FAQs

For the main program as well as the optional post-tour, guests should be sure-footed and able to walk safely over uneven and slippery ground without assistance, transport luggage a short distance, get in and out of a 4x4 vehicle, and physically tolerate vehicle motion on sometimes bumpy roads. The highest elevation for the main tour is 5,500 feet.

Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.

All U.S. citizens require a passport and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Kenya. You must complete the ETA process prior to your tour to secure your travel authorization before departure as authorization cannot be secured upon arrival in Kenya.

Apply for your ETA between 30 and 60 days before your departure. Applying earlier may put you at risk of an invalid or expired ETA at the time of travel which may result in being denied entry into the country.

Apply using this link: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

Have the following items ready to complete the application process:

• A valid email address
• A desktop computer to apply (applications on mobile devices are not well supported)
• A passport sized photo
• Photo of passport ID page
• Flight itinerary
• Visa fee
• Host / address / travel details / lodging details (this information is departure-specific and will be provided by Orbridge in your Program Documents)
• Tour itinerary (this is departure-specific and will be provided by Orbridge in your Program Documents)

Your ETA application will typically take 24-72 hours to process and will be submitted to you via email.

To avoid delays with processing and/or mistakes that can lead to an invalid ETA or one not being processed in time for your arrival, you may utilize a service called Passport Visa Express for assistance. Visit  https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/ if you would like assistance with your ETA. Orbridge Guest Services cannot assist with individual visa questions and can only speak broadly about the ETA process.

The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is Kenya's legal currency, however, some establishments accept U.S. dollars. U.S. dollars must be dated 2006 or newer and in good condition. Torn bills are unexchangeable. Banknotes printed before 2006 are usually refused. We recommend you carry enough cash to cover your expected expenses, plus a small reserve. Depending upon your spending habits, we suggest carrying between $500-$700 per person for expenses (souvenirs, laundry, beverages, etc).

Currency can be exchanged at the Nairobi airport, major banks, and at some hotels.

ATMs are widely available in Nairobi. Check with your bank to ensure you can use your ATM card in a foreign country. Be advised that ATMs are not readily available outside of Nairobi, and foreign bank fees can be shockingly high.

Visa and MasterCard are accepted at hotels, as well as at some stores and restaurants. American Express is rarely accepted in Kenya. When using a major credit card, you may be charged a higher exchange rate than if you use cash. Be aware that credit cards might not be accepted for small purchase amounts, and vendors may require a minimum purchase.

Inform your bank or credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country to avoid security blocks. Your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for international transactions.

Keep all receipts in case you have questions about the conversion rate and as proof of purchase for any items to be shipped.

Kenya weather is typically warm with low humidity and is generally pleasant year-round. In the summer, high temperatures reach the mid-70s ºF and low temperatures are in the high 40s ºF.

Check the predicted forecast for your travel dates on weather.com to help you prepare.

Kenya has Type G electrical outlets—three rectangular prongs that form a triangular pattern. You will need a Type G adapter, also known as the standard British adapter, to use electrical appliances.

Converter Requirements: North American 110V or 120V appliances will require a converter to operate on a 220-240V system. The need for a converter also depends on your electrical device. Many newer devices are equipped to handle dual voltages. Before using a converter, check the power label on your device. If it shows "110V AC or 120V AC," it requires a converter (curling irons and flat irons will likely need one). If the label shows "110-240V," it is dual voltage and only requires an adapter plug. Some devices have a switch to go back and forth between voltages.

Use a high quality electric current converter to avoid risk of burning out your device. We recommend purchasing an international adapter/converter set so that your two-or three-prong plug can connect to the electrical outlets and convert the voltage, if necessary.

Many areas of Kenya are remote, and cell phone or internet access may not always be available. Though individual accommodations have internet access, service can be intermittent.

Your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.

Listen carefully to your guides throughout this tour. They are the ultimate judges of the distance that needs to be maintained from wildlife. Your guide will position the safari vehicle for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.

At the properties, there may be free-roaming wildlife. Never attempt to feed or approach wildlife. At times, it may be necessary for a guide or staff member to accompany you on the walk from the main lodge to your accommodations.

In alignment with the weight limit imposed for the internal flight on your program, each guest is limited to 33 pounds in total of luggage for the duration of the tour. This weight limit is inclusive of checked and carry-on luggage. Should guests exceed this weight limit, excess baggage fees may be enforced by the airline or luggage may be denied loading onto the plane for the internal flight. Guests are responsible for any excess baggage fees and/or coordinating arrangements for luggage that may not be loaded on the flight in the event the total weight per guest exceeds 33 pounds.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, guests will have the option to store some luggage while they are on safari. Guests should let guest services know their intent to do this in advance and guests will need to discuss this with their travel director upon arrival. The luggage will be stowed at the safari headquarters while guests are on tour. Upon return to Nairobi, luggage will be returned to guests prior to their departure flight.

Plastic bags are illegal in Kenya, so avoid using plastic bags while packing. Possession of plastic bags can result in significant fines and/or imprisonment. Items purchased at airports prior to boarding any aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Check all hand luggage before disembarking in Kenya, and leave any plastic bags aboard the plane. Ziploc bags are acceptable for carrying toiletries, but should not be discarded in the country. We suggest using reusable TSA-approved clear storage pouches for toiletries and liquids transported in carry-on luggage.

Make sure to attach the supplied red Orbridge luggage tags (found in your welcome box sent three weeks prior to departure) to your luggage and carry-on bag so that transfer and porter staff can easily identify them.

We recommend packing so you can layer for varying temperatures. During the day, most guests wear shorts, light pants or light jeans, T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts, and sport socks that cover ankles. Consider swimwear, as some properties have swimming pools.

Recommended safari attire is functional, casual, and comfortable—and choice of color is important. During game drives, dress in subdued colors to avoid alerting animals. Earth tones (khaki, brown, beige) allow you to blend into the scenery. Avoid white and bright colors, as these can be a dangererous alert for many species. Avoid wearing dark blue or black, as these colors tend to show dust. Camouflage and military-type clothing also are not recommended.

Also consider packing:

• Lightweight jacket or fleece and a scarf
• Rain jacket and/or windbreaker
• Comfortable, lightweight walking shoes
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Long-sleeve UV-blocking shirt
• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or stronger)
• Sun-blocking lip balm
• Moisturizer
• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
• Travel clock with an alarm
• Small flashlight and extra batteries
• Collapsible hiking poles

Laundry service is available at most hotels, lodges, and tented camps. The average cost is $3 to $5 per item.

Binoculars are essential for observing wildlife, and selecting versatile binoculars is important. Small compact binoculars have a very narrow field of view, making it difficult to locate objects. Smaller binoculars also restrict light and have very limited use in low-light conditions. We recommend a pair labeled 7X35 or 8X40 (a binocular 7X or 8X power range is adequate, and an exit ocular at 35 or 40 is good).

Insects, including mosquitoes or tsetse flies, may be present during your safari. They are attracted to bright colors, very dark colors, metallic fabric, and all shades of blue.

If you are sensitive to insect bites, consider bringing long-sleeve shirts or long pants that are pre-treated with insect-repellent (available from REI, ExOfficio, and Orvis). You could also pre-treat your clothing with permethrin. Do not spray permethrin on your skin.

A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.

The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.

To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.

Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.

Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.

To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:

Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370

To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.

To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.

Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.