be paid using your credit card. The tipping guide line for drivers is between $8-10 per person per day paid at the end of each driver's trip. They accept US Dollars.
24. Where can I change my money or cash my traveler's checks?
Currency can be exchanged and traveler's checks cashed at major banks, bureau de change or authorized hotels. The banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport have 24-hour exchange services and generally offer the best rates.
25. What is the weather like in Kenya / Tanzania?
Kenya straddles the equator, and Tanzania is not far south, so both countries enjoy a tropical climate. The coasts are hot and humid, while the inland areas are generally temperate (due to the altitude). The northern parts of Kenya are very hot and dry. 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 86oF maximum and 73° F minimum.
There is plenty of sunshine throughout the year and summer clothes are appropriate year round. Nights and mornings can be quite cool. The long rains occur from March to May and short rains occur November and 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 is July to August.
26. Are there any small gifts we might bring to give children when we are visiting villages?
You can never go wrong with school supplies for children such as pencils, crayons, exercise books etc.
27. Do I have to pay a departure tax at the airport?
This is included in your tour.
28. Do I need to bring my own binoculars, or will they be furnished?
Each van has a pair of binoculars. We recommend you bring a pair for your exclusive use.
29. Will I be sleeping under mosquito nets every night?
All the properties in the program provide mosquito nets.
30. Is bottle water available at all of the lodges that I will be visiting, or do I need to make arrangements to bring my own?
Bottled drinking water is provided for free during daily and is readily available at all the hotels and lodges you will be visiting.
31. What other activities are available other than game drives?
You can take nature walks, relax by the pool, visit local villages and meet the local people. We can provide a list of available acitivties at each destination.
Information Authenticity: The accuracy of the information contained in all our publications is continuously maintained. In the event that circumstances dictate a change, we will make every effort to make you aware as soon as possible and provide acceptable alternatives.
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