Travel Information I Advice on Traveling to Kenya and Tanzania I The Old Line Safari Company- gateway to your experience of a lifetime

All of our safaris begin in Nairobi, Kenya, and tourists traveling to Kenya or Tanzania require a tourist visa, which costs $50.00 per person. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (visa fees must be paid in cash, U.S. dollars) or from Kenya embassies abroad before embarking on your trip. A transit visa is available for $25.00; however, if you are returning through Kenya, you might as well obtain a full visa, ensuring that it is dated to include your return visit.

Don’t let the fact that Kenya and Tanzania are situated on the equator lead you astray. Although temperatures both night and day remain constant all year, much variation occurs among the coastal regions, high plains, and mountain regions. Temperatures average 80°F on the coast and 70°F to 80°F in the surrounding area, while in Nairobi and the highlands above 5,000 feet, daytime temperatures normally range between 66°F and 75°F.The game parks lie at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,000 feet, with warm days and cooler evenings.

We have two rainy seasons, the long rains occurring from April through June and the short rains in November and December. The remainder of the year is classified as the dry season. When the rain comes, it often falls in heavy but brief tropical downpours during the evening or night with pleasant, sunny days in between. The rain keeps the dust down, clearing the air, and fosters lush vegetation.

Generally speaking, you should pack light, casual, comfortable clothing, not too brightly colored, to wear on safari in the daytime. In the highland areas north of Nairobi, the temperatures might be chilly at night or in the early mornings. Especially during our winter months, June through September, when temperatures are cooler, visitors will need a warm jacket or hooded sweatshirt for early morning game drives and activities after sunset. A hat, gloves, and muffler can often be useful, too, when riding in an open vehicle. Other suggested apparel: hat (for sun protection as well as warmth), bandana (for dust protection during the dry season), sunglasses, prescription glasses, pullover sweater, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear.

In packing your toiletries and personal items, remember your malaria tablets and other prescription medicines, sunscreen, lip balm, feminine hygiene products, and hairdryer. Most of the hotels and lodges spray the rooms for insects and provide mosquito nets, but you might want to pack a small amount of insect repellant. Other suggested items: motion sickness pills, converter/adapter set, Ziploc bags.

Photography and Other Equipment

For safety, some type of money pouch or small, secure bag for your passport, credit cards, and travelers’ checks is a good idea. If you want to keep up with world events or listen to music, you will need a small shortwave radio or iPod (there is no television or radio in most places outside Nairobi or Arusha). And a good camera, preferably with a 200–300 mm telephoto lens, or a video camera is a must. Suggested photography equipment: small flash unit with extra batteries, flash memory card or extra film and lead bag, lens-cleaning equipment, battery charger (12v or 120a for video cameras). Other suggested equipment: small flashlight with extra batteries, binoculars (one per person).

A note about photography—Taking photographs at airports; near military installations, the State House, and state lodges; and of soldiers, prisons, prisoners, policemen, the national flag, and the presidents of Kenya and Tanzania and their convoys is prohibited. When in doubt, we suggest you ask your driver or safari guide before snapping pictures.

Money

The local units of currency are the Kenya Shilling and Tanzanian Shilling, which are freely convertible within Kenya and Tanzania, respectively, for U.S. dollars and other major currencies. Towns have banks and bureaus de change, and most hotels and lodges will exchange currency or travelers’ checks at reasonable rates. However, because many, if not most, items are priced in U.S. dollars, you need convert into local currency only a small amount you will need for incidentals. For up-to-date exchange rates, visit www.centralbank.go.ke/rates/exchangsindex.asp.

Many establishments in Kenya and a few in Tanzania accept credit cards; however, some do not. As a general rule, you will be unable to obtain cash on a credit card (most banks offer cash advance on credit cards up to a limit of $1000.00 US). Consequently, we recommend that you carry sufficient funds in the form of travelers’ checks during your visit to East Africa.

Health, Insurance, and Security

Health
Check with your primary care physician or local health department office for current advice on travel to East Africa. At The Old Line Safari Company, we strongly recommend that you:

Begin a course of anti-malaria medication before leaving your home country.
Drink only bottled mineral water in Kenya, which is readily provided during the safari.

