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Your 2024 Kenya Luxury Safari and Optional Rwanda Gorilla Trekking will be here before you know it! About 30 days prior to the trip you will receive your personalized travel documents via email, confirming your trip inclusions and airport transfer details. Below you will find additional information to help you prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.
All documentation required for this itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Brand g Vacations will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper or absent travel documentation. It is suggested that copies of important documents, including your passport and visas, be kept in a separate place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Passport: A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after your return date is required for this program. Your passport should have a minimum of two blank pages for the entry visas.
Visas:
Kenya: Citizens of almost every country require and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya. You must apply for this authorization in advance of the trip and the soonest you may apply is 3 months prior to your entry to the country. We will send an email reminder around that time with specific instructions for applying.
Rwanda (optional post-tour – only applies to those who have signed up in advance): Entry visas are required for citizens of most countries including the USA, and may be purchased at the port of entry for $50usd. We recommend you bring cash (like new bills) in case credit card facilities are not working.
Travel Protection: Travel insurance is strongly recommended. If you have not purchased a policy already, you may do so by contacting your travel agent or Brand g Vacations. You may also get a quote and purchase a policy online from Brand g’s recommended travel insurance provider, Travel Insured International, on our reservations website. Please be sure to carry all policy information with you during your program.
Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are required for entering Kenya or Rwanda at the time of this printing, but it is recommended that you discuss available vaccinations and any other health concerns you may have with your personal physician or a travel medicine specialist. While not absolutely required, we highly recommend that all guests obtain a vaccination for Yellow Fever to avoid any issues with entering Kenya. It is technically only required if traveling through a country where Yellow Fever is endemic. However, there are cases where travelers have been denied entry without the vaccine.
We recommend you consult the following CDC links for more information regarding health and vaccinations for both countries and also that you consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic to discuss your current vaccinations and their recommendations based on your individual health.
Physical Limitations: The is an active trip, and there is much to see and do. Most safari activities will be conducted in jeeps, so guests should be able to climb in and out of transportation with little to no assistance. For activities in Nairobi and some optional activities it may be necessary to walk long distances over uneven terrain. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that you be in good physical condition for the main, Kenya, trip.
Those participating in the optional Rwanda extension will need to hike a long distance through very uneven, mountainous, often muddy terrain to reach the gorillas. Therefore, we recommend you be in good physical condition to participate in this part of the trip. If you have concerns, please contact us.
Medical: Medical facilities are not always easily accessible during the more rural portions of the trip. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip are the guest’s own responsibility, and neither Brand g nor the local ground operator is responsible for cost or quality of medical care received. Guests should bring an adequate supply of prescription medications with them as it may be difficult to fill prescriptions in country. Guests should also plan to bring a personal first-aid kit with over-the-counter medications, Band-Aids, bug bite treatments as well as Benadryl any other basic first aid treatments you feel you may need as these will also be difficult if not impossible to find in country.
Please consult this Healthy Packing List for Kenya, provided by the US CDC. It is a good guideline for items you may wish to pack. Please note, while all of the items on the list are optional and at your discretion, it is not necessary to bring the following from the list: altitude medication, suture kit, water purification tablets, bed net.
A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses as well as medical evacuation while traveling internationally is highly recommended.
Dietary Preferences: Please advise us of any special dietary restrictions at least 45 days (January 5th) prior to your departure. This information will be provided to the proper personnel, and where possible within local conditions and limitations, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as possible concerning any medically related dietary concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
While there are no restrictions on the number of bags each guest may bring it is highly recommended that each guest bring only one checked bag. Additionally, all airlines impose restrictions on both size and weight, and many airlines restrict the number of bags per person. Each guest must check with their selected air carrier for limitations prior to departure, as luggage restrictions are subject to change. Guests who exceed an airline’s luggage restrictions may be asked by the airline to pay the airline’s overweight/oversized luggage fees.
An airline’s limitations on the weight and size of checked and carry-on baggage are usually found on their website or may be obtained by calling the airline directly. Please remember that international (over the water) and domestic (intra continental) restrictions may not be the same.
Luggage Allowances for Included Flights: The total luggage allowance for all flights included as part of the itinerary is 15kg (33lb) per person, packed in a soft sided bag. You may bring on board a small personal item as well as long as the weight does not exceed 5kg (11lb). However, it is important to note that your personal item counts toward your total weight limitation of 15kg. CLICK HERE for the complete Air Kenya Baggage Policy. If you have extensive travel outside the Kenya program and therefore more luggage than allowed, it may be possible to leave luggage behind in Nairobi prior to safari.
Your luggage and all personal belongings are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
Please place luggage tags on the outside of all of your bags, including carry on and hand luggage, and include a copy of your contact information during the trip on the inside of your checked bags. Valuables and medication should only be packed in your carry-on bags (unless required to be placed in checked bags by your airline).
