Kenya Safari + Seychelles Package - Option 1

Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this: an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches; gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities; and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.

Currency:  
Local currency: Kenyan Shilling  
Symbol: KSh 
ISO code: KES
Central bank: Central Bank of Kenya
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 
Coins: KSh40, 20, 10, 5, 1 and 50, 10 cents(lesscommonly used)

Banking: 
Card Transactions:  
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Sometimes 
Diner’s club: Sometimes 

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 09h00 - 15h00
Weekends:Saturdays: 09h00 -12h00. Sundays: Closed. Check the specific hours of the bank branch you plan to visit, as operating hours can vary between branches and regions.
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Nairobi has two airports for domestic and regional flights: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport (www.kaa.go.ke). Kenya has over 150 domestic airports and airstrips and there are daily flights to the most popular destinations. In addition to the scheduled airlines, several private charter companies operate out of Wilson Airport. Please note that only one piece of soft baggage weighing 15-20kg is allowed on charter flights

Kenya Airways (www.kenya-airways.com), Air Kenya (www.airkenya.com), Fly 540 (www.fly540.com), Mombasa Air Safari (www.mombasaairsafari.com) and Safarilink (www.flysafarilink.com) serve the most popular safari destinations, plus many others such as Lake Victoria.

On smaller, domestic planes the baggage allowance is restricted to 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs). Arrangements can be made to leave excess luggage with hotels or airlines.

Main roads between the major cities and towns are generally in good condition, and easily navigable in a normal saloon car. Most highways in the south are paved, but that’s not the case in the north.Vehicles are driven on the left side of the road. 

While major roads are generally in a good condition, most minor gravel roads have deep potholes which deteriorate further in the rainy season. Dirt roads, including those in the parks and reserves, are extremely rough, and some are only passable with a 4-wheel drive.

You can hire self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars from travel agents and international hire companies. Drivers must be at least 23 years of age. Budget (www.budget.com) and Europcar (www.europcar.com) have outlets at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Budget also has a desk at Moi International Airport in Mombasa, while Europcar has an office in town. Car hire can be expensive and rates vary significantly.
A driving licence from a home country (and a translation if this is not in English) or an International Driving Permit is required. Third-party insurance is mandatory when hiring a car and it’s recommended to take out the additional collision damage waiver. A valid credit card is also needed.

Matatus (shared minibus taxis) hop from town to town, starting and finishing at bus stations. Fares are paid to the conductor. Private taxis can also be hired for long-distance journeys.

It is not possible to rent motorbikes or mopeds but some of the beach resorts hire out bicycles.

Numerous private bus companies operate in Kenya. Most vehicles are old and tend to depart when full, which means there are no set timetables. Petty theft on the vehicles and at bus stations can be a problem. Nevertheless, buses are cheap and link all long-distance destinations. Plus, seatbelts are now mandatory, so buses are relatively safe.

Nairobi and Mombasa have efficient local bus systems and there are also frequent matatus, but reckless driving and petty theft makes them a dodgy option for tourists. Three-wheeled auto rickshaws are popular in town centres and carry up to three passengers.

The newer fleets of taxis (usually painted white with a yellow band) are reliable and have meters. The older yellow taxis do not have meters, so fares should be agreed in advance. In Nairobi, there is a fleet of London-style black cabs. A 10% tip is expected. Cabs cannot be hailed in the street, but can be found parked in taxi ranks.

Food and water safety:  
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and vegetables: No, unless thoroughly washed and peeled
Ice: No, unless made from bottled or purified water
Meat: Yes, but from reputable establishments
Street food: No, unless from a reputable source and freshly prepared

Local cuisine: Kenyan food is diverse, exhibiting the different tastes and flavours of its different tribes, as well as the spices of early Arab settlers and East Indian railway workers, and the fresh seafood straight from the Swahili coast. Top dishes include Kenyan Stew, made with meat and spices; Mutura, a rich, dark goat sausage; and Mandazi, a kind of donut flavoured with cardamom and sweet coconut milk.

Drinks: 

Tusker Beer
Kenyan Coffee
Chai (Kenyan Tea)
Madafu (Fresh Coconut Water)
Maziwa Lala (Fermented Milk)

*In addition to these beverages, there are also a variety of everyday drinks available, such as fruit juices, sodas, and bottled water.

Tipping: 10%  

Kenya's temperatures are very high all year round due to its location close to the equator. Summer temperatures (January and February) range from 35° to 40°C during the day, and 25°C to 30°C at night. The dry season is from December to March, this is also the warmest season/months.

Rainfall and the end of Summer usually begins at a mild rate in April and gradually intensifies until early May.  Expect heavy downpour but this is usually short-lived or sporadic. Be prepared with a “breathable” waterproof rain jacket. While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year.

The Great Migration fills the Mara plains from August.  Nights and early mornings can still be chilly. Expect clear skies and hot, dry weather from September onwards.

