• > How Strenuous are these Trips?
• > Group Participants and Tour Leader
• > Private Tours and Custom Dates
• > Local Transportation
• > Accommodations
• > Meals
• > Climate
• > Travel Documents
• > Flights
• > Airline Tickets
• > Money
• > Health
• > Luggage & Clothing
• > Resources
• > Communication

How Strenuous are these Trips?

The challenge level of this trip is INTERMEDIATE. Count on lots of walking and intensive nature explorations.

Group Participants and Tour Leader

Participants:  
If International Group  MIN: 8 MAX: 20  Dutch tour leader.
If North American Group MIN: 6  MAX: 20. Local English speaking guide(s)

Guide Service
The tour leader serves as logistics coordinator, not a lecturer. They provide information about the daily life and culture and practical tips regarding restaurants, transport, admission fees, activities, etc.  The tour leader organizes and accompanies some activities but participants also enjoy independent time.
 
In-Country Staff
Our land representatives are situated in the destination country you will visit. We work closely with them and they function as our liaison with the guide, drivers and hotels. They are also available in the case of an emergency and their number will be provided on your emergency contact list.
 
Problems or Emergencies
While you are away, should you have a problem, you have several points of contact. Your guide, our land representative, and of course, we are just a call or email away. We will provide contact numbers for you before you leave. Please distribute this list to family or to your contact person at home. If someone needs to reach you from home due to an emergency, but is having difficulty due to language or bad connections, they can call our office and we will assist in contacting you.
 

What To Expect When Traveling on an INTERNATIONAL GROUP TRIP

Djoser, Inc. is an offshoot of a  highly regarded, Dutch tour operator, established in 1985 in the Netherlands.  Djoser has operated in the U.S. since 1998.  We share an outstanding network of land representatives around the world, many of whom have worked with us since our beginnings.  Many of our trips are offered in cooperation with the Djoser, Netherlands office.

On our Price/Dates pages you will see that departure dates are denoted as being organized for  NORTH AMERICAN GROUPS or INTERNATIONAL GROUPS.  On INTERNATIONAL GROUPS trips you will join Dutch and Belgian travelers. This multi-cultural aspect is the draw for many regular Djoser travelers, but not the perfect fit for every traveler. We invite you to consider the description below when selecting to travel with an INTERNATIONAL GROUP or a NORTH AMERICAN GROUP. 

All Djoser adventures are designed for active travelers with emphasis on cultural interaction and nature explorations. The balance of guidance and freedom is also crucial to our journeys. Our International Group programs are some of our most adventurous and comprehensive. Some trips feature days spent in remote areas, with some long drive days, and a night or two in very basic or indigenous accommodations.

The group size ranges from 8 to 22 travelers of all ages, most from Holland.  You will find 1 to 5 North Americans participating in these groups. Almost every participant will have a superb command of English, but you are sure to hear plenty of Dutch. You may need to exert a bit more effort to make initial contact but usually in a day or two, the group warms up to one another. The success of the social interaction tends to depend more on the individual personalities in the group rather than nationalities, just as with any other tour group. 

On most trips, a Dutch tour leader will accompany the group and will speak both Dutch and English. In a few countries, a local guide will accompany instead or will assist the Dutch tour leader, such as in Japan or Syria. 

These are not lecture tours. The guide functions as a logistics coordinator and you will receive the important information. The guide will organize and accompany some activities and meals, but also gives suggestions so that participants can dine and explore independently.  Participants on these trips are rather independent-minded and welcome time on their own in addition to the group activity. Don't expect as much one-one-one attention from the guide as you would find on a North American Group tour.  

On our African safaris with camping accommodations, there will be an English-speaking, African guide with a camp courier assisting with food preparations.Most of the safaris with lodge accommodations will have a a Dutch tour leader.

If you have a travel partner, or if you are solo and can easily engage with others, and welcome the idea of an international mix and an active travel style, then this should be a fun experience for you. If you are traveling alone, or if you are more introverted, blending with the group may be more challenging. Again, so much  depends on the chemistry of the individual group members.

