Faqs:.Bunvic Tours & Carhire Services -Tours & Travel logistic specialists offering transfers and car hire for leisure and business on all terrains in Kenya and East Africa;

How much baggage can one carry?
Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase or hold all per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 7 persons in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction). Visitors to Treetops and the Ark are asked to take overnight bags only; suitcases can be left at the base hotel. Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra cost. Baggage can also be stored at Highlight Safaris offices. A baggage weight restriction of 15 kg per person applies on air safaris. Where very small aircraft are used this maybe reduced to 10kg.

What is the local currency?
Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash or travellers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in Nairobi and at most large hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay. As a norm, always ask what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction. Banks are usually open from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, Mondays through Fridays and from 9.00 am and 11.00 am on Saturdays.

Are credit cards acceptable?
VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourist services. There?s usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions.

What is the basic health information?
Since rules concerning disease prevention change from time to time, a check should be made with the nearest Kenyan High Commission, Kenya Tourist Office or any airline flying scheduled services into Kenya. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and intending visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue taking them for the prescribed time after their return. Insect repellants should be made use of after dusk and suitable cover up clothes should be worn in the evenings. Flying Doctors Society Membership of the Flying Doctors Society is strongly recommended. In event of accident or sickness while on safari, the society will fly patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance to hospital. The current cost for 1-month membership is US$ 25 per person.

Is there clean drinking water?
Drinking water from the tap must be considered risky. Hotels and lodges usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarket.

What are the major security concerns?
Normal precautions as in any other destination worldwide should be taken. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to make use of safe deposit boxes and safes. One should never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on handbags in crowds or busy streets. Jewellery snatching is quite common in city streets. As in all major cities walking alone or in small groups at night should be considered a hazard and avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all the principal hotels. Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policeman, the president, the national flag, the State House, state lodges, soldiers, prisons and prisoners etc., is prohibited. Before photographing local people, permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed. Seek the assistance of your driver/guide in this matter.

What is the local voltage?
Both mains electricity and generated supply in lodges provide 240 volts AC 50 cycles. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with 110v 50 cycles. Sockets are normally three pin and of the ?square? variety.

Is there a standard rate for tipping and porterage?
Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.

Which is the commoly used language locally?
Kiswahili is the lingua franca while English is the official language. In addition, most tribes have their own language.

Good to Know Information
INCENTIVE TRAVEL
Many people dream of visiting East Africa.
If you are looking for the perfect incentive travel option for your employees, affiliates or partners, why not let their dreams come true and offer them an African safari?
Putting together the perfect safari package to suit any individual needs and interests couldn't be any easier. With our world of safari options, you'll be spoilt for choice.

SAFARI STYLES
We offer the traveler an unparalleled range of options. The incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, wildlife and activities mean endless opportunities.
With so many choices at hand, some people find the prospect of planning a trip quite daunting. It doesn't have to be that way. With us it is very easy to plan and prepare for a safari that is as individual as you are, and that satisfies your own personal needs and interests.

VISA AND PASSPORT

A valid passport is required for all foreigners entering Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Visa requirements vary according to country of origin. Most nationalities however, require a visa to enter Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. We advise that you check with the nearest Consulate of Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda, if traveling to the respective country.A visa can be processed at the airports upon arrival but this can be very slow. We therefore advise clients to purchase them from their countries of origin before traveling.

HEALTH

Malaria is endemic to certain areas of Kenya all visitors should begin taking anti-Malaria prophylactics two weeks before arriving in Kenya, throughout their stay and for a minimum of three weeks after leaving Kenya. Bottled mineral water, both local and imported, can be purchased in hotel sundry shops and other tourist kiosks. You will find filtered and safe drinking water in thermos, bottles in your hotel or lodge rooms, but it is advisable not to drink water from the taps, rivers or lakes. Do not bathe in rivers and lakes.

VACCINATIONS
A yellow fever and Cholera vaccination certificate is required in Kenya if visitors are arriving from a country where these diseases are present. Yellow fever certificate is required in Tanzania regardless of country of origin. We advise that all clients seek advice from their doctors when planning to travel. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended

CURRENCY
Kenyan currency is based on the decimal system. The unit of currency is the Shilling divided into 100 cents. Visitors are advised to check currency exchange rates regularly. Banks give slightly better rates of exchange than hotels. It is a serious offense to deface or knowingly damage Kenyan currency. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid street dealers and to transact all currency dealings through official dealers.

BANKING
Nairobi, Mombasa and most other principal centers in Kenya have banks with Bureau de Change. Banking hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday, though some open between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the first and last Saturday of each month. Banks at Jomo Kenyatta and Moi International Airports operate a 24-hour service.

TIPPING
A Service Charge is usually included in all tariffs, however the tipping of exceptional service is always appreciated. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5% to 10% tip.

SECURITY
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 which are available at most hotels and lodges. As in all major cities, it is advisable to avoid back streets at night (especially alone); in fact is it much safer to avoid night walking altogether and use taxis or self-drive hire cars instead. Kenya has an excellent police force and most hotels have experienced security personnel and caring doormen.

HOTEL CHECK-OUT TIME
The standard checkout time in Kenya is 10 a.m. regardless of the actual departure time from your hotel. Day room facilities maybe available for clients leaving in the evening or they may allow you keep your room until departure depending on the occupancy of the Hotel. A charge will be payable locally for this service.

ACCOMMODATION

Whenever possible we book rooms with private bathrooms on the basis of two persons sharing a double room. Single rooms are available at supplementary cost but neither single room nor rooms with private bath can be guaranteed especially within the national parks and game reserves. Hotels, where mentioned, are named as an indication of category and rooms may be reserved at similar hotels.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Film is available at most game lodges, even in remote areas, but stocks are usually small and of the common sizes and brands. Nairobi and Mombasa have supplies of the most normal types of film. For game and bird photography a telephoto lens of 200-300mm is strongly recommended. Twin lenses reflex cameras are generally impractical. It is wise to equip yourself with plenty of batteries, ultra-violet filter and lenses hood as these are seldom available when on Safari.
Visitors are advised that it is an offence to photograph Kenya's head of state, military installations, policemen in uniforms, etc. As a general rule elsewhere, visitors are strongly advised to seek permission before taking any photographs.