Planning for Safari
If you are planning to travel to East Africa on safari, you will require a number of immunizations before you travel. Please consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel. We have put together the following documents to help you to plan your safari before you leave home: This document offers helpful information on travel in Kenya as well as advice on health planning and what to pack.
Passports and Visas
Visa requirements may be subject to change at any time - check before you travel!
A return ticket must be shown and your passport must be valid for 6 months after your stay. Only a few small Commonwealth countries are exempt from visas. All other nationalities requiring a visa (including European Union, British, Australians, and US citizens) are also advised to have at least three blank pages available in their passport on arrival.
From 1st January 2021, all passengers from countries that require a visa to enter Kenya, will need to apply for an e-visa in advance. For more information on this visit, www.evisa.go.ke Visas cost US $50.00 or £30.00 and are valid for 3 months from the date of entry.
Your Health
If you are planning to travel to East Africa, you should consult your GP doctor before traveling.
Immunizations & 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 our safari tents act as large enclosed mosquito nets and we, therefore, don’t require additional nets over the beds). You will find a canister of insect spray in your room/tent at all our properties, should you need it at any time.
Drug prevention: If you will be traveling to a malarial zone, it is advisable to take anti-malaria pills. Please follow the prescription as given to you by your doctor.
Most of the camps, lodges, and hotels have a full-time doctor while others, the doctor can be called and be in place within the shortest time possible. If you fall ill whilst staying in our other properties please inform the manager who shall call a nearby doctor or an ambulance.
Healthy Tips
Remember to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water and apply a high-factor sunscreen 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. Our camps, hotels, and lodges all employ a team of 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 our camps and lodges 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 pack your own reusable water bottle which can be refilled as often as you like.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Kenya though not mandatory. Please speak to the lodge, hotel, and camp manager if you would like advice on tipping guidelines for the camp/lodge staff or for your safari guide (guides are usually tipped separately from the rest of the staff).
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. While on safari 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 & 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 camps, hotel, 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. 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 will 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 + Wi-Fi
The dialling 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 except while doing the camping.
Climate
In some parts in 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
Laundry Service
Please check the prices with your camp, lodge, and hotel the prices though few offer complimentary laundry services.
Luggage Restrictions
When travelling between our 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 KG (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.
Suggested Packing 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. Below is an outline of what we suggest you bring.
Clothing
- 2 x pair of lightweight trousers (khaki or similar muted colors).
- 1 x pair of jeans or ‘smart casual’ evening attire trousers.
- 2 x pairs of shorts.
- 3 x t-shirts.
- 1 long-sleeved t-shirt or turtleneck.
- 1 x or short-sleeved shirts or blouses.
- 1 x light to medium weight cardigan, fleece or pullover for evenings/early mornings.
- 1 x windbreaker or light jacket.
- 1 x pair of comfortable closed-in shoes (trainers or similar), flip flops (optional).
- Underwear and socks for 3 - 8 days, in between you shall have time to wash.
- Sleepwear (lightweight sweats double up nicely).
- Sunglasses and sunhat.
- Swimwear, most of the properties have swimming pools
- ** Please note that we provide the following in rooms, towels, and dressing gowns.
Toiletries
Sunblock, face cream and lip balm with a good SPF, and mosquito repellant. Please note that some of these are provided across our camps, lodges and hotels; shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, body wash, hand wash, cotton buds, cotton wool & laundry powder (Please bring your own toothbrush, toothpaste and ladies items).
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).
Please note that we provide hairdryers from the main reception desk to be used in specific areas unless in guest rooms where they can be supported by high-powered appliances (please ask at the reception).
Othe items to consider
A good book to read, a deck of cards or other travel-friendly sized games, and your own reusable water bottle (please help us minimize plastic!)
Want a quick Safari Consultation & Quotation: info@belosafaris.com