We want you to be happy and it is important that you select a trip style that fits.  If you are worried that you will feel like the "odd man out" then we suggest that you consider a North American group trip.  But if you welcome the added layer and occasional challenges of this added cultural experience, as well as the more adventurous nature of these trips, then these journeys are for you. 

Feel free to call us with your questions. 877-356-7376

Private Tours and Custom Dates

Custom dates can be arranged for your private group of 8 or more travelers for this trip. Please inquire about discounts for 8 or more.

Local Transportation

The time difference with Kenya is six hours ahead of the east coast and nine hours ahead of the west coast. We use our own ground transportation in order to be able to stop where we want. During the 23-day safari in Kenya we use a truck and sometimes a bus that can handle the occasional unpaved roads. Most routes have paved roads. Some routes, such as north of Isiolo and in the wild parks, are unpaved. On Lake Turkana we will make a spectacular boat tour to Central Island. The route from Nairobi to Mombasa will be done in comfortable berths on the night train. Transfers to and from Tiwi Beach are by bus. The return flight from Mombasa to Nairobi takes about one hour.

During the 24-day trip to Kenya and Tanzania we will use trucks that are specially equipped for safaris with convenient space for luggage, camping equipment and supplies. There are some unpaved roads along this route in northern Kenya and Tanzania and in the wild parks.  In large cities such as Arusha and Nairobi, Djoser does not provide transportation.

Use the following link to view slides of the transportation we use:
http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation

Once we make a stop, we explore cities and villages on foot and by using the local modes of transport.

Accommodations

During this trip we use different types of accommodation. We stay in hotels / lodges and tented camps whose quality varies from simple to middle class. In the Masai Mara and Serengeti national parks we stay in a tented camp. You sleep in a tent with a large double bed and bathroom facilities. In Victoria we stay in tents equipped with beds. Sanitary facilities are located on the site. In the Kenyan capital, we sleep in a centrally located hotel with shower and toilet in the room. At the end of the night you travel to the coast at Nyali Beach in a hotel right on the palm fringed beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The hotel has a swimming pool.

SINGLE TRAVELERS & ROOMMATES
On most trips, you can request single accommodations for a reasonable charge. If you would like single accommodations, please indicate your preference on your booking form.

On our International Group trips, if you are traveling solo, we will match you with a same-sex roommate. If there is not a roommate available, unless otherwise noted, there is no supplementary charge.  On the private trips or with North American Groups, there is a single charge if we cannot match you with a roommate.

HOTEL EXTENSIONS
On most of your trips you will have the option to extend your land program at the beginning or end of your program.  An extension is recommended for group trips when you are traveling with an international group and the European participants are scheduled to arrive early in the morning. This will insure that you are rested and reach to meet up with the group at the start of the program.

Meals

During the safari, the meals are included. The only meals during the trip that you still have to pay, are your breakfast (days 20, 21 and 22), lunch and dinner (days 19, 20, 21 and 22) in Nyali Beach, your lunch (day 18) and dinner ( days 1 and 17) in Nairobi and your lunch and dinner (16 days) and breakfast (day 17) in Arusha. Here you have the choice of various restaurants, where the tour guide advises you wish happy.

Climate

Due to the topographic variety in Kenya and Tanzania there are huge differences in climate. The average temperature per year in Nairobi, which lies 5000 feet above sea level, is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. In Mombasa at the shore it is about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, daytime temperatures will not go below 80 degrees Fahrenheit while at night it may cool off to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend bringing warm clothing for the evenings. Rain will fall during the “long rainy period” from March to May and during the ‘short rainy period’ from mid October through December. Showers usually fall in the evening. They are short downpours, but they don’t interfere with travel during these times. In the North, around Lake Turkana, are large differences in temperature from 96 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. The little rain that occurs here mainly falls in November with short, but violent thunderstorms. The shore region has a humid tropical climate with temperatures around 90 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Even though the traditional travel season for Kenya and Tanzania is December and January, you may travel there any time of year.

