Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A SAFARI?
It’s the dream vacation of a lifetime, combining adventure with total comfort. According to Royal Ecotravel you will feel a unique closeness with nature. Every day is a new revelation as you visit East Africa’s most beautiful game reserves, seeing hundreds of rare birds and mammals from your chauffeured safari vehicle. You will visit the most diverse of the Kenyan cultures, relax in comfortable camps and homes surrounded by scenic valleys and plains. Time takes on a new meaning as you learn to sit quietly listening to the sounds of Africa over a camp  fire surrounded  by  the  locals as  they  tale of the legends of their land. The African sky is the most beautiful at night.

IIS THERE AN AGE RESTRICTION ON ROYAL ECOTRAVEL SAFARIS?
An East African Safari is the perfect vacation for people of all ages, from six to eighty-eight. A safari is not particularly strenuous or tiring, so anyone in reasonably good health should be able to enjoy his or her stay. Because a safari has something to offer everyone, it has become an increasingly popular family vacation. Children will particularly find camping very exciting. In addition they will enjoy watching wildlife and interacting with the local people.
HOW DO I PLAN MY SAFARI PROGRAM?
There is the temptation of booking a Safari that covers all the attractions, particularly if the traveler is visiting East Africa for the first time, but time and affordability can be the defining factors.

Interaction with your travel agent becomes necessary. Our itineraries combine wildlife viewing and insightful cultural interactions that will help you understand Kenya better. We at times allow you to leave the confines of your vehicle and explore the wild on foot. You will be amazed at how much one misses by riding in a vehicle all the time.
In all cases, choosing an itinerary that gives you pleasure is crucial and should be well-thought-out.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL?
East Africa is characterized by radical temperature changes. Kenya has short rain periods spreading from October through December, and another rain spell between March and May; when the prices are considerably low,
When should you go on safari? According to Royal Ecotravel, the time to go is now. Don't postpone going to Africa! Come over now! All the year round is good for you. For animal lovers, seasons certainly define the animal activities. It is important to know what to expect in the parks your safari will visit. A Travel agent who cannot provide this kind of information is definitely the wrong one.
Although during the rainy season it may be difficult to move in some national parks, we still offer safaris since our trips combine game drives and walking safaris. Moreover there is still a lot to see and one will enjoy the solitude of the parks since this is an off season period.
WHAT WILL I SEE?
The beauty of Africa encompasses not only birds and animals of all shapes and sizes, but also the many different tribal peoples, and the exotic physical features from mountains to broad savannah, forests to rivers and deserts. Think of beautiful sunrise across the African Savannah, colorful sunset on the plains and mountains; or a star-filled sky like you have never seen before. Your safari will be carefully planned to include a wide variety of sights and activities.
HOW ARE THE TOURIST VEHICLES?
On our safaris we either use the 9 seater tourist minibuses or 4WD land rovers or land cruisers depending on the itinerary. We accommodate clients in our tourist buses such that every client is guaranteed window seat. Our vehicles are equipped with High Frequency Radio communication facilities and have pop-up roof hatch for easy game viewing and photographing. They are comfortable and driven by professional experienced driver/guides who have first hand knowledge in tourism and having served for a long period with good track record, who are out to ensure your safari will give you sightings to treasure always.

WHY DO I NEED A NATURALIST GUIDE?

Royal Ecotravel provides naturalist guides on all its safaris. This is the person who will lead you when you leave your vehicle to explore the landscapes on foot. Our guides are multilingual university graduates highly trained in wildlife management. They are very knowledgeable in the flora and fauna and cultures of East Africa. They have basic First Aid training and are capable of handling most emergencies during the safaris. They have a keen sense of sight, smell and hearing. They will be able to pick out and show you minute details that you would have otherwise missed had you been on your own. With them you will have a comprehensive overview of the place you are visiting.

