KENYA, Africa - Travel & Safari Information

7/28/2010 - Optimized for Firefox 3.6.8

COPYRIGHT 2009 thru 2010 - David R. Woodsmall

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Camouflage clothing, is in some cases, illegal to wear (Click & scroll). Some small flights limited to 15 kilograms of luggage, preferably soft-sided / duffle bag types. Other safari operators REQUIRE soft, duffle type bags. Dinner (jacket and tie required) for Mt. Kenya Safari Club Can not take more than KSH 100,000 OUT of KENYA <<<<< 5/2010

ACRONYMS / TERMS

al-fresco dining = In the fresh air; outdoors: B/B = Bed and Breakfast "Big Five" - lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo and rhino. B,L,D = (Breakfast, Lunch & Diner). Plus other variations (B,D),... INCLUDED MEALS B/O = Bed Only Bongo = antelope CBD - Central Business District (Johannesburg) AVOID IT Cherry, Stuk or Goose = All three mean girlfriend (South African slang) Ensuite = yours alone and connected to the room. F/B = Full board. it is providing three meals/day/person But you have to watch out: 1-it does (usually)not come with alcohol. 2- it is usually a set menu, so u can not change you meal. thats the big catch!! your travel agent should state clearly what kind of full board he is offering! Is alcohol included? is it a buffet style or a set menu? H/B = Half board, it is breakfast and lunch or dinner mozzies - mosquitoes PPS = Per person Sharing room - based on a minimum of two persons together. Private = yours alone but you have to leave your room to access it. robot - South African S L A N G U A G E ... Robot = Traffic light STS = Single Traveler Supplement - additional cost to One person in an accomodation for PPS. SRS = STS ? = Single Room Supplement Alpha Dictionary - free travel dictionary Travel Terminology Travel Dictionary Train travel in Kenya - Nairobi - Mombasa, Nairobi - Kisumu Train travel in South Africa... Germany: Train Travel Terminology - TripAdvisor

AIRLINES

American Airlines British Airways Kenya Airways - VERY WELL THOUGHT OF KENYA AIRLINES PHONE NUMBERS (from the USA) 1 866-536-9224 Reservations 011 254 020 823 000 HEADQUARTERS 011 254 327 452 3524 internet help desk << WRONG NUMBER 011 254 020 327 4747 RESERVATIONS 011 254 073 410 4747 Reservations ??? ======================================== Also try these numbers. 011 254-20-327 4100 must be "020" not "20" ? or doesn't matter? 011 254-20-327 4747 must be "020" not "20" ? or doesn't matter? 011 254-734-104100 011 254-734-104747 011 254-711-024767 ======================================== 011 254-20-327 4523 INTERNET SUPPORT <<<< USE THIS ONE or 011 254-20-327 4524 INTERNET SUPPORT <<<< OR THIS ONE South African Airlines Reservations (in South Africa): 0861 359 722 US Reservations: 800-722-9675

AIRPORTS - KENYA

NBO - Niarobi Airport, Kenya

(Nairobi) Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) - Airport Guide - Nairobi Airport (NBO) Details - Kenya Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - Wikipedia Nairobi Airport, Nairobi Kenya Flights, NBO, Jomo Kenyatta - AirGorilla Nairobi JKIA Airport Passenger Reviews & Customer Opinions Nairobi Airport (NBO) Nairobi Airport Taxi information

BACKGROUND INFORMATION - KENYA

Kenya Country Specific Information - US State Dept. Kenya - Wikipedia KENYA - The World Factbook - CIA Jambo! Welcome to Magical Kenya Kenya: History, Geography, Government, and Culture — Infoplease.com Embassy of Kenya Kenya Travel Information and Travel Guide - Lonely Planet

BAGGAGE

LIBERTY TRAVEL - small flights limited to 15 kilograms of luggage, preferably soft-sided / duffle bag types. 15 kilograms = 33.0693393 pounds WE ARE NOT TAKING LIBERTY.

CONVERSIONS (NON-monetary)

METRIC CONVERSIONS ORG DISTANCE: Meters to Feet (convert). Feet to Meters conversion calculator Kilometers to Miles conversion calculator Miles to Kilometers conversion calculator WEIGHT: Kilograms to Pounds conversion calculator Pounds to Kilograms conversion calculator

CURRENCY CONVERTERS,...

Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES) for currency. Convert KENYAN SHILLINGS to US Dollars Convert US Dollars to KENYAN SHILLINGS Convert KENYAN SHILLINGS to South African RAND (ZAR) Convert South African RAND (ZAR) to KENYAN SHILLINGS Currency Converters DISCOVER charges us TWO PERCENT (2%) foreign exchange rate on the TOTAL Discover does NOT have "Banks" in Africa ALL OUR CITIBANK Master Card & Visa Accounts charge 3% foreign exchange rate on the TOTAL NO banks NOR ATMs in South Africa NOR in Kenya. HSBC Master Card charge 3% foreign exchange rate on the TOTAL. HSBC does have "Banks" in South Africa, but don't know about Kenya Outside the US, dial 702 243 1575 (US country code needed ???)

KENYA - BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Kenya borders: Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda HOLIDAYS - Kenya National Holidays MAP of KENYA Google MAP of Kenya Map of Kenya - LonelyPlanet Kenya - Wikipedia The World Factbook - Kenya Government of Kenya - Home Kenya: History, Geography, Government, and Culture — Infoplease.com

TRAVEL, GUIDES & TOURS - Kenya

The Official Kenya Travel Guide and Travel - MagicalKenya.com Kenya Travel Information and Travel Guide - Lonely Planet

TOP TOURISM PICKS

Possibly this Seven Day Kenya Safari from kenya.com ?

Other Top Destination Picks

LONELY PLANET'S TOP KENYA TOURISM PICK's: 1 Amboseli National Park Elephants and Kilimanjaro, Kenya's most famous picture-postcard views 2 Lake Nakuru National Park Fluorescent flamingo-fringed shores, ragged cliffs and more wildlife than you can shake a stick at 3 Hell's Gate National Park Gorgeous gorges, steaming hills and the chance to mingle with the wonderful wildlife on foot 4 Tsavo National Park Kenya's largest national park, famed for its wild, wild wildlife 5 Mombasa Old Town The coast's focal port, with an earthy old quarter and the mighty Fort Jesus 6 Kakamega Forest Reserve A sublime slab of the once-mighty Guineo-Congolian tropical rainforest 7 Lamu Archipelago The ultimate Swahili immersion experience, from Lamu's winding streets to the empty beaches of Kiwayu 8 Mt Marsabit A lush island of volcanic landscapes climbing out of northern Kenya's sea of scrub desert 9 Gede Ruins A wealth of fascinating remnants from Kenya's coastal past 10 Kisite Marine National Park Pristine reefs and clear water, perfect for snorkellers, divers and dhow trippers 11 Mt Kenya Equatorial glaciers, tremendous treks and jagged peaks that would make Kilimanjaro blush with envy 12 Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Home to vast amounts of endangered wildlife, a blissful and pioneering sanctuary of wordly proportions 13 Masai Mara National Reserve Unmatched wildlife and the world's most fascinating traffic jam – the annual wildebeest migration 14 Loyangalani Home to harsh conditions, unforgettable tribes and the sublime jade waters of Lake Turkana 15 Karen & Langata Leafy suburban havens, the flip side to Nairobi's urban chaos

CITIES

Electric Plugs, Sockets, Voltages and Frequencies

240 VAC, 50 Hz (our 60 Hz clocks won't work here) - uses square, 3-pin British style plugs and sockets OR 3 large, Flat British style plugs and sockets. NOTE that most of our US appliances are NOT dual voltage (120 VAC & 240 VAC), so your adapter must both: 1] Convert from 240 VAC to 120 VAC and 2] To the appropriate Kenyan electrical socket. Any US motors used will run more slowly (on 50 Hz than on 60 Hz) - for example, your electric razor.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Health & safety - lonelyplanet International Help for BLUE CROSS - BLUE SHIELD Members

PASSPORT HEALTH (passports & Vaccinations)

passporthealt - Website

Cary

8450 Chapel Hill Road Suite 205 Cary, NC 27513 Phone: 919-781-0053 Fax: 919-481-0455

Raleigh

3100 Duraleigh Road Suite 107 (Ral. Medical Center) Raleigh, NC 27612 Phone: 919-781-0053 Fax: 919-481-0455

Durham

100 Park Drive Suite 201 (TEER Building) Durham, NC 27709 Phone: 919-781-0053 Fax: 919-481-0455

HOLIDAYS - National Kenyan Holidays

Kenya Holidays 2010 List, Public Holidays, Kenya National Holidays ... Kenya Holidays 2010 Calendar: * January 1 - New Year's Day. * April 2 -Good Friday. * April 5 - Easter Monday. * May 1 - Labour Day. * June 1 - Madaraka Day - anniversary of self-government * September 10 - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). * October 10 - Moi Day. * October 20 - Kenyatta Day - heroes who died fighting for independence * November 16 - Feast of the Sacrifice. * December 12 - Jamuhi - Independence Day - celebration of independence since 1963 * December 25 - Christmas Day. * December 26 - Boxing Day.

