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Safari FAQs

Timken Tours Kenya does not include International flight costs in our East African safari tour prices. This is because Timken Tours Kenya is an inbound local Kenya tour operator and ground handling agency. Local safari tour packages operated by Timken Tours Kenya start from Nairobi airport, Nairobi hotels, Mombasa airport and hotels, Diani beach resorts, Malindi / Watamu beach resorts,Naivasha area resorts, Kisumu, Nakuru, Arusha, Namanga, Taveta and Isebania border towns and from any other location in Kenya and East Africa.
Almost all safari tours operated by Timken Tours Kenya are private per booking and are operated in own pop up top 4×4 jeep with a dedicated tour driver / guide. Guests booking with Timken Tours Kenya can however form private groups to travel together as families or friends. We do not make tour groups from individual bookings for medium / long range safari tours .This is to allow foe flexibility,customization ,pace and choice of safari lodge / camp preference The only exception is the short / small Nairobi Kenya group tours which we operate on Tuesday ,Friday ,Saturday and Sunday of every week
Almost all safari lodges / tented camp accommodations during your safari do provide free Wifi . These is in the three accommodation levels of economy , comfort and luxury Wifi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges / tented camps including the reception, dining areas and lounge . It is not provided in the individual rooms/ tents. We provide free Wifi in our 4×4 Safari jeeps with connectivity being at approximately 70% due to local Kenyan network coverage.
Timken Tours Kenya has invested in the employment of among the best tour driver / guides However we allow our guests to have that special preference for an individual driver / guide either from recommendation or online reviews. If you prefer a specific safari tour driver / guide from our team ,we are happy to allocate him as your guide for the duration of your safari tour. This is however subject to his availability. In case he is already requested for during the period of your planned safari tour ,you can always choose another driver / guide from our diverse team.
Our selection of safari lodges and tented camps is well researched and offers the best in terms of comfort ,relaxation and atmosphere during safari. Each accommodation category is well catered for in the selection. We fully understand the need for your protection against Mosquito and other insect bites. All rooms / tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect proofed to protect you against bites. You are also advised to carry / use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
The maximum number of persons allowed in one room / tent are 3 , these can be accommodated in a double bed and a single bed or in 3 single beds. Where 4 persons or more are travelling together and prefer stay in one room / tent , we may book them in 2 rooms with interconnecting doors For those that may prefer to stay close as family or friends , we may book them in adjacent tents / rooms Some safari lodges / camps have family units for maximum of 4 persons only. This however includes an extra cost. All safari rooms / tents are private with own bathroom / toilet
Your safari tour Jeep has a generous luggage compartment at the rear and can comfortably carry 6 suitcases with an average 25 -30kgs each You may carry hand luggage with your vital stuff inside the safari jeep. We suggest that you pack / carry your luggage in soft sided suitcases for ease of storage in safari vehicle and also to minimize on friction and damage during the sometimes bumpy road safari trips.
In case you are booked on a Kenya fly -in safari and or you would consider taking local / domestic safari flights to the national parks / game reserves , there is a baggage allowance. The baggage allowance for local domestic flights commuting between national parks is 15kgs excluding hand luggage You may store extra luggage not required on safari at our Nairobi or Mombasa offices for free. You may also choose to pay an extra $ 5 per kilogram for any extra baggage if you decide to carry all your baggage around with you (this is subject to flight / carrier capacity)
As an extension of our safari tour services , Timken Tours kenya provides free return airport / hotel transfers for our guests booked a 3 days plus safari tour with us. The transfers are provided even when you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start / end In all cases , you shall share with us your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and timings ,we shall in return provide transfer driver name and telephone contact in advance of your arrival / departure
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include Nairobi hotel stay In case you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after safari finish ,you require a Nairobi hotel. Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in economy ,comfort and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay. As part of your safari tour ,Natural world safari shall pick you up and drop you off at your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes areas around Nairobi We suggest that you look up and book online your favorite Nairobi hotel .In case you do require advise, suggestions or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel ,we shall be happy to assist.

