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Currency
The local currency is the shilling ( Ksh/-) and is freely exchangeable within
this country and neighbouring countries but not elsewhere. Make sure that
you use or exchange any local currency before departure.Most major establishments
accept the main Credit Cards but may charge a premium. Cash dispensers (
ATMs) and Forex Bureaux are infrequent outside of the main centres, make
sure that you have sufficient local currency before leaving on Safari. Most
major credit cards are accepted however charges are high compared to Europe.
Credit cards are also widely accepted but charges are high, typically 5%.
Airport departure tax
Although if you are travelling on scheduled airlines booked through Travellers
Choice we have prepaid your International departure tax, please ensure that
you keep US $20 in cash for your journey home as occasionally the Tanzanian
officials do require a further payment. Flights from Zanzibar are subject
to an internal departure tax of $20, which must be paid locally.
Yellow Fever / Other vaccinations
/ Malaria
It is now generally accepted that the Cholera vaccination is ineffective.
Vaccination against Yellow Fever is recommended, check with your Embassy
and/or local heath office for more details.Anti-malarial prophylactics should
be taken in accordance with medical advice,especially if you visit the Coast.
Good medical facilities are available in the major cities.Comprehensive Travel
Insurance is essential,this can be reinforced by membership of Flying Doctors
or similar Medical Evacuation organisations which can be arranged through
us at a reasonable rate.
Stomach Upsets
It is advisable to carry medication for simple stomach upsets. In the first
few days of your trip you may suffer from mild upsets attributable to a change
in food, water or climate. Use only bottled or filtered water for drinking.
All tap water should be treated - with caution!
Sun
At the higher altitudes and nearer the Equator, the sun can be dangerous.
You will be wise to wear hats in the heat of the day and make use of a high
factor sun block and reputable sun tan lotion or cream, especially if you
are visiting Zanzibar or the Kenyan Coastal areas
The People / Language
The indigenous people of the country are friendly and hospitable. They are
rightly proud of their country, so be sensitive, as you would be anywhere
in your travels. In Swahili speaking countries, the traditional greeting
is "Jambo" and the response "Mzuri" (fine) - even if
you are not! Pole Pole - Swahili for slowly slowly - something Africans take
quite literally! Africa is generally very relaxed and laid back, and you
may find that the service in some places may be slower that what you are
used to. Kiswahili otherwise known as Swahili is the 'lingua franca' of Kenya,
Tanzania, Zanzibar and Uganda. English is very widely spoken in Tanzania
and Kenya, particularly in tourist centres, hotels, lodges and main cities.
Wild animals
Please note that all wild animals can be dangerous and you should not wander
off on your own whilst on safari. No animal is tame and must at all times
be treated with respect and not approached unless with an authorised professional
guide. It is never wise to walk unescorted at night either in city, on the
coast or in safari camps.
Clothing
On Safari - informal and casual dress is appropriate. Comfortable lightweight
cotton clothing in subdued safari colours (avoid "army camouflage"
as this is the accepted dress of the military in Kenya) is practical. During
the day, shorts or trousers are ideal, and the evenings may be chilly so
light cardigans or sweaters are appropriate. Long sleeved shirts and trouser
are also advisable in the evenings to lessen the chance of being bitten by
mosquitoes. Many safari lodges have swimming pools, so bathing costumes should
be taken. It is advisable to have a good pair of closed walking shoes / boots.
We suggest that ladies do not wear shorts in the cities, particularly in
the Muslim areas. It is unwise to wear jewellery of any value. One piece
or bikini swimsuits are fine on the beach or around your hotel pool, but
not appropriate in town. Topless sunbathing is frowned upon. Neither jackets
nor ties are required when dining in hotels or out at restaurants.
Electricity
The mains electricity supply is 240 volts, 50 cycles. On safari, many lodges
and tented camps operate their own generators, which offer intermittent electricity.
We recommend taking a small flashlight.
Film
We strongly recommend that you take sufficient film for your trip. ASA 400
film is a good film for safari, and a lens of at least 300mm is recommended.
Communications
Your final itinerary will have all the contact numbers you will need whilst
on holiday. If some one needs to contact you urgently we would be delighted
to forward a message. Vodaphone mobile phones now work in Kenya and Tanzania,
though these are not cheap to use.
Tipping
We recommend a tip of US$10.00 per day for your driver guide and for lodge
based safaris and beach locations we recommend a tip of $5 per day per room.
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