Kenya and Tanzania impose no restrictions on the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages for persons age 18 and older. A good selection of local beers and soft drinks is available everywhere, and you will find a range of imported wines, beers, and spirits in many places, although they might be expensive. The quality of food in Kenya and Tanzania is generally good. However, do eat sensibly, particularly in the first few days of your visit.

Insurance
The Old Line Safari Company requires that all clients arrange personal travel insurance to cover medical, property, and other personal risks throughout the safari. If you wish, we can advise you on policies or actual cover. As a standard part of all safaris, The Old Line Safari Company arranges for temporary membership in the Flying Doctors' Society of Africa (FDSA), based in Nairobi and providing cover in Kenya and northern Tanzania, for all clients. On safari, please carry copies of your insurance documents and emergency contact numbers at all times.

Security
As in any other country worldwide, you should take normal precautions:

Keep a close watch at all times on your handbag, wallet, and camera.
Carry only necessary amounts of cash.
Place all valuables in hotel and lodge safe deposit boxes.
Avoid walking at night; instead take reliable taxis recommended by your hotel.
Wear little or no jewelry, and never leave valuables in your hotel room or in an unattended vehicle.

Airlines

Several major airlines operate daily flights to Nairobi, including Kenya Airways, British Airways, KLM, Swissair, SN Brussels, and Emirates. We are happy to help you book your flights to Nairobi, or you may arrange your own transportation by clicking on the link to your airline of choice.

Shopping and Tipping

Shopping
East Africa is well known for its art and handicraft markets where you can find baskets and woven bags, beadwork, carvings, local sarongs, spices, and teas and coffees. Precious stones and jewelry are also a specialty. Most hotels and lodges have gift or souvenir shops. We design our itineraries to allow time to shop, and our drivers and safari guides will offer useful information on shopping.

Tipping
Nothing can spoil a wonderful travel experience faster than the chore of deciphering local tipping customs at every turn. Which is why on The Old Line trip, all gratuities are included, leaving you relaxed and carefree at hotels, airports, restaurants and in fact, all time. As is customary on escorted trips, gratuities to safari guides and drivers at the end of the trip however are not included. And naturally, they are at your discretion and according to your satisfaction.

Language, People and Culture

Language
The official languages of Kenya are English and Kiswahili, which a majority of the population speak and understand. Many also speak a tribal language. Because English is widely spoken and understood, virtually everyone you are likely to meet in the course of your safari will be fluent.

People and Culture
East Africa is home to a profusion of fascinating and colorful tribes. Most are of Bantu origin, including the Kikuyu and Akamba in Kenya and the Sukuma, Haya, and Chagga in Tanzania. The two other tribal groups are the Nilotes (the Luo, Turkana, Kalenjins, Karamajong, Samburu, and Maasai) and the Cushites (the Iraqw, who live around Ngorongoro Crater, El-Molo, Somali, and Rendile).

Generally, East Africans mix a conservative outlook on life with a great deal of tolerance and openness toward foreigners. Dress modestly and reasonably neatly; take time for some pleasantries, even if you are just shopping in the market or asking for directions; learn the local words for Hello (Jambo), Goodbye (Kwaheri), and Thank You (Asante), and use them unsparingly before launching into English. Handshakes are also an important part of social interaction. Kindly request a “Go ahead” from your safari guide or driver before taking photographs of people.

Communications

All Old Line Safari Company safari vehicles are equipped with two-way radios so drivers can communicate with their base, each other, and the lodges and camps. Most hotels and lodges also have a telephone, but the service, particularly for overseas calls, is both erratic and expensive (e.g., $50.00 minimum charge is common). More remote lodges and camps are likely to rely on radio for communications. Except for a few, most game parks are outside mobile phone coverage, but satellite telephones work just about anywhere.

Children and the Elderly

A safari is wonderful for children old enough to enjoy and appreciate the experience. Depending on the itinerary, many safaris (e.g., Adventure Safaris) involve a long trip on rough roads, which we cannot recommend for babies, young children, and the elderly. Our Family Safaris and Luxury Safaris, however, which blend road and air transport, are carefully planned to ensure the comfort of children and the elderly.

Children under 12 years benefit from reduced fares on scheduled airlines and at all lodges. A few of the more expensive permanent tented camps prohibit children under 12. Restrictions on certain activities also apply for younger children, so kindly check before booking. Please carry enough baby food and accessories, which might be unavailable on safari. Special meals for babies cannot be guaranteed.