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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Planning your vacation/ a holiday may be demanding especially considering that you may be visiting for the first timer. You will agree that there is substantial planning required by those considering a safari in Africa, not leaving anything to chance. This is inevitable to avoid surprises at the destination you are visiting. Her below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from time to time.

• How do book a chosen Safari with you?
• How do I pay, when and how much deposit?
• Do I need to book my safari in advance?
• What are the entry requirements?
• What does the cost in/exclude?
• What type of vehicles do you use on road safari?
• How many people do you take on a safari?
• What is the best time to go on safari?
• Are we guaranteed to see the 'Big Five' whilst on safari with your company?
• What is a single supplement?
• Is it possible for people with special needs to travel on any of your Safaris?
• Do I require Travel Insurance?
• How safe are your Safaris?
• Do I need to know the local language?
• Is tap water safe to drink?
• How is the local food?
• Do I need yellow fever/malaria inoculation?
• Any advise regarding photography?
• Why should I choose Tropical Vacations Inc?
• What should I pack?

How do book a chosen Safari with you?

Please complete our Online Enquiry Form or send us an e-mail.

How do I make payments?

We require a 35% deposit to confirm a booking, sent by wire transfer to our bank account,

BARCLAYS BANK OF KENYA,
DEVELOPMENT HSE. BRANCH,
A/C NAME: TROPICAL VACATIONS,
A/C NO: 047 1103632,
SWIFT CODE: BARCLKENXX

and balance is payable at least 45 days prior to commencement of the safari. See our term & conditions for further information.

Do I need to book my safari in advance?

It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel, especially during the high/peak seasons - June to Oct and Christmas/New Year season.

What are the entry requirements?

Visas are required to enter all 3 East African Countries - Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. They can either be obtained in advance through the various Embassies/High Commissions abroad, or at the airports or other ports/borders of entry. The process is fast and easy and all one requires to have is a valid passport (at least six months) and the fee is US$50, payable in cash US dollar. 
Citizens of some listed countries cannot get visas on arrival, so it is advisable to enquire with us on booking your safari. Please note: Tanzania Visa is now US$100 for US citizens.

What does the cost in/exclude?

Normally we will specify what the safari/quoted prices will include or exclude below the safari programs. Please do take time to go through these small details for your information.

What type of vehicles do you use on road safari?

We use 7-8 seater custom safari minibuses with pop-up roof ideal for game viewing and sight seeing, Land Cruisers and Land Rovers. All vehicles are fitted with HF long range radios for easy communication and are well maintained to provide maximum level of comfort and safety. In addition to the above, all our vehicles are fully equipped with cool-boxes and first aid kits. 
All our safari drivers are trained tour guides, friendly, experienced, knowledgeable and are committed to ensuring clients' satisfaction. Past clients testimonials confirm this.

How many people do you take on a safari?

Most of our safaris operate on private basis with a minimum of two persons on a lodge safari and 04 persons on a camping adventure. We recommend not more than 7 persons per vehicle for maximum comfort and guaranteed window seats.

When is the best time to go on a safari? 
All Year Round! But it also really depends on the type of animal you wish to see. Certain reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year. It is generally felt that the African winter (June - August) is the best time to go on safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over two million animals in the Mara and Serengeti plains.

Are we guaranteed to see the 'Big Five' whilst on safari with your company?

We cannot guarantee this, as all of the animals are in their natural environment. However, with our well though-out itineraries and chosen locations you will not be disappointed.

What is a single supplement?

This is a fee imposed on single travelers by the hotels, lodges and camps. Our safari prices are quoted based on two people sharing accommodation. If someone takes a room by themselves they have to pay the per-person price plus the single supplement fee.

Is it possible for people with special needs to travel on any of your Safaris?

We cannot guarantee that facilities will be available for such as wheelchair passengers, but some of the properties that we use have these facilities. Please contact us with your special needs/ requirements (including dietary) at the time of reservations.

Do I require Travel Insurance?

We strongly recommend that you take out all of the necessary comprehensive Travel Insurance before commencing your journey. However, we offer free membership with Flying Doctors' Society of Africa to all our clients while on safari with us. This is a security in the knowledge that should a medical emergency arise, the Flying Doctors Service will rescue and evacuate you to a reputable hospital which is just a call away. This service covers only rescue.

How safe are your Safaris?

Any adventures involve an element of risk and we recommend that you have your insurance in order just incase of the unforeseen. However, all of the destinations that we offer are considered to be safe and secure, and are all well-established.

Do I need to know the local language?

English is spoken throughout East Africa. We have multilingual staffs including the driver guides provided on request, and sometimes at a fee depending on the language requirements.

Is tap water safe to drink?

While tap water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, it is safer to drink sealed bottled water and we do provide you with a little each day on safari. Incase you need more, this is readily available in stores and supermarkets.

How is the local food? 
Great! International cuisine is available at all the hotels you will be staying. Special dietary requirements are catered for throughout Africa if you need. Please give us advanced notice so that we can make arrangements with the lodges and camps you are scheduled to stay at. Most restaurants offer selections for vegetarians, depending on their forte. Local specialties can be surprisingly good! With the exception of a few lodges, halaal and kosher food is not available at most camps/lodges.

Do I need yellow fever/malaria inoculation?

Vaccination requirements change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on the latest health precautions. Currently, shots against Yellow fever and cholera are recommended but not mandatory. As a precaution we usually advise anti-malarial drugs to be taken before, during and after your visit to East Africa. 
Also, if you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).

Any advise regarding photography?

In Kenya, It is illegal to photograph a presidential motorcade, a military police in uniform, presidents office and such establishments. Some communities too would demand permission to take pictures of them. Please inquire and adhere to these. For wildlife photography, a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that you should use, A 300-400 zoom is preferable. For bird-watchers, a 500mm or larger is necessary, and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots. 
Bring extra camera and flash batteries and plenty of film - you may find these quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally.

Why should I choose Tropical Vacations Inc?

Tropical Vacations Inc is without doubt a leading provider of outdoors and premier holiday company. We have the passion, knowledge, experience, expertise and commitment to make your safari a lifetime experience! Comments from our past clients bear us witness. Incase you would like to communicate with some of these past clients, please request for e-mail/telephone contacts, and we shall be happy to provide.

What should I pack? 
Temperatures in winter are generally mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally a more risky time to travel. So, before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.