Communications

All camps and lodges have radio communication with Nairobi.

Most lodges do have a mobile phone signal (Airtel, Orange, Safaricom or Yu) in the lodge or nearby (under a tree or on a hill) which sometimes can be weak, so please do not always rely on it.

Safaricom generally has the widest coverage.

Most lodges and hotels also have internet access in case of emergencies.

Photography

Please respect the local people with regards to photography and only use cameras if you have the permission of the subject/s to do so.

ever try to “steal” a photo against the will of the person concerned. Let your guide help negotiate terms before you start shooting!

Luggage

If you are taking a local flight within Kenya, please ensure that baggage is packed in soft bags and should weigh no more than 15kg per person.

The airlines will make you re-pack you luggage if your luggage is in hard suitcases or if it is over 15kgs.

It is possible to store luggage not required during the safari with us at The SAFARI Company, at the airport or at your hotel if you are returning there after your trip.

Please refer to our recommended packing list.

Safari Etiquette

Kenya offers a treasure-trove of experiences, ecosystems, wildlife and cultures. The SAFARI Company encourages our guests to support our guides by learning and honouring their policies which helps preserve our precious environment. In order to promote responsible tourism, we ask that you join us in observing the following tips.

Whilst on a game drive

Please do not interfere with animal behaviour.

No more than 5 vehicles around an animal at one time (please accept the decision of your guide to leave an animal if he feels it is becoming overcrowded).

Please do not get too close to the animals as this may distress them.

Please do not get out of the vehicle without consulting your guide.

Please try to be as quiet as possible when viewing wildlife close up. Your guide will turn off the vehicle’s engine whenever possible.

Please minimize off-road driving.

No speeding! The speed limit in the parks is 40kph.

Protect the Environment

Please do not litter, especially cigarette butts.

Please do not collect bones, feathers, stones or plants etc; they are all mini ecosystems.

Please do not buy bones, stones, feather displays or plants etc.

Cultural Exchange

Please do not take photographs of the local people without asking their permission first.

Please do not encourage trade or give personal items away to the local people (if we support begging we promote begging).

If you have brought gifts to give to the local people, please give them to your guide for proper distribution.

Beware of anyone asking you for gifts or money and do not feel obliged to donate anything.

Please report back to us if you are harassed.

Television & Music

Most places do not have either and some safari vehicles do not have radios.

The sounds of the bush are so special, unique and memorable that we advise against either, but if you are a ‘music addict’, we suggest you bring an iPod and sufficient power supply.

Guide to Tipping

Although tipping is a safari tradition, it is never compulsory and should only be done if you feel you have received good service. People working in the tourism industry earn decent salaries compared to local standards. While there are no standard tips within the industry, we can offer the following suggestions:

Most lodges have a staff tip box located at reception, or in a central location. We recommend $10 per group per day in the tip box. These tips will be divided among all lodge staff.

For local guides for a day, the equivalent of US$5 is fine.

For drivers who are with you for an extended time, US$5-8/day is a good tip.

If you are particularly satisfied with assistance received from someone in particular, a personal tip is also acceptable.

In many restaurants, a 10% tip is suggested.

If service charge is added, while this is meant to go to the staff, giving a few extra shillings for good measure is acceptable.

Staff very much appreciate receiving gratuities from you, our guests, because it is one way of assuring them they are doing a good job.