FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to enter Kenya?

You are required to purchase a tourist visa before you enter Kenya. Tourist visas can be bought in advance or simply purchased upon arrival at the airport or at any overland border. Photos are not required and a Kenya tourist visa costs US$ 50 per person for up to 90 days stay in Kenya. However, tourists are often only given two weeks visa so if you are planning to stay longer than two weeks, be ready to state this at the border. Kenya tourist visas can be extended at the immigration office in Nairobi for an additional fee.
Your passport must have a minimum of six months validity remaining.
A single entry tourist visa for the whole East African Community is planned but has not yet been launched.

Can I use my ATM card or credit card in Kenya?

Generally, most banks accept ATM cards or Visa credit cards for money withdrawal in Kenya. While you can withdraw a limited amount of cash per day from ATM machines in Nairobi, there are very few opportunities to withdraw cash once you are on safari in Kenya.
Payment by credit card in Kenya can attract additional charges of between 5-10%, occasionally more. Do check with lodges and restaurants in advance, if you plan to pay by credit card.
We therefore advise you to bring cash and have money changed upon arrival in Nairobi. US dollars, British pounds and Euros are easy to change. However, for some expenses, like the payment of a tourist visa at the airport/border, it is easier to have dollars available. It is often possible to pay for tourist activities with US dollars.
Please note: US dollars bills issued before 1999 are NOT accepted in Kenya. Exchanging low denomination dollar bills (anything less than a USD 100 bill) attracts a lower exchange rate.

What is the best time to travel in Kenya?

Officially, Kenya's dry seasons are from December/January through to mid March and from June through to mid-September. These dry months are the most popular with tourists, with July and August and Christmas and New Year being the peak seasons.
Most rain falls in April-May and October-November. However, this doesn't mean that it rains all day, nor does it mean it will rain every day. Usually there's a tropical shower at night or a shorter shower during the day, but in Kenya you can trust that after rain comes sunshine!
The weather is no reason to avoid travelling in the wet season - you might even consider it because of the easier temperatures during the day.
As in the rest of the world, the East African climate is changing, making it more difficult for us to predict the weather during your safari. However, in Kenya the temperature is very stable and pleasant, with sunshine almost 365 days a year. During the day, the temperature averages between 23 and 27 degrees centigrade, although in some places it can be quite cool at night.
One remarkable aspect about Kenya & Tanzania safaris is: you are still very likely yto spot the big five, whether you travel in the rainy or the dry season!

Are vaccinations required for my Kenya safari?

A number of different vaccinations are recommended and/or required before entering Kenya. A certificate proving you have had the Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda and Tanzania, but not mandatory in Kenya. Immunizations against DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio) and Hepatitis A are recommended as well.
Besides bringing mosquito repellent, we also advise you to take malaria 'prophylactics' (prevention medication).
For the latest Kenya travel health advice, please check one of the travel health web sites or contact us at Frate Tours Ltd. We're always happy to give free Kenya travel advice!

Is Kenya a safe country for tourists?

Kenya is a very safe country to visit. Unlike some of the neighboring countries with a turbulent history, Kenya and Tanzania are very safe, stable and welcoming. East Africans' hospitable nature is legendary! You will be warmly welcomed wherever you go by the country's friendly residents.
The most popular National Parks are are safe to visit any time of the year. All National Parks and wildlife reserves are well protected by the Kenya Wildlife Authority's rangers. Tourism is hugely important for Kenya's economy and a Tourism Police force has been created to protect visitors.
If you are unsure about the safety of travel to Kenya, please contact Frate Tours Ltd.
Your travel insurance company or foreign office may offer information about travel to Kenya. However, in our experience, these bodies all err on the side of caution and do not necessarily know what is happening on the ground at the time.
Your safety is our absolute priority and you can rest assured that we will always give you the best Kenya travel advice.

How can I pay for my safari?

If you are interested in a safari in East Africa, you are required to pay well in advance of your trip to secure space in the hotels since the seasons may mean that the hotels become very busy. Frate Tours Ltds are happy to book and organise all aspects of your safari and you will only remain with showing up on the arranged dates "to get yourself spoilt".
Normally, you will need to provide us with your full names, nationality, passport number, preferred date of travel. The minimum age for visiting is 1 year old, but with proper information upfront, we can accommodate practically anyone. A certain level of fitness is also required for some of the more strenous safaris like gorilla trekking and mountain climbing, since you may not be allowed gorilla trekking if deemed likely to fall sick.

Once you have confirmed the final itinerary with us, you will be asked to pay a deposit of 30%. Internal flights must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Note that availability of accommodation and permits is not guaranteed until officially confirmed by Frate Tours Ltd. Accommodation, permit and activity reservations will be made as soon as payment has been received on our account.
For your convenience, the balance payment of 70% should be settled before the start of your safari. We accept payment by VISA credit card (please include 5% service charge) and bank transfer in either dollars or Euros to our bank account in Kenya. Please note that all bank charges are at the expense of the client.

What is the Safari accommodation like?

Kenya Safari accommodation falls into three categories: budget, mid-range or luxury.
Budget accommodation may be simple and basic rooms, bandas or tents, with double/twin beds and mosquito nets when necessary. Private bathrooms are not always available and you may have to share bathroom facilities.
3-star, 4-star and 5-star accommodation offer comfortable rooms or luxury furnished safari tents with a private bathroom. Flush toilets and hot and cold running water are available. Mosquito nets will be provided where necessary.
All Kenya lodges are carefully selected and frequently visited by Frate Tours Ltds' staff, to monitor quality and service levels. The majority of safari lodges and hotels are small-scale, offering a unique location and ambiance, and usually have a maximum of eight rooms.

I am travelling on my own. Can I book my safari with Longclaw Expeditions Limited?

Single travellers are very welcome! However, to minimise your costs we would suggest joining a group. Although we can try and arrange this for you, we cannot guarantee we can find a group whose interests, budget and preferred route correspond to yours, especially during low season.
If you would like to stay in a single room please notify us well in advance and we will try to meet your request. Please bear in mind that single rooms are not common and it is more likely that you will be offered single occupancy of a double room. A single room supplement will apply.

How many people are in your group safaris?

offer tailor-made safaris for any number of participants. There is no minimum number for a group tour, although the bigger the group, the more attractive the price will be.
Our comfortable Land Cruisers offer seats for four to six people. We also own several 4WD minibuses which can take a maximum of 8 people. To ensure that everybody has a window seat, we usually limit the number of people to seven in the 4WD safari minibuses.