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Our Environment |
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 Leading Edge Safaris is committed to protecting and conserving the environment through the promotion and practicing of eco-tourism. For more information or to become an active supporter of this philosophy, click here. |
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Information |
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| Useful Travel Information |
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Best time to make your safari.
Language
Travelling with children.
Additional costs you may be required to cater for.
International and Local Flights
Travel insurance.
Visa requirements.
Communication.
Safety issues.
Electrical Equiptment
Health Requirements
Clothes, personal effects and safari supplies.
Flight arrangements
Your Reservation
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Best time to make your safari.
Kenya and Tanzania are great year round destinations. The main tourist season is in January and February, since the hot, dry weather at this time of year is generally considered to be the most pleasant. Its also when bird life flocks to the Rift Valley lakes in the greatest numbers. June to September could be called the shoulder season as the weather is still dry. July/August and December are the busiest times in Kenya and Tanzania when parks and lodges get a bit crowded and reservations often must be made at least 6 to 8 months in advance.
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Language
Predominant language in the East African region is Swahili. English is widely used and except when communicating with locals in remote locations, expect no language barrier.
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Travelling with children.
Both Kenya and Tanzania are very good destinations for families. Available facilities cater for the family setup and the family would definitely have an unforgettable experience if you share your safari with them. However, depending on the age of the children, certain precautions and care is necessary. Some trips involve some physical activities and others while thrilling requires exercising cautions for instance during game drives. Children over the age of 8 years have shown good adaptation to the safari conditions. Those of a lesser age would require extra care during the safari. It is also advisable to consult a health physician about any health-related concerns you may have
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Additional costs you may be required to cater for.
There are taxes levied on the services that your are given which are covered in your safari package fees. However like many interntional airports both Kenya and Tanzania charge a departure airport tax of $40. If it is not included in your airline ticket, be ready to pay this tax in cash in denominations of $20 or less. For domestic flights within Kenya, airport departure tax is US$ 3.00. Be ready to take care of your drinks, tips, insurance and purchase of personal items. Climbers are responsible for climbing gear, personal requirements and insurance.
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International and Local Flights
Most flights are via London or Amsterdam. It takes about 4 hours from the U.S. to London or Amsterdam. It takes a further 8 hours to travel to Nairobi, Kenya. Connections to Daresalaam Tanzania are available from Nairobi. Total flight time may increase depending on scheduling of the connecting flights
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Travel insurance.
It is strongly recommended that all travelers are individually insured. The travel insurance should cover personal accident, health and loss of personal effects. Providing adequate information regarding your travel details is important in getting the best coverage.
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Visa requirements.
Yes, a tourist visa is required for entry into both Kenya and Tanzania. This can be obtained prior to making the trip through the local Kenya and/or Tanzania embassy/consulate or during the trip at the port of entry. The advance application requires 5 to 6 weeks while the later takes approximately 30 minutes.
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Communication.
While communications in remote camps will be limited, most major hotels and lodges offer Internet services as well as international telephone and fax services. Additionally, private communication centers and cyber cafes in larger towns enable tourists to stay connected. Some centers may close on Sundays and public holidays. The cellular networks in Kenya & Tanzania cover most large towns and tourist areas. There are post offices in many towns, and stamps are also sold in many shops in tourist lodges and hotels.
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Safety issues.
Basic precautions should be taken in all countries. Tour guides are highly experienced in navigating each destination, but visitors should always be aware of their surroundings, especially in any rural villages that may be wary of foreigners. In less-developed areas where many people live in poverty, crimes of opportunity can occur, such as petty theft. Visitors are advised to stay alert and use common sense. Safari guests should limit the amount of cash they carry and lock valuables in a hotel safe or other secure place. Lock hotel rooms when you leave. Do not walk alone in deserted areas at night. Take extra care of purses, bags and wallets in crowded places.
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Electrical Equiptment
The local electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC, 50HZ. Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and plug adaptors where appropriate. Major hotels usually provide hair dryers, irons and other electrical amenities upon request. Where possible, have electrical equipment that can run on regular batteries.
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Health Requirements
The Kenya and Tanzania governments require only immunization for yellow fever. We strongly recommend immunization against malaria. Please consult your family doctor to determine the additional shots he would recommend. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, which bite mainly at dusk and at night. You can only contract malaria if you are bitten by an infected anopheles mosquito. It is best to use insect repellent containing DEET (sprayed on clothing and any exposed skin), to keep arms and legs covered as much as possible, and to avoid the use of perfume, hairspray and other scented products that might attract mosquitoes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that visitors to Kenya & Tanzania take anti-malarial medication. Consult a physician or travel clinic before your trip so that he or she can prescribe the appropriate drugs. Anti-malarial medications are generally taken prior to your departure, during your trip, and after you return home for periods determined by your doctor. Symptoms of malaria include aches, chills, headaches and fever, and may not appear until after your trip. Treatment is widely available, recovery times are fast, and with basic precautions, the risk of infection is minimal.
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Clothes, personal effects and safari supplies.
Carry clothes that are comfortable, as you will be seated for long periods. Light airy materials such as cotton or linen are good especially during hot times. For cold periods or at nights, putting on a jacket or cardigan is adequate. Shoes with a good firm grip are recommended.
As with any kind of travelling, be equiped with adequate personal supplies. Popular brands are available in most big towns and cities in Africa.
Useful supplies and items to carry with you include, portable torch and batteries, films, binoculars, cameras and camcoders.
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Flight arrangements
Book early and confirm your flight. We make arrangements for International and local flights. Please let your consultant know when you would like to travel and from what city in the US.
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Your Reservation
We require a deposit of $500 per person while making the reservation. The balance can be paid in two installments, 60% 90 days before travel and the remainder (40%) 45 days before travel. These payments can be made by U.S Dollar Check, Wire Transfer or by Credit Card
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Testimonials |
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| | The guides were a trip themselves…so funny, so happy and so knowledgeable! They answered my questions (and I had all sorts) in a very informed manner. read more... |
| Rich, Tampa, FL
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Select Attractions |
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| | Climbing Kilimanjaro- Rongai Route. |
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Only a limited number of groups are allowed on the route at any time and it is not usually used for descent. This route is a quick and direct way to the summit but it is strenuous and therefore requires one to be in good shape and well acclimated. read more...
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| Climbing Kilimanjaro- Marangu Route. |
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This is popularly known as the -tourist route-. It-s a pretty easy hike unto Kibo hut (about 15,000ft) where it begins to get steep in the scree or snow or ice depending on the weather. read more...
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| Kenya Tanzania Combo |
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What can possibly be better than to combine Kenya, the safari country with Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa. This offers possibly the ultimate exotic adventure, in a spectacular world. read more...
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