Unscripted Safaris FAQ

• Kenya – To travel to Kenya you must apply for a visa and is normally applied here –https://evisa.go.ke/ and is normally valid for 3 months from the date of travel. They charge $ 51 per visa application for anyone of 16yrs and above. Anyone below 16yrs does not need a visa to travel to Kenya but needs to declare by the person accompanying them during application of the adult. Visa process takes approximately 24hrs – 72hrs for processing. When travelling to Kenya make sure you only apply for a Single Entry Visa (SEV) not a multicounty visa when here on tourism purposes. Guests who don’t need a visa to travel to Kenya kindly refer to the list here to confirm if you need a visa – https://evisa.go.ke/eligibility
• Tanzania – To travel to Tanzania need a visa and can get on arrival or you can apply online prior to arrival here – https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ . Get more details of guidelines here – https://visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines
• Uganda – To travel to Uganda need apply visa online and NOT on arrival. For more details refer here – https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/
• Rwanda – To travel to Rwanda get visa on arrival or apply online here for more details – https://www.migration.gov.rw/

 Kenya and Tanzania currently have no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry so need of the COVID Vaccinations to enter either. A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Kenya and Tanzania if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow feverendemic area in South America or Africa–including East African countries such as Kenya and Uganda. WHO provide a current list of all affected countries here – https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/yellow-fever/yellow-feverrisk-areas . For guests visiting Kenya Only no need of yellow fever as it’s not a MUST but recommended. For guests whose itinerary includes visits to both Kenya & Tanzania safari, vaccination for yellow fever is necessary and you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting. You will be travelling to areas of malaria transmission. We strongly advise that you speak with your doctor or travel clinic regarding your itinerary, individual risk assessment and options for mosquito bite prevention and antimalarial drugs. We recommend filling any prescriptions before you depart. 

 Do I need to take anti-malarial tablets while coming to Kenya? 

We strongly advise that you speak with your doctor or travel clinic regarding your itinerary, individual risk assessment and options for mosquito bite prevention and antimalarial drugs. We recommend filling any prescriptions before you depart. 

•  East Africa (Kenya / Tanzania / Uganda and Rwanda) is a hub for most travellers looking for an african safari adventure. In Kenya we have three types of vehicles that are used for safari based on client’s choice. We have the Open Roof Tour van or also called open roof minibus and open roof landcuisers or open roof 4*4 vehicles and the open sided four by four land cruiser. Below are the differences for each so when planning your safari, you know what suites you best. 
• Open roof Tour Van – These vehicles are most common in a safari here in Kenya BUT NOT Tanzania. They are best preferred by guests that on a low budget since are lower priced as compared to all others. They have a seating capacity of 7 passengers comfortably seated. One at the front and 6 at the back on window seat guaranteed. The 6 at the back have the advantage of the open hatch also called the open roof access as compared to the front seating which has no open roof. They are featured with an open roof hatch, UHF radio call, individual seats, in some cases with limited recline and cooler boxes to store bottled water cold temperatures in hot areas. These vans are two-wheel drive hence in muddy and rocky terrain they tend to struggle to maneuver around during the wet seasons, but during the dry season they travel comfortably. Not being four wheel means in case they get stuck in muddy areas they need assistance from other cars. So incase guests are looking much into an off-road safari this car may not be suitable such as photography. Also some camps or lodges due to location we advise guests not to use this type of vehicle due to terrains in those regions. But a majority are fine to use the vehicle. The vehicle is generally a good vehicle to use on safari and clients using this vehicle should be aware of above details. 
• Open roof Land cruiser – The other dominant type of Safari vehicle in Kenya and Tanzania is the 4×4 Land Cruiser Safari land cruiser. These are often Toyota Land cruisers converted into Safari vehicles with the addition of pop up game viewing roofs [ front and main], safari customization, and addition of UHF radio calls and suitable seating of 7 people comfortably window seat guaranteed. Guests seating in front also has an open roof hatch same for guests seating at the back. A bigger percentage of the vehicles also come with an electric fridge instead of cooler boxes at the back seat to store water or other items at cold temperatures due to high temperatures in some places. Safari land cruisers are more capable for off road since they are four wheel drive full time and elevated and more comfortable as well over rocky and rough sections of roads, but will cost significantly more to use than safari tour vans. 
• Open sided land cruisers – These are another type of land cruiser same brand of Toyota and are not commonly used for guests travelling by road to many parks for safaris since they are not allowed by the authorities to travel on highways from one park to the other due to safety reasons. These type of vehicles are commonly used by guests flying into parks from Nairobi and are commonly owned by camps and lodges located inside the reserves and parks not by the tour operators. Also since not all parks have airstrips if doing many parks can be a challenge to make use of this type of vehicle. Highly recommended to be used under our flying safaris subject to availability since camps have very limited vehicles, hence need book prior. If fully booked, we are recommended to send our normal open roof land cruisers at an extra cost since need travel one day prior to collect you from the airstrip on day of arrival since all cars are stationed in Nairobi office headquarter. Clients travelling by road incase want to use this vehicle need to book at an extra cost at the camp directly if the camp has such vehicles. In case of harsh weather can’t make use of it such as rains as compared to the open roof land cruiser or tour van which you just shut down the hatch and proceed with game drives. 

