
Posted by: Leo Travel Hub
The
Swahili word safari (literally, journey) would not mean much to most people if
it wasn't for this East African adventure land. Revered by anthropologists as
the 'cradle of humanity',
VISA
Visa on arrival is granted at USD 50 per person
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS:
There
are two international airports in
FLIGHTS INTO
From
Mumbai, Kenyan Airways (KQ) flies daily into
HOW TO GET AROUND IN
By Air:
There are several small airline companies that
offer domestic flights as well as the national airline, Kenya Airways.
Destinations include: Amboseli, Kisumu, Lamu, Malindi, Masai Mara,
By Train:
Kenyan
trains are also a popular form of transport. The trains generally run on time
and are considerably safer than travelling by bus or matatu. A passenger line
runs inland from Mombassa to
By Taxis, Matatus, Tuk-Tuks:
Taxi's are numerous in the main cities and towns.
Agree on the price before you get in since the meters are unlikely to work (if
they have a meter to begin with).
Matatus are mini-buses that operate on set routes
and passengers embark and disembark at whatever point they choose. Often
colorful to look at but overcrowded and a little dangerous due to the drivers'
love for speed.
Tuk-Tuks are also popular in
CLIMATE:
Generally
speaking, the dry months of July
through October and mid-December through February
are the best game viewing times in East Africa (
It's
also when
Although
CURRENCY:
The
Kenyan Shilling (KES) divided into
100 cents.
With
the deregulation of the money supply, foreign exchange bureaus are the best
places to change money. Their rates are competitive and they don't charge
commission. Banks will change money, but their commission can be steep. US
Dollars or Pounds Sterling are recommended. It is advisable to carry some US
dollars cash in small denominations. Well known credit cards are accepted at
many hotels and tourist shops.
The place to carry your money is in a pouch against your skin. Anything more obvious will only make a thief's job easier.
TIME:
VOLTAGE:
Voltage
throughout
LANGUAGE:
English
is spoken throughout East and
Swahili
is the most widely spoken language in East and
SECURITY:
Do
not leave cash, travellers cheques or valuables unattended in your hotel rooms
but use the hotel’s safety deposit boxes and avoid carrying large sums of money
about. As with any large city,
HEALTH:
Inoculation against Yellow Fever is mandatory. It is
imperative that anti-malarial prophylactics be taken before, during and after
your visit. Changes of diet and water often cause mild stomach upsets, so a
supply of anti-diarrhoea pills is advisable. Do not drink the tap water, but it
is safe to use the water supplied in flasks in your hotel room and bottled
mineral water is readily available.
Malaria
protection is very important for travel to
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT:
It
is recommended for both men and women that light, easy-care cotton be worn on
safari. Comfortable pair of walking shoes or safari boots is a ‘must’, as is a
hat, sunglasses, swimming costumes and a warm sweater. Although most places in
Do bring a torch, binoculars, suntan creams, ample films and disposable razors, as shaving sockets are not available at all places outside the main centres. The main things to remember whilst packing are flexibility, versatility, and protection from the sun. For flexibility, travel with clothing that can be layered to adjust to temperature differences throughout the day. Versatility is important in helping you minimise the amount of clothing you bring.
Dress on safari is entirely casual, meaning jeans, shorts, T-shirts whatever you’re comfortable in. For visits to the Mount Kenya Safari Club, ladies/gentlemen require smart casual wear in the evenings. This will be useful for dining at better restaurants in the larger cities as well. For sun protection, bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and suntan lotion. Finally, bring a light windbreaker and sweater, and some comfortable footwear - sneakers are ideal.
TIPPING AND PORTERAGE:
Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.
LUGGAGE:
One normal sized suitcase and an overnight bag is the usual baggage allowance on most safaris. On internal charter flights only 15 Kgs of baggage is allowed.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Avoid
being discourteous to the local people by trying to "steal a
photograph" - some tribes consider a camera to be evil and may try to
attack if their photo is taken without permission. Your driver will seek
permission for you and will negotiate the fee.
Your camera equipment should include a telephoto lens for photographing birds and wildlife; a 200mm lens is highly recommended. A standard 50mm lens and a wide-angle lens of 28mm are also recommended. Bring camera batteries and plenty of film, including a variety of types suitable for both low-light and bright-light photography. Sun filters may be useful, and a protective cover to shield your camera from dust. Video photography is also very popular among many but we suggest precautions against dust and rain.
AIRPORT TAX:
Airport
tax is payable on departure from most international airports in
EVENTS:
CITIES:
Nairobi is best characterised by its variety of locally-given descriptive names, representative of the city's contrasting images - of wealthy spacious suburbs, charming flower-lined streets and a refreshing climate, alongside crime, corruption, filth and poverty. Names like 'Green City in the Sun', 'City of Flowers' and the Masai name 'Place of Cool Waters' attempt to overshadow the all too real version of 'Nairobbery' that stands as a well-found warning to newly arrived tourists.
MUST SEES:
It
is
Recommended Hotels in
Panafric
Hotel
Serena
Holiday
Inn
Intercontinental
Hotel
The Stanley Hotel
The coastal town of
Apart from the
beautiful beaches, another unique aspect of this wonderful town is its rich
history. The “
Fort Jesus is
The
The
Hindu temple is a one of the many
symbols of
The
Bamburi Nature Trail is the largest animal sanctuary in
Recommended Hotels in
Lagoon
Reef Hotel
Golden Beach Hotel
MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE:
The Masai Mara National Reserve lies about 270 km from
The Masai Mara is in southwestern
The
Mara (as the old hands like to call it) is the most popular game park in
The
small provincial town of
Activities at Masai Mara
Game Drives: If you have flown straight to the
Masai Mara Reserve then your safari package
will usually include several daily game drives. If you have rented your own vehicle
then it is recommended you take an askari (guard) with you.
