Travel Information

Safari World East Africa specialises in tailor-made tours and safaris across East Africa. We have unsurpassed knowledge of East Africa, from the golden savannah of southern Kenya to the ancient civilisation of the Tanzanian coast to the snowy peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro to the rugged mountains of the Ruwenzori to the glittering source of the Nile, Lake Victoria. Treating every guest as a person not a number, we will plan and book the trip that fits your requirements. Our reputation in the industry and long-standing alliances with the major hotels, lodges, camps and airlines ensure all our guests get preferential treatment.

From our centrally located head quarters in Nairobi and through our affiliated offices across the region, we can book safaris, beach holidays, mountain climbing expeditions and more. Each trip is meticulously planned and professionally handled, leaving our clients with nothing to do but sit back and enjoy their holiday. Whether you want a set destination package or a bespoke experience, we have the ability to make it happen for you.

Flying Doctors Insurance

Membership to the Flying Doctors Society is mandatory for all of our clients. In event of accident or sickness while on safari, the society will fly patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance to a high standard hospital. The cost is included in our quotes.

Visa

A visa is required for entry into Kenya and Tanzania for most people. An ordinary visa (also known as a tourist visa) is used by tourists. This visa is issued at any Kenyan or Tanzanian embassy, or can be issued on arrival at an entry point for US$ payable in cash. It grants tourists / visitors the authorization to enter the country through designated entry points on the border, through airports, and harbour stations.
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months before expiration. There must be at least two facing blank visa pages available.

Baggage

Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase or holdall per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 7 persons in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction). Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra cost. Baggage can also be stored at our offices. A baggage weight restriction of 15 kg per person applies on air safaris. Where very small aircraft are used this maybe reduced to 10kg.

Currency

Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash or travellers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in Nairobi and at most large hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay. As a norm, always ask what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction. Banks are usually open from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, Mondays through Fridays and from 9.00 am and 11.00 am on Saturdays.

Credit Cards

VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourist services. There’s usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions.

Health

Since rules concerning disease prevention change from time to time, a check should be made with the nearest Kenyan High Commission, Kenya Tourist Office or any airline flying scheduled services into Kenya. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and intending visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue taking them for the prescribed time after their return. Insect repellents should be made use of after dusk and suitable cover up clothes should be worn in the evenings.

Security

Normal precautions as in any other destination world-wide should be taken. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to make use of safe deposit boxes and safes. One should never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on handbags in crowds or busy streets. As in all major cities walking alone or in small groups at night should be considered a hazard and avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all the principal hotels. Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policeman, the president, the national flag, the State House, state lodges, soldiers, prisons and prisoners etc., is prohibited. Before photographing local people, permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed. Seek the assistance of your driver/guide in this matter.

Tipping

Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.