LODGING - KENYA

Niarobi LODGING

Hotel Boulevard - We do not want to stay here - personal opinion Landmark Hotel Mayfair Hotel Nairobi - Kenya Holiday Inn Nairobi (Nairobi, Kenya) - Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor Nairobi Safari Club - *** 47 REVIEWS: Nairobi Safari Club AMENITIES - Nairobi Safari Club Internet Access, but may not have a computer ??? Computer rental Elevator/lift Airport Transportation is EXTRA The Stanley - Hotels Nairobi - A Sarova Hotel|Nairobi Hotels ... 72 Reviews

Aberdare National Park, Kenya - LODGING

Aberdares Country Club on the slopes of Mweiga Hill - Aberdare National Park - Kenya Outspan - country hotel located just outside Nyeri town - Aberdare National Park - Kenya Based on reading reviews, it appears that the TREETOPS Hotel, Kenya is aging, used to be be better and has shared bathrooms and shared showers. BUT it got a higher a rating than the ARK LODGE, Aberdare National Park, Kenya. The ARK has 60 rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms with showers.

The ARK Lodge - Aberdare National Park - Kenya

Got a THREE STAR RATING Waterhole and salt-lick is lite all night. optional Room buzzers to call you to see the animals. The Ark is up-to-date and more spaced compared to Treetops. There is a ground level hide where you'll literally come face to face with animals. Supposed to be the place for Comfort over romance. Has room rugs. 24 reviews of the Ark

The TREETOPS Hotel - Aberdare National Park - Kenya

Got THREE and ONE-HALF STARS Water hole was drying up in December, 2009 - few animals. Supposed to be the place for romance over comfort. 38 reviews of the TREETOPS Hotel

Lake Nakuru National Park - LODGING

Lake Nakuru Lodge 65 REVIEWS Lake Nakuru Lodge - 3.5 STARS Lion Hill Lodge - lake Nakuru

Masai Mara National Reserve - LODGING

Masai Mara Safari Lodges & Camps in Kenya, Africa

Keekorok Lodge - Masai Mara Safari, Kenya

Keekorok Lodge - Masai Mara Safari, Kenya Keekorok Lodge erected in the direct path of the wildebeest migration was the first lodge built in the Masai Mara. At the height of migration, Keekorok Lodge is surrounded by a swarming mass of animals, and there is hardly any need to go on a game drive. There are no fences around Keekorok Lodge thus it is not uncommon to see elephants and buffalos on the perimeter of the grounds. AfricanMecca can also arrange a hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara at dawn ending in a champagne style breakfast. 61 REVIEWS - Keekorok Lodge (Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya) - 4 1/2 STARS 100 rooms in bungalows, single storey blocks and in comfortable shaded chalets, with private verandahs. Each bungalow has private bedrooms and an En-Suite bathroom and veranda Excellent light aircraft service operates between Nairobi, Mombasa and Keekorok. Hot air balloon at dawn, culminating in that famous champagne-style breakfast. Keekorok Lodge's charm lies in the liberal use of local building materials. Sand stone, cedar wood and other indigenous materials.

Mara Sopa Lodge - Masai Mara National Reserve

Mara Sopa Lodge - Masai Mara National Reserve - FOUR STARS Every room and suite has a private, elevated verandah with splendid views across the valley. More formal attire might be advisable for cocktails and theme evenings while swimwear is a must by the pool. Lodge generators provide 240volts, 50 cycles 24 hours a day. guests are advised not to drink from the taps. Instead, filtered water is provided in flasks. 7 rooms, 12 suites and 1 presidential suite, all of which are 'rondavel' style and have en-suite bathroom facilities which provide shaving sockets and hairdryers. 50 REVIEWS Mara Sopa Lodge - Masai Mara National Reserve - FOUR STARS

Nyumbu Tented Camp - Masai Mara National Reserve

Nyumbu Tented Camp - go-safari The camp is intimate, and completely unfenced, accommodating a maximum of only 30 guests, under canvas. All weather Ol Kiombo airstrip 23 kms away. The camp have fully insect-proof custom designed tents (13 twins or doubles), equipped with proper beds, linen, bedside tables, and rugs. Bathrooms are en-suite and are equipped with hot shower and eco-toilet. There are safari chairs on the veranda of each tent. Tents can be converted to triples on request. Most meals are taken al-fresco or an open sided dining/ lounge mess tent. There is a fully stocked bar with a range of wines. A $30.00 per person per night supplement is payable in advance to include all drinks. There is no mains power however they do have 24-hour power supply in the tents for lighting through integrated solar systems. There is an inverter system off the generator (Batteries can also be charged on this system), and the refrigeration unit uses gas. AIR CONDITIONING ??? - Probably NOT, as they have no real electric power. Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo) Tents with twin or double beds, All tents are en-suite with flush toilet and verandah, hot shower system.