Walking Safaris: If you enjoy a little adventure try a walking safari with a
Maasai guide.The best ones are outside the reserve boundaries.
Cultural
Hot Air Ballooning: is a popular pastime that provides an expensive but unique experience. Every lodge and camp will be able to set up a flight for you. The balloons usually fly at dawn and last about an hour.Uponlanding most balloon companies, offer a champagne breakfast.
Recommended Accommodation in
Masai Mara
Mara
Serena Lodge
Keekorok
Lodge
Mara
Simba Lodge.
Mara Sopa Lodge
The lake catchment is bounded by Menengai crater to the north, the Bahati hills to the north east,
the lion hill ranges to the east, eburu crater to the south and the mau
escarpment to the west. Three major rivers, the Njoro, Makalia and Enderit drain
into the lake, together with treated water from the town's sewage works and the
outflow from several springs along the shore.
How To Get There:
Roads:
The park has a tarmac road connection with
Must Sees in
Flamingoes (Greater and Lesser) and other water birds including a variety of terrestrial birds numbering about 450 species in total.
Mammals: 56 different species including white rhinos.
View-points: Lion
hill, Baboon cliff and Out of
Hills: Enasoit, Honeymoon,
Lion hill ridge etc.
Waterfalls: Makalia
Unique vegetation: About 550 different plant species
including the unique and biggest euphorbia forest in
Recommended Accommodation in
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge.
Naishi
Guest House
Kina Luxury Banda
At
392 sq. km, Amboseli is not a large
park but it does offer you the best chance of seeing the endangered black rhino. It also has huge herds of
elephants, and to see a herd of them making their way sedately across the
grassy plains, with Tanzania's Mt
Kilimanjaro in the background, may be a real African cliché but it's an
experience, which certainly leaves a lasting impression. Microlight flights are
a popular way to take in the majesty of this spectacular southern region of
A
wildife safari into Amboseli lets the visitor enter the majestic realm of the
Elephant. This beautiful park consists of wide-open plains crowned by the snow-capped
The most obvious resident are the large elephant herds, and they are impossible
to miss. Elephants are a continual presence throughout the park, and this
provides plenty of opportunities to observe and learn from a wide variety of
their social behaviour. With a well-trained guide, it is easy to understand and
follow the social heirachy of each herd, and their constant social interaction.
The
open plains attract plenty of grazing game including zebra, wildebeest, and
impala.
Cheetah are often seen here, either hunting on the plains or at rest in the
undergrowth.
The best time to see game in Amboseli is early morning and late afternoon. In
the midday heat, Elephants and other animals retreat to the cool of thick
undergrowth and can become invisible. Morning and afternoon game drives also
allow you to witness the unforgettable African dawn and sunsets.
The most common means of Game viewing here is in customized vehicles, with open
topped roofs or sides ideal for photography. Game can be seen from some of the
lodges and camps.
Guided game walks are possible on the fringes of the park, and to the high
observation point within the park. These can be arranged at most camps and
lodges. This is a great way to experience the bush at its best.
This
park essentially encloses the moorland and high forest of the 60km-long Kinangop plateau. Only rarely does this
place feature in the itineraries of safari companies and individual travellers
visit it even less. However, if you're willing to brave the inclement weather,
this remote and formidably dense forest is well worth the effort. The park
offers a variety of fauna, flora and scenery, which you won't find elsewhere
except, perhaps, on Mt Kenya. There
are also the dramatic
THINGS TO BE KEPT IN MIND:
A 7 seater coach is always non AC.
SAFARI DO'S AND DON'TS:
DO'S
·
Do
wear muted or neutral colours, like khaki, tan or beige.
·
4
x4 land cruiser is always recommended.
·
Do
move slowly and fluidly in the vehicle, minimizing sudden movements.
·
Do
encourage your driver to move the vehicle as little as possible and to drive
slowly, respecting the personal space of the animals.
·
Do
encourage your driver to turn off the engine in the presence of animals and not
to rev the engine when starting or to attract the attention of the animals.
·
Do
refrain from smoking
·
Do
avoid walking after 6.30pm in the city. Preferably, take a taxi.
· Do drink mineral water or bottled water
DON'TS
·
Don’t
wear brightly coloured or high contrast clothing
·
Don't
wave.
·
Don't
throw anything out of the vehicle
·
Don't
speak above a whisper
·
Don't
yell at the animals
·
Don't
pound your hands on the side of the vehicles or clap hands in order to get the
attention of or scare the animals
·
Don't
feed the animals
·
Don't
leave any valuables in the vehicle or in your hotel room, keep in the safety
deposit at the Hotel / Lodge / Camp
·
Don't
wear expensive jewellery during the day around the city
·
Don't
drink tap water
·
Don't
photograph tribes, if photos are required, seek driver's advice.
· Don't carry excess baggage.
SHOPPING:
Wood Carvings are plentiful
throughout the continent and range in price from a few dollars to several
hundred dollars, especially the now famous Makonde
carvings, originating from
One
of the most popular is the sisal basket called the Kiondoo. These baskets commonly produced in Kikuyu areas are a
small functional basket with a leather-carrying strap. They are popularly used
as handbags.
The
beaded jewellery and decorative
items of the Masai has become internationally famous. The beadwork is
astonishingly intricate and beautiful, combining thousands of tiny coloured beads with cowrie shells and
leatherwork.
Bargaining is the expected
norm in Markets and even in some shops throughout