Local Information

Drinking Water
You will find many differences of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend, for peace of mind, to drink local bottled mineral/still water.

Electricity
Apart from some of the camps on safari, there is electricity supply everywhere albeit sometimes erratic or ceases in the bush lodges at 2300 hours to 0500 hours to conserve fuel. The supply is 230/240 50 Htz and plugs are 3 pin square or round, so it is a good idea to bring an adaptor. If you have a video camera make sure the battery charger is the same voltage otherwise you will need a transformer.

Passports & Visas
All visitors to Kenya / Tanzania require a return or onward ticket and a valid passport with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed. Visas are not required for visitors from some Commonwealth countries and other specified countries. Visas can be obtained from any Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or Consulate abroad, and at main entry points including international airports, seaports and border posts. The above applies for Kenya as well. For up-to-date visa requirements please contact the embassies concerned in your own country.

Health
Kenya and Tanzania enjoy a healthy invigorating climate and visitors need feel no concern for their general health during their stay. However, Malaria is endemic throughout Africa and we cannot stress enough the importance of taking prophylactics. For this we suggest you consult your doctor in good time for his / her recommendation on the up-to-date medication. These, with an appropriate insect repellant are a priority. Please note that we recommend a combination of paludrine and choroquin. Visitors requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies in their hand luggage. Chemist shops are well stocked but the generic medication may not be readily available. 

Insurance
It is a condition of booking that all persons take out an appropriate insurance cover to include medical, baggage loss/damage and repatriation charges.

Hotel Check In / Check Out
Generally rooms may not be available for occupation until 1300 hrs. Check out is normally 1000 hrs. Rooms are sometimes available to 1800 hours on departure day at a minimal supplement.

Photography
It is recommended that you take enough film with you for the duration of your trip. Film bought locally is usually expensive. Take spare batteries and bring a dust proof bag for all electronic equipment. You will see many interesting subjects and scenery but there are some rules to abide by. You must consult your driver or guide before taking pictures of buildings, presidents, persons in uniform, airports and police stations, prisons and harbors. Some people may also resent their photo taken so it is courtesy to ask first.

Security
Africa is no different from any other country in the world. Just follow the common sense rules. Remember that excessive displays of jewelry or cash will attract undesirable elements. Do not leave valuables lying around, use rooms safes or leave with hotel / camp manager for safety. Do not walk alone around streets, parks, beaches and towns at night.

Telecommunications
Most city hotels will have international facilities for phoning and faxing. However, please check the charges first as Kenya & Tanzania are very expensive destinations to call out from and ATT and reverse charge calls are not always accepted.

Customs
Personal effects including binoculars, cameras, film, may be imported (temporarily) free of duty. A custom bond may be demanded from visitors bringing in professional video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit that should be obtained in advance. Visitors buying local handicrafts must keep cash sales receipts and ownership certificates for wildlife trophies for presentation to Customs officials on departure.

Currency
The unit of currency is the Tanzania Shilling (TShs), which is divided into 100 cents and in Kenya it is the Kenya Shilling (Kshs), which is divided also into 100 cents. Visitors can bring with them any amount of foreign currency but it is against the law to import or export Tanzania / Kenya Currency. Foreign currency in cash or in traveler's checks may be exchanged at the commercial banks, authorized dealers, or at the bureau de changes operating at the international airports, major towns and border posts.

Departures
An airport tax of US$ 20.00 is levied on all visitors departing the country by air. In many instances, this fee is included in your airline ticket. Visitors departing by air from Kenya must pay at the airport, however. Baggage is weighed at check-in counters and may be inspected by Custom officials. Airport departure tax for domestic flights is about US$ 4.00. All fees are subject to change. There is no departure tax when traveling by road.

Luggage
Safari vehicles and small aircraft provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might not be taken on board.

Climate
The climate is tropical. The coastal areas are hot and humid with an average day temperature of 30 degrees centigrade. The central plateau is dry and arid with hot days and cool nights. In the northwest highlands around Arusha and Ngorongoro, the climate is temperate and cooler between June and September. The long rains are from March to May and the short rains fall between October and December. The hottest months are between October and February.

What to bring
Light tropical clothes, especially cotton slacks, shirts and skirts are most suitable. Some warm clothing is needed in the higher altitude areas around Ngorongoro Crater, Mt Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and Mombasa. Whereas in Serengeti, Masai Mara, Nothern Kenya and Nairobi - long slacks and light jumpers are probably a good idea especially in the evenings and early in the morning. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari and guests are advised to carry some insect repellents.

Air Travel
Several international airlines operate in and out of Tanzania through Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports. Travel within the country is by the national airline, Air Tanzania and by Precision Air, Regional Air and Coastal Travel. Most major airlines operate out of Nairobi and Mombasa airport with the domestic routing being handled by Air Kenya or Kenya Airways.

Flying Doctor Membership
A temporary Flying Doctor membership is recommended to cover air medical evacuation to Nairobi. Participation fee is US $25 for Northern Tanzania and US$ 50 for Southern Tanzania and for Kenya in general it is US$ 50-.

Time
Both Kenya and Tanzania have only one time zone. Local time is GMT + 3 and Daylight Savings Time is not used. 

Domestic Air Transport
Air transportation has come a long way in the last few years in East Africa. Both countries have daily scheduled flights to many of the popular locations from Nairobi / Mombasa and Arusha. One Earth Safaris also has agreements with Kenya & Tanzania's better air charter companies. Most parks and towns have airstrips accessible by smaller planes. 

International Airlines
Kilimanjaro International Airport, the closest airport to Arusha, is currently served by a number of international carriers including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (3 times each week), Alliance Air (once weekly), and Ethiopian Airlines. Visitors to the southern parks, beaches or Zanzibar may also use a number of international airlines that service Dar es Salaam International Airport. Zanzibar is served by international, charter and domestic air carriers. In Kenya Most large International airlines have daily flights into Nairobi including British Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Gulf Air and several others.