Kenya Safari :

After 4 years of wildlife tours across India, Jungle Lore is happy to announce our first international wildlife tour to Kenya.

Magnificent scenery, world-famous wildlife and fascinating tribal cultures combine to make Kenya, Africa one of the world’s most popular and best-organized luxury African safari destinations. When it comes to game viewing, the luxury Kenya safari encompasses the variety of animals, landscapes and accommodations that make for award-winning African safari adventures. Remarkably comfortable and unique hotels, lodges, camps, game ranches and private estates provide exceptional settings for viewing vast concentrations of big game, birds, and other animals on the Kenyan Safari.

The Game Drives (Safaris) are driven around the country in comfortable microbuses & 4 wheel drive vehicles equipped with , binoculars, cooler boxes, bottled mineral water while in vehicle, library on animals ,birds, trees road map of Kenya and open roof vehicles for game viewing . We will have experienced guides accompany us for the game drives.

Best Time to Travel :

Many travellers ask when the best time to travel is, but this is not easily answered because different reserves have different peak seasons for game viewing, even within the same country, and because climate and game viewing conditions vary from year to year.

With that in mind, we’d say generally speaking, the dry months of July through October and mid-December through February are the best game viewing times in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda), when shorter grasses make animals easier to find. An exception to this would be the Serengeti, where the migration of wildebeest and zebra occurs from November through June, centered on different sections of the reserve as the animals make their way north to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where the migration generally peaks from July through August. Heavy annual rains fall from late-March through May in East Africa and are good for observing calving, and for fresh green appearance and dust-free conditions.

Weather :

Although Kenya straddles the equator, the climate is mild and pleasant with sunny days and temperatures averaging 80ºF (27 C) during the day and 55ºF (13 C) at night. The coastal areas are humid and you have the annual long rains from March to June and the short rains in October to November.

Visas :

Members of the Commonwealth do not require visas but nationals of most other countries do. Please check before departure. All travellers must carry a valid passport and are given Visas on arrival at a fee of $25.00 per head.

Electricity :

The power supply is at the UK/ European standard voltage of 220/240, and power sockets are the U.K. square pin type. Remember if you want to use U.S. appliances you will need a voltage convertor as well as a plug convertor. Mains power supply is subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation. On safari, most lodges' power supplies are from generators, and these are often turned off during parts of the day and night to reduce noise and fuel consumption.

Health :

Innoculation against Yellow Fever and Cholera are advisable, but not mandatory, except for arrivals from the Far East, Central America, South, Central and West Africa. It is imperative that anti-malarial prophylactics be taken before, during and after your visit. Changes of diet and water often cause mild stomach upsets, so a supply of anti-diarrhoea pills is advisable. Do not drink the tap water, but it is safe to use the water supplied in flasks in your hotel room and bottled mineral water is readily available.
Yellow fever vaccination should be acquired 10 days before date of travel which is required by Indian Authrities on return to India.

Clothing and Equipment :

Clothes for safari should be light, comfortable and not too brightly colored. There is little or no requirement for anything formal. A light jacket or sweater may be needed in the evenings at higher altitudes; comfortable walking shoes are an essential, as is a hat to keep off the sun, and sunglasses. Don't forget a swimming costume for use at the lodge pools.

Most people bring binoculars and/ or cameras and video equipment with plenty of tape or film. Zoom or telephoto lenses are likely to be useful. Film is available at the lodges.

Most of the better hotels and lodges will spray rooms and provide mosquito nets, but do bring your own insect repellent sprays.A flashlight is always useful.

There will be no television or radio in most places, so you might want to bring a little shortwave radio or Walkman if you want to keep up with world events or listen to some music.

Remember that safari vehicles and light aircraft have tight limits on the size and weight of luggage carried. Depending on your itinerary it may be possible to leave some luggage in your hotel in Nairobi for the duration of your safari.

Communication :

The game drive vehicles are all equipped with two way radios, so that drivers can communicate with their base, each other and the lodges. Most lodges and hotels also have a telephone, but the service, particularly for overseas calls, is both erratic and expensive.

Food and Drink :

It is generally recommended to drink only bottled mineral water which is readily available everywhere.

There are no restrictions on the sale or consumption of alcoholic drinks in Kenya. A good selection of local beers and soft drinks are available everywhere, and you will find a range of imported wines, beers and spirits in many places, although these can be expensive.

The quality and value of food in Kenya is generally very good. However, do eat sensibly particularly in the first few days of your visit.

Language :

The official language of Kenya is Kiswahili. This is spoken and understood by the great majority of the population, many of whom also speak a tribal language. There is a wide usage and understanding of English, and virtually everyone the average tourist is likely to meet in the course of the safari will be fluent.

Tipping and Porterage :

Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.

Luggage :

One normal sized suitcase and an overnight bag is the usual baggage allowance on most safaris. Depending on your itinerary it may be possible to leave some luggage in your hotel in Nairobi for the duration of your safari.

Currency and Exchange :

The local unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling which these days is freely convertible within Kenya for the U.S.$ and other currencies. There are numerous banks and bureaux de change in towns, and most lodges and hotels will exchange currency or travellers cheques at reasonable rates.

It is not possible to obtain Kenya Shillings outside the country, and it is illegal to export more than a small amount. Many items or services are priced and paid for in US dollars so do not convert more funds into the local currency than you need for incidental expenses.

Credit cards are accepted at an increasing number of establishments in Kenya but not everywhere. It is not generally possible to obtain cash on a credit card in Kenya, so it is recommended that visitors carry sufficient funds in the form of travellers cheques.

You should take most of your money in travellers cheques from a well known company such as American Express or Thomas Cook. US Dollars or Pounds Sterling are recommended. It is advisable to carry some US dollars cash in small denominations. Well known credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted at many hotels and tourist shops.

Souvenirs :

Wood Carvings are plentiful throughout the continent and range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, especially the now famous Makonde carvings, originating from Tanzania. Spears and shields are thrust at every tourist. Local handicrafts, bead work screen printed fabrics are common.

Do’s :

· Do wear muted or neutral colours, like Khaki, tan or beige.
· Do move slowly and fluidly in the vehicle minimizing sudden movements.
· Do encourage your driver to move the vehicle as little as possible and to drive slowly, respecting the personal space of animals.
· Do encourage your driver to turn off the engine in the presence of animals and not to rev the engine when starting or to attract the attention of animals.
· Do refrain from smoking.
· Do encourage other travelers who are not behaving appropriately to change their behaviour.
· Do avoid walking after 6:00pm in the city. Preferably take a taxi.
· Do drink mineral water or bottled water.

Don’ts :

· Don’t wear brightly coloured or high-contrast clothing.
· Don’t wave arms.
· Don’t throw anything out of the vehicle.
· Don’t speak above a whisper.
· Don’t yell at animals.
· Don’t pound hands on the side of the vehicles or clap hands in order to get the attention of or scare the animals.
· Don’t feed the animals.
· Don’t leave any valuable in the vehicle or in your hotel room, keep in the safety deposit at the Hotel / Lodge / Camp.
· Don’t wear expensive jewellery during the day in the city.
· Don’t drink tap water.
· Don’t photograph tribes, if photos are required, seek driver’s advice.
· Don’t carry excess baggage only 15kgs are allowed in scheduled and charter flights.
· Don’t sound horn, play radios or cassettes while in the park.

Gaurav Athalye - 09833246740 | Kaustubh Upadhye - 09987126233