Important Holiday Tips
Planning Holiday/Vacation
Success in planning an exciting and perfect safari, Holiday or vacation rest on finding a professional and experienced Travel Agent who knows the product very well and takes into consideration all the client’s needs and expectations. That’s why we pride ourselves as the best in the market –we have information at our finger tips, best prices and unrivalled services
The following points go a long way in aiding the Keldonk Consult experts to come up with the best safari, holiday or vacation program for you:
- Indicate your desired expectations, attractions, destination etc.
- Indicate length of stay i.e. the number of days you have set aside for your Safari, holiday or Vacation
- Indicate number of people traveling with you (number of adults and children –children ages are important)
- Indicate your projected total budget (rather than daily budget) for the entire stay
- Indicate any special dietary, medical or physical requirements
- Remember to pay your booking on time, preferably in advance to avoid disappointment. Always request for a receipt of your payments
Children policy:
All parks and Game Reserves have no age restrictions on children, however, some lodges, Tented Camps and Hotels in these parks have a children age policy. This is usually set at under 7 years. Examples of these are; Serena Mt Lodge, The Ark and Treetops all in Kenya and Kirawira Tented Camp, Sabora Tented Camp etc in Tanzania.
Gorilla Trekking: No children under 14 years
Balloon Safari: any children under 7 years
Most hotels and lodges do not charge children under 2 years sharing room with parents while airlines charge only taxes for some age provided they are not occupying own seat.
Visa requirements and Payments
Visa fees for entry to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is usually about US$ 50.00 per person, you must however counter check with the respective country’s embassy, high commission or consulate nearest to you for the correct rates and visa requirements applicable to your nationality
Clothing/dressing:
Dressing in National parks and game reserves should be casual, light and comfortable, long pens, open shoes or slippers, t-shirts, vest, spaghetti straps for ladies, and shorts etc are all advisable during game drives and in the lodges. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps. You may also shop for these on arrival in either the city of Nairobi Kenya or Arusha Tanzania.
Restaurant dressing code: Most lodges and hotels do not allow swim wear, bathroom slippers, gowns or clothing that are too revealing in the restaurants
Clothing: (Gorilla Trek)
While tracking the gorillas, it is recommended to wear trousers or jeans, a long sleeved shirt and hiking boots. A hat, raincoat and rucksack (for your camera equipment etc.) are also recommended. Remember no flash photography allowed near the gorillas
Currency:
These vary tremendously from country to country. Traveler’s cheques and foreign currency must be changed at the bank, licensed Forex bureau hotel, or safari lodge. Most countries will accept any traveller’s cheques when making payment of service or goods. For the local markets, have with you the local currencies or US$ in small denominations. The Kenya shilling (Kshs) is the Kenya currency, Tanzania shilling (Tshs) is the Tanzania currency while the Uganda shilling (Ushs) is the Uganda currency
Payment of goods and services:
Credit cards: widely accepted throughout all Resorts, hotels and Safari lodges in all three countries. Many city restaurants, clubs, shops and other businesses accept them too.
Cash: Best to carry some local currencies for shopping in the various stops outside the cities (up country). US$ are also widely accepted though you need to check the prevailing exchange rates so as not to be cheated. Ensure also is in small denominations 1$ – 5$ as change might be challenging.
Baggage:
We advise that where possible travel light and pack most items of necessity only. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or hold all per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.
Water:
Although the water provided by most hotels and lodges is safe and of good quality, we recommend for peace of mind, to drink local bottled mineral water. This is available in virtually every shop, kiosk or store throughout the three countries. Prices range from half a $ to a dollar for a 500 ml bottle depending on the brand.
Health and Medications:
Yellow fever vaccine is required to enter the three countries; some countries also require that you have a vaccination certificate when departing from either of these countries. Remember to take your Malaria medication. Most of these medications can be obtained on arrival in chemists within the city centre.
We recommend that you consult your physician for these medical advice or subscriptions.
Remember to carry a Safari hat and sunscreen to protect you from sun.
Most hotels and lodges provide mosquito nets in the rooms while others go further to provide mosquito repellent and burn Mossi chip in the rooms to ward off the insects but is advisable to carry your own mosquito repellent to be on the safe side.
Electricity Voltage and Plug
In Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the voltage is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are UK-type square three-pin. Remember to bring a converter in the event that these specifications are different from those of your country.
Time Zone:
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania: GMT +3
Internet access:
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania: Internet service is available in all major cities, towns, lodges, hotels, tented camps and cyber cafes; it is also available from the local cell phone companies
ATM Machines
ATM machines are available 24 hrs at all major banks, and you can use your ATM debit card on Kenya’s ATM machines. However, you will incur a small international transaction fee when you use your ATM debit/credit card.
Climate and weather patterns: (Tanzania)
Generally has two rainy seasons: the short rains of October to December and the long rains of April to early June, the driest months are February and March.
Most days are warm and sunny with cool nights, during the rainy season the evenings and nights are chilly as well as early morning.
Coastal Areas –hot and humid, average 30°C day time temperatures,
Highland countryside –cool most of the days, chilly during the rainy season
Hottest months are from October to February while the long rains are from March to Late May
Climate and weather patterns: (Kenya)
Generally has two rainy seasons: the short rains of October to December and the long rains of April to early June, the driest months are February and March.
Most days are warm and sunny with cool nights, during the rainy season the evenings and nights are chilly as well as early morning. In the recent past, weather has been very unreliable hence may not follow the indicated pattern.