HOW CLOSE CAN I GET TO THE ANIMALS?
Because you are traveling in protected game areas, there is no fear as long as you are in the vehicle. You can get surprisingly close, especially when lions are busy feeding on prey or at rest. Elephants often walk up to and even surround a minibus. Monkeys and baboons may study you closely as you study them. But natural behavior will only continue if you give the animals some space and peace. If you go too close, or talk loudly, the animals may just leave. Most animals will be more interesting if allowed the space to continue their natural behavior; stalking, mating, and playing with the young. Your driver will know the best viewing distance. Please don't encourage him to "stalk" or otherwise interfere with hunting or other activities crucial to the animal's survival.
WHAT ARE SECURITY CONCERNS ?
East Africa has had a share bad press, and that is not to say that we have no problem, like any other country in the world. While theft and violence are real concerns in major cities, East Africa has continued to enjoy her peace and one can confidently say that it is still safer than most cities in the developed World. We only ask our visitors to exercise good sense and make some reasonable precautions, e.g.:

a) Don't carry lots of cash; you may use safe deposit at the hotel.
b) Do leave expensive jewelry at home or at the hotel safe.
c) Catch taxis at night and avoid them walking in dark-lit streets at night. In Nairobi there   are street beggars, please ignore them as much as possible. Entertaining one invites others and the chances of being mugged in the process are high. Always go by your guide's and hotel recommendations. Exercise the same precautionary principles you otherwise would have applied in your home country
The tourism industry in Kenya takes visitor safety very seriously and considers all aspects of the tourist’s stay in Kenya.  For this reason, the industry created a Safety and Communication Centre under the auspices of the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), which is operated 24hrs a day to monitor visitor safety.  The Kenya Tourism Federation represents the leading tourism trade associations comprising the Kenya Associations of:  Tour Operators (KATO), Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), Travel Agents (KATA), Budget hotels (KBHA), Air Operators (KAAO), Ecotourism Society of Kenya (ESOK), as well as Mombasa and Coast Tourism Association (MCTA).
The KTF Safety Centre is the brainchild of these Associations.
The Safety and Communication Centre is manned by well-trained staff that is at hand to attend to any issues of concern to tourists.  These include security, health, road conditions, travel advisories and updates etc. Royal Ecotravel is regularly updated on these issues.
There is a 24hr TOURIST HELPLINE (020 - 604767) where one can seek assistance in case of need.   
WHAT ABOUT SNAKES AND BUGS?
This is over-exaggerated. You will rarely see even a snake and if this happens it is purely in the safety of your tour van. Tents and lodges have bug proofing fitted on the windows. Where insects are prevalent just by nature, there are mosquito nets. Malaria, though, is a threat in some of the wildlife areas, and it is essential to consult a doctor before you go there. He might recommend some anti-malarials.  When camping in the wild however, precautionary measures have to be taken. Make sure that your tent is well zipped up and one at night one walks with a torch to be able to see where he/she is stepping. Your guide will explain to you the Dos and the Don’ts to maximize on your safety.

HOW IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Great all the year round! Because of the high elevation (9,300 to 8,000 feet above sea level), and the proximity to the Equator, there is pleasant weather throughout the year. Temperatures vary according to altitude and situation. The coastal and the lake areas are humid; average annual high and low daytime temperatures range from 22 to 30 centigrade (72F to 87F). Usually, a fresh breeze blows from the ocean. The plateau and Nairobi, at an altitude of 1675 metres (5500feet), are cool in the mornings and evenings with constant winds in the dry seasons. The dry season is July through October, and December through March. During this period you expect to find the greatest concentration of animals as they will congregate around the remaining waterholes. The relatively rainy season includes the months of April, May and November.
WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING?
A safari in Kenya is to a large extent a very casual experience. While on safari, "safari suits" are the most suitable attire, as their colors are best when near wildlife. All the same, short and long-sleeved shirts, shorts, casual skirts and long pants and comfortable walking shoes are standard safari attire. Prepare to dress in layers, adding or removing outer garments as the weather dictates throughout the day, khakis, chinos or twill pants are ideal. You should include wide-brimmed hat or cap; a sweatshirt, sweater, light jacket, and a thin rain jacket come in handy. In the evenings, long-sleeved, lightweight shirts or blouses and trousers, with a sweater or light jacket may be appropriate. Sleeping bags will be appropriate to sleep in while camping.
A good pair of walking shoes or boots is advisable when walking. However, within the camps, lodges and hotels, light footwear may be worn. Bring a swimsuit since most lodges have pools. Nudity or semi-nudity is not permitted everywhere in East Africa; At the Coast, it is especially offensive to the Muslim culture. Visitors are expected to wear a bikini or swimsuit when swimming at the Coast; topless sunbathing is illegal.

