Visa Regulations
Visitors must be in possession of a valid visa and health documentation on arrival. The regulations vary depending on nationality and country of origin and should be checked with the nearest tourist office or diplomatic mission.
Hotel Check-in & Check-out
The standard check-out time is 1000hrs, hence rooms may not normally be ready for occupancy until 1200hrs (noon). Should an early arrival be anticipated, please reserve rooms from the preceding night. Day rooms up to 1800hrs are usually available but at a charge.
Health & Medical Advice
Inoculation centers in the country of origin will provide updated information and advice on health regulations and recommendations. In Tanzania, yellow fever vaccination is a requirement. Cholera vaccinations, as well as malaria medication, are recommended. As East Africa enjoys a healthy, invigorating climate, visitors need feel no concern for their general health during their stay. However, malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malaria medication should be taken according to prescription recommendations. Visitors requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies in their hand luggage. Local chemists are well stocked but the same generic medication may not be readily available. Tap water is considered safe in the cities. However, on safari, rooms are provided with flasks of filtered and purified water. Mineral water is readily available.
Clothing
Safari clothing should be casual and comfortable. Cotton slacks and shirts, with skirts and culottes for ladies and a light sweater or jacket, during the day. Evening wear in-game lodge and safari camps can be very casual. At high altitudes (like Ngorongoro), where early morning and evenings can be very chilly, warm sweaters, socks, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Pack suntan lotion, swimwear (to be reserved for the beach and pool only), a small first aid kit, a flashlight, and an alarm clock. Local customs and modesty should be respected. The cultures of the Zanzibar coast do not allow almost nude dressing, particularly on the beaches. The dressing should be modest.
Religions & Cultures
Kenya has a culture born of countless sources. This region has been crossed by the paths of a long and complex history. From the prehistoric records of early man to the present day, Kenya has been a land of unending change, contrasts, and diversity. The early tribal states saw cycles of migration and shifting power, with Kenya as a meeting place for peoples from the plainlands of the south, the forests of the West, and the deserts of the North.
The sea brought influences from the outside world, and the passage of the spice trade created the unique coastal culture, where lines between Africa and Arabia blurred. The open coast brought European influences into this world of change and began a turbulent struggle for control whose exotic history lingers today.
The first explorers discovered a land of great peril and greater beauty, and their great adventures created the most unique colony in the British Empire. This was a meeting place of cultures, where adventurers and soldiers of fortune mingled with a complex tribal society, and the arrival of Laborers and merchants from India brought new and pervasive influences.
The colonial legacy lives on in the traditions of the great safari, and the pursuit of adventure and freedom. Kenya has drawn on all of these influences to develop its own unique culture. This is the nation’s greatest strength- the ability to blend the best of many worlds into a strong, singular identity.
Today, Kenya welcomes the world to its shores and continues to evolve a modern culture that is born of endless variety, and yet purely, proudly Kenyan.
Banks & Currency
Banking hours are from 08.30hrs to 1600hrs Monday to Friday. Banks open on Saturdays for a few hours, usually from 0900hrs to 1200hrs. Most Hotels/Lodges change money as well. There is no restriction to the amount of foreign currency a visitor may import provided that it is exchanged through authorized dealers only. It is essential to retain a receipt for each transaction in order to re-exchange the local currency on departure. Well known credit cards are widely accepted in Kenya but to a lesser extent in Tanzania. U.S dollars, Euros and traveler’s cheques are the most widely accepted form of payment. It is a legal offence to deface the local currency.
Service & Tipping
As you already know, tipping is NOT mandatory and this can only depend on the clients’ personal feeling/judgment of the level of service offered, whether it is satisfactory or below expectations. The below is the general guideline but it is not limited to this: Porters – 2 euro per client per check-in Restaurants – 10% of the bill Safari driver/guide – 4 Euro per client per day
Safari Packing List
- As a precautionary measure, you are advised to pack 2-3 days’ worth of essentials in Your carry-on luggage to cover You if your bags are delayed for any reason. Of critical importance, obviously, are: Your passport, copy of Your E-visa, yellow fever certificate, Your plane ticket, credit card/ATM card.
- It is a good idea to carry some spending money, in addition to the US blue money for tipping your tour professionals. But it is difficult to recommend specific amounts, since everyone has different spending habits. Some travelers carry @$100-$200 then access Kenyan shillings from local ATM machines. Payments for non-included expenditures at hotels, such as liters of water, alcoholic beverages or souvenirs can be made with a US credit card—VISA is the preferred credit card in Kenya; Mastercard may be accepted, but may not be at all locations.
- For safety reasons, we suggest You bring with you money belts for safe keeping of Your cash during the safari, since You will want to keep Your money and important travel documents with You at all times.
- A small to medium sized backpack works nicely as a carry-on which will then fit any sizable valuables You want to carry with You when you are outside of Your room, i.e. Your camera, cell phone, pad/e-reader.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We understand how disappointing it is for travelers in the event they are forced to cancel such an exciting adventure, especially one that has been anticipated for a long time. But We too plan for these excursions for a long period prior to departure, and are required to continually send nonrefundable payments to secure hotels and contracts for suppliers of transportation.
- Therefore, We must adhere strictly to our Cancellation & Refund Policy for all travelers – we hope You understand – and strongly urge You to purchase travel insurance (see below) in the event You need to cancel.
- If Your plans change and You find you must cancel Your booking, You must inform Frate Tours of Your decision in writing.
- The date of cancellation will be the date We receive written notice, whereby the following conditions and cancellation fees and policies will apply.
- For cancellation 60 days or more before commencement of Your Safari, a cancellation fee of 50% of the total cost of the Safari shall apply to You.
- Cancellation within 59 days of departure requires You to forfeit 100% of the Safari cost.
- If you cut short the Safari– thereby reducing Your length of stay — no refund is given Frate Tours shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in Your Safari and our obligations here under arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by forces beyond our control (“Force Majeure Event”), including without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, acts of God, epidemic, restraints or delays affecting carriers or inability or delay in obtaining supplies of adequate or suitable materials.
- It is understood that Frate Tours shall use reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
- In the event Frate Tours is unable to provide, in whole or in part, the Safari as a result of a Force Majeure Event, either You or Frate Tours may terminate the Safari contract upon ten days written notice.
- Upon termination for a Force Majeure Event, Frate Tours shall attempt to refund the amount paid by You, less any amounts paid or required to be paid by Frate Tours and any non-refundable fees and charges.