ACCOMMODATION :

Accommodation in East Africa is of the highest standard with friendly service and excellent cuisine.

• LODGES: Small by normal hotel standards (50-150 beds), with facilities found in good quality establishments such as lounge, bar, dining room, small shop and in most cases, a swimming pool. Bedrooms have twin-beds (doubles are limited and must be specifically requested). All rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities except in some Tree Houses.

• TENTED LODGES: The main areas are similar to lodges but with tented room accommodation, which is erected on wooden or concrete bases. All tents are fully furnished with insect proofing and fully equipped bathrooms are attached at the rear with hot and cold running water, shower, basin and toilet.

• TENTED CAMPS are generally situated in remote areas in scenic locations. The camps are exclusive (20-50 beds), tend to be privately owned and offer a more intimate atmosphere with personalized service. Most are creatively designed  from local materials and some have swimming pools. Public rooms are under canvas, while meals in good weather are often taken al fresco.  A wide choice of activities is generally included in the tariff.

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SINGLE ROOMS

There is always a strong demand for single room accommodation on safari and occasionally the lodges or camps cannot provide single rooms for operational reasons.  In the case of a single room supplement having been paid, a refund will be made to the client where a single room has not been available.

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AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX AND SERVICE CHARGE

Airport departure taxes (except in Zanzibar) are included in the price of your international flight ticket. Local airport taxes are included in domestic fares which are part of the all inclusive price quoted.

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BAGGAGE

Clients on our scheduled safaris are asked to restrict baggage to one medium size suitcase per person or preferably, one or two soft bags. If the itinerary includes flights to the game parks, there is a 15 kilo baggage weight restriction per person. One small bag and camera bag is acceptable as hand luggage. Only one overnight bag may be taken to Treetops and the Ark (rest of the luggage will be stored at base hotel). 

Excess baggage charges are usually nominal, but if the aircraft is full, the excess baggage may be refused.

When safari departure is from Nairobi or Arusha, The Express Travel Group will be happy to make arrangements to store excess baggage with a hotel until your return.

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CLIMATE

The climate in East Africa is strongly influenced by altitude and proximity to the sea. The coast has a hot and humid tropical climate (July and August are cooler and less humid).  Inland, a pleasant temperate climate prevails, with warm, sunny days and cool nights. In July and August the highland areas can be overcast during the day and cold at night. There are two rainy seasons. The long rains occur during April and May, and the short rains mid-November to mid-December.  Rain falls generally at night, and the days are often sunny and warm.

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CLOTHING and KIT

Clothing should be practical, comfortable and informal. Lightweight cotton shirts, shorts, trousers or skirts are ideal on safari, while a warm sweater or jacket (and socks!) are required for early morning and late afternoon game drives and the cool highland evenings. Generally, a jacket and tie is not a requirement except for visitors on business. Bring swimwear, sunhat, good sun protection cream, sunglasses, a small flash light (torch), alarm clock and comfortable, dustproof shoes. Lip balm, insect repellant, and reading material, is also advisable. Leave valuable jewellery at home.

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ELECTRICITY

The electrical supply in Kenya and Tanzania is 240v/50 Hz. Sockets are usually 3 pin square (British type). In most tented camps and lodges it is possible to re-charge video camera batteries on request.

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FLYING DOCTOR SOCIETY

Membership of the Flying Doctor's is strongly recommended. In the unlikely event of an accident or unforeseen illness while on safari, The Express Travel Group will make arrangements for  emergency evacuation by flying ambulance from the nearest operational airfield to a Nairobi hospital.  Please enquire about the nominal cost of membership at the time of booking your safari. 

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HEALTH

Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccination certificates are required for visitors arriving from infected areas. There are a number of other inoculations recommended to visitors. Clients are advised to contact their own doctor or local medical advisory center for up to date information. Malaria is endemic in East Africa and visitors should follow a course of Malaria prophylactics according to doctor's advice.

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HOTEL CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT

Normal check out time is 1000 hrs in the morning. If the hotel is full, rooms may not be available for early check-in unless booked from the previous night. At extra cost, day room occupation may be reserved up to 1800 hrs (6.pm).

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LAUNDRY

All hotels and lodges offer laundry services if time permits.

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MEALS

Dining is an integral part of the safari experience. High standards of cuisine and a welcoming choice of mouthwatering dishes will usually greet the hungry guest just in from a safari. Full board is normally provided and includes early morning tea, full breakfast, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and a four-course dinner. Tea and coffee is served with all meals.  

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MONEY

Travellers cheques in US Dollars, Euros, or British Pounds are accepted and be exchanged into local currency as required. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Well known credit cards  such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in major hotels and shops in Kenya but on a limited basis in Tanzania and Uganda. When purchasing curios in markets places, bargaining is expected, but for cash only.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Bring plenty of film with you. A wide choice of films are available locally but are rather expensive and in establishments outside main towns and cities can be out of date. Telephoto lens (minimum 200 mm recommended) is a must for wildlife photography. Other useful items include filters, dust-proof bags and, of course, spare batteries. Home video cameras may be brought in but professional filming is subject to government permits and levies. Individual binoculars are an invaluable aid to spotting distant animals or birds.

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TELEPHONES

All Nairobi and most coastal hotels have international dialing facilitates from your bedroom. On safari this is not the case, but in some lodges and camps calls may be booked through reception. Check tariffs before placing calls from hotels. Mobile or cell phone calls may be made in most parts of the country, but not everywhere.

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TRANSPORT

• ROAD SAFARIS
  Transport on road safari is by 9-seat minibus, carrying a maximum of 7 passengers, each with a seat by a window and opening roof hatch for photography. Some of our safaris include a proportion of game viewing in 4 wheel drive vehicles, which are normally operated by the camps or lodges. Game drives on private farms and ranches are often conducted in fully open 4-wheel-drive vehicles.

• FLYING SAFARIS
  Transportation by aircraft on flying safaris are operated on scheduled flights by aircraft with between 4 and 50 seats.

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VISAS, INOCULATIONS AND INSURANCE

Our safari prices do not include the cost of visas, health inoculations, personal insurance or international air tickets from and to country of origin of travel. Please enquire from your local Tour Operator or Travel Agent who are responsible for these requirements and information.

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