Best time to visit: Visiting between July and September, the dry season, will allow you to experience milder climate and see the Great Migrations of Wildebeest and Zebra. In the rainy season, you’ll find fewer tourists and stunning, lush landscapes.

Important items to pack:

• Passport, plane tickets and emergency contact document
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and (spf) lip balm
• Insect repellent (spray or wrist bands)
• Spare glasses if you wear contact lenses (it might be too dusty to wear them comfortably)
• Eye Drops (as the air can get quite dry)
• Binoculars
• Camera, extra batteries, charger (if applicable)
• Personal Medications -Carry any necessary prescriptions
• First Aid Kit: Include basics like bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers
• UK plug adaptor and transformer/voltage converter
• Zip lock bags for toiletries, camera equipment etc.
• Travel umbrella
• Quick dry towel
• Safari hat or cap (wide rimmed to include coverage of the back of your neck) Good idea to have a wind cord or cinch strap to secure your hat especially when travelling in an open safari vehicle
• Closed toe shoes or boots for walks
• Lightweight Backpack: Ideal for carrying essentials during game drives
• “Breathable,” waterproof rain jacket and rain pants

Safari Clothing:

• Neutral-Colored Clothing: Blend with surroundings and avoid attracting wildlife
• Lightweight, Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants: Protect from the sun and insect bites
• Convertible Pants: Consider pants with zip-off legs that can be converted into shorts for versatility in changing temperatures.
• Safari Vest or Jacket with Pockets: Opt for a vest or jacket with multiple pockets to conveniently store essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera
• Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of blisters
• Buff or Scarf: Bring a lightweight scarf or buff to shield your face from dust and insects or provide additional warmth during cooler mornings or evenings
• Lightweight Rain Jacket or Poncho: Be prepared for unexpected rain showers, especially during the wet season
• Swimsuit: If your itinerary includes lodges with swimming pools or coastal destinations, pack a swimsuit for relaxation and recreation
• Casual sandals or flip flops
• Warm clothing for June – August. Consider warm gloves and a scarf

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in cities. 

General tips
General tipping guidelines:
Safari Lodges / Hotels:

- Tip box at reception: USD 10 per traveller, per day of stay 
- Game drive guide: USD 15 per traveller, per day  
- Game drive tracker: USD 10 per traveller, per day  
- Private game drives: USD 10 - 15 per traveller, per day  
- Butler: USD 2 – 5 (at own discretion) per traveller, per day 
- Staff (general): USD 2 – 5 (at own discretion) per traveller, per day 

- Porter: USD 2 per bag

Guided tours:
- Tour guide USD 15 per person per day  
- Driver USD 5 per person per day  
General living:
- Restaurants: 10% - 20% of the invoice amount 
- Activities: USD 5 -10 per person  
 

Dotting the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is renowned for its tailor-made romantic getaways, adventure opportunities, and breath-taking natural beauty. This exceptionally picturesque archipelago is comprised of 115 coral and granite islands. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on sun-drenched beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, visiting the lively capital city of Victoria, and exploring the colourful coral underwater wonderlands encircling the islands. Other major highlights include abundant wildlife such as giant Aldabra tortoises and nesting sea turtles, indigenous plant life, and a host of tropical birds. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve and Aldabra Atoll.

Currency 
Local currency: Seychellois Rupee 
Symbol: SCR 
ISO code: SCR 
Subunit: Cent (1/100 of a Rupee) 
Banknotes: 25, 50, 100, 500 rupees 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 cents; 1, 5, 10 rupees 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 
 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 14:30 
Weekends: Saturdays: 08:00 – 11:00 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Seychelles 
International Airports: Seychelles International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Praslin Island Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes, primarily on Mahé and Praslin 
Gravel roads: Yes, on smaller islands 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Limited 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes, efficient on Mahé and Praslin 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, between main islands 
Water taxis: Yes, for tours and transfers 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, but bottled water is recommended for visitors 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes, particularly reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Seychellois cuisine is a rich fusion of French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences with a strong emphasis on seafood and exotic spices. Dishes like fish curry, octopus curry, and the unique fruit bat curry are popular, alongside rice and tropical fruits. 

Drinks: 
Famous local drinks include Seybrew (local beer), coconut water, and rum cocktails. 

Tipping: Not traditionally expected but appreciated, usually around 5-10%. 

Annual rainfall: Varies by island, generally around 2360 mm 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 29°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 27°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Seychelles is during the cooler months from May to September when the weather is drier and ideal for beach activities and wildlife watching. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Not typically needed 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential 
Walking shoes: Yes, for nature trails 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes, available in major areas 
Accommodation options: Yes, widely available with good connectivity 
Restaurants: Yes, mostly in tourist areas 
Cafes: Yes, in major tourist spots 
Shopping malls: Yes, in Victoria 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes