Dawn 2 Dusk guides are there for you to make sure that no matter how easy or hard your question is, it will be answered. Our itineraries are made in a manner that all your dreams will be fulfilled.
WHAT ARE THE PASSPORT, ENTRY AND VISA REQUIREMENTS IN KENYA?
Visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay. Visas are required, depending on the passport you carry. Please check the web site for the Embassy of Kenya in your home country.
HOW DO I PLAN MY ITINERARY?
Talk with a Dawn 2 Dusk representative about your options. You may be tempted to book a safari that covers all the attractions, especially on your first visit to East Africa. Dawn 2 Dusk can help you make decisions based on the amount of time you have, your budget, and your favorite activities. Most travelers to Kenya spend some time in the national parks. A traditional cultural experience and a beach stay can be great additions.
WHAT WILL I SEE?
The beauty of Africa encompasses not only birds and animals of all types and sizes, but also the many different tribal peoples and exotic physical features—from mountains to broad savannah, forests to rivers and deserts. Think of a beautiful sunrise at the beach, a colorful sunset on the plains or beside the mountains, or a star-filled sky like you have never seen before. Your safari will be carefully planned to include a wide variety of sights and activities.
HOW'S THE WEATHER?
For the past few years, it has proved tricky to predict the weather, so we say there is at least a 50% chance of great weather! Because of high elevation, and proximity to the Equator, the weather in Kenya is pleasant throughout the year. Temperatures vary according to altitude and situation. The coastal and the lake areas are humid; average annual high and low daytime temperatures range from 22 to 30 Centigrade (72F to 87F). Usually, a fresh breeze blows from the ocean. The plateau and Nairobi, altitude of 1676 meters (5500 feet), are cool in the mornings and evenings with constant winds in the dry seasons.
WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING?
A safari is a very casual experience. Neutral colors are most suitable when near wildlife. We recommend a mix of short- and long-sleeved shirts, shorts and long pants, casual skirts for women, and comfortable walking shoes. Prepare to dress in layers, adding or removing outer garments as the weather changes throughout the day. A waterproof layer is a good idea.
IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO STORE EXTRA GEAR AND CLOTHING THAT I WILL NOT NEED?
Yes. In most cases, you can store extra gear and clothing at your hotel. A small charge may be incurred, but typically, the service is free. You will also be able to leave a small amount of personal items in our vehicle.
WHAT LUGGAGE SHOULD I BRING?
Two words to the wise: travel lightly. We recommend two small bags rather than one large suitcase. Collapsible suitcases (overnight bags, duffel bags, sleeping bags, etc.) are ideal. While you are on safari, additional baggage may be safely stored at the hotel. The baggage allowance on local planes within East Africa is often less than 15 kg (about 33 pounds).
CAN I BRING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES?
In East Africa the power supply is 240 volts. To use appliances that run on 110 volts, you will need a converter. Plugs are three-pin, square peg (as in England). Game lodges use generators, which shut down at midnight. Most campsites have some electricity. Camps in Tanzania only use generators for a few hours per day—usually enough to recharge batteries. Please remember you may be in remote parts of Africa, so it is best not to count on electricity.
HOW IS THE FOOD?
Good! All meals—buffet-style American breakfast and sumptuous lunches and dinners--are included while on safari. You'll savor everything from African delicacies to international specialties on a Dawn 2 Dusk Safari. All meals are prepared from freshly acquired vegetables and fruits. If anyone in your group is a vegetarian, please inform us, so we can indicate that to the lodges and hotels. On camping trips, we have qualified cooks who share their experience with clients who like to participate in cooking!
WHAT ABOUT THE WATER?
Dawn 2 Dusk Safaris recommends bottled water only. Most hotels and lodges provide a thermos of drinking water in the rooms, but we recommend that you buy drinking water from food stores or from the lodges where you will be staying. We advise drinking at least 2 liters of water per day.
WHAT'S THE LOCAL CURRENCY?
The standard currency for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda is the Shilling, but their values differ greatly and they are not interchangeable. Your local bank can give you current exchange rates. It’s not necessary to change your money before you leave; banks for currency exchange are at all international airports and in most hotels. Because most of the services are prepaid, we recommend that you carry only a small amount of local currency at a time. For example, you can start with US$200 and then change additional bills or checks as needed. The best place for a good exchange rate is the Forex Bureau. Traveler’s checks are not accepted everywhere, so we don’t recommend traveling with them.
WHAT ABOUT THE LANGUAGE?
English is the official language in Kenya and Uganda, and it is widely spoken in Tanzania. Kiswahili is spoken throughout East Africa, and numerous other dialects exist in different regions. You will be perfectly comfortable if you speak English, but a Dawn 2 Dusk guide will always be on hand to help you.
HOW IS PHOTOGRAPHY IN KENYA?
Africa, and particularly Kenya, is a photographer's dream! A camera will record all those unbelievable and spectacular sights you'll want to share with friends. It is, by our recommendation, a must. For the best shots we suggest a good 35 mm camera with a 35-70 mm zoom lens and a long lens, such as 80-200 mm or even a 300 mm, to shoot the multitude of rare birds. Bottom line, any camera you have will operate.
NOTE: Taking photographs at airports, of policemen in uniforms, of State Houses or Lodges, of harbors and military installations is STRICTLY prohibited. If you would like to photograph people, please ask and be willing to pay them if they ask you to do so.
WHAT ARE THE TOURS LIKE?
Observing birds and wildlife in their natural surroundings is the main focus of the tours, and the itineraries are designed to provide the best opportunities to encounter them. We also strive to understand a bit of the bigger picture, such as how birds and wildlife go about their daily lives, and integrate into the environment. The quality of your experience is our number one priority.
We are always based in comfortable, good-quality lodging, and when meals are not prepared, we eat at reasonably priced restaurants. The days are often long, but usually at a relaxed and easy pace, with plenty of opportunities for comfort stops, meals, and photo opportunities.
WHO GOES ON THE TOURS?
Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts of all ages have participated in Dawn 2 Dusk Safaris. These people have all shared a common bond of enjoying the outdoors and a willingness to share their experiences with others. While no special skills are required to participate in the tours, it helps to have enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. For some tours, there may be some physical considerations, such as the amount of walking or number of boat trips; please ask if you have any questions.
WHERE CAN I FIND A CHECKLIST OF KENYAN BIRDS?
Please visit www.kenyabirds.org.uk and www.worldbirds.org/kenya
DISCLAIMER
Prices are inclusive of ground transportation, accommodations, meals as per itinerary, park entry fees, and guiding fees. Prices exclude airfare, tips, airport taxes. Extras such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, and personal items are excluded.
RESERVATION
A deposit of 50% is required at the time of booking and the balance is due before the tour begins.
CANCELLATION
ALL monies paid will be refunded less the cost of cancellation fees levied by hotels and any charges incurred by food purchases and any other relevant expenses.
ALTERATION TO TOURS
The company reserves the right to alter the arrangement or cancel the operation of a scheduled tour should conditions so necessitate. It also reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any persons as a member of any tour at any time, in which case an equitable amount will be refunded. Prices are based on tariffs and other costs at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.
LIABILITY
The Company and its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to camping, accommodation, tours, transport, etc. and shall not be liable for injury, delays, death, loss or damage in any manner.
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