Please be sure to contact your airline prior to departure and verify there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule. If you have an airport transfer confirmed with Brand g, please advise of any schedule change affecting your airport pick up time.
Familiarize yourself with current airport security procedures and arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure. During peak travel times, you may want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Entry documents will be required at all border crossings, so please carry proper identification with you all times, and never place it in checked luggage.
When arriving by airplane, it is not unusual for a border guard to ask you questions such as “where are you from,” “where are you going,” “how long will you be there,” or “what is the purpose of your trip.” Always answer honestly and politely.
If you are bringing laptops, cameras, or other electrical equipment with you on your trip, you may be required to register these items with the local customs authority in order to ensure you are not charged duty on these items when you return home.
Most items you purchase internationally can be brought back into the US and Canada. We do recommend, however, that you check with both your home country’s customs office for current restrictions, as well as with the embassies of the countries you are visiting for any restrictions on items that may be unlawful to take outside their borders.
When you return to your home country, you should be prepared to declare everything you purchased or acquired while traveling. Many countries will ask you to complete a customs form, which will require descriptions and values of the items. These forms are easier to complete if you keep your sales receipts easily accessible. Most countries have set customs duty exemptions for both quantity and value of certain items. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with these allowances and limits prior to your travel.
Please be advised that most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 3:00pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 3:00pm, there may be a wait until the room becomes available. Check-out at most host hotel properties is 12:00pm. If your arrival or departure schedule does not coincide with these times, you may ask the hotel(s) to store your baggage while you explore independently. Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival, however a short wait for your room to become available may be unavoidable. Depending on your arrival or departure times, you may wish to purchase an early check-in, late check-out, or additional hotel night in order to guarantee availability of your room. Feel free to contact Brand g Vacations or your travel agent to book additional services.
Guests who provided their independently arranged flight details to Brand g Vacations no later than 45 days (January 5th) prior to departure, will automatically have airport arrival and departure transfers arranged. Flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Brand g vacations flight recommendations. Guests are responsible for checking with the airlines and providing their most up-to-date flight details. Please contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations if you have any questions about your flight arrangements.
Arrival transfers are provided from the Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(NBO) to the Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel. The transfer from airport to the hotel takes about 30 minutes. Please consult the travel documents, which will be emailed to you approximately 30 days prior to the trip start date for instructions on where to meet your transfer at the airport.
Departure Transfers for the main Kenya program are provided from the Crowne Plaza Hotel, to the Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(NBO).
Rwanda Post Trip Transfers are provided from the Kigali Serena Hotel to the Kigali International Airport in plenty of time for your scheduled departure. You will be advised of your transfer pickup time during the trip, closer to the time of departure.
Travel Delays: If you experience a travel delay while still in your home country, after working with your air carrier to revise your flight schedule, please contact Brand g’s Operations Office at 952-405-9309 to advise us of your revised arrival date and time. If the line is busy or you are calling outside of general business hours, please leave a message.
If you have already departed your home country, please contact our local staff at the numbers provided below in the Important Contact Information section. Please note, this section may not be added until we email your personalized travel documents to you about 30 days prior to the trip start date.
If you purchased travel insurance that covers flight delay and cancellation expenses, you will also want to contact your travel insurance company to start a claim for expenses incurred during your delay. If the delay is serious enough that you will miss the starting point of your cruise, any additional hotel, and/or flight arrangements necessary to meet your group will be at your expense.
Baggage Delays: Baggage delays unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. If you discover any bag did not make it to your destination, do not leave the airport baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If you have an airport transfer scheduled, and are traveling with a companion, we recommend that one person exit the baggage claim area and locate the representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that the transfer is properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary, along with the hotel and ship contact information. Report your lost baggage to your Brand g Vacations host and provide them with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and/or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
A Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
The ability to stay in touch with friends and family is an important part of travel, and many guests choose to bring cell phones on the trip. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your local carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM cards are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.
Making international calls from the hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.
While cell phone service is typically available in the larger cities, service in more rural areas may be extremely limited, and at times may not be available at all. Should you choose to bring your cell phone, please refrain from conducting conversations during the guides’ excursion commentary
Each hotel and lodge throughout the trip offers free WiFi internet. Please note that in some cases internet access is only available in the main lodge, while in others it is only available in guest rooms. WiFi strength and availability may vary greatly.
In Kenya, the unit of currency is the Kenya Shilling. If you wish to exhange money, the small amount of local currency you may need during your stay in Kenya can be obtained at authorized facilities (such as hotels, banks and foreign exchange bureaus) or through withdrawal at an ATM. You may also exchange money at the airport currency exchange if you wish. In general, we suggest that you limit the amount of money you convert into local currency and exchange only what you think you will spend before leaving Kenya. As exchange rates fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for exchange rates: www.xe.com.
