Laundry facilities are available at Camp Carnelley’s
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on some issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air ticket, traveler check’s money and any other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home; you won’t need it while traveling. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When traveling on a group trip please note that your tour leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip tinier if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe, during the day, there can be risks to wondering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, during night time excursions
As with travel anywhere, the watch words are “common sense”. East Africa is part of the developing world, and although safety and security are improving the words still apply. Of course early preparation never hurts. Guide books are also a good source of information on potential hazards. Avoid walking in strange city streets alone in daytime and leave your valuables behind while out for the day. Petty theft does happen especially in Nairobi
Illegal drugs may not be tolerated at any time. Possessing or using drugs contravenes the laws and if a person is caught with drugs they could face a serious jail sentence.
We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up to date information at least one month before departure. Travelers should also carry basic first aid kit. Travelers to Kenya should observe e similar precautions to those taken elsewhere in Africa. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while traveling. Be aware that certain parts of the tour enter malaria areas. Your doctor will be able to recommend the necessary prophylactics. Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.
American Dollars that are series 1996 or earlier are not accepted and very difficult to change in East Africa and Southern Africa, as there are a lot of forgeries. As a result these notes CANNOT be accepted as local payment.
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania each have their own currency: Kenya Uganda and Tanzanian shillings respectively. The easiest foreign currency to exchange for these local currencies is the $US; however the British pound and Euro are widely exchanged as well. Large denomination notes attract the best exchange rates ($US50, $US100). $US notes that are older than the year 2000 are not accepted in Uganda, and difficult to change across East Africa, as they are not accepted and impossible to exchange. Traveler’s checks are also difficult to exchange in many places, and often get a low rate. Debit cards are very useful for cash advances, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4 digit PINs). The Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards: It is harder to find machines that accept Cirrus cards. While ATM’s are often available there are no guarantees that your debit and credit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank. Credit cards can be used some places in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products and services on a credit card a fee of 5%- 10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of $US dollars cash, traveler’s check’s and cards is the best. In Lazybones bar and restaurant credit cards are not accepted.
It is expensive to use your mobile phones while in Kenya if you have roaming so a lot of people tend to leave them behind. If you bring your mobile you can buy a Kenyan sim card for about $2 and phoning abroad or texting is not too expensive and is relatively cheap compared to roaming or making international calls from internet places. It’s also much more convenient to have your own form of contact with family and friends etc: Some fancy mobiles need to be unlocked before bringing them to Africa. A lot of people just presume there phone will work straightforwardly here. That is the case for some eg: Nokia 33, 10 but not for all so contact your network and they will give you the information to unlock it.
Our advise is to pack as lightly as possible as too much luggage will weigh you down. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and travel space is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack cloths for warm days and cool evenings as well as a warm jacket for early morning game drives. A set of smart casual cloths is also advisable.
There are generally two rainy seasons- the short and the long rains. The short rains normally occur from late October through November, and the long rains from late March through to early June. The warmest months are January and February and the coolest are late June and August. It is advisable to carry light and warm clothing.
Kenya shillings (KES)
The electric current in Kenya operates on 220 volts. Electric plug types come in at least four sizes and vary throughout the country, however, the two rounded pin standard plug is acceptable in most parts of the country. 3 pin square plugs are most common and much more advisable to plan for this plug socket.
Tipping is an expected- though not compulsory- component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assigned you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers will drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember to follow specific recommendations when planning your trip.
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum of six months validity). Please note that upon arrival by air to Nairobi, Kenya you can obtain a visa for USD30 in $US cash ( valid for those who would be permitted a Kenya visa while still in their own country) Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements or see your travel agent. Visas for Uganda and Tanzania can be obtained when entering those countries by land, for $US30 and $US50 respectively. All three of these visas are valid for 3 months, with multiple entries among the three East African countries permitted. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.