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| I. HEALTH |
Visitors arriving from yellow fever and cholera infested countries must have valid vaccination certificates. This is particularly important when crossing from one East African country to another one.
Malaria is rare in Nairobi and the highland but prevalent in hot and humid low altitudes around the costal region, Lake Victoria and the savannah. Malaria prophylactics should be taken when visiting East Africa and must be started 2 weeks before the intended date of travel and 2 weeks after departure.
It is safe to swim in the sea and swimming pools but it is not recommended in lakes, rivers and open reservoirs as they maybe infested with bilharzias parasites. Tap water is usually safe for drinking but is advisable to use bottled water during your stay in East Africa. Bottled mineral water is widely available.
The Flyiing Doctor Service provides a very effective air ambulance in case of accidents and covers the whole of East Africa. We can arrange an independent rescue cover for you if this is not included in your package. East Africa’s top medical facilities are in Nairobi. At the Aga Khan Hospital and Nairobi Hospital there is highly qualified medical personnel readily available to deal with any emergency. |
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| II. CLIMATE |
Because of East Africa’s diverse geography, temperature, rainfall and humidity vary widely. There are effectively 4 zones about which generalizations can be made.
The area around the Lake Victoria is generally hot and fairly humid with rainfall spread throughout the year. The greatest precipitation with 200mm is usually during the month of April while the lowest are in January. Temperatures range from 18 C to 34 C.
The highlands around Mt. Kenya and Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley enjoy perhaps the most agreeable in the country though there is quite a variation between the hot and relatively dry floor of the central Rift Valley and the snow capped peaks of Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya. The rainfall varies from 20 mm in July to 200mm in April and falls essentially into 2 seasons (March – May, long rains and October – December, short rains). Temperatures vary from a min of 10 degree Celsius to 28 degree Celsius.
In the vast semi arid bush lands and deserts of northern and eastern Kenya and eastern and southern Tanzania the most extreme variations in Temperature are found ranging from 40C during the day to 18 C at night. Rainfall is sparse and when it falls it often comes in the form of violent storms. July is generally the driest month while November is the wettest.
The costal belt, the fourth climatic zone is hot and humid all year round though tempered by coastal sea breezes. Average temperatures vary little throughout the year ranging from a min of 24C to 30C. |
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| III. CUSTOMS AND VISA REQUIREMENTS |
Tourist Visa can be obtained at most entry points though visitors are advised to obtain their visa from the High Commissions in their home countries to avoid delay at the entry points. The fee’s vary for different nationalities and between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. When traveling between the 3 countries multiple entry visas are advisable. Visitors are not allowed to engage in any paid or unpaid employment during their stay except with written permission from the Department of Immigration.
Apart from personal effects visitors may bring along with them cameras, films, binoculars, non - consumable provisions, cigarettes, perfumes and spirits in such quantities as are in the opinion the authorities consistent with the visit. Gifts are dutiable while firearms; illicit drugs and obscene literature are prohibited. |
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| IV. PHOTOGRAPHY |
East Africa is the photographer’s dreamland since there is abounded wildlife and bird life in their natural habitat, magnificent scenery, colorful people and reliable and unlimited sunlight. While on safari one must remember that the animals are not tame and it is advisable to keep a distance or remain in the vehicle. When taking shots of local people always permission from them should be sought and the local culture respected.
A UV filter and lens hood is required everywhere to reduce the glare while a camera bag comes in handy to protect the equipment from the dust. |
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| V. DRIVING |
| For the first time visitor to East Africa self-drive vehicle are not advisable. The few tarmac roads are mostly in poor condition and the traffic is heavy. Most of the roads to the National Parks and Reserves are gravel roads, which are very rough and can become treacherous seas of mud during the rainy season. If you still insist on driving on your own you need an international driving license. Self-drive vehicles are commonly available in Kenya but not in Tanzania and Uganda. Crossing international borders in East Africa is also not possible with rented self-drive vehicles. |
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| VI. CURRENCY AND BANKING |
There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into any of the East African countries. It is advisable to change the foreign currency into local currency only in banks and forex bureaus. Before you leave you can change the local currency back into your currency but you may be sometimes asked for the initial exchange receipt. US$ are acceptable for payments in most tourist establishments and are more commonly used than the Euros. Many hotels and all National Parks quote their rates in US$ for visitors.
The present Exchange Rates are as follows:
1 US$ = 62 ksh
1 US$ = 1000 Tsh
1 US$ = 2000 Ush
Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist establishments, however often a 5% surcharge for processing card payments is charged. In Kenya there are many ATMs where you can use credit cards to obtain cash. The banking system in Kenya is very advanced as compared to Uganda and especially Tanzania. Banking hours are usually from 8.00 am – 3.00pm from Monday – Friday. At the Airport in Nairobi the banks are open 24 hours. |
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| VII. SECURITY |
As elsewhere in the world, visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but make use of the hotels safe deposit box. Visitors should also not carry large amounts of cash while walking on the streets. They should also be careful with handbags and other obvious valuables while in crowded places and busy streets. Walking alone at night should be avoided. Besides an efficient police force and a special Tourist Police Unit, most hotels employ experienced security personnel.
All in all it is advisable to take precautions as anywhere in the world. |
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| VIII. MEDIA |
| International newspapers as well as local English Newspapers are available. There are several television stations in all the major urban centers airing international and local news at regular intervals. Most town hotels will have television in the rooms or visitors lounge. |
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| IX. TELEPHONE AND POSTAL SERVICES |
| East Africa has relatively good telecommunication networks for local and international services. International STD system is fully operational in most urban center and there are mobile cell phone networks in most urban centers too. Radio call equipment is available in most lodges and tented camps located in remote areas where telephone facilities have not yet been installed. Kibo Slopes Safaris also has VHF / HF radios installed in all safari vehicles while guides regularly carry along mobile telephone handsets where networks exist even outside the urban centers. Internet services are available in most lodges although the speeds may not match those at other parts of the world and the prices are high due to long distance calls to the service provider. |
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| X. TIME |
| The three East African countries have only one time zone. Local time is G.M.T (Greenwich Mean Time) plus three hours. |
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| XI. TIPPING |
Most hotels, game lodges and tented camps include a service charge in their tariff, as do most restaurants. Tipping as such is not necessary unless you are inspired by exceptional service and wish to express extra appreciation.
Driver guides and other safari and hiking crew will generally expect some form of appreciation if you were happy with their services. The amounts are at your discretion. Recommendation for tipping can be obtained from our office and vary from program to program. |
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| XII. Useful Links |
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