Please note that US Dollars are accepted everywhere although avoid taking with you US dollar notes older than 2006 as these will not be accepted. Your bills should be in good condition with no markings or tears.
Credit cards are accepted on a limited basis most hotels, restaurants and shops in larger cities accept at least one variety of major credit card such as Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Travelers who wish to use their ATM card overseas should check with their own individual bank to verify whether the ATM card will be valid in a particular country. Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your credit card(s) overseas.
In Rwanda, the currency is the Rwanda franc. However, the US dollar is the hard currency of preference.
It still may be helpful to have a small amount of local currency with you. However, we urge you to try to spend all of your Francs while you are in Rwanda because the reverse exchange rate from Francs is very unfavorable. Be aware that only paper currency will normally be accepted for exchange. Very few places in Rwanda accept credit cards. Only the major hotels in Kigali plus a few airlines accept them. There are money-changing facilities in Kigali, which we recommend you use, as it is more difficult to change money outside the city. Visitors are advised that if they are exchanging US Dollars, the notes should be no smaller than $100 denomination, and should have been issued no earlier than 2000. We recommend that you carry cash for convenience and security, and that you change no more than US$200-300 of this into Rwanda francs at the start of your tour.
As exchange rates fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for exchange rates: www.xe.com.
Gratuities for the included components of this program have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional tips at your discretion.
The hotels and lodges have open areas where smoking is allowed. All hotel rooms and lodge accommodations are non-smoking. We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
The voltage in Kenya is officially 240/50Hz. To use any electrical product, which does not accept 240 volts, you will need an electrical converter. We recommend bringing an adapter for use in the hotels. The most common socket types are plug Type G. Because the voltage may fluctuate at times, we also recommend unplugging your devices when not in use or when leaving them unattended.
The voltage in Rwanda is officially 230/50Hz. To use any electrical product, which does not accept 230 volts, you will need an electrical converter. We recommend bringing an adapter for use in the hotels. The most common socket types are plug Type C and Type J. Because the voltage may fluctuate at times, we also recommend unplugging your devices when not in use or when leaving them unattended.
Your tour program includes comprehensive excursions and safaris led by a local English-speaking guides; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Your Brand g Vacations host will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or Brand g Vacations host.
Your itinerary takes you into some areas where locals are simply living their daily lives. Should you wish to take a photo of locals, please request their permission first (simply pointing to your camera and allowing them to nod is sufficient).
Many of the local customs in Kenya and Rwanda differ greatly from Western culture. Your local guides will be able to assist with any questions you may have.
We understand it may be hard to resist, but kindly ask that you not give any money to children. A better alternative would be something from a far-away place, e.g., postcards, small notepads or other school supplies, small personal hygiene products, etc. These items should not be given to any individual child or family – instead, ask your guide to give them to a village elder or the local school.
Many of the places we visit on this itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Please note: The American with Disabilities Act does not apply in either country and accessibility to some sights may be limited for those with mobility impairments.
Some excursions involve walking over uneven ground. Additionally, some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
At its sole discretion, Brand g reserves the right to refuse passage, or to require a passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. Brand g Vacations cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from a hotel, or while on an excursion. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft. Please make use of the in-room safes available in the host hotels.
Please do not drink the tap water in Kenya or Rwanda or use it for brushing your teeth. The water is suitable for showers and baths but should not be consumed. Drinking water will be provided in each hotel/lodge as well as during excursions.
Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and some of the favorites for large, international cities are www.weather.com and www.cnn.com/weather.
Average temperatures:
Kenya : 82/59 degrees F
Kigali Rwanda: 82/62 degrees F
Volcanoes National Park Area, Rwanda: 76/53 degrees F
Altitude will not be a factor for the Kenya portion of the trip. For those participating in the Rwanda Gorilla trekking, you could experience altitudes of up to 7,000 feet. If you are particularly sensitive to altitude we recommend you consult with your physician or travel medicine specialist for a prescription of altitude medication. Obviously trekking at these altitudes does require more effort and therefore we recommend you be in good physical condition.
WHAT TO BRING
Travel Essentials: The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, rain jacket and umbrella. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), a personal medical kit as recommended in the Health and Mobility section above, copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages and visas.
If you bring photographic equipment, make sure they are packed away in a dustproof camera bag. Make sure to bring additional batteries or the charger and an ample supply of memory cards. (It is better to bring several small memory cards than one big one in case one gets corrupted). The use of drones in Kenya is not allowed without a specific license from the government.
