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Wild Spree Safaris is a Destination Tour Manager
in East Africa
and offers the most magnificent exposure of African
adventure to tourists in their choice of a Safari. For all your Kenyan and Tanzanian tours.
BANKING HOURS
Mon. -
Fri: 0900 - 1400 hours
Sat: Some Banks 0900 - 1100 hours
On
first/last Saturdays each month
NB: Banks at International Airports
operate a 24 hour service
CREDIT CARDS
In Kenya, Mastercard, Visa,
American Express, Diners Club, and other cards
are widely accepted in major towns only whereas Traveller's cheques or hard currency
is required in Tanzania & Uganda.
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CURRENCY
All
three currencies are based on the decimal system. The shilling is the unit of currency
and is made up of 100 cents. Currency exchange rates differ from bank and hotels and so be advised to check
regularly. It is illegal to leave these countries with
any local currency.. It is a serious offence to deface or knowingly damage such
currency. Visitors are strongly to
transact all currency dealings through official dealers.
CUSTOMS
Visitors can import reasonable volume of personal effects together
with cameras and any amount of film. Unused personal effects, unexposed
film, cameras and accessories (except cine and slide projectors may be
temporarily imported free of duty. A visitor wishing to bring home video
equipment in the form of cameras and cassettes should consult the nearest
Consulate or High Commission as a Customs Bond is normally required for
the period such equipment is in the country. Refundable deposits may be
required for the temporary import of radios, tape recorders and similar
equipment including musical instruments.Visitors
are restricted to duty free items of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and one
litre bottle of spirits.
DRIVING
Driving
is on the left-hand side of the road and many of the road signs will be
familiar to European drivers. Major cities are connected by roads.
Self-hire is arranged locally but not recommended, you will need an
International Driving Licence. A maximum speed limit is 100
kph.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage
in East Africa is 220 - 240 AC. For any appliance running on 110 - 120 Ac will require an adapter.
HEALTH
Malaria
is endemic to certain areas of East Africa and all visitors should take
their malarial prophylactics two weeks before arriving,
throughout their stay and for a minimum of three weeks after leaving.
Pharmaceutical facilities are adequate in the big City centres. Any visitor requiring
special and continuing medication should make prior arrangments to bring sufficient quantities. In the aspects of sunburn, good sun cream and lip balms, with a high degree of sun protection
factor, are strongly recommended.. Piped water supplies are generally safe
in municipal areas but local advice should be taken while on
safari. Bottled mineral water, both local and imported, are available in hotels, sundry shops and other tourist kiosks. Filtered and safe
drinking water is often provided (in thermos flasks) in hotels or lodges
rooms, but it is advisable not to drink water from the taps, rivers or
lakes.
IMMIGRATION
Visitors with the proper documentation and holding onward return tickets
may obtain "Visitor Passes" (normally valid for three months) on arrival
at any Kenyan Port of Entry free of charge.All
visitors must be in possession of a valid passport. Visa requirements vary
from time to time and are dependent on the nationality of the visitor.
Valid passports and visas for everyone, with the exception of citizens of
most Commonwealth and certain other countries with which East Africa has
reciprocal waiver arrangements.It is highly
recommended that a visitor checks the latest requirements either from Airline offices
or from the nearest Tourist Office, Embassy or High Commission.
Visitors who arrive without an
onward ticket maybe asked to purchase one before obtaining a visitors
pass. It is an offence in Kenya to take up work or residence on a visitors pass
without the authority of the Principal Immigration Office.
LUGGAGE ON SAFARI
Visitors are advised to travel light i.e one flexible
lightweight bag and one handbag per person while on safari Most
City hotels have facilities for storing luggage not required on safari.
Laundering is normally available but can be expensive. On any air safaris the
maximum baggage per person is 15 kilos (Kenya) and 10 kilos
elsewhere.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Use
of certain local country or urban buses is not advisable. Although they offer
cheap services to most major towns, they are somewhat
uncomfortable.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Film is
available at most Game Lodges, even in remote areas, but stocks are
usually small and of the common sizes and brands. . For game and bird photography, a
telephone lens of 200-300 mm is strongly recommended. Larger lenses, which
require a tripod, are generally impractical for game photography, and so are
double lens reflex cameras. A lens hood and ultra violet filter are
advisable. Spare batteries for cameras and dust proof cover are essential.
*It is an offence to photograph Kenya's
state and Military installations, Policeman in uniforms, etc. As a
general rule elsewhere, visitors are strongly advised to seek permission
before taking anyone's photograph, especially the Samburu, Maasai and Turkana
tribesmen.
RESTAURANTS
All the
major cities have restaurants offering International Cuisine. Nairobi
has excellent Italian and a number of Indian Restaurants.
Traditional African food focuses on African dishes.
SECURITY
Safe deposit boxes are available in most hotels and lodges. Therefore in
keeping with many tourist centres worldwide, visitors are advised not to
leave any valuables in their hotel room when they go out, but to make use
of the Safe Deposit Boxes.
Visitors should never carry large
sums of cash and women are advised to keep a tight grip on handbags in
crowds and busy thoroughfares. As in all major cities, it is advisable to
avoid backstreets at night wether alone or in a group in fact it is much safer to
avoid night walking altogether and use taxis or self-drive hire cars
are highly advised.
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