Air Travel
Most major airlines operate out of Nairobi and Mombasa airport with the domestic routing being handled by Air Kenya or Kenya Airways.
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.
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.
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.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling (Kshs), which is divided 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.
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.
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.
Drinking Water
You will find many differences of opinion of what is safe and what is not. Reef Hotel 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 al be it 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.
Flying Doctor Membership
A temporary Flying Doctor membership is recommended to cover air medical evacuation to Nairobi.
Participation fee is for Kenya in general US$ 50-.
Participation fee is US $25 for Northern Tanzania and US$ 50 for Southern Tanzania
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 Reef Hotel rooms may not be available for occupation until 1300 hrs.
Check out at Reef Hotel is normally 1000 hrs. Rooms are sometimes available to
1800 hours on departure day at a minimal supplement.
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world’s oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the water on the Earth’s surface. It is bounded on the north by the Indian subcontinent; on the west by Kenya, on the east by Indochina, the Sunda Islands, and Australia, and on the south by the Southern Ocean. The Indian Ocean is the only ocean to be named after a country, India.
As one component of the interconnected global ocean, the Indian Ocean is delineated from the Atlantic Ocean by the 20° east meridian running south from Cape Agulhas, and from the Pacific by the meridian of 146°55′ east. The northernmost extent of the Indian Ocean is approximately 30° north in the Persian Gulf. The Indian Ocean has asymmetric ocean circulation. This ocean is nearly 10,000 kilometers (6,200 mi) wide at the southern tips of Africa and Australia; its area is 73,556,000 square kilometers (28,350,000 sq mi), including the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
The Indian ocean’s volume is estimated to be 292,131,000 cubic kilometers (70,086,000 mi3). Small islands dot the continental rims. Island nations within the ocean are Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island; Reunion Island; Comoros; Seychelles; Maldives; Mauritius; and Sri Lanka. The archipelago of Indonesia borders the ocean on the east.
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.
Photography
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.
Time
Both Kenya and Tanzania have only one time zone.
Local time is GMT + 3 and Daylight Savings Time is not used.
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.
Telecommunications
Reef hotel 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.
