PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION



Please find here below some information to assist you in preparing for your trip.

The Republic of Kenya covers an area of 582,644 sq. km [225,000 sq. miles] it is bicected by the great Rift Valley that runs from Jordan in the north to Mozambique in the south.

Kenya is one of a few destinations that gives visitors a veritable spectacle of wildlife that is co-exists harmoniously with its human neighbours.

We share common borders with [5] other nations – Ethiopia in the north, Sudan in the northwest, Somalia in the east Tanzania in the south & Uganda in the west.

The Indian Ocean coastline that forms the eastern border stretches some 480 km from Somali border to the Tanzania border. within the bounderies are every known landform ranging from the national parks & game park reserves, rich savannah’s, mountains, arid deserts, dense forests and numerous lakes. we boasts such big rivers as the Tana, Athi which drains into the Indian ocean.

River Tana is an important bio-diversity conservation area. Kenya owns a part of Lake Victoria on of the largest fresh water lakes in the world, which is also, the source of river Nile, the longest river in the world that drains into the Mediterranean sea.


OUR SAFARI - All our camping safaris are designed for the Adventurous people and are not luxury but allows you to be closer to nature and experience the sounds of the African night under the stars. We set the camps in selected sites by the rivers, lakes and national parks offering some good comfort. However you are advised to approach the trip with a spirit of adventure.

Our camping safaris include two staff members the driver and the safari cook. They help to make sure that your journey is as smooth and trouble free as possible. You are however requested to participate in setting up tents or in the kitchen as your contributions make the trip more enjoyable!!

WHILE ON A LODGE SAFARI - with us, you will have only one crewmember your driver/guide. You will be accommodated in well-selected lodges/hotels on full board basis.

WHAT TO BRING One suitcase is recommended for each person depending on the duration of your safari. You can however leave your un-necessary bags in our offices or at your Nairobi hotel.

ACCOMMODATION Kenya presents an impressive range of accommodations to suit your taste. Hotels & lodges are graded in accordance with the star – from game lodges located in very luxurious and exiting surroundings to tented camps. Most lodges organize for hot air balloon safaris in the early mornings, game nature walk and visits to the cultural villages in the surroundings. There are several private basic campsites located near park.

COST INCLUDE - The cost covers transportation, which is by safari minivans or 4x4 Land rovers, with pop up roofs and carries all the necessary equipment & clients bags. We guarantee window seats to all our clients. Our regular safaris are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 2 persons. Children's rate sharing with parents pay 60% of the adult rates. For private party, please add 25% of the total cost. With a minimum of 5 Persons, we can arrange for private travel.

Also included is the game park & camping fees, game drives, all three meals a day breakfast, hot or cold lunches & dinner - all prepared by our safari cook. Great care is taken to ensure that food is hygienically prepared. [Should you have any special diet requirements, please inform us in advance. Accommodation on our tours is in two person tents with sewn in ground sheet and mosquito netting on doors and windows.

DOES NOT INCLUDE - Sleeping bags, beverages & mineral water, Personal travel insurance, visas, tipping or anything of personal nature.

SAFARIS BRIEFING - Trips from Nairobi have a pre-departure meeting either at the airport upon arrival or at your hotel to discuss, details of your safari.

ROADS - Roads surface can be bumpy / dusty while traveling in the vehicle and are unavoidable, we would like to warn that it sometimes takes longer than expected to get to your next destination. Should you like to include a flight at any part of your safari, our office will be happy to assist.

VISAS - Not included in our price - For Kenya & Tanzania, visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport or at the border points

TIPPING - Our prices do not include tipping to your Driver Guide or Cook, Porters and the Mountain Guide. Although it is not compulsory to tip, if you are happy with the services, any good gesture of appreciation is enthusiastically received!!

AIR TICKET - Make sure you hand over your tickets or details to our representatives for reconfirmation while you are on safari.

WATER - We recommend that whenever possible, drink bottled water. You may use tap water if you have water purification tablets.

ON SAFARI - The best time for game viewing is in the cool hours of the early morning and late afternoon. There are options of visiting the Local communities or the nearest lodge for a drink or swim – at an extra cost or rest in the bush if on a long day’s game drive.

PARK REGULATIONS - Although the animals seem completely unconcerned by your presence, they are wild and dangerous. Therefore, do not climb out on to the top of the vehicle without first consulting the guide. Do not walk outside the limits of your camp or hotel or provoke any action from a distant animal by banging the side of the vehicle, hooting or whistling.

PHOTOGRAPHY - Restrictions are to the Military Base or personnel, State House / Government offices, the local communities as these may result to a penalty. Your guide will be glad to assist.

WHAT TO BRING

3-4 short sleeved shirts or T-shirts 1-2 pairs of trousers

1-2 pairs shorts, Camera and film

Tracksuit pants, Personal toiletries and a towel

Heavy sweater, Water bottle

Light sweater

Underwear, Sunglasses

Hat, Torch and spare batteries

Water / windproof jacket, Sewing kit

Boots or trainers Shoes

Sandals, Set of smart clothes & shoes

Sleeping bag, Penknife

Passport

Please remember that Africa can be colder than you might expect particularly at night and in the early morning

VACCINATIONS - Please consult your doctor or immunization center for the relevant vaccination requirements to the countries to which you intend to visit. YELLOW FEVER vaccination is compulsory for most African countries. We also recommend vaccinations for typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis, meningitis and cholera.

Malaria is endemic in most parts of Africa. It is your responsibility to take anti-malaria tablets and other preventive measures. You should consult your doctor before your departure. We advice the use of insect repellant containing DEET and wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers at night.

TRAVEL INSUARANCE - Personal travel insurance is recommendable. This should include comprehensive medical cover repatriation, personal effects and luggage, as well as cancellation and curtailment insurance.

FLYING DOCTORS’ SERVICES - In many parts of Africa, access to adequate health care can mean long, torturous journeys by road. The Flying Doctors’ services operated by AMREF not only provide outreach and emergency care to local communities in remote regions; it also provides a medical air evacuation services to travelers.

With a temporary registration fee of € 25.00 [valid for a month from the time of registration] you can be evacuated from whenever you will be in case of any emergency, to the best hospitals in Nairobi. The fee however does not cover the hospital or medical fee.

VALUABLES - Keep all your documents - Passports, money and jewelry in the hotel safety box.

AVOID - Walking alone especially in the night. The safest way to move from one place to another is by taking a cab. Rates differ from time to time and must be negotiated.

 BE AWARE - Of the distractions by street children in order to facilitate jewelry snatching & pick pocketing.

MONEY - Traveler’s Cheque and other major credit cards are honored in major hotels / lodges, restaurants & big shops in Kenya.


SPURWING TRAVEL & TOURS
KAREN, DAGORETI ROAD # 326, NEXT TO NYUMBANI CHILDREN'S HOME
P.O. BOX 390 - 00502 NAIROBI, KENYA
TEL: +254-20-884412/ 882321/ 882306 TEL/FAX: +254-20-883418
CELLPHONE: +254-722-521702 / +254-733-607181 / +254-720-491700
E-MAIL: safari@spurwingkenya.com