1. YOUR AFRICAN SAFARI PLANNED BY NATIVE AFRICAN TEAM

As you plan your trip, we are your choice as we know Kenya & Tanzania like the back of our hands. We are Native Africans born and brought up in African Villages. With the unpredictable nature of Adventure where routes can change easily and at short notice because of local events or conditions, you are in safe hands with Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris Safari Driver-Guides and office back up team.

2. REPUTATION IS EVERYTHING

With time comes experience but principles and dedication to our clients has built a reputation we aim to preserve and protect. Our years of experience, high quality operation and intimate knowledge of our destinations has built Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris as one of the best tour operators in our region . Testimonies from our clients and partners confirms why we say reputation is everything.

3. OFFERING VALUE FOR MONEY

Quality, flawless holidays is the best reward we offer you; it is value for your money where you sit and enjoy every day without fears of quality. Our range of holidays allows you to choose a style that suits your budget and level of comfort and we strive to deliver to your expectation if not beyond.

4. FLEXIBLE  TOUR PROGRAMMES:

About 80% of our business is generated from tailor made programmes (from fly-in safaris, to drive in safaris & walking safaris; from palm fringed beaches to mountain peaks…). We offer maximum flexibility on the programme you want, for the dates convenient to you, and the accommodation style you prefer! That means maximum enjoyment on your safari – after all it is YOUR holiday and we will do our best to ensure we exceed your expectations!

5. PLANNING YOU TRIP

Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris offers peace of mind with our wide variety of choices to travel on: you can choose our fixed departure or our custom-made tours where you plan your safari step by step with the guidance of one of our many Travel Experts. We also provide you with all the pre-travel information necessary, and detailed tour dossiers including a full tour itinerary, background information and optional additional services to choose from. We have appointed a couple of  holiday consultants to assist with timely responses especially in areas where time differences result in delayed responses and also to help you avoid expensive phone calls to us. So, we will help plan, advice & implement that really special safari for you!

7. PRIVATELY OWNED AND OPERATED

Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris is a privately owned Limited company that has rich history and loyal, dedicated field and office team with a passion for Africa. As a result, we are very personal on services we offer and attentive, flexible and willing to go the extra mile to both assist you with your booking, and to ensure a well-run tour in Africa with positive memories.

8. THE BIG FIVE

The BIG FIVE – Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Buffalo & Leopard. Whether this is your first safari, or your umpteenth – spotting the Big Five is always top of the list. The term Big Five was coined by big-game hunters, and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. Today we use it to define the most magnificent animals in Africa, the ones we want to capture with our camera. There is nothing quite like seeing a pride of lions lolling about in the shade, or spotting the elusive leopard as it stalks its prey. Imagine getting so close to an elephant that you can hear it breath, watching a huge herd of buffalo wallow in a waterhole or seeing a rhino, peacefully grazing until it launches into a mock charge.

9. ADVENTURE DRIVES LIFE

At Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris, we believe in a holiday that provides adventure and refresh your senses. All our safaris are designed to give you a genuine feel for the country, the people and the environment you are visiting. From Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro to Bush Camping, from participating in Community work such as painting a school to cycling in the wild with local guides, we trust our Adventure will spice your life

10. VARIETY ENSURES EVERYONE IS CATERED FOR

At Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris, we strongly believe that we should be as diverse as our markets. We offer a galaxy of products that cater for everyone in the market. From Basic Camping to Luxury 5star all inclusive vacations, from Passive Adventure to High Adrenaline Adventure, we offer variety that caters for everyone.

11. WE’LL TAKE CARE OF THE DETAILS

Leave the legwork to us. We’ve secured quality accommodations and arranged for transportation, excursions, entrance fees, porterage, and most meals and gratuities. We take care of the details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the wonder of the places you are exploring.

