Game
Lodges in or close to the National Parks and Reserves of Kenya and Tanzania
are built of local wood and stone to blend harmoniously with their
surroundings. They vary from simple bandas (local style chalet rooms), with
a central dining room and bar, right through to luxury hotels in the wild.
Rooms are comfortable with twin beds and private bath or shower en suite.
Most lodges have swimming pools and some overlook floodlit waterholes for
nocturnal game viewing. In warm, dry places, the dining room and bar areas
are situated on wide, open verandahs, whilst at higher, cooler altitudes,
lodges are glassed in and many have log fires in the evenings.
Tented
Safari Camps
A
few nights staying under canvas in the African bush gives clients an
impression of being close to Africa in true safari style and is to be
thoroughly recommended. Safari camps offer a surprisingly high, even
luxurious, standard of comfort and personal service. Spacious insect-proofed
tents are provided with twin beds, private shower and flush toilet. Full
dining and bar facilities are in central mess tents or in attractive open
buildings. A feature of most safari camps is the huge welcoming camp fire,
out in the open, under the African starlit sky.
Game Lookout
Lodges
Known
locally as “tree hotels”, these are architectural masterpieces, standing
high above ground in secluded forest glades, overlooking wildlife
waterholes. Quite different in style, they are all designed to offer a
unique game viewing experience as wildlife visits the floodlit waterhole,
oblivious to the close proximity of the fascinated guests within the lodge.
Space is devoted to cleverly contrived viewing platforms and companionable
dining room and bar areas. The rooms are usually small cabins with shared
facilities.
Country
Hotels
In
beautiful surroundings near lakes or mountains throughout Kenya and
Tanzania, are a number of country hotels. These range from the magnificent
Mt Kenya Safari Club at the foot of Mt Kenya, private house on vast estates,
to cosy fishing lodges. Gardens are a special feature and most offer
recreational activities such as golf, riding or fly fishing.
Meals
Meals
throughout Kenya and Tanzania, are of a universally high standard. On safari
meals are provided on a full board basis. A large breakfast, excellent
buffet lunch, afternoon tea and a three, or four course dinner is standard
practise. Food is fresh, and includes local fish and exotic tropical fruit.
Curries are a traditional feature on Sundays.
Single
Rooms are very limited outside Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha and Dar es Salaam
and single clients should be prepared to share a twin bedded room on some
night of the tour. There are no single rooms at Treetops.
Welcome
Service
Clients
arriving at international airports in Nairobi/Mombasa/Arusha/Dar es Salaam
are met, after clearing customs and escorted to their hotel and fully
briefed on their forthcoming tour, meet them again whenever they are back in
town and debrief them before they depart.
Road
Transport
Africa
Travel Bureau and Luke Travel Services uses customized 7-seater microbuses
and 5-seater 4 wheel-drive Land Rover Defender of Toyota Land Cruisers,
especially adapted for safari work. They have sliding windows, roof hatches
and high ground clearance to improve all around visibility and photography.
On long journeys and sometimes rough roads, the safari vehicles provide a
superior degree of comfort ad manoeuvrability. We recommend that clients
should be offered guaranteed window seats.
Air
Transport
A
comprehensive network of internal scheduled flights is available between
Nairobi/Dar es Salaam/Mombasa/Arusha and the major National Parks and
Reserves in Kenya and Tanzania. This invaluable service is sold on a “per
seat” basis and is operated in single or twin engine aircraft ranging from
the steady DC3, Twin Otter, or the Navajo, Cessna 404 and 402 or Beechcraft
Baron.
Driver-Guides
First
class safari driver/guides are vital to the success of any tour. Africa
Travel Bureau and Luke Travel Services take great care in selecting
responsible people who are capable of providing a cheerful, caring and
attentive service to the client. Our English-speaking driver/guides are true
professionals, with in depth knowledge of routes, conditions, local
attractions and practical mechanics. Their ability as game spotters is
phenomenal and they are well versed in the identification of the animals and
birds of Kenya and Tanzania.
Check-In/Check-Out
The
standard check-out time is 1000 hrs. It is recommended that rooms be
reserved from the preceding night, when early arrival is anticipated.
Voltage
in Kenya and Tanzania is 240 volts/50 cycles AC. In some safari lodges and
tented camps power is only available in the early morning and evening.
Laundry
Most
hotels, game lodges and safari camps, offer a 24-hour, inexpensive laundry
service.
Climate
If
there is a perfect climate in the world, surely it is in Kenya and Tanzania.
Although it can be hot and sticky by the sea, inland the air is dry and even
midday the temperatures are equitable. Kenya and Tanzania’s position on
the equator means sunrise occurs daily between 0600 and 0630, while sunset
takes place 12 hours later, the temperature drops dramatically, and visitors
should pack a sweater for evenings. There are two rainy seasons – usually
mid-April to the end of May, and November to mid-December. Even during the
rains, the weather can be pleasant, with rain occurring early in the morning
and late in the afternoon or evening.
