Baggage Allowance:

Please check with us at time of booking as to what your baggage allowance is as different airlines may differ slightly.  

You need to be aware that on certain safaris and holidays that you may be taking an internal flight where the baggage allowance may be lower than the international carrier.  Particularly where you might be combining a safari with a beach holiday.  In such cases it is sometimes possible for the local agents to arrange for your main baggage to be stored while you are on safari.  This means you only need to take what you need on safari thus meeting the baggage allowance requirements of the internal carrier.  Please check with us on booking. 

What to Pack: 

Going on Safari?  We recommend you take the following items of clothing.  Loose cotton clothing is best suited to the hot, humid climate.  Sun hat, sunglasses, sun block, comfortable walking shoes, warm jacket or fleece for early morning and evening which can be quite chilly, torch and batteries, binoculars, extra film for camera or video camera, chargers for cameras - that work from a cigarette lighter, insect repellant and personal medication.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 220-240 and most places have the same 3 pin plug as the UK.  Power cuts are frequent although all hotels have generators power supplies can be erratic.  Many of the safari vehicles provide 12v cigarette lighter chargers so that you can charge you camera or video camera batteries.  However please remember to fully charge your batteries before you leave home.

Currency: 

The currency is either Kenyan Shillings or US Dollars.  

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.  The general rule is that you will be charged a 5% surcharge if you use a credit card.

Money:

Travellers cheques are always a good, safe option for any destination as you can always get a full refund if they are lost or stolen.  Please be aware that in some African hotels outside of the major cities there is nowwhere to change travellers cheques.  Be conscious of credit card security and do not allow your credit card to be taken out of your site.  

First Aid:

Although medical attention is of a high quality, it is often hard (and expensive) to obtain everyday pharmacuetical items such as headache or diuretic tablets, plasters, mosquito repellant and bite cream etc.  We advise you to take these items with you in case you require them during your stay.

Local Customs:

Although there are no strict dress codes you should note that coastal areas are predominantly Muslim in tradition.  We suggest that you dress conservatively when away from toursit resorts and hotels, especially in Mombasa town.

Photography: 

Visitors should respect the attitude of the local people towards photography.  Only take photos of people if they have given you permission.  Your guide can help you "negotiate" permission before you start taking pictures.  It is a good rule never to take photographs of national flags, border posts, people in uniform, especially the police, military and their vehicles and military installations.

Safety and Security: 

Avoid walking around after dark, especially in isolated areas and beaches.  Do not carry valuables or wear expensive jewellery in public places.  There are many deprived areas in Nairobi, not normally frequented by tourists.  You should seek local advice if you are considering a visit to such an area.  Take sensible precautions for your personal safety at all times.

Theft:

Take good care of your valuables, especially money and travellers cheques.  In Lodges, Hotels and vehicles NEVER leave money, credit cards, cameras etc unattended even for a moment.  A good saying to adopt at all times is "Thou shalll not tempt".  Where safety deposit boxes are available please use them.

Water: 

Tap water is received in most hotels via a mains system and at many of the lodges via bore holes and wells.  We recommend you purchase bottled mineral water to clean your teeth.  When ordering bottled water in restaurants and bars make sure it is sealed and the seal is broken in front of you.  If you are staying in an all inclusive hotel bottled water is normally chargeable.