12. TRAVEL WITH THE EXPERTS

The experience to see places through the eyes of an expert is great. Our team of travel experts constitutes knowledgeable people carrying a deep sense of understanding of an area to be traveled. Thus you get an insider’s perspective and their palpable enthusiasm makes your journey unforgettable.

13. LEAVING A FOOTPRINT ON EVERY JOURNEY

We strongly believe in travelling responsibly, leaving a positive mark in our journeys and equally encourage our clients to do the same: This includes, minimizing the impact on the people, wildlife and environment in the destinations we travel to. Where possible we encourage our clients to donate during their safaris directly to the communities that we visit.

SAFARI TIPS KENYA,TANZANIA

WHEN TO TRAVEL 

There are two rainy seasons that you might prefer to avoid when travelling to Kenya. The short rains are in November and the long rains start at the end of March and go through to the end of May. Although, we will add that it is not an inconvenience, people are used to it and manage to carry on with rain or not, and driving on the muddy roads in a four-wheel drive can actually be a lot of fun. August and October are just about the best times, but to see the Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara it’s advisable to come between July and September.

SAFARI VEHICLES & GUIDES 

Your minibus / 4WD Landcruiser bvehicle will generally be provided with a cool box. You may therefore stock up on water prior to your safari to last you for the duration of your journey from one destination to the next. Bottled mineral water is available at all hotels and lodges and in all towns that you will pass through en route to your next stop.
Many of the major roads in East Africa are in good condition but some roads especially of the beaten tracks  and in the parks on your journey may prove to be bumpy with Potholes. Flat tyres, overheating and a few unscheduled delays are all part and parcel of the safari experience!
In the event of an emergency, mechanical or otherwise, your driver / guide has a high frequency radio or mobile access to lodges, park gates and our head office.
Your driver / guide has a wealth of knowledge – be friendly and inquisitive and he will be encouraged to keep you informed.
En route to National Parks and whilst leaving your lodge on a game drive, your driver / guide may have his high frequency radio switched on. He may also stop to chat to the drivers of other vehicles. Please note that your driver is stopping to chat and to gain inside knowledge from the other drivers as to the location of the wildlife within the park so that he can provide you with the best experience possible. In the event that the noise from the radio bothers you, please know that you may ask your driver to switch it off.

BAGGAGE ON SAFARI

Baggage on safari  should be restricted to one suitcase or hold-all per person, plus hand baggage. Guests staying at the Treetops and the Ark – Kenya’s two tree-lodges, are asked to take overnight bags only. Extra suitcases and baggage can be left at the base hotels at no extra cost. When visiting Treetops the base hotel is the Outspan, and in the case of the Ark, the base hotel is the Aberdares Country Club. Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris  will also be glad to store any excess luggage at our Nairobi head office at no extra charge. When using domestic flights either to the National Parks or to the coast, there is a baggage weight restriction of 15 Kg per person.

CHILDREN

Children are very welcome to accompany their parents on safari and most lodges and camps are very child friendly. However there are some very exclusive properties that do not accept children of upto a certain age. Please confirm with us these before you book your safari.

WHAT TO PACK 

It is a good idea to bring mosquito repellent, sun cream, a hat, sunglasses, and malaria medication. The local supermarkets are quite well stocked, but it never hurts to come prepared with these essentials. However, if you are going on Safari, as you get into the highlands, it gets cooler, and during the early morning and late evenings you may need a sweater and trousers/jeans. If you are in Mombasa, it is always warm so bring shorts, short sleeves, and your swimming gear. It is also advisable to have some smart clothes. Generally, in Mombasa you will not be expected to wear a tie, but some restaurants still require long trousers and shirt sleeves. Nairobi also gets quite cold in the evenings during the rainy season, making a sweater a welcome garment.