BUDGET – Safari using affordable hotels, lodges or camps, comparable to a 1-2-star hotel. Accommodation is usually located outside the parks. Most of Budget properties we make use are properties with great food, normal beds, en-suite washroom inside each room, private veranda and sufficient staff to take care of the camp chores comfortably. Wi-Fi is available at the properties as well. Being located outside the parks is not more than 20 minutes driving to the entrances but all along the fence of the parks. 

MID RANGE 1 – Safari using medium to large-scale lodges, tented camps or cottage camps, comparable to a 3-star hotels. Comfortable camping safari with large and spacious tents, a normal bed, en-suite bathroom, private veranda and sufficient staff to take care of the camp chores. Most Mid-range 1 hotels are outside the park along the fence of the park. Wi-Fi is available at the properties as well. 

MID RANGE 2 – Safari using medium to large-scale lodges, tented camps or cottage camps, comparable to a 3.5-star hotel. Comfortable camping safari with large and spacious tents, a normal bed, en-suite bathroom, private veranda and sufficient staff to take care of the camp chores. Better furnishing and abit pricey compared to Mid-range 1 hotels. Some are inside the parks and some are outside, hence a mixture of both locations in different parks as listed on the quotation. Wi-Fi is available at the properties as well. 

 SEMI LUXURY – Safari using deluxe tented camps or lodges, usually located inside the parks and comparable to a 4-star hotel. Accommodation is usually located inside the park. Classic bush camps / lodges and semi-permanent tented camps which are valued more for being in a prime wildlife-viewing area than mid-range properties, but they’ll always be comfortable. Wi-Fi is available at the properties as well. 

LUXURY – Safari using extremely luxurious tented camps or lodges, usually located in a prime wildlife-viewing area and comparable to a 5-star hotel. Expect great food, excellent service, top-quality furnishing and gorgeous tents or rooms. Most luxury properties charge around above $ 500 per person per day to a maximum of $ 1500 per person per day. Wi-Fi is available at the properties as well. 

SUPER LUXURY – Safari using top notch safari camps or lodges, usually located in a prime wildlife-viewing area and comparable to a 5+ star hotels. Expect great food, excellent service, top-quality guiding and gorgeous tents or rooms. Most luxury properties charge around above $ 1000 per person per day to a maximum of $ 2000 per person per day. Wi-Fi is available at the properties as well. 

 Is it mandatory to buy travel insurance while entering Kenya? 

We strongly recommend guests to purchase their travel &medical insurances at their respective countries back at home. Here in East Africa we can only offer extra Medical evacuation insurance cover at an extra cost by AMREF.

 Is there requirement for rapid test or PCR test upon arrival? 

Kenya and Tanzania currently have no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry so need of the COVID Vaccinations to enter either. 

What is your payment Policy? 

Upon confirmation of a safari we normally require 30% deposit immediately to confirm the safari here in East Africa. The payments are done via credit card using a link our travel consultant shall provide due to the dates indicated on the link or bank transfer using our bank details indicated on our invoice document. Payments made to a bank not in line with our bank details Unscripted Safaris Ltd is not liable for such a case. 

Balances of 70% are cleared 3-7 days’ prior dates of travel using the same platforms as above. We don’t accept cash on arrival or on date of departure of the safari. Does your payment link expire? 

Yes, it is due for the dates indicated on the link provided.

What is the booking procedure?

 Upon confirmation of a safari our travel consultant shall share the confirmed detailed itinerary followed by an invoice and share payments platforms to commit for the specific tour. Upon payments a receipt shall be sent to you respectively. Full details of respective staff to be shared for easier communication of your safari holiday after completion of balances. 

Will we be having our own vehicle or we will be sharing with other tourists? 

Our safaris at Unscripted Safaris Ltd are strictly private. This means we never share your program or tour plan with another client. Each client that books with us we make sure they are to enjoy exclusivity of a vehicle and guide. We don’t co-share guests of different bookings on a tour unless are of the same group from initial booking. Same applies to accommodation strictly. Meaning we don’t share your room with other guests or strangers.

 How do I check availability? 

Once the company receives your request our travel consultant will advise on availability of the tour at respective lodges and camps and also availability of vehicles for use during safari. Our sales consultants to advise. 

Is my credit card safe? 

Yes, your credit card details are 100% safe. Payments are processed online, through a payment portal provided by our bank.  We do not directly process, store, or have access to any of your debit/credit card information.

 How do I make changes to my booking? 

Incase want to make changes get in touch with respective consultant that planned your safari holiday here in East Africa to confirm if possible.

