- > 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?
This tour is a limited participation trip, which means that you will occassionally be asked to assist with various aspects of camp and safari duties. Your crew are there to handle all major responsibilities, but they will occasionally ask you for assistance. It is vital that travelers have a positive attitude toward participation, and joining in is what turns a great trip into an unforgettable journey.
You will be required to put up and take down your own tent, help with loading and unloading the vehicle and assist your guides with meals and camp duties. Crew will purchase all the food and prepare all meals, but may ask for assistance in clearing up occasionally and on occasions where time is important and we need to prepare and serve meals in a hurry. This typically could be on a roadside lunch stop where we need to stick to a tight schedule.
To avoid confusion (of everyone helping at once) and to share this responsibility fairly, tour leaders may assign you to groups with specific days for this limited involvement.
Your tour leader and crew will explain all this to you in detail at the pre-departure meeting. If you are in need of further clarification on this please speak to your tour leader.
Group Participants and Tour Leader
Groups are made up of travelers of all ages: singles, couples, friends, and families. On these trips the minimum age is 14. The maximum group size is 20. You will join an international group of English-speaking travelers from Australia, England, Holland, Germany and North America. Fellow travelers will also come from sources other than Djoser. The tours are conducted in English by a local African guide.
Our guides are there to make sure that you have an unforgettable trip. If there is anything that is upsetting you while on tour, you need to approach the guide to give him a fair opportunity to rectify the problem. Dealing with any problems that may arise while on tour, will prevent them from developing into something more problematic. The guide cannot help you if you remain quiet. It will be difficult to address any complaint after a tour if you have not discussed this issue with your guide. If a serious matter arises on tour that you feel needs to be brought to our head office’s attention then the contact details are on this information sheet. Please feel free to contact us by mail or by phone in the unlikely event of a serious matter arising that your tour leader cannot deal with.
Our guides are trained extensively, but please also remember that the nature of an adventure safari is to give a very broad range of experiences. Your guide cannot be expected to be an expert on everything throughout many different countries! This is why we also contract the services of local guides and experts to compliment the information that our guides can give you. There will also be occasions where your camp courier will need to sit in the cab with the tour driver to do planning for meals and other aspects of the tour. If you feel that you are not getting enough information please speak with your tour leader and he will rectify the problem.
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
All of our Adventure vehicles are custom built to suit the African terrain. We use Mercedes Benz or MAN, with large glass windows for game and scenery viewing, which, when open, give the feeling of being in an open vehicle. The interior is spacious with forward facing coach-style seating. There is ample space inside the vehicle to store your daypack. The large enclosed storage area of the vehicle holds the camping gear and luggage, with separate sections for the food. The vehicle has a large water tank and a fully-equipped field kitchen, with fold-down tables. There are two safes on board, one for passengers and one for vehicular documents. Long-range fuel and water tanks keep us self-sufficient. We may use smaller vehicles in the event of smaller groups.
Accommodations
On camping tours, you will be given a tent and poles for the whole tour. These are your responsibility for the entire tour – so look after them. One of the biggest problems we face are broken tent zips on the tour. We can seldom repair zips on tour and this could affect your health so take care (malaria and mosquitoes!!) Never force zips and treat them very carefully. Please respect other equipment – if things break or get lost on tour it’s often impossible to replace them on the route and you may have to do without. Any losses will be charged for.
The facilities in some of the areas that you will be visiting are sometimes primitive and basic. PLEASE COME PREPARED! At times we will stay in camps with good facilities like hot and cold running water and swimming pools. At other times there are only basic facilities. Please note that in some areas there is very little choice of camps that we can use. We sometimes have to make the most of what is available and have no further choice in the matter, and we expect your understanding. Participants are usually very quick to adapt themselves to the conditions of the safari. It’s all part of the adventure! While we have been specific about which camps, lodges or hotels we may use while on tour, please note that accommodations on tour could change from that stated in this dossier or in our brochures. Hotels, lodges or chalets where used will be simple, clean basic traveler’s accommodations. In some cases ablution facilities may be on a sharing basis.
Use the following link to view some of our lodgings:
http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels
If you are traveling alone you will be matched with a roommate of the same sex. Please note the cost of a single accommodation is listed in the cost descriptions. If you request a roommate, but we are unable to match you, there will be no penalty charge for the single.
Meals
Your guides will make every effort to prepare nutritious and filling meals. If you have any problems with the food please discuss this directly with them. In Africa, especially in the more remote areas, availability of foods and fresh products are often limited. This may result in the duplication of ingredients and meals. The vehicle will be well-stocked with staple foods at the beginning of the trip. We try to maintain as much variety throughout the expedition as possible, restocking from stores and markets along the way. While making no special provisions for vegetarians, we have found in the past that there are ample choices available. Our guides are also trained to cater for vegetarians.
Important: Please do not help yourselves to the food supplies on board as the menu for the tour is carefully planned and budgeted.