Use our safari checklist to help you pack!

WHAT LUGGAGE SHOULD I BRING?
Two words to the wise: travel lightly. On international flights, each person is allowed a maximum of two pieces of luggage with a combined weight not exceeding 20 kilos. We recommend two smaller bags rather than one large suitcase. Collapsible suitcases (overnight bags, duffel bags, etc.) are ideal. While you are on safari, additional baggage can be safely stored at the hotel if you are departing from the same city. The baggage allowance on local planes within East Africa is 15 kilos.
CAN I BRING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES?
In East Africa the power supply is on 240 volts. If you want to use appliances that run on 110 volts, bring a converter. Plugs are three-pin, square pegs (as in Britain ). Game lodges use generators, which shut down at midnight. Camps in Tanzania only use generators for a few hours per day, however this is usually enough to recharge video batteries. On most of our programmes you may power every two days. Here you may recharge batteries of your appliances. However to be on the safe side carry portable chargers that can be connected to the cigarette lighter in the vehicle. This way you will be assured of a full battery in case you want to make important picture!

HOW IS PHOTOGRAPHY IN KENYA ?
Africa, and particularly Kenya, is a photographer's dream! A camera will record all those unbelievable and spectacular sights you'll want to share with friends. It is, by our recommendation, a must. For the best shots we suggest a good 35mm camera with a 35-70 mm zoom lens, and a long lens, such as 80-200mm or even a 300mm to shoot the multitude of rare birds or capture the full drama of the animals you see. Capturing all the thrills of safari on video is also a great idea. Professional photographers may want to have a look at our Photographic tours.

NOTE: Taking photographs at Airports, Harbors and Military installations is prohibited. If you would like to photograph people please ask and be willing to pay if they ask you to do so. However all the villages we visit we have created a good rapport with them and hence you can photograph as much as you like.

HOW IS THE FOOD?
Great! All meals - buffet-style American or British breakfast and sumptuous lunches and dinners - are included while on safari. While on safari all our meals are prepared by our own cook. You'll savor everything from African delicacies to international specialties on our tours. All meals are prepared from freshly acquired vegetables and fruits. If anyone in your group is a vegetarian, we will arrange a special menu for him at no extra cost. Wherever you are, however remote you will be served with a three-course meal with plenty of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. Sometimes in the course or at the end of your trip we may recommend a stop at a local restaurant so that you may taste the specialty of the area.
WHAT ABOUT THE WATER?
We at Royal Ecotravel, only recommend bottled mineral water. Whilst most hotels and lodges provide a thermos of drinking water in the rooms, we recommend that you buy drinking water from the food stores or from the lodges where you will be residing.
APART FROM MY SAFARI WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
There is a full range of optional tours and excursions you can take. Do visit our ready-made section. While in Nairobi the following optional excursions are available on request at an extra cost; Nairobi City Tour, Full Day Nairobi National Park, Bomas of Kenya for cultural shows, a visit to Daphne Sheldrick's orphaned elephants. And while on safari you can take a Balloon ride over the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania. You may also want to make an extension to the culturally rich coastal towns of East Africa for their unique afro-Arabian cultures or their flawless beaches. The beaches are packed with activities, which include water sports, dhow excursions and fishing. Just enquire from our tour leaders.
SAFARI EXTENSIONS
Not ready to return home yet? Extensions may be available to such exciting destinations as: Botswana, Victoria Falls, South Africa, Mombasa, Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania and Uganda.
WHAT'S THE LOCAL CURRENCY?
The standard unit of currency for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda is the Shilling, but their values differ greatly and they are not interchangeable. Your local bank can give you current exchange rates. It’s not necessary to change your money before you leave as there are banks for currency exchange at all international airports and in most hotels. Note there is no restriction on the amount of currency you may bring into the country. As most of the services are prepaid we recommend that you only change your currency in bits. For example, you can start with US$200 and thereafter change as per need. The best place that will give a good exchange rate is the Forex Bureau.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP ON SAFARI?
Tipping is customary. To show your appreciation you may follow the appended suggestions: $20 per day per minibus (shared by the passengers) for your driver and $5.00. per person per day for the guides is the recommended amount for most tours; however remember this is not a bill so you can give more or less depending on satisfaction. Hotel and lodge porters $0.5 per person. At breakfast- $1.50 per table. At lunch $2 per table, at dinner $3 per table.
HOW DO I GET TO AFRICA?
You will be surprised to know that East Africa particularly Nairobi International Airport, is well served by a host of international airlines, some of them operating daily flights to Europe with convenient connections to the major cities of the world. Kenya Airways, the Kenyan national carrier, is in partnership with KLM and Northwest Airlines. From Nairobi, connections by road or air are elaborate.

