Travel Calender
TRAVEL TIPS
Many travelers ask when the best time to travel is, but this is not easily answered because different reserves have different peak seasons for game viewing, even within the same country and because climate and game-viewing conditions vary from year to year.
With that in mind, we’d say generally speaking, the dry months of July through October and Mid-December through February are the best game viewing times in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda), when shorter grasses make animals easier to find.
An exception to this would be the Serengeti, where the migration of wildebeest and zebra occurs from November through June, centered around different sections of the reserve as the animals make their way north to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where the migration peaks from July through august.
Heavy annual rains fall from late march through May in East Africa and are good for observing calving and for fresh green appearance and dust-free conditions. Just after the rains, June and early December are beautifully green and dust free.
In Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa), July through October is generally prime season, when animals flock to rivers and waterholes in great concentrations. During the rainy season of November through March, animals are more dispersed among taller grass.
WEATHER PATTERN
Although Kenya straddles the equator the climate is mild and pleasant with sunny days and temperatures averaging 80 F (27 C) during the day and 55 F (13 C) at night. The Coastal areas are humid and the annual long rains begin from March to June and the short rains from October to November. Southern Africa experiences the four seasons namely spring, summer, autumn and winter while Egypt is relatively hot all year round.
LANGUAGE OF COMMUNICATION
English is widely spoken throughout East and Southern Africa while Swahili is the most spoken language in East and Central Africa.
HEALTH TIPS
Inoculation against yellow fever and cholera are advisable, but not mandatory, except for arrivals from the Far East, Central America, South Central and West Africa. It is imperative that anti-malarial prophylactics be taken before /during and after your visit. Changes of diet and water often cause mild stomach upsets, so a supply of anti-diarrhoea pills is advisable.
Do not drink the tap water, but it is safe to use the water supplied in flasks in your hotels room and bottled mineral water is readily available. You can enroll in the flying doctors society through us. In the unlikely event that a medical emergency occurs whilst on safari, you be flown to the nearest medical center.
Some countries require yellow fever inoculation Certificates for entry, malaria protection is very important for travel to Africa. But because medical requirements and recommendations are itinerary-based and subject to change, we urge every traveler to consult a physician specializing in travel medicine, or the centers for disease control in your country, to obtain the most current information on requirements and recommendations about six weeks prior to traveling.
All of our travelers to East Africa are automatically enrolled in the Flying Doctors Society, which provides transport to the closest modern medical facility in the improbable event of a serious medical emergency in the bush.
DRESS CODE & ACCESSORIES
It is recommended for both ladies and gentlemen that light easy-care cotton be worn on safari. A comfortable pair of walking shoes or safari boots is a ‘must’ as is a hat, sunglasses, swimming costumes and a warm sweater. Although most places in Kenya are quite casual, it is advisable for gentlemen to include a jacket and tie.
Do bring a torch, binoculars, suntan creams, ample films and disposable razors as shaving sockets are not available at all places outside the main centers. Please remember that topless bathing is forbidden. The main things to remember whilst packing are flexibility, versatility and protection from the sun.
For flexibility, travel with clothing that can be layered to adjust to temperature differences throughout the day. Versatility is important in helping you to minimize the amount of clothing you bring –the more versatile you are the more space in your baggage to carry your shopping purchases home!
Dress code on safari is entirely casual, meaning jeans, shorts, t-shirts whatever you are comfortable in. For visits to the Mount Kenya Safari Club, ladies/gentlemen require smart casual wear in the evening. This will be useful for dinning at better restaurants in the larger cities as well. For sun protection bring a wide-brimmed hat, sun glasses and suntan lotion.
And by all means bring your swim suit. Finally, bring a light wind-breaker and sweater and some comfortable footwear –sneakers are ideal. Detailed clothing lists and miscellaneous items can be provided on request to every client who is registered to travel.
SECURITY
Do not leave cash, travellers’ cheques or valueables unattended in your hotel rooms but use the hotels safety deposit boxes and avoid carrying large sums of money about. As with any large city, Nairobi has its fair share of conmen and petty thieves; it is not ideal to walk the streets after dark. It is advisable to only frequent international bars and night clubs by taxi.
ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE
Voltage throughout Africa is 220 – 240 AC and socket types vary. Bring with you an adaptor for appliances running on 110 –120 U.S. voltage. It is best to bring only battery operated appliances along if possible. Otherwise, an international converter and adaptor set, complete with a set of plugs is essential.
CURRENCY
You are kindly requested to carry most of your money in travellers’ cheques from a well known company such as American Express or Thomas Cook. US Dollars or Pounds Sterling are recommended and it is advisable to carry some US Dollars Cash in small denominations and recognized credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted at many hotels and tourist shops.
TIPPING AND PORTERAGE
Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers /guides.
TRAVEL LUGGAGE
One normal sized suitcase and an overnight bag is the usual baggage allowance on most safaris. On internal charter flights only 15 kgs of baggage is required.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Avoid being discourteous to the local people by trying to “steal a photograph” – some tribes consider a camera to be evil and may try to attack if their photo is taken without permission.Your driver will seek permission for you and will negotiate the fee.
You are not allowed to photograph H. E.The president, prisons, prisoners, Military and most government installations. Your camera equipment should include a telephoto lens for photographing birds and wildlife; a 200 mm lens is highly recommended.A standard 50 mm lens and a wide angle lens of 28 mm are also recommended.
Bring camera batteries and plenty of film, including a variety of types suitable for both low -light photography.Sun fitters may be useful, and a protective cover to shield your camera from dust.Video photography is also very popular among many but we suggest precautions against dust and rain.
RESPECT FOR THE NATION
Visitors are expected to show respect for the President. You must pull over to the side of the road and stop if the presidential motor code passes and stand up for the National Anthem which is played at the beginning of all cinema and theatre performances.
ENTRY VISAS
Members of the Commonwealth do not require visas but nationals of most other countries do and hence kindly make a confirmation before departure. It is mandatory for all travelers to carry a valid Passport and please consult the appropriate Consulates or Knightsbridge Safaris for visa requirements.
AIRPORT TAX
Airport tax is payable on departure from most international airports in Africa. This is usually payable in US dollars.
MEALS
The food is excellent and mainly European. Fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant and varied. Meat, dairy products and fish are all of the highest quality.
Special diet can be arranged on request.
SOUVENIRS
Wood Carvings are plenty throughout the continent and range in price, from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, especially the now famous makonde carvings, originating from Tanzania. Spears and shields are thrust at every tourist.Local handicrafts, beadwork and screen printed fabrics are common.
What Clients are Saying
Naomy Mukigi
Aug 03, 2012