Check the following website for a summary of temperature and rainfall in the region during your season of travel:  www.worldweather.org

Check the weather for your destination: Check temperature and rainfall for specific cities on your trip, during your month of travel at www.worldweather.org

Travel Documents

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
In our literature, we have indicated when visas are required. But requirements can change so you must also check with the Department of State for the most recent document requirements for travel to your destinations. Be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after departure from your destination. Also make sure there are extra pages in your passport.  When completing VISA applications, be sure to confirm whether you will need a SINGLE or DOUBLE entry tourist visa. We will provide you in-country contact information for your visa application.  The website for the Dept. of State is:  http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.

Flights

BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS FROM/TO THE U.S.
Djoser provides the land program only. You will need to book your own flights from and to the United States.

USEFUL LINKS FOR BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS
ORBITZ:   http://www.orbitz.com/
EXPEDIA: http://www.expedia.com/

BEFORE YOU FINALIZE YOUR FLIGHT, GET TRIP CONFIRMATION!
Do not book your flight prior to written or e-mail notification from Djoser that the trip is a "go". For instance, group trips must meet the required minimum enrollment. We will notify you of the status of enrollment upon request. Also, on very rare occasions, an unforeseen itinerary or date change can occur.  We advise you to take out travel insurance. Before booking your flight, make sure that you are aware of your flight provider's penalties for changes or cancellations.  We are not liable for penalties incurred for flight changes or cancellations. 

Airline Tickets

If there are internal flights, boats or trains on any Djoser program, the tour leader will hold the transportation tickets and will disperse to participants at the appropriate time.

Money

MONEY MATTERS
The cost of the land packages includes city-to-city transport, guide assistance, lodging as described, and only meals listed in the price inclusive section. You should budget for out-of-pocket expenses for other meals, fees for optional excursions and activities, in-city transport and other personal expenses.  See our prices for the estimated out of pocket expenses.

CURRENCY & CASH
On your trip you will want to make sure you are prepared with the proper form of currency. ATMs can be scarce and charge cards are not always accepted.  You will want to exchange money for the local currency.  Before you go, you can check the most current conversion rates, and you can also print out a handy currency exchange "cheat sheet" at: http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet

TIPPING
On our  group trips, for your convenience, the tour leader will organize a tip pot at the beginning of the trip. At the beginning of the trip, each participant will donate a few dollars per day to the pot. The amounts will be disbursed to drivers, local guides, hotel staff, and others along the way.  If there are funds remaining at the end of the trip, they will be divided among the group.  The tip pot does not include a tip for your tour leader. That amount is at your discretion.

Health

Check with your doctor or local health authorities for the latest recommendations. Be mindful of what you eat. We recommend you carry a first aid kit and be sure to be equipped with your personal medications, painkillers, and medicines to prevent diarrhea and stomach disorders. The tour leader will also carry a first aid kit in case of emergencies. Keep in mind that travel and hiking or cycling can be tiring. It is important to be in good condition and fully equipped for the journey. Take care that you eat properly, drink plenty of water and get lots of rest. For country specific health advice, please consult the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.

Luggage & Clothing

Please limit your luggage to 35 pounds. We recommend a soft, rolling duffle bag. Hard suitcases are difficult to pack on the vehicle.  Be sure to bring good walking shoes that are comfortable and already broken in. Make sure any equipment that you bring is in good working order.

It is recommended that you bring a universal adapter plug and extra batteries for your flashlight, in the event of power outages. 

Resources

A good guidebook is invaluable. We recommend the Lonely Planet series as well as the DK Guidebooks.

Communication

Mobile telephone use is limited. Internet cafes can often be found in larger cities but count on a slow connection. Check with your phone provider before departure regarding coverage or consult the following webpage: www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/index.shtml