Sarova Mara Game Camp - Masai Mara

Sarova Mara Game Camp - Masai Mara Safari, Kenya - africanmeccasafaris - 4 1/2 STARS There are 75 luxurious tents with a permanent roof and floor, attached bathroom, running hot water supply and electricity. Optional early morning hot air balloon ride Optional visit to Isokon Maasai Cultural Village offered by AfricanMecca. 60 REVIEWS Sarova Mara Camp - 4 1/2 STARS

Siana Springs Intrepids Tented Camp - Masai Mara

Siana Springs Intrepids Tented Camp (Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya - 4 1/2 STARS 20 REVIEWS - Siana Springs Intrepids - 4 1/2 STARS Siana Springs Intrepids Camp offers 38 spacious tents situated in three secluded wings. The tents boast the very latest in luxury camping, with large single or double beds, personal closets and writing desks, and en suite bathrooms with flush toilets and steaming hot showers. Full single-day laundry and valet services are available. Dancing and singing performances by the local Maasai tribe are normally held on the terrace.

Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya - LODGING

Castle Forest Lodge (Mount Kenya National Park)

Castle Forest Lodge (Mount Kenya National Park) - Hotel reviews

Serena Mountain Lodge (Mount Kenya National Park - FOUR and ONE-HALF STARS

43 REVIEWS - Serena Mountain Lodge (Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya) We were told to never leave the balcony door open, or even unlocked, because if you turn your back for a minute the monkeys will sneak in and ransack your room.

Loisaba Wilderness Lodge - Mount Kenya National Park

Loisaba Wilderness Lodge - Reviews and Photos, Mount Kenya National Park

Sweetwaters Tented Camp - Sweetwater Game Reserver, Kenya

Sweetwaters Tented Camp

MALARIA

It is my understanding, that mosquitoes in South Africa can carry a form of malaria that is resistant to the preferred anti-malaria drug (although there are alternative drugs). Check with some place like: PASSPORT HEALTH. MALARIA in KENYA - Details - Vaccinations

PARKS of KENYA (Game Parks)

Aberdares National Park

Aberdares National Park Aberdare National Park - Niarobi (100 kilometers North of) Aberdare National Park - Wikipedia AVAILABLE LODGING in Aberdares National Park: Aberdars Country Club Outspan The Ark Treetops Hotel

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park - kenya.com KENYA, AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK - game-reserve.com Amboseli National Park - Wikipedia Amboseli Sopa Lodge 34 REVIEWS Amboseli Sopa Lodge - FOUR STARS

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park REVIEW Lake Nakuru National Park Lake Nakuru Lodge 65 REVIEWS Lake Nakuru Lodge - 3.5 STARS

Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve REVIEW Masai Mara National Reserve Mara Sopa Lodge - Masai Mara National Reserve 50 REVIEWS Mara Sopa Lodge - Masai Mara National Reserve

Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya

Visiting Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest, Nyeri, Kenya - Yahoo! Travel Mount Kenya National Park Travel Guide - VirtualTourist.com

PASSPORTS - Click HERE for Passport Information

You must have at least TWO BLANK PAGES remaining in your Passport Book. You should have SIX MONTHS remaining on your Passport.

PASSPORTS with RFID CHIPS Have Been HACKED - Click HERE

SAFARI COMPANIES - Kenya

Leading Expeditions Safaris & Tours (that's their name) - leadex-safaris.com A subsidiary of Liberty International About Leading Expeditions safaris Kenya

SUNGLASSES - Complete Sunglasses Information - Click HERE

SUNSCREEN - Complete Sunscreen Information, Ingredients, Products & Resources - Click HERE

TIME - What time is it currently, THERE

Botswana current local time KENYA current local time from WorldTimeServer.com SOUTH AFRICA current local time from WorldTimeServer.com Tanzania, United Republic of - current local time from WorldTimeServer.com United Kingdom - London - current local time Zambia - current local time from WorldTimeServer.com ZIMBABWE current local time from WorldTimeServer.com

TRAVEL INSURANCE

I don't know who owns travelinsurancereview.net

Articles, Reviews & Links to Help You Buy Travel Insurance - travelinsurancereview Comparison web sites - Travel Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANIES

Access America CSA Travel Protection Elvia Travel Insurance Global Alert Global Underwriters HTH Worldwide Medex M.H.Ross Ins. Services Seven Corners Travel Guard Travel Insurance Services Travel Insured International Travelex Travelsafe