We also recommend bringing the following items:
Clothing: Comfortable, sporty, casual clothing is appropriate throughout the trip. We suggest “expedition style” clothing in natural, moisture-wicking fabrics that may be layered. Neutral colors are best for safari. A mix of shirts, everyday slacks/pants, skirts/dresses, swimwear and walking shorts are appropriate. Early mornings, late evenings, and air-conditioned spaces may also require a light sweater and at times in Rwanda (optional post-tour only) you may wish to have a lightweight warm coat or jacket as well as gloves and warm headwear. Again, having layers that you can add or take off to adjust for changing temperatures is highly recommended. There will be opportunities for laundry throughout the trip, so we recommend not overpacking.
For those of you participating in Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, the climate in Volcanoes National Park is both cool and wet, so whenever you travel, you should be sure to dress appropriately. This means plenty of layers so that you can stay warm when sitting with the gorillas, but strip off when hiking. It also means waterproof jackets and pants, and sturdy hiking boots or shoes with sufficient grip for slippery, uphill terrain. There are plenty of stinging nettles, so thick-woven clothing and gaiters are also recommended. If you’re susceptible to sunburn, bring sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen for when the sun makes an appearance in between downpours.
Sport jackets and evening dress are not required at any time during this program; however, you may wish to pack a few smart outfits for evening meals or nights out on your own.
Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support, are highly recommended.
Shopping:
Paintings, batiks and carved figurines of people and animals are among Kenya’s most popular souvenir items. Locally-woven sisal baskets are durable and attractive and are sold at much lower prices than you will find in the American and European shops that have recently begun to import them. Some of the best indigenous artwork is found in Nairobi’s smaller galleries and Nairobi is also a good place to purchase tailored safari clothing and colorful African fabrics. African jewelry is also popular with overseas visitors, particularly the beaded adornments of the Maasai people and pieces made of amber, Tanzanite and Tsavorite. Soapstone carvings from the Kisii District are available in polished black (as well as their natural shades of grey and pink). Tribal artefacts (such as spears, shields, masks and gourds) are widely sold in shops and by street hawkers.
In places where prices are not marked, bargaining is usually an accepted practice.
In Rwanda, wood carvings such as traditional masks, raffia work baskets, mobiles and jewelry, musical instruments, paintings, batik, bags, scarves and beading are among the most popular souvenir purchases. In places where prices are not marked, bargaining is usually an accepted practice.
For purchases made abroad that are being hand-carried home, keep all sales receipts with you (in your hand luggage). It is also suggested that you pack all of your foreign purchases together in one bag (separate from your other personal belongings). You might consider bringing some “bubble wrap” and string for packing any fragile merchandise you purchase while traveling.
Please note that the purchase of “national treasures” for export from any country is strictly illegal and that the onus rests entirely on the buyer. In addition, U.S. and Canadian Customs prohibit the importation of any products made from endangered species of wildlife. If you are approached by someone offering this type of “curio” for sale, do not buy it. International agreements are such that, if you are caught with such a restricted item, it will almost certainly lead to prosecution.
A trip itinerary will be provided in this space around 14 – 30 days prior to the start of the trip.
Please provide a copy of the final contacts to your family members or friends in case they need to reach you in the event of an emergency. When calling these numbers please specify that you are traveling with Brand g Vacations.
Kenya operates on EAT (Eastern Africa Time GMT+3 hours), so when it is 12:00pm in New York it is 7:00pm in Nairobi.
Rwanda operates on CAT (Central Africa Time GMT+2 hours), so when it is 12:00pm in New York it is 6:00pm in Kigali.
International telephone calls can be placed by dialing the International Access Code (+254 – Kenya) & (+250 – Rwanda), the country code and then the phone number. Should you need to utilize the local emergency mobile below, please specify that you are traveling with Brand g Vacations.
| Kenya Emergency Contact: Phone: +254 733 954415 Email: kenya@akorndmc.comRwanda Emergency Contact: Phone: +250 (0)788 310261 / 2 Email: rwanda@akorndmc.com |
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| PROGRAM DATE | PROGRAM VENUE | |
| February 20 – 22 | Fairmont The Norfolk Telephone: +254 202265000 | |
| February 22 – 24 | Tawi Lodge +254 722 745 552 | |
| February 24 – 26 | Sanctuary Tambarare +254 768 776 377 | |
| February 26 – March 1 | Sanctuary Olonana +254 710 600 339 | |
| March 1 – 2 | Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport + 254-719-017000 | |
| March 2 – 3 & Dayroom on March 5 (Rwanda Optional Gorilla Trekking) | Kigali Serena Hotel +250 788 184 500 | |
| March 3 – 4 (Rwanda Optional Gorilla Trekking) | Bishop’s House +250 785 646 739 | |
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