Payment Policy
We require a deposit of 50% at the time of booking. The balance is due on arrival before the commencement of the safari. If the reservation is made within 45 days of departure, the whole amount must be paid at the time of confirmation. Deposits are payable through swift wire transfers from your bank to ours or credit card via mail order, or via MPesa. Details for transfer are provided when you are ready to confirm your booking.
Itinerary Changes
Although every effort is made to adhere to schedules, it should be noted that hoteliers may be obliged to occasionally change routes on safaris as dictated by changing conditions.
Such conditions may be brought about by seasonal rainfall, game migrations from one region to another, airline or other booking problems, political climate, civil unrest, etc. Fat Rhinos Travel will communicate with you for such itinerary or accommodation changes.
Alterations to Tours
We reserve the right to change any route or arrangements should conditions necessitate to offer substitutes of equal value or to cancel the operation of any scheduled tour. We also reserve the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any tour at any time, in which event an equitable amount will be refunded.
Rates
Rates include all expenses in connection with ground transport for the itinerary set out; all entry fees, hotel accommodation, full-board where stated, table hotel meals and lunches as applicable. Not included are personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, and tips.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received in writing. Reservations that are canceled, reduced in length of stay or reduced in the number of occupancies are subject to cancellation and no-show fees. Following is the scale for cancellation charges:
- 35% if canceled between 45 and 35 days prior to arrival.
- 50% if canceled between 34 and 15 days prior to arrival.
- 100% if canceled 14 days and 24 hours prior to arrival.
Visa and Passport
A valid passport is required for all foreigners entering Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Visa requirements vary according to the country of origin. Most nationalities, however, require a visa to enter Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. We advise that you check with the nearest Consulate of Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda if traveling to the respective country. Visas can be processed at the airports upon arrival but this can be very slow. We, therefore, advise clients to purchase them from their countries of origin before traveling.
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccination certificates are required in Kenya if visitors are arriving from a country where this disease is present. A Yellow Fever certificate is required in Tanzania regardless of country of origin. We advise that all clients seek advice from their doctors when planning to travel. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
Currency
The Kenyan currency is based on the decimal system. The unit of currency is the Shilling divided into 100 cents. Visitors are advised to check currency exchange rates regularly. Banks and Forex Bureaus give a slightly better rate of exchange than hotels. It is a serious offense to deface or knowingly damage Kenyan currency. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid street dealers and to transact all currency dealings through official dealers.
Banking
Nairobi, Mombasa and most other principal centers in Kenya have banks with Forex Bureaus. Banking hours are mainly from 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, though some open between 9 am and 12 pm on Saturdays. Banks at Jomo Kenyatta and Moi International Airports operate a 24-hour service.
Tipping
A Service Charge is usually included in all tariffs, however, the tipping of exceptional service is always appreciated. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5% to 10% tip.
Security
Visitors are advised not to leave any valuables in their hotel room when they go out, but to make use of the safe deposit boxes which are available at most hotels and lodges. As in all major cities, it is advisable to avoid back streets at night (especially alone); in fact is it much safer to avoid night walking altogether and use taxis or self-drive hire cars instead. Kenya has an excellent police force and most hotels have experienced security personnel and caring doormen.
Hotel Check-Out-Time
The standard checkout time in Kenya is 10 am regardless of the actual departure time from your hotel. Day room facilities may be available for clients leaving in the evening or they may allow you to keep your room until departure depending on the occupancy of the Hotel. A charge will be payable locally for this service.