TRAVEL WARNINGS - TERRORIST WARNINGS - US State Department

The MOST Dangerous place for Tourists is at ATM Machines. Never use ATMs in small stores (they have no security guards), nor in non-really public places. Try to find an ATM in a bank Current US Travel Warnings Kenya WARNING ISSUED: 07/24/2009 Kenya Wildlife Service comments on drought impact - Jan 12, 2010 Heavy rain in Kenya has boosted tea production - January 10, 2010 Kenya Floods - between October 2009 and 12 January 2010 - PDF Kenya: KWS Efforts to Save Wildlife During Drought - Jan 4, 2010 "However, with the onset of the rains, it is projected the animals will have plenty to feed on and avert further crisis." Can war games coexist with wildlife tourism in Kenya? - 10/27/2010 Kenya's dilemmas, man-made and natural - Sept. 25, 2009 Kenya's pain: famine, drought, government ambivalence cripples once stable nation - 9/17/2009 - Part 1 Kenya's pain, part two: decades of wildlife decline exacerbated by drought - Jeremy Hance - Part 2 Kenyan Drought: cattle invade parks - Baraza - Aug 11, 2009 Will Kenya’s Drought Dry Up Tourists? - September 29, 2009 The drought has mostly affected places like Tsavo, Amboseli, and Laikipia, tour operators say. The Masai Mara is largely unaffected. Kenya has a Tourist Safety and Communication Center that is always on call Kenya stands out as the best seller - bouncing back well from the riots that damaged its tourism prospects in 2008 Kenya is the #1 Best Selling Late Booking Destinations - May 24, 2009. Kenya: Tourism Proves Resilient in Times of Trouble - March 9, 2009 Somalia WARNING ISSUED: 12/31/2009 Sudan WARNING ISSUED: 12/31/2009 US Department of State: Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets US State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs Preparing for a Trip Abroad?: Sign Up for Email Travel Warnings

VISA INFORMATION - KENYA

PASSPORT validity should be at least SIX MONTHS BEYOND the intended period of stay. You must have at least TWO BLANK PAGES remaining in your Passport Book. Entry and Visa Requirements: it is HIGHLY recommended to purchase a Visa for kenya prior to departure - CIBT.com COMPANIES THAT WILL GET YOUR VISA(s) FOR YOU KENYA - WE NEED: [1] TRANSIT VISA REQUIRED and a [2] regular VISA Thus we need TWO KENYA VISAS: One TRANSIT and One REGULAR VISA Embassy of Kenya in Washington, DC VISA APPLICATION WASHINGTON, DC Kenya ONLINE VISA APPLICATION ***** Commerce/Tourism - commerce@kenyaembassy.com Embassy of the Republic of Kenya 2249 R Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 U.S.A. Telephone: (202) 387-6101 Office Hours Mon-Fri 9:oo am-5:00 pm Fax: (202) 462-3829 KENYA VISA REQUIREMENTS (as a courtesy ONLY) - CHECK THE OFFICIAL SITE FOR REQUIREMENTS - 6/13/2010 1. Valid Passport ( Not photocopy ) –– To Be Submitted Along With The Application Form. Passport will be mailed back once your Visa has been processed. 2. Completed (Filled in) Application Form duly signed. ONE VISA APPLICATION with TWO PICTURES 3. Copy of flight Itinerary/Letter from travel agent on company letterhead confirming booking. 4. Two Passport size photos (NB: Computer generated pictures are not acceptable) 5. Visa Fees: (Money order/Cashier's Cheque Only Payable to Embassy of The Republic of Kenya) * US$25.00 For Single Entry (Tourist/Visitor/Business), * US$50.00 For Multiple Entries (Tourist/Visitor/Business), * US$10.00 For Single Transit, * Expedited Service available at an extra $20.00 PLEASE NOTE: ALL CLIENTS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT ONLY THE EXACT AMOUNT OF THE OFFICIAL FEE FOR THE SERVICE REQUIRED IN THE FORM OF MONEY ORDER OR CASHIERS CHEQUE. NO CASH OR PERSONAL CHEQUES ARE ACCEPTED. NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE TO APPLICATIONS MAILED TO THIS EMBASSY WITH AN AMOUNT WHICH IS OVER AND ABOVE THE INDICATED AMOUNT. VISA DESCRIPTIONS: (i)Single Entry................... Allows you to enter into Kenya once (ii)Transit....................... Allows a short stop over (up to 24 hours) in Kenya (iii)Multiple Entry............... Allows multiple times entry into Kenya (IV)No Visa required for direct Transit (not leaving the airport)