Discuss your specific food requirements especially in the case of dietary limitations with your crew. They will wherever possible accommodate your needs.
Please remember also that your crew are working to a specified food budget, which can provide great quality and variety. We are confident that you will be impressed with our meals, but please realize there is a limit to what can be spent on food.
You will be expected to purchase all of your own drinks. Beer, cool drinks, bottled water, local wine and spirits, etc. are usually readily available at reasonable prices. Bottled water is normally available in most large towns. Discuss this in detail with your guide, as this could affect your health.
Beware of dehydration and drink plenty of water. You will probably not be accustomed to African conditions and this can affect you severely.
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 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
KENYA – Entry Requirements
A passport and visa ($70) are required. On the Kenya & Tanzania trip a double entry visa is required. Visas should be obtained in advance, although airport visas are available. Travelers who opt to obtain an airport visa should expect delays upon arrival. There is a fee for the visa, whether obtained in advance or at the airport. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested.
Travelers may obtain the latest information on visas as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements from the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 387-6101, or the Kenyan Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York City. Persons outside the United States should contact the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.
TANZANIA - Entry Requirements
A passport and visa ($62.50) are required for travel to Tanzania. U.S. citizens with valid passports may obtain a visa prior to arrival. Contrary to embassy visa instructions that state that you need “proof of having sufficient funds to maintain the applicant while in Tanzania”, as of 6-15-05, according to the embassy and also according to our recommended visa service, this requirement is NOT necessary for tourist visas. The embassy uses the same instruction sheet for all kinds of visas and assured us that this is not necessary. U.S. passports should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date the visa is obtained, whether it is acquired beforehand or at the port of entry. Also, foreigners are required to show their passports when entering or exiting the islands of Unguja (more commonly known as, and hereafter referred to as, Zanzibar) and Pemba.
Detailed entry information may be obtained from the Tanzanian Embassy at 2139 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-6125; or the Tanzanian Permanent Mission to the United Nations at 205 East 42nd Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 972-9160. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate.
You will need passport and visas for both Kenya and Tanzania. Over the last couple of years there have been changes with embassies requiring fees and documentation requirements. Therefore we ask that you request your forms directly from the embassy so you can get the most up-to-date requirements.
If you need a passport or visa service to process your documents or need rush service, we recommend a service called It’s Easy, located in New York. You can check their website http://www.itseasypassport.com for passport and visa requirements and to download the current forms and rates and processing fees. Or you can call them to fax you forms if you do not have Internet. Please indicate you were referred by Djoser, Inc to get a 10% discount of the processing fee. They provide rush service for an additional fee.
It’s Easy (Passport & Visa Service)
Satellite Airline Terminal
125 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Phone - (212) 286-8500
Fax (212)-490-3224
Website http://www.itseasypassport.com
E-mail mail@itseasypassport.com
Flights
We book our flights with top airlines. Most airlines will honor earned mileage. You will need to submit your mileage credit yourself upon receipt of your flight information. For airlines that allow advance seating reservations, we typically request aisle and adjoining seats unless otherwise instructed on your registration form. It is vital that you arrive at the airport early, according to the airline (often 3 hours prior to flight time). We do provide airport transfers (airport pick-up and drop off) in our destination country for those who book the Land/Air package. Flight times are subject to change. It is recommended that you book your domestic Add-on (connecting) flights through Djoser in association with the international flight. To avoid penalties for flight changes do not book your own domestic add-on (connecting flight) without first receiving a printed copy of your flight record from Djoser confirming your actual departure and return flight times.
Sample flight: Northwest/KLM
|
Depart NY |
Return NY |
|
6:15 PM |
4:15 PM |
|
Depart LAX |
Return LAX |
|
9:45 AM |
4:04 PM |
Usual flight times – subject to change
Airline Tickets
You will receive your tickets or E-tickets 10-12 days prior to your departure date.
In case the airline uses E-tickets you will receive two documents:
• A document that shows the E-ticket number & flight itinerary (sent by email & mail).
• A receipt of the E-ticket (sent by mail).
The first document listed is needed to check in at the Automated kiosks. If you check in at the
E-ticket desk you don’t need any of the provided documents, you can simply show your passport and you’re good to go. Both the automated kiosk and the e-ticket desk insure a much faster check in than at the regular check in desks. It is important to hold on to your e-ticket receipt, as you might need it to claim your mileage credits (if the airline awards mileage for this particular flight).
Money
You will be asked to pay the guide a Local Payment upon your arrival in the amount of $515 U.S. This amount will be deducted from the published price on your invoice, as you will need to pay this directly to the guide. Be sure to have available cash.
