Mihon Destinations Management Ltd

General Info

Travel Info

Visa Requirements
Visa is required for some countries, and can be obtained prior to travel. Visa regulations can change so please obtain current visa information directly from appropriate consulates. A few countries issue visas on arrival but these are more costly and could involve long periods of waiting at the airport.

Language
Kiswahili is the national language in Kenya while English is the official language and is widely spoken and understood across East Africa.

Safety
Normal precautions as in any other destination worldwide should be taken. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to make use of safe deposit boxes and safes. One should never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on handbags in crowds or busy streets. As in all major cities walking alone or in small groups at night should be considered a hazard and avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all the principal hotels.

Wildlife
It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or deviate from designated roads. It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle as the animals are wild although they may seem comfortable near people.

Health
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda enjoy a healthy, invigorating climate and visitors need feel no concern for their general health during their stay. The sun in Africa is hotter than you may imagine. One can get sun burnt even on a cloudy day. Please take care, and on first exposure, use a protective lotion. Piped water supplies are safe practically everywhere but local advice should be taken when on safari. You will find that in most safari lodges, there will be a flask of drinking water on your bedside table. There are small field hospitals and clinics in most parts of the countries, but it is advisable to purchase all your requirements in Nairobi or Mombasa before setting out on a tour. Please remember to take Malaria preventives as prescribed by your local physician for the required weeks after your departure from East Africa.

It is advisable to buy travel insurance covering accidents, illness or hospitalization for the period of your stay. Temporary membership in East African Flying Doctors' Service is also recommended for safari goers. Members who require emergency medical attention on safari are flown to Nairobi for the best medical attention available in the country.

Food
In generally, the food served in hotels and lodges is European food. Breakfast and lunch will be buffet and dinner is usually a set menu. In Mombasa and Nairobi you will find a variety of restaurants - European, Indian, Chinese, African, and Seafood. The degree of cleanliness in restaurants is very high, as is the quality of food.

Special dietary and travel requests have to be made in advance and in writing. While every effort is made to provide a personalized service, legal liability cannot be admitted or accepted by us if a special request is not carried out to the visitor's satisfaction or at all.

Water
Drink only bottled water or from flasks. Hotels and lodges usually provide safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarket.

Electricity
Both mains electricity and generated supply in lodges provide 240 volts AC 50 cycles. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with 110v 50 cycles. Sockets are normally three pin and of the ‘square’ variety.

Currency
Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash or travelers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in the cities and at most large hotels. Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign exchange. Only banks, hotels, lodges and forex bureaus are authorized dealers to change money.

US Dollars, Euros and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay. As a norm, always ask what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction. Apart from Nairobi and Mombasa airport banks which are open 24 hours, banks open until 15:00 Monday to Friday and from 09:00 to 12:30 on Saturday.

Credit Cards
VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourist services. There’s usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions. However, many small shops in rural areas will not accept them.

Shopping
East Africa has a wealth of fascinating curio shops, clothes stores and shops specializing in African designs. In Nairobi, City Market and the streets around the market are main areas to shop in. the major hotels have business centers where variety of items is easily accessible. The Rift Valley has interesting curio shops which are situated along the highway and in the towns. The major credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted in all the main shops around the city centers, in hotels and lodges.

Tipping and Porterage
Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.

Communications
City and town hotels mostly have telephones and faxes. On the most part international calls are very expensive. Game lodges and camps mostly rely on H.F. radios for communication, which is sufficient for emergencies, but not recommended for a casual call. Recently some lodges have installed telephones, which are usually very expensive. The Kenyan postage system is very reliable but fairly slow; for example a letter to the USA usually takes approximately two weeks. East Africa: Kshs 35.00 Letters (per 10gms) - Africa: Kshs 40.00 Europe and Asia: Kshs 55.00 Far East, USA and Australia. : Kshs 70.00

Clothing
Although East Africa is considered to fall in the tropics, climate and temperature varies depending on altitude and proximity to the ocean. Coastal regions are hot and humid while the central plateaus are warm and dry, with cool nights. Prepare your clothes accordingly. Informality is the keynote, be prepared for cool evenings at higher altitudes, on safari try to wear neutral colors as much as possible green, beige and khaki are best not to startle the game. A hat and a pair of sunglasses are advisable for protection against the sun. Laundry can be done at most lodges. Light comfortable shoes are important.

Immodest attire, public affection and open anger are perceived as disrespectful to the local people in some destinations. In Zanzibar and Lamu, it is important for women to dress modestly out of respect for Muslim cultural beliefs.

Photography
Kenya is considered to be a photographer’s dream destination. The country has panoramic scenery, wildlife, birds to people and colorful people. It is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking them first. Maasai and Samburu warriors will expect payment for posing. Seek the assistance of your driver/guide in this matter. Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policeman, the president, the national flag, the State House, state lodges, soldiers, prisons and prisoners is prohibited. Remember to carry binoculars for a closure view.

Time Difference
GMT +3 hours

Baggage
Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase or hold all per person, plus hand baggage. Suitcases can be left at the base hotel. Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra cost. Baggage can also be stored at Highlight Safaris offices. A baggage weight restriction of 15 kg per person applies on air safaris. Where very small aircraft are used this may be reduced to 10kg. Visitors are responsible for any excess baggage charges.

Terms & Conditions

Cancellations
Full refund will be provided if cancellation occurs in writing 60 days prior to commencement of a safari. Refund on all pre-paid money will be based on cancellation fees levied by hotels and lodges. Generally there is a 50% charge on cancellation within 30 days, 75% charge within 7 days, and 100% charge within 2 days. We reserve the right to deduct all expenses incurred from money paid. Some services are non-refundable.

Transfer of Booking
In the event you are unable to travel due to extraordinary circumstances, we may transfer your booking to another party provided the arrangements remain the same and if suppliers (airlines, hotels, etc.) are all ready to accept the transfer. For gorilla tracking tours, Gorilla permits are only transferable in some rare instances.

Changes and Alterations
The right is reserved to alter any route or arrangement, or to cancel the operation of any scheduled tour should the conditions necessitate. The right is also reserved to decline, accept or retain any member of a tour at any time. Should you fail to join a tour, join it after departure or leave prior to completion; no tour fare refund can be made.

Transport
Mode for transport utilized will depend on the number of clients and the route taken based on the specifications of the chosen itinerary. Fully trained and experienced English speaking driver/guides are provided.

Accommodation
Based on twin bedded rooms or tents with private bathrooms where possible. Single rooms may be available with the payment of a supplement fee but cannot always be guaranteed.

Viewing Animals
When it comes to game viewing, please be advised there are no guarantees. It is a privilege to see animal in their natural habitat.

Liability
All bookings are accepted on the specific condition that Mihon Destinations Management and its agents act only as agents of the passengers in all matters relating to hotel/lodge accommodations, tours, transport, etc. and shall not be liable for injury, delay, loss or damage in any manner whatsoever. Mihon Destinations Management reserves the right to employ subcontractors to carry out all or part of the services agreed to be supplied. The respective laws of the country govern Mihon Destinations Managements' liability to passengers carried in its own vehicles. All claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the cause of action arises. Finally, whilst every care is taken, Mihon Destinations Management cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to baggage.

Insurance
You are advised to buy travel insurance through your agent before coming to East Africa, but local evacuation coverage is available in the unlikely event of a medical emergency while out in the bush. Please request this at the time of booking.