What to Wear
Summer clothing is worn througout the year, although sometimes a jacket and light raincoat may be necessary.
Casual wear is the norm during the day, a short-sleeved shirt for men, light cotton dresses or a skirt and top for women. In the evening, in some hotels and restaurants, particularly in the cities, men may be required to wear a jacket and tie, while women will feel more comfortable in a cocktail dress. Sunglasses and a hat for protection against the sun are recommended and swimming should be packed for the pool-side or beach. Topless bathing is not permitted.
On dawn and dusk safaris, a sweater is likely to be needed. Generally for safaris wear neutral colours such as browns, beiges and khakis - bright colours may alarm the animals. Sensible walking shoes are also recommended. Remember to travel light as some safaris/air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kilo maximum.
International Airports
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is the main airport for Kenya. It is 13 kilometers away from the city centre. The coastal region is served by Moi International Airport in Mombasa. An international airport departure tax of US$20 or the equivalent in foreign currency is levied. Visitors may import, duty-free, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and, one litre of spirit.
Health and Immunization
A course of anti-malaria tablets is essential, seek advise from a GP. A mosquito repellent is also advisable. The UK Department of Health also recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Hotels and game lodges supply clean water but if in doubt stick to bottled mineral water. Swimming is not recommended except in hotel pools and in the sea. If on medication it is best to take a supply of medicines to last the entire trip.
Medical and Handicap Facilities
There are no special physical requirements for participants traveling with Safari Seekers. Regarding medical equipment, an up-to-date first-aid box is available. Guests have access to a doctor, a flying-doctor service and a nurse. Regarding handicap facilities, no special provision has been made.
Currency and Cost of Living
The unit of currency is the Kenyan Shilling. Exchange rate: US$1 = 65 Kenya Shillings as of April 1999. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the country.
The average cost of eating out is at least half of that in the UK and USA. Lunch costs less than US$5 per head and an a-la-carte dinner is between US$15 and US$20 per person. There are restuarants specialising in Kenyan, Asian and European cuisines. There are also fast-food outlets and fish-and-chips shops. Kenyan beer is constantly winning medals while local wine is produced in the Naivasha region.
Public Holidays
January 1, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May 1 (Labour Day), June 1 (Madaraka Day), October 10 (Moi Day), October 20 (Kenyatta Day), December 12 (Uhuru Day), December 25 (Christmas Day) and December 26 (Boxing Day). Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of the various stages of the moon.
Shopping / Souvenirs
There is a big variety of souvenirs to take home. Most hotels have licensed souvenir outlets and there are a large number of such outlets in the main towns. The African Heritage, in Nairobi, stocks a wide range of African crafts while the Paa ya Paa Arts Centre, Ridgeways, Nairobi, displays and sells work by indigenous artists, charging a nominal entrance fee. Interesting artifacts are also sold at the City Market and the Jacaranda Special School both found in Nairobi. In Mombasa the Bombolulu Crafts Centre sells souvenirs in aid of the disabled.
Amongst the best buys are: wood carving, art and batiks, ethnic and modern jewellery with a Kenyan flavour, semi-precious stones (such as malachite and tanzanite), tie-dye cotton material, safari outfits, soap-stone carvings and basketware.
Shopping hours are generally from 08h00 - 17h00 Monday to Saturday.
Terms and Liability
(a) The company and its agents act only as agents of the participants in all matters relating to hotel accommodation, sightseeing tours and transport, whether by aircraft, rail, road, motor-coach, ship, boat or any other means and shall not be liable for injury, delay, loss or damage arising from any cause and in any manner however.
(b) The company's liability to passengers carried in its own vehicles is governed by the law of the country in which the tour takes place and no other country. All claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the action arises.
(c) The company reserves the right to employ sub-contractors to carry out all or any part of the service agreed to be supplied and in the event of the exercise of such right, the terms of clause (a) relating to the company's liability shall apply.
(d) Whilst every care is taken, the company cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to baggage.
Clients should have travel insurance and medical insurance as the company is not responsible for refunds due to unavoidable or unforeseen circumstances.
