FAQs

Passport & Visa

It is each traveler's responsibility to obtain all documents necessary for entry to the countries visited on his/her itinerary. Each passenger (including children) must have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months past your return date. The passport must be in good condition (not bent, torn, peeling or water damaged). The passport must have enough blank visa pages for visas, and entry and exit stamps. A visa is required for travel to Kenya. The validity periods of your travel visas must cover your intended period of stay. If you need to renew your passport or need additional blank visa pages added to your passport please start this process immediately. If you are not a citizen of the United States your requirements may vary.

Visa Service

We recommend American Passport & Visa International (APVI) as our preferred passport and visa expeditor. Visit apvi.net or call 1-866-848-2784 for free passport and visa consultation. When you contact APVI, you benefit from expedited passport and visa processing, updated information, current application forms, and expert advice regarding U.S. passports and foreign travel visas. Note: Use promotion code "Safaris" to receive a discount on passport and visa services from APVI.

Health

It is each passenger's responsibility to obtain required vaccinations for entry to the countries on his/her itinerary. Consult a physician at least six weeks prior to your departure and check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. The following information is provided as a guideline.

  • Vaccinations required: A Yellow Fever certificate of vaccination may be required for entry if you are traveling from an endemic zone. Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals. Check the CDC website.
  • The CDC recommends a course of Malaria prophylaxis for travelers to East Africa. Malaria is transmitted by a very small percentage of female Anopheles mosquitoes - active in the early evening and through the night. Apply insect repellant containing DEET, wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks in the evening. Check CDC website.
  • Consult a physician to confirm you are current on all routine immunizations
  • Prescription medication should be in in original container. Take a first aid kit. Note: Drink bottled water, brush your teeth with bottled water, and avoid ice in drinks. Avoid uncooked vegetables, dairy and egg dishes not refrigerated. Eat fruit you can peel. Advise Custom Safaris if you have a physical disability or require frequent or on-going medical attention, or if you develop a new condition prior to departure.

Climate

Most days are clear and sunny. Winter months are June thru October with temperatures ranging from 50F to 75F and an average of 4 days of rain. Summer months are December thru March with temperatures ranging from 75F to 90F and an average of 6 days of rain. The "short rains" occur in November with temperatures ranging from 50F to 75F and 9 days of rain. The "long rains" occur in April and May with temperatures ranging from 60F and 15 days of rain.

Time Zones

Kenya operates on GMT+3 hours. When it is 9:00AM in New York (standard time), it is 5:00PM in Kenya.

Currency

Older currency is not accepted; bring 2006 or newer bills. Banks and establishments accept US dollars, UK pounds sterling and the Euro. Payment in hotels/camps must be made in one of these currencies. Visa and Master Card are widely accepted; American Express and Traveler's Checks are less widely accepted. ATM machines are available in major cities. Foreign currency can be changed at camps and hotels for local currency.

Power

Electrical appliances run on 220 volts; bring an international power adapter. Remember to bring your camera charger and spare batteries. Note: A good flashlight/headlamp is essential.

Communications

Most camps have internet; many have wireless. Note: If you plan to use your mobile phone check with your provider to confirm you have international roaming connection.

Troubleshooting

If you have a problem please bring it to our attention at the time so that we have a chance to try to correct it immediately. Please remember that you are in Africa, things don't always work or operate as you are accustomed to. Patience and a sense of adventure should be brought on safari .

Baggage & Clothing

Due to safety regulations strict weight restrictions (maximum 33 pounds) are in place on all flights. Only soft duffle bags will be transported. Hard suitcases and bags with wheels will not be transported. Your carry-on should contain your medications, camera and necessary items in the event your checked bag is lost or delayed. Lock your bags with TSA-approved locks and attach ID tags.

Laundry

Laundry is available at all camps. Note: some camps do not launder underwear.

Clothing

For warm days: short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, long pants/Jeans, shorts, Jacket/Windbreaker, underwear/socks, pajamas, sneakers, walking/hiking shoes, swimsuit and hat. For cool nights: fleece/sweatshirt. Pants that zip off to shorts are practical. Temperature is cool in the early morning and after sunset and warms up midday. Pack lightweight, neutral clothing that can be layered.

Other

Camera (bring instructions), media cards, batteries, chargers, binoculars, flashlight/headlamp, alarm clock, insect repellant with DEET, sunscreen, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, and tissues

Medications

Prescription medication in original containers, Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin, eye drops (for dust), antacid/Dramamine, Pepto-Bismol/Imodium, Malaria prophylaxis, First Aid items. Note: bring everything you think you might need. Simple medications are not readily available.

Wildlife Photography

Photography on safari is an incredible opportunity to capture your safari memories. Invest in a good camera. You'll be happy you did!

  • Use the camera in various lighting conditions before you travel.
  • Read the operating instructions for the camera; bring the instructions.
  • Recommended telescopic lens: minimum 210mm - 300mm.
  • Bring extra media cards and batteries. Overestimate; availability is limited in camp.
  • At times the view may be better from a window rather than the roof of the vehicle.
  • Rest the camera in a position that provides a firm base.
  • The sun should be behind you when photographing your subject.
  • Digital Camera Recommendation: Canon G10, G11 or G12.

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