SAFARI LODGES
A safari lodge in Africa is located in a remote Wildlife area and is made up of a number of cottages / chalets spread over a landscaped land .Here shall be a main building which houses a restaurant, bar, gift shop together with the reception and also administration facilities. In most cases, there may be a swimming room, The lodge’s en-suite guestrooms are spread in smaller separate scattered cottages around the main central building. The atmosphere is usually rustic and compliments the natural surroundings while bringing in the essence of the wild Safari lodges vary in size, unique design, location and standards with a nice range in economy , comfort and luxury category.
SAFARI CAMPS
The safari tented camps share some similarities with safari lodges in layout , purpose and location. A tented camp is composed of the Main building (housing the public areas) usually thatched African style for effect .It may also be made of a large tent .The en-suite guest tents are scattered around the main building providing a private feel. The tented camp is a composition of large en-suite walk in tents which are built on a solid floor base and are complete with private bathrooms and a small terrace or veranda. Essentially they are rooms with the exterior being canvas rather than wood or brick. The tented camp complex may also have a swimming pool. Tented camps range from the comfort, superior comfort, luxury to the super luxury.

The SGR train travel between Mombasa and Nairobi and now being extended to Near Lake Naivasha is the most recent and safest way to travel in Kenya. It is also the most exotic means of travel between the Kenya interior and Kenya coast. The train coaches are air conditioned and with wide windows for best scenic views. From Nairobi to Mombasa and vise versa , the train meanders through the Tsavo West & Tsavo East. It is absolutely safe for both passengers and luggage. . . Best 360 degrees landscape views can be experienced from the restaurant car of the train.
Tipping in Kenya although not mandatory is expected after a good service. All hotels, lodges and porterage gratuities are included on your safari price – this are collectively referred to as service charge. Individual waiters, porters and other hotel service employees may provide exemplary service and it is your discretion to decide to tip .Usually $ 1 -$ 5 per move or sitting is appropriate and appreciated. It is however customary to tip your safari driver / guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $ 10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your (safari only cost ) is suggested . The amount is however at your discretion, you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staff who have provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable. You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD or in Euro at the end of your safari / tour and preferably in an envelope.

Tourists visiting Kenya must have a valid visa. Your passport must also be valid for at least six months after the date of your arrival in the country. Effective Jan 1, 2023/2024, all passengers travelling to Kenya from countries that require visas to enter Kenya shall be required to apply and obtain E-visa before boarding an aircraft as no visas shall be issued on arrival.
Electronic visa application for Kenya:
The visa application process involves uploading your passport picture along with your passport photograph. Your visa shall be issued approximately five days after you register. You shall be required to print a copy of your electronic visa, bring it with you for presentation along with your passport on arrival in Kenya. If you have any problems or enquiries related to applying for an electronic visa, please contact the Kenyan Embassy in your country / region or email evisa@immigration.go.ke.
Useful Links:
Eligibility & Exempted States: http://evisa.go.ke/eligibility.html
Visa Types & requirements: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa-types.html
E-visa FAQs: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa-faqs.html

Distances and driving times in Africa vary from the European and American concepts. In Kenya, roads are narrow and may not be well maintained. The roads immediately leading to the National Parks and Game Reserves are rough. Please note that advertised driving time on safari itineraries/programs on website are estimate and may vary depending on road conditions and road traffic. Timken Tours Kenya operate a wide range of East African road safari holidays.
A single room supplement is an extra fee imposed on single occupancy of a double/ shared room by hotels, safari lodges and tented camps. Our safari tour prices are based on two persons sharing in a double room /tent. If someone chooses to have single occupancy of room, the single room supplement applies .Single room / tent extras are indicated on the price section of each tour package page.
Our standard safari travel & game viewing drive vehicle is a custom designed 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep with pop up top for ease of photography during game viewing drives and sightseeing. The vehicle sits a maximum of 6 persons for guarantee window seats and access to the pop up top. Our 4×4 safari Jeeps are fitted with long range radios for easy communication, cooler boxes, and first aid kits .This is on top of the other extras in Jeep The 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep has several advantages on safari. These includes a higher elevation, better navigation on rough terrain, deeper reach, more comfort and brings out better the African adventure experience.

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  • Diani Beach, Diani, Mombasa, Kenya

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