WHAT ARE THE PASSPORT, ENTRY AND VISA REQUIREMENTS IN KENYA?
Visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended length of stay. Visas are required, depending upon the passport you carry.

HOW DO I PLAN MY ITINERARY?
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. Spending some time in the national parks can be a delight to some travelers while a traditional cultural experience and beach stay would be a great blend to others.
In all cases, choosing an itinerary that gives you pleasure is crucial and should be well-thought-out. You will find safari tips most useful.

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 by the beach, 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'S THE WEATHER?
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 meters (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 is for the most part a very casual experience. While on safari, "safari suits" are the most suitable attire, as their colours 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. Be sure to bring a swimsuit since most lodges have pools.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure packet upon registration. Every year we review our lists and assess feedback from our clients and guides for updating these lists, thus giving you the most complete and up-to-date guidelines. Every list will come with a description of each item. Feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO STORE EXTRA GEAR AND CLOTHING THAT I WILL NOT NEED?
In most cases, yes. There will be the option of storing extra gear and clothing at your hotel. There may be a small charge incurred, but typically it is free. You will also be able to leave a small amount in our vehicle at the trailhead (such as a change of clothes).

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 44 pounds. We at Fronttrails Safaris recommend two smaller bags rather than one large suitcase. Collapsible suitcases (overnight bags, duffel bags, etc.) are ideal. While your 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 33 pounds.

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 peg (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. Remember this is remote Africa, so don't count on electricity.

HOW IS THE FOOD?
Good! All meals - buffet-style American breakfast and sumptuous lunches and dinners - are included while on safari. In major cities, some of our safaris include only breakfast. This allows you to dine at some of the outstanding local restaurants. You'll savor everything from African delicacies to international specialties on a Front Trails Safari. All meals are prepared from freshly acquired vegetables and fruits. If anyone in your group is a vegetarian, please inform us, so we can indicate that to the lodges and hotels.

WHAT ABOUT THE WATER?
We at Fronttails Safaris only recommend bottled 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.

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.

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.

 
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.

NOTE: Taking photographs at Airports, State Houses­/lodges Harbors and Military installations is STRICTLY prohibited. If you would like to photograph people please ask and be willing to pay if they ask you to do so.

APART FROM MY BIRD VENTURES AND MOUNTAINEERING, 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. Walking safaris are also available and night game drives. This can be arranged with our office upon arrival in Kenya. The beaches are packed with activities which include water sports, dhow excursions and fishing. Just enquire from our tour leaders.

I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL WITH MY SON/DAUGHTER. IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT?
We will accept participants 15 years or older on our regularly scheduled trips, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to participate in a Front Trails Safaris trip on your own. We will be happy to accommodate people under the age of 15 on custom trips only.

HOW PHYSICALLY FIT DO I HAVE TO BE?
All of our courses and climbs are physically demanding, and your ability to enjoy your trip depends on your overall health and fitness. Your trip will be more rewarding for yourself and others if you prepare for it by conditioning properly. We believe that the best form of training is to simulate the activity you are training for and increasing the level of exertion as the routine becomes easier. For example, walking up hills and stair climbing are excellent ways to condition your lower body, heart and lungs for climbing. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, and eventually add weight as you increase your training pace. Then begin taking longer hikes several times a week with a weighted pack. We suggest that you use containers of water for uphill hikes and empty the contents for the descent to reduce knee stress. Supplement these workouts with running, swimming, bicycling, or other forms of aerobic activity. Additionally, we recommend that you incorporate a weight lifting regime into your training program to build upper-body strength. We suggest that you begin your daily training several months prior to your trip.

WHAT ARE THE TOURS LIKE?
Observing birds & wildlife in their natural surroundings is the main focus of the tours, and the itineraries are designed to provide the best opportunities to encounter them. We also strive to understand a bit of the bigger picture, such as how birds & wildlife go about their daily lives, and integrate into the environment. The quality of your experience is my number one priority.
We are always based in comfortable, good-quality lodging, and eat at reasonably-priced restaurants. The days are often long, but usually at a relaxed and easy pace, with plenty of opportunities for comfort stops, meals, and photo opportunities. The daily details of each tour are provided in that tour's itinerary.