CURRENCY

Major hard currencies (US Dollars, Sterling Pounds and Euros) can be exchanged in cash or travelers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in Nairobi and other major towns, and in the majority of hotels and lodges that you will stay at. Bank timings are from 08:30 hrs to 16:00 hrs on weekdays, and from 09:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs on Saturdays.
The best / most competitive rates of exchange can be found at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The Kenyan currency comprises of Shillings and Cents – 100 Cents making up a Shilling. Notes range from Kshs 50 to Kshs 1000. Approx. 1 USD equivalent to Kshs 100.

CREDIT CARDS

VISA, MASTERCARD & AMERICAN EXPRESS are accepted as a form of payment at most establishments in major towns, at all hotels and lodges and even at most road side curio shops. Please beware however, that you may be charged an extra 5 % mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions. There are ATM machines in all major towns and cities from which money in cash can be withdrawn.

DRESS CODE FOR SAFARI

There is no dress code for safari, however it is advised that you were inconspicuous clothes in brown, green, beige, khaki, or other neutral colours so as not to draw attention to yourself or frighten the animals away.

As driving distances can be quite long while on safari, it is advisable that you dress lightly and comfortably. With evenings able to get quite cold, it is also advisable to bring along warmer clothes.

Please Note: Tanzania is a conservative country, so don’t dress provocatively.

Guests of certain lodges may also be expected to wear trousers and collared shirts for dinner (for men) or dresses (for women)Smart / Casual attire is required at most hotels and lodges for dinner. Gentlemen, please note no shorts permitted in the dining rooms over dinner. A collared polo-shirt with informal trousers however, will suffice. Ladies, no swimming attire is permitted in dining rooms. During breakfast and lunch a beach wrap that covers your swimming suit or bikini will be fine.

Warm clothing is essential for your early morning and evening game drives at the National Parks. In the evenings, light long sleeved cotton shirts are recommended as these will not only provide warmth, but will also protect you from mosquitoes which are more abundant at night. During the day, short sleeved cotton t-shirts and shorts are recommended. Comfortable shoes and a pair of slip-on flip-flops or slippers are a must!

PARK FEES IN KENYA & TANZANIA 

National Parks: Smart cards and pre-payment of entrance fees are essential for the Nairobi, Nakuru, Aberdares, Amboseli and Tsavo national parks.
Park fees will generally be included in the cost of your safari and the relevant documentation will be given to your driver / guide, who will be responsible for and handle all your entrance fees.
Reserves: Cash payments are still acceptable at reserves such as the Mara and Samburu.
The cost of non-resident park fees in Kenya and Tanzania is currently US Dollars 65 & US Dollars 80 per person per night spent in the park / reserve.
Payment of the driver and vehicle’s entry fees is included in the cost of your safari and you are not responsible for these costs. Your driver / guide will carry his own Smart card or cash in this respect.

HEALTH IN KENYA & TANZANIA

Since rules concerning disease prevention and inoculation requirements change occasionally, information should be sought from the Kenyan / Tanzanian Embassies / High Commissions, Tourist Offices, your local travel agent or from any airline flying scheduled services into Kenya in your country of residence prior to travelling. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and Tanzania, and visitors to these countries should start taking anti-malarial tablets prior to departure from your home country, and should continue taking them for the prescribed period of time after your return home. Insect repellants should be utilized after dusk and suitable cover-up clothes should be worn in the evenings.

FLYING DOCTORS SOCIETY

Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris recommends that you purchase temporary membership of the Flying Doctors Society services for the duration of your stay in Kenya / Tanzania. In the event of an accident or sickness whilst on safari, the Society will fly / evacuate patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance into a private hospital. The current cost for a 1month membership is US $ 30.00 per person and this can be organized by Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris prior to your arrival.

DRINKING WATER

Please do not consume any tap water during your trip. Hotels and lodges generally provide a thermos flask in your rooms with safe drinking water. In addition, bottled mineral water is available at all supermarkets, lodges and hotels.

