Bunson Safari is delighted to welcome you to Kenya.
While you are here, our staff are at your service to assist you in any way possible, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any problems or queries.
Office Hours: 8.30 am – 5.00 pm
Contact: + 254 (20) 2248371 / +254(20) 2221992-4

Shopping

Kenya has a wide variety of curio shops, clothes stores and shops with African ware. Some shopping areas include: Nairobi main streets, arcades in the city centre, major hotels and streets around the market. If you are travelling to the rift valley there are curio shops on your way. Most reputable shops and hotels/lodges will accept major credit cards and travelers cheques.

Business hours

Usual working hours throughout Kenya are 08.30 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, 08.30 to 12.30.
Banks are open from 9.00am to 3.00p.m on weekdays, however at some of the larger malls banks may have extended working hours.

Currency & Credit cards

The unit of currency here is the Kenya shilling. Notes are available in the denominations of 1000ksh, 500ksh, 200ksh, 100ksh and 50ksh. Coins are available in 1ksh, 5sh, 10ksh, 20ksh and 40ksh. Major credit cards are accepted throughout Kenya.
Useful Hints
•    Please show respect for local laws and customs, and the sensitivities of your host country. For religious reasons, dressing scantily is considered a discourtesy and restrict wearing of swimsuits and beach wear to swimming pools and beaches.
•    Do not leave valuables, including cameras and binoculars anywhere. Make use of hotel safes as much as possible. Try not to make a flagrant display of wealth – your normal holiday spending money amounts to a small fortune to most East Africans.
•    When on safari, do not get out of your vehicle, unless you are told it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to go for walks when staying in game lodges.
Personal Safety
Valuables, including traveler’s cheques should be locked up when away form your hotel or lodge. The streets in the cities and towns are not dangerous but it is unwise to walk alone after dark or away from well lit streets, especially when carrying bags or cameras.
In short, please take the same care as you would normally do in any part of Europe, America or elsewhere in the world.

Health

•    Sun Block should be an essential part of your daily moisturizer while in East Africa.
•    Tap Water is not necessarily safe to drink, please insist on bottled water at all destinations. Large hotels will provide you with tips on usage of water available to you for drinking.
•    Malaria is a general concern in East Africa, please ensure that you have a proper prescription for an anti-malarial drug and it is taken appropriately as prescribed and directed by your doctor.

Taxis

There are a number of taxi service providers, however, please always ensure that the taxi service engaged is from reputable company. The concierge or customer service representative at your hotel should be able to provide you with a proper Taxi company. Alternatively you may call Carlson Wagonlit on + 254 738 77 22 72 to organise a transfer.

Tipping

A fixed service charge is normally included in the tariff of most hotels and restaurants. However, a suggested 10% of your total bill may be used as a guideline for tipping waiters or bar tenders.
Tipping towards your safari driver/guide may vary between USD3.00 – USD5.00 per person per day and can vary on your satisfaction of the same. Remember, tips are generally paid out only for good attentive service on completion.

Photography

As much as a photograph is a great reminder of your trip, there are certain areas that are restricted to photography. Please be sure to enquire locally before taking a photograph. Most large malls in and around the city are now restricting photo taking.

Baggage

Please ensure that your baggage is locked at all times when in the hotel rooms and during transit. Ensure that it is always in full view. Contents of your baggage should only be known and packed by yourself.

Languages

English and Swahili are the most commonly spoken languages in East Africa. However, on safari we are able to provide you with multi-lingual driver guides. Senior staff at most hotels will be able to speak various languages too.

Weather & Clothing

East Africa boasts of warm weather most of the year. However, we do have different conditions in different parts of the country. It is however advisable to carry light casual clothing and a jacket or sweater for the evenings. At the coast the weather can get very hot and humid, with the central highlands being cool and crisp. Nairobi is generally warm but does get chilly in the evenings.

Food & Restaurants

Food in hotels and restaurants is set to a European/American standard. Breakfast and lunch menus are normally buffet and an a la carte Dinner. All major towns in and around East Africa, such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kampala, Entebbe, Arusha and Dar Es Salaam offer a variety of culinary delights ranging from Chinese, Thai, Indian, Continental, Middle Eastern as well as local dishes.

CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL KENYA staff and management hope that you have an enjoyable stay. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any queries or concerns.