WHO GOES ON THE TOURS?
Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts of all ages have participated in the tours that I have led. These people have all shared a common bond of enjoying the outdoors, and a willingness to share their experiences with others. While no special skills are required to participate in the tours, it helps to have enthusiasm and a sense of adventure. For some tours, there may be some physical considerations, such as the amount of walking, or numbers of boat trips, but if you have any questions about a specific tour, please contact me directly.

IS GROUP TRAVEL FOR ME?
Group travel provides opportunities to share the excitement of seeing and hearing birds and wildlife with like-minded people. Everyone brings there own knowledge, experience, and unique perspective with them, and this enriches the tour for all. From a practical standpoint, more eyes and ears help to locate more birds & wildlife for all, and travel to remote areas may feel less intimidating.

WHERE CAN I FIND A CHECKLIST OF KENYAN BIRDS?
You can visit www.kenyabirds.org.uk and www.worldbirds.org/kenya

DOES KENYA HAVE A MOUTAINEERING CLUB?
Yes you can learn more about Mountain Club of Kenya @ www.mck.or.ke

ARE THERE ANY REFERENCE BOOKS THAT I SHOULD READ BEFORE MY SAFARI?
Yes, 1997 The Kingdon Field Guide to African Animals, by Jonathan Kingdon. Published by Academic Press Natural World, San Diego.  The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, and Primates by Richard D. Estes. 2002 A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa, by Spawls, Howell, Drewes, and Ashe. Published by Academic Press Natural World, San Diego. The Insects of South Africa, by Mike Picker, Charles Griffiths, Alan Weaving 2002 A Fieldguide to the Dragonflies of South Africa, by Warwick and Michele Tarboton 1994 Kenya Trees, Shrubs and Lianas. By H.J. Beentje. Published by The National Museum of Kenya, Nairobi. 1987 Collins Guide to the Wild Flowers of East Africa, by Sir Michael Blundell, K.B.E. Published by Harper Collins Publishers. 1990 Island Africa, by Jonathan Kingdon. Published by William Collins Sons and Co. The Tree Where Man Was Born, by Peter Matthiessen National Audubon Society Field Guide to African Wildlife, by Peter Alden, Richard D. Estes, Duane Schlitter, Bunny McBride, Peter C. Ald, Out of Africa, Karen Blixen  and I Dreamed of Africa, by Kuki Gallman.

DISCLAIMER

Prices inclusive of ground transportation, accommodations, park entry fees and guiding fees. Excluding airfare, tips, airport taxes. Extras such as laundry and other personal items required are excluded.

RESERVATION
A deposit of 40% is required at the time of booking and the balance before the tour begins.

CANCELLATION
ALL monies paid will be refunded less the cost of cancellation fees levied by hotels, food purchases and any other relevant expenses.

TRANSPORTATION
Cars, minibuses, land rovers, coaches or trucks will be provided depending on the route and the number of participants. The right is reserved to employ the services of sub-contractors. English speaking driver / guides are provided.

ACCOMMODATION
Based on two persons sharing a double room/tent. Where possible, rooms with private baths are provided. Single rooms are available at an additional but cannot be guaranteed. Hotels/ Lodges are named as an indication of category and rooms can be reserved at similar hotels/lodges.

ALTERATION TO TOURS
The Company reserves the right to alter the arrangement or cancel the operation of a scheduled tour should conditions so necessitate. It also reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any persons as a member of any tour at any time, in which case an equitable amount will be refunded. Prices are based on tariffs and other costs prevailing at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.

LIABILITY
The Company and its agents act only as agents for the passenger in all matters relating to the hotels/ lodge accommodation, tours, transport, etc. and shall not be liable for injury, delays, loss or damage in any manner.