SECURITY IN KENYA & TANZANIA 

During your visit to Kenya / Tanzania, you should take normal security precautions as you would in any other country. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms, but to ensure that use is made of safe deposit boxes which are available at a minimal cost at all hotels and lodges. Visitors should never carry large sums of money in cash, and ladies should maintain a tight hold on their handbags in crowded or busy streets. Jewelry snatching is quite common in the city streets, and as such very noticeable adornments should be avoided. As in all major cities, walking alone or in small groups at night could be considered dangerous, and should be avoided. Reliable taxi services are available (your reception desk will assist you with this), and should be made use of.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policemen, the president, the national flag, the State House, state properties and prisoners, is completely prohibited.
Before photographing local people, please ask their permission and via your driver / guide, negotiate a price that they will charge you for the privilege of taking their photograph.
Please note that the use of your flash light may be restricted at certain locations.

SHOPPING IN KENYA & TANZANIA

Hours of opening: Generally 09:00 – 17:30. Shopping malls: 09:00 – 20:00. Sundays: 09:00 – 13:00.
Curios: Recommended a visit to see the City Market, but beware of being hassled by hawkers. Bargaining essential.
Food stuff: Kenya and Tanzania are famous for their tea and coffee. Macadamia nuts and cashew nuts are also popular with visitors. Indian spices are readily available. Materials are also varied and of excellent quality.
Brasses and bronzes of wildlife and birds; ebony carvings, soap stone chess sets, glassware….
Please note that the sale and purchase of game skins, all ivory products, marine products and trophies are strictly forbidden.

VOLTAGE

Both the mains electricity and the generated supply available in lodges provides 240 volts AC 50 cycles. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with 110v 50 cycles. Sockets are usually 3 pin and are of the square variety.
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TIPPING & PORTERAGE

Although hotels, lodges and restaurants include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters and waiters (US Dollars 2 – 5 per service rendered is acceptable), and safari drivers / guides (US Dollars 8 – 15 per person per day is acceptable).

LANGUAGE

Kiswahili is the Lingua Franca while English is the Official language in both Kenya and Tanzania. The different tribes in both countries have their own languages and dialects but in all touristic establishements, English will be spoken and understood.
Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris is in a position to provide driver / guides who speak other languages for those who do not understand or speak English. Please let us know in advance so that we can arrange this for you.

POST & TELEPHONES

Keeping in touch by email, telephone and mail is generally easy. Direct overseas dialing and email facilities are possible / available from major centers and hotels, and increasingly available from more remote locations and game lodges. Special international calling bureaus are widely available in Nairobi as are the cyber cafes for email and internet access. Like most public facilities, the post office hours are from 08:00hrs to 17:00 hrs Mondays to Fridays, and on Saturdays until noon.

CHECK-IN TIMES / RECONFIRMATION

Minimum check-in time for international flights: 2 hours.
Minimum check-in time for domestic and other flights: 1 hour.
Reconfirmation of domestic tickets is essential. Please request your hotel receptionist or travel agent to assist.
Reconfirmation of international flights: Roaming Africa Tours and Safaris will assist you with this service. For clients who have not purchased tickets through us, please ensure that you provide us with your full flight details to enable us to provide this service.

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SAFARI 

Packing for your first safari can be a bit daunting. What do you bring? What don’t you need? Below you’ll find our recommended list of things to bring along with you when you’re on safari.

• A backpack
• A warm sweater or light fleece
• A windbreaker or waterproof jacket
• Walking shoes or boots
• A long sleeve dress shirt and trousers
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Batteries and/or charger for your camera
• A flashlight or headlamp
• Guide books
• Phone and charger.

You may also wish to bring your own first aid kit. While all of our Roaming Africa Tours and Safari vehicles have their own on board first aid kit, it never hurts to be prepared.

ROAMING AFRICA TOURS & SAFARIS

The working hours at our head office, are from 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs from Monday to Friday and from 09:00 to noon on Saturdays. We do however, provide all of our clients with emergency telephone numbers which can be called 24 hours.