If you are planning to travel to East Africa, you should consult your GP before travel. IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS: No vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Kenya, however certain inoculations and malaria tablets are recommended and you should consult your medical practitioner at least 6 weeks before you travel.

For further information, please see the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (www.cdc.gov)

Yellow Fever vaccinations (supported by a certificate) are required for travel if you are traveling from/between a Yellow Fever endemic country/ies. We strongly recommend seeking information from Yellow Fever a health authority in your country of residence well before your travel dates. 

MALARIA PREVENTION: Protect yourself from the risk of malaria in two simple ways:

Physical prevention: Always wear long sleeved shirts, trousers, socks and closed shoes after sunset. Use a mosquito repellent with a minimum of 30 percent DEET after sunset on any exposed areas of your skin. Your room stewards will spray your room/tent after sunset to kill any mosquitoes that may have entered. Sleep under a mosquito net (note that some safari tents act as large enclosed mosquito nets and we therefore don’t require additional nets over the beds). You will find a cannister of insect spray in your room/tent at some our properties, should you need it at any stage. 

Drug prevention: If you will be traveling to a malaria zone, it is advisable to take anti-malaria pills.  Please follow the prescription as given to you by your doctor.

Remember to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and apply a high factor suncreen whilst on safari.

Security

Your safety is of utmost importance to us. Whilst you travel with us you can rest assured that you are in good hands. In the areas of accommodation, there are day and night guards who are always on call and will escort you to and from your rooms to keep you safe.

Water

Some of the camps and lodges we use have systems of reverse osmosis filtration installed and it is

from these systems that all of your drinking water is derived. We would strongly encourage you to have your own reuseable water bottle which can be refilled as often as you like. Alternatively, you will be provided with a metal bottle at the start of your safari.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Kenya though not mandatory. Please speak to the camp manager if you would like advice on tipping guidelines for the camp/lodge staff or for your safari guide.

Photography

We understand that you will want to take as many pictures of your holiday as possible, but before you begin to take pictures of houses or people, ask for their permission. In some cases, you may be required to offer a tip for those pictures. Your guide is the best person to ask for advice. 

Wild animals

Never approach or attempt to feed a wild animal, even if they appear harmless. You may hear sounds outside your tent or room during the night – do not be alarmed! Animals do not understand the concept of a hollow tent and they will simply move around it as if it were a boulder or mass of another kind. Please do not step outside your tent or room at any stage to investigate, during the night. 

Charity and donations

Many visitors to Africa feel a strong urge to help the less fortunate whom they encounter on safari, or when visiting a local village or school. It is best to seek an appropriate opportunity to buy gifts or supplies while you are traveling, rather than carrying them along from home. Many of our partner camps and lodges are actively involved in working with their local communities to sustain schools, clinics and other projects. Ask about this when you are there and visit the school, clinic or project if you can. A donation to something you have seen on the ground will bring you more satisfaction (and directly help the neediest).

Resist the temptation to offer ‘hand outs’ to kids on the side of the road. This only encourages dependency on such generosity and teaches these children that begging brings reward. There

is no dignity in begging and the harassment it fosters will not endear you to the next group of tourists either! A rather fun idea is to gift a football (soccer ball). Africans love soccer yet not all the children have a ball with which to play. 

Voltage

Voltage in Kenya is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. In most of our partner accommodation, all rooms/tents have electricity for lighting and universal electrical sockets in the tents which can charge mobile phones and camera batteries. The sockets in tents will not support hairdryers – please ask a manager about this. 

Money

The local currency is Kenya shillings but US dollars are widely accepted, and are accepted at all hotels, lodges and camps. Most properties accept card payments from major credit cards – Visa and Mastercard. We suggest that you carry a combination of cash (preferably US$ and Kenya Shillings) as a ‘just in case’. Small notes are helpful for paying bills or tipping porters etc. 

International telephone + WiFi

The dialing code for Kenya is + 254. Kenya has quite a widespread mobile network with an extensive range of 4G and 3G. Our properties all have WiFi in the main areas. 

Climate

In the Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha, the mornings and evenings can be quite chilly. During the day it can warm to 30 degrees and, being near the equator and at altitude, the sun can feel quite strong. Do bring sunscreen and a hat. A light long sleeve shirt will provide good protection from the sun. 

Luggage Restrictions

When travelling between lodges and camps, you will most likely find yourself on a light aircraft at some point. Due to strict weight and space restrictions airline staff must insist that you comply with the following:

Baggage allowance is strictly 15 Kgs (34lbs) per passenger, inclusive of hand luggage in soft bags.

Excess baggage will be charged at prevailing rates and only carried subject to space availability.

If you arrive with oversized/overweight baggage you will be asked to repack into suitable bags which comply with internal airline regulations. Please bear this in mind when you are packing for your trip with us as failure to do so may result in a delayed departure or even a missed flight. When flying with Governors’ Aviation we offer storage facilities for any excess luggage at our office at Wilson Airport, for collection on your return to Nairobi.

Suggested parking List

The dress code on safari is relaxed and the secret to successful safari packing is ‘less is more’.

We recommend that you wear long trousers and take a light long sleeved sweater on the game drives as it can get chilly – it’s best to make use of layers! In the evenings it is wise to cover up so as to protect yourself from any mosquitoes or bugs. Depending upon how long you are travelling for, you may wish to adjust quantities and items to suit your needs. The below is an outline of what we suggest you bring.

CLOTHING

2 x pair lightweight trousers (khaki or similar muted colors).

1 x pair of jeans or ‘smart casual’ evening attire trousers.

2 x pairs shorts.

3 x t-shirts.

1 x long sleeved t-shirt or turtleneck.

1 x or 2 short sleeved shirts or blouses.

1 x light to medium weight cardigan, fleece or pullover for evenings/early mornings.

1 x wind breaker or light jacket.

1 x pair of comfortable closed-in shoes (trainers or similar), flip flops (optional).

Sleep wear (light weight sweats double up nicely).

Sunglasses and sunhat.

Swimwear 

TOILETRIES: Sunblock, face cream and lip balm with a good SPF, mosquito repellant. 

ELECTRONICS: A small flashlight or torch (we do provide these in your room), power bank and various charging cables that you require (you can also charge your electronics in your room – through USB and multi-socket charging ports), camera, spare batteries and extra memory cards, and binoculars (especially if you have a keen interest in birds).

OTHER ITEMS TO CONSIDER: A good book to read, a deck of cards or other travel friendly sized games, your own reusable water bottle (please help us minimise plastic!)