You should budget at least the equivalent of $300 to cover all of the optional activities you might like to try, as well as your drinks, the restaurant meals, crafts and souvenirs. There are full banking facilities available in the major towns and cities where you are able to change money and withdraw cash from your credit card. Your tour guide will advise further at the pre-departure meeting. Exchange rate at the time of printing is approximately: US $1 = Tzh 900.00 US $1 = Kes 74.00
Tipping is entirely at your discretion, and based on how you feel the service has been. Our guides do go to great lengths to provide you with an experience of a lifetime. They often go that extra mile to make that special moment. Remember also that it is hours of behind-the-scenes work that you may not be aware of that will make your tour really special. Please consider all of this when you decide on your tip. It is a 24-hour job that requires dedicated effort.
An indication of what is generally accepted and paid to the guides is:
Drivers/guides/couriers: $2 to $3 per day per client; Trainees $1 per day
National Parks Guides/optional activities: $1 to $2 per person
Bar staff/waiters: 10% of bill if service is excellent
In regard to optional activities, all of our trips are designed so that you can choose, according to your own particular budget, which excursions you wish to partake in. Any activity marked ‘optional’ will be at the client’s expense. Your guides are able to assist with information on all the options offered. Our land agents can book these excursions as an extra service to our clients.
Remember these optional extras are operated by third party local companies and not by our land agents. Some activities are adventurous with inherent risk. All activities are undertaken at your own risk, and Djoser Inc. will not be held responsible in any way. Sometimes political or civil unrest and other circumstances beyond the control of our land agents will mean the group has to make alternative travel plans. We recommend that you bring emergency funds or have access to funds that you do not intend to use. Most insurance policies refund only after you have paid out.
Health
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s website at http://www.who.ith/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/iht. Certain inoculations may be mandatory for this area as well as a required cholera statement for Tanzania. Check current requirement carefully. If you are reading this online, you can click through the recommended medicines if underlined below for further information.
• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
• Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), or have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
• Meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine, if you plan to visit the western half of Ethiopia (see meningitis map) from December through June.
• Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
• Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region.
• Yellow fever, if you travel anywhere outside urban areas.
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Malaria tablets. But ask about side effects from certain brands.
Any one participating in an adventure safari must be in good health. Please see our terms and conditions for further information on this. Please note that Djoser Inc. is not qualified to give you medical advice and you must contact your own doctor for information.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection vary from country to country. We recommend that you contact your doctor and gain the correct medical advice about vaccinations.
All clients MUST have full medical and travel insurance cover before joining the tour. See booking terms and conditions for further information.
There is an emergency first aid kit on board every vehicle. This kit is for emergencies or serious medical conditions only. If items are used, clients will be asked to pay for them. Clients are advised to bring a simple personal first aid kit, and details are supplied below.
It must be understood that your crew are not able to administer any drugs. It is the client’s responsibility to administer medication to him or herself, unless incapacitated, in which case that individual’s traveling partner will administer medication.
The most major health risk is Malaria – so take your prophylactics on time. The best way of avoiding malaria is to not get bitten in the first place! Cover up at night and keep your tents closed at all times. Look after your tent zips!!!
Bilharzia is present in Africa. It is not an immediate life-threatening disease! Simply have a test when you get back home and the treatment is simple and effective. Do not let it spoil your swimming!
All water on the truck is clean and drinkable. Beware of any other water in Africa as it can make you sick!
Good personal hygiene is essential! Wash hands as often as you can, and always before eating - but remember water is precious in Africa.
Inform your crew about any medical problems or allergies. This is essential and will be treated confidentially. Be sure to inform them if any medical conditions get serious. There are not always hospitals or doctors everywhere along the route.
Luggage & Clothing
Space in the vehicle is limited and we request that you pay particular attention to the following guidelines. We suggest your luggage is restricted to 33 pounds (so you can comfortably carry it). We recommend that you utilize old or inexpensive luggage. Suitcases are NOT suitable. You may use a small-/ medium-sized soft bag or rucksack, provided that it has no frame.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY EXCESS LUGGAGE OVER THE ABOVE SPECIFIED WEIGHT LIMIT WILL NOT BE LOADED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. EXCESS LUGGAGE WILL BE STORED AND ANY COSTS INCURRED WILL BE THE PASSENGERS RESPONSIBILITY.
IMPORTANT: Please take your sleeping bag and toiletries with you on board the plane (sleeping bags and toiletries are difficult to replace in Africa should they be lost on your flight over).
Resources
It is extremely useful to pick up a good travel guidebook. We highly recommend Lonely Planet. You will find a wealth of practical information regarding money issues, maps, local customs, history, activities, and much more. There are always great travel journals, historical and political books at your local bookstore as well. The internet is also invaluable for researching and finding great photos. Be sure to check out this trip’s Slide Show (see link above) to get a good feeling for the trip, lodgings and modes of travel.
Communication
By Phone: at most places you will be hard to reach. There are no public phones at the campgrounds in the national parks.
By E-Mail: There are Internet cafés in Mombasa, Nairobi and Arusha.
By Cell Phone: Reception is limited. Inquire with your provider about your service before departure.
