Frequently Asked Questions, Onsafari Kenya Ltd

Frequently Asked Questions

Children are welcome on safari. Family safaris are very rewarding.The suitable age varies from child to child, this is up to you to decide. We can cater for young children as well as

The suitable age varies from child to child, this is up to you to decide. We can cater for young children as well as older children. As the safaris are tailor-made to suit your group or family we can make sure there is plenty of entertainment for the youngsters.

The best times of year are the dry seasons, the only times to avoid are the wet season’s

In Kenya and northern Tanzania it is generally dry December through March and June through October which are good safari seasons. In southern and western Tanzania the best seasons are June through to November.

Your passport must be valid, check the renewal date. If your passport needs renewing do so well in advance as this and getting visas can be time-consuming.

Check that there is at least one blank page in your passport for every country you intend to visit

It is necessary that you obtain a visa for travel to Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Only yellow fever vaccinations are required
Additional recommended vaccinations are for tetanus, typhoid, polio, hepatitis A & B and meningitis (seek advice from your doctor)
Carry your certificate with your passport

The best protection from malaria is to avoid being bitten – in the evening cover up with long sleeves, trousers, shoes and socks, apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and sleep in a mosquito proof tent, room, or under a net.
Rabies – stray dogs and monkeys should not be touched or fed as you might get bitten and they are potential carriers of rabies
Bilharzia – this is a disease contracted by swimming in still water which is contaminated by the larvae of a parasitic worm. Ask your guide for advice on where you should not swim.
You must have personal medical and accident insurance to cover you for all eventualities. In addition, you should have property insurance, bring a copy with you. To substantiate a claim you will need all receipts and a local police report
Also consider bringing:

-Personal medications, Antiseptic cream, Anti-malarial tablets, Aspirin/Panadol, Talcum/foot powder, Eye/ear drops, Indigestion tablets, Diarrhea tablets, Throat lozenges, Cold/flu tablets, Band-aids/plasters, Sterile gauze pads, Sun block and lip salve Insect repellent

Cash is king! US dollars are the best currency, in mixed denomination, check the date the notes were printed –pre-year 2000 notes are often not accepted due to forgeries.
Carry your money, traveler’s cheques, passports, tickets with you in a hidden money belt. Alternatively, ask your guide if these items can be locked away for the duration of the safari. Leave your valuable jewelry and expensive watches behind (you don’t really need a watch in Africa anyway!)
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and lodges and major restaurants and shops, however, do not rely on credit cards or ATMs as a principal source of finance.
Money should be changed into local currency in an official place, do not attempt to change money on the street as you are likely to be cheated! In addition, always count your money carefully at the till to verify it is correct as the unfamiliar currency can be confusing.
In general, traveling with Onsafari means you will be on an ‘all-inclusive’ basis while you are in Africa. Your personal itinerary will indicate inclusions and exclusions.

It is customary to tip for services such as waiters and porters, the equivalent of $1-2 is usually adequate for this. It is also customary to tip your driver/guides camp/lodge staff at the end of a stay, a suggestion is $5-10 per guest per day for the driver/guides, and $5-10 per guest per day for the staff, however, please use your own discretion.
Locals will also appreciate other items that you might otherwise throw away at the end of a trip such as batteries, medicine, clothing, and writing materials. For various reasons, it is not a good idea to just hand these out en-route, ask for guidance where this is appropriate.

The best quality souvenirs are usually bought in good shops in Nairobi or at hotels and lodges
When shopping at markets or other roadside places don’t be shy and afraid to bargain heavily as it is expected and is also a form of social interaction which can be a lot of fun

We use 220/240 volts as mains power, outlets are square 3-prong design, UK style
There are few facilities for hair dryers and shavers
Battery operated appliances are ideal with 12 volt rechargeable accessories to be used with the cigarette lighter outlets on the vehicles for recharging

A pair of binoculars each is essential. The optimum powers are 7×35, 8×40 or 10×50
Cameras depend on the individual, minimum focal length for good wildlife photography is 200mm and zoom lenses are ideal
Don’t forget spare batteries and extra flash cards for digital storage.
Do not attempt to photograph local people without prior arrangement and never aim your camera at any form of police or military installation, person in uniform or border control

This should be kept to a minimum while on safari, soft duffel bags are recommended.
Laundry services are available daily while in camps and lodges
Internal scheduled flights often have a limit of 15Kgs per person
Heavier pieces can be left in Nairobi for collection on return from time in the bush