WHAT ABOUT THE LANGUAGE?
English is the official language in Kenya and Uganda, and widely spoken in Tanzania whose most popular language happens to be Kiswahili. Numerous other dialects exist in the region, but you are comfortable if you speak English.
WHERE IN TOWN CAN I DINE?
Throughout Kenya there is an international variety of restaurants. Dining-out guides are available in bookstores. In general, food is of excellent quality and reasonably priced. Following is a list of some restaurants and eateries within the City center. Royal Ecotravel staff will be on hand to make suggestions.

WHAT ITEMS CAN I PURCHASE ON MY EAST AFRICAN VACATION?
The regions flora and fauna is fragile and endangered. While on your safari do not collect any form of flora or fauna, whether inside a National Park or not. In particular, do not purchase any form of handicraft or souvenir that is made from wild animal parts, such as bones, fur, shells, ivory, animal hides or birds’ eggs.

Ivory, rhino horn and animal hides are prohibited items in Kenya. Never at any one time buy these items. In case you are offered them for sale kindly inform the nearest police station.

Most local handicrafts are hand carved from indigenous trees. Ensure that you purchase carvings made from woods such as mango, neem, jacaranda and rose wood. Avoid the hard woods such as ebony as these trees take centuries to grow and are now endangered through extensive forest cutting.

When purchasing your souvenirs and handicrafts, avoid doing so form middlemen. It is better to purchase these directly from the local craftsmen and artisans. In most villages that you will visit you will find locally woven baskets, beadwork, jewelry, woodwork and cotton clothes displayed for sale. Most ethnic groups have their own traditional designs, shapes and sizes, providing a wide variety from which to choose.

 WHAT GIFTS CAN I BRING FOR THE LOCALS

If you decide to bring some small gifts for kids, things like pens, pencils, small note books, small T-shirts, plastic watches. Remember to hand over these items to the village elder who will distribute it to the children. You may also bring old books, magazines for the local school library. Old clothing and shoes should be brought as gifts. These kind of gifts should be given to those people who have done a service to you. Giving them anyhowly on the streets will make the locals to become beggars.

HOW ARE ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES LIKE?

Accommodation in most of our safaris is mainly camping in tents but some times we alternate camping with accommodation in locally owned and run basic hotels and lodges. When choosing these accommodation facilities, we go for those that have embraced the principles of eco-tourism. By doing so we ensure that the locals are also beneficiaries in this initiative.

 

HOW DOES ROYAL ECOTRAVEL HELP IN CREATING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM?

At Royal Ecotravel we believe that the local people are the custodians of the local ecosystems and environments and hence the need for them to be also the beneficiaries in the tourism initiative. When they see the profits of tourism accruing directly to them, they will see the need to protect and conserve the environment for future generations. Below are some of the ways we help in creating sustainable tourism.

    • Royal Ecotravel is owned by indigenous Kenyans and wherever we take our clients we use the services of the local people as guides, camp helps or security guards
    • At Royal Ecotravel we emphasis more on walking safaris in order to reduce environmental degradation.
    • We endeavor to promote local businesses by encouraging tourists to buy locally made handicrafts directly from the producers, buying the local Kenyan products and use of accommodation facilities owned by the locals
    • We liaise with the local communities in identifying a project and then go ahead to assist them in its development and implementation.
    • Royal Ecotravel organizes regular clean ups in protected areas
    • Organizing talk shows in schools about environmental conservation in order to create environmental awareness in students at a younger age.
    • At Royal Ecotravel we have devised a prudent waste management system by using eco- friendly products.