 Can I cancel my booking?

Booking can only be cancelled by respective consultant that assisted you in planning your safari to advise terms and conditions for the same. 

What are the tipping guidelines? 

Gratuities are an important contribution to people’s livelihood in Africa. In the tourist resorts and areas tipping is customary in Kenya and whilst it is not obligatory, it is expected and highly recommended. 

As a guideline below: 

1. Lodge/ Hotel Staff: $1 – $5 (Usually there’s a gratuity box for staff at the reception) 
2. Safari guide: $5 – $20 per person per day. 
3. Porter: $1 – $5 per bag * The tip amount is of course based on your satisfaction. When out and about, it is best to carry loose change of small denominations of hundreds and fifties. 

• Bright summer clothes for safari tour (strong colors attract unwanted attention from flies found in certain areas of the park) 
• Fuller clothes for evenings at the hotel and lodge such as long pants and long –sleeved shirts to protect you against mosquitoes after sunset and if necessary against the sun. 
• A jacket/ sweater as it can be cool in the early morning and evening. 
• Summer foot wear (e.g. sport shoes and cotton socks/). To avoid walking bare feet and or leaving your legs naked at night due to mosquitoes. 
• Power adapter with 3-4 sockets. UK type of sockets are used in East Africa countries. 
• Small flashlight and extra batteries 
• Hat that shields against hot sun. 
• Sunscreen sun glasses and lip balm. 
•  Extra batteries for cameras, recorder. 
• A few copies of all personal documentation such as passports, flight tickets, travel insurance, visas, vaccination cards and international debit cards. 
• Light weighed binoculars. 

Is there Wi-Fi at the safari lodges & tented camps? 

 Most lodges/camps offer free WIFI access in public areas such as the lobby, restaurant and the bar. Kindly note that in some of the camps there is no signal in the rooms. 

What are the advantages of upgrading to the 4 x 4 Land Cruiser? 

Safari land cruisers are more capable for off road since they are four wheel drive full time and elevated and more comfortable as well over rocky and rough sections of roads, but will cost significantly more to use than safari tour vans.

 Do you arrange group safari tours? 

Our safaris at Unscripted Safaris Ltd are strictly private. This means we never share your program or tour plan with another client. Each client that books with us we make sure they are to enjoy exclusivity of a vehicle and guide. We don’t co-share guests of different originations on a tour unless are of the same group from initial booking. Same applies to accommodation strictly. Meaning we don’t share your room with other guests or strangers. 

Is the car enough to carry our luggage? 

Our safaris being private means you have plenty of room to store enough luggage in the car. But we strongly recommend guests to travel light as most properties we stay have laundry at affordable rates. In case you have booked safaris with domestic flights we recommend to maintain 15kg per person strictly. More than that will be subject to pay extra. 

Are the camps safe to stay in with children? 

Most camps and lodges are fenced and some are not. Most camps even when not fenced are guarded 24hrs hence are children friendly. But we strongly recommend always in the camps and lodges to always make use of a guide when moving between different places who are always available at the camps and lodges for assistance. 

Are children allowed to fly the Hot air balloon? 

As a rule of thumb, we generally don’t fly children under the height of the basket or younger than three years old. There’s no upper age limit, provided passengers are reasonably fit and ready to enjoy the adventurous soaring across the majestic plains.

 How many people do the small aircraft carry?

 Domestic aircrafts carry a minimum of 12 passengers to a maximum of 52 passengers. 12 passengers are carried using the small caravans and 37 & 52 are carried by the Dash airline which holds a bigger capacity. 

Is water available in the car? 

Yes, Plenty of water shall be provided in the car, throughout your tour 

What sign should I expect on arrival at the airport?

Upon arrival at the airport and have booked with us an airport transfers, our driver guide shall always be holding a sign with the booking name of the person who booked the safari and our company logo for easy identification. 

What time do we arrive back to Nairobi from Safari? 

Estimated arrival times from safari is normally around 4-6pm in the evening. If flights are earlier, we do try to be in airport prior at around noon for an afternoon flight. What currency is used in East Africa Countries? 

• Kenya – Kenya Shillings 
• Tanzania – Tanzania Shillings 
• Uganda – Uganda Shillings 
• Rwanda – Rwanda Francs 

Is the driver same in all parks we visit? 

Yes, our driver guides are the same in every park for guests that have booked road safaris. Our driver guides are not less than 15yrs experienced in the industry hence familiar with all parks at the back of their palms. For guests who are booked under flying packages in different parks will be subject to different driver guides in the different parks due to not being possible our driver guide being in different parks at the same time. All our guides are fluent in English. Incase want a driver guide that speaks a different language apart from English we do have some of our guides that have additional languages such as Spanish, German, Russian, Italian, French and Chinese. Subject to availability upon request. 

What type of sockets are used in East Africa? 

Here in East Africa we make use the socket outlets are almost universally the British three rectangular pin variety (type G), 230V/50Hz.