Clothing
Safari
clothing should be casual and comfortable. Cottons slacks and shirts, with
skirts and culottes for ladies, and a light sweater or jacket, during the
day, Evening wear in game lodges and safari camps can very casual. In the
more sophisticated clubs and hotels gentlemen will be required to wear a
jacket, and possibly a tie, while ladies should dress rather more formally.
At high altitudes, where evenings and early morning can be very chilly, warm
sweaters, socks and shoes are recommended. Pack suntan lotion, swimwear, a
small first aid kit and a flashlight. Please do not offend local customs by
wearing skimpy shorts and miniskirts. Swimwear should be reserved for the
beach or pool only.
We
strongly recommend that luggage is limited to one piece per person. A small
overnight bag is essential. All city hotels provide secure storage for left
luggage. On all itineraries where journeys by light aircraft are involved
the baggage allowance is 15 kgs per person. At Treetops and The Ark only one
small overnight bag per person is permitted, secure storage is provided at
the Outspan Hotel and Aberdare Country Club. Africa Travel Bureau and Luke
Travel Services accepts no liability for loss of or damage to luggage whilst
on safari, and clients are strongly recommended to effect personal luggage
insurance before leaving home.
Photography
There
is no shortage of the more usual film throughout Kenya and Tanzania, however
it is expensive and visitors are advised to bring plentiful supplies,
especially where specialist film is concerned. As a general guide, double
the amount of film normally needed in other areas. In Tanzania film may not
be available. For wildlife photography a 35mm single reflex camera, with a
telephoto lens of 200mm to 300mm is recommended. Larger lenses which require
a tripod, or double reflex cameras are generally impractical. An ultra
violet filter, dust cover and spare batteries are essential. A pair of good
quality binoculars for each person will be a great asset.
The Flying
Doctors’ Society of Africa
Africa
Travel Bureau and Luke Travel Services support the role of the African
Medical and Research Foundation plays in assisting the East African
Governments’ with their medical programmes, particularly in rural areas.
We enroll our clients as members of this society. In case of serious illness
or injury, the Flying Doctors’ Society will provide emergency treatment
and air transportation to the nearest hospital. Please note that enrolment
does not include the cost of medical expenses incurred.
Visitors
must be in possession of valid visa and health documentation on arrival in
Kenya and/or Tanzania. Different regulations are applied according to
nationality and country of origin and these should be checked from the
nearest tourist office or diplomatic mission. Passport must hold a minimum
of 06-Month Validity, counting from the date entering Kenya or Tanzania. Inoculation
centers in the country of origin will provide information and advise on
health regulations and recommendations.
Customs
and Exit Regulations
Personal
effects, film and cameras may be imported temporarily free of duty. However,
a customs bond may be required in connection with professional video
equipment, tape recorders, radios, musical instruments and souvenirs from
other countries, to ensure goods can be re-exported. Firearms need a special
permit, which must be obtained in advance. Airport departure tax is payable
by the client in foreign currency only. Excess baggage is strictly monitored
and charges are very expensive. Customs officials normally inspect baggage
on arrival and departure.
Currency
Currency
control regulations prohibit the import and export of local currency. There
is no restriction to the amount of foreign currency a visitor may import.
Only authorized dealers are allowed to exchange money.
Medical
Advice
Kenya
and Tanzania enjoy a healthy, invigorating climate and visitors need feel no
concern for their general health during their stay. However malaria is
endemic in certain areas and anti-malaria medication should be taken
according to prescription recommendations. Visitors requiring special
medication should pack sufficient supplies in their hand luggage. Chemist
shops are well stocked, but the same generic medication may not be readily
available. Tap water is not considered anywhere in Kenya and Tanzania.
Mineral water is available throughout Kenya and Tanzania.
Security
Visitors
should take the same care, as they would normally take in any other
destination worldwide. Keep a close watch on handbags, wallets and cameras
when walking in crowded places. Avoid walking at night and place all
valuables in safe deposit boxes at hotels and lodges. Do not deposit Cash
money in room’s safe deposit boxes but at safe deposit boxes at Reception
Desk of hotels.
Supplements
A
supplemental charge will be applied to all tours operating between 21st
December and 2nd January each year.
Departure
Tax
Airport
departure tax is not included and is payable by the clients, in foreign
currency only.
Cancellation
In
the unfortunate event of cancellation or variation of services for whatever
reasons, must be sent by written. Once they have been accepted, cancellation
policy will rule as mentioned in this Section under CANCELLATION POLICY.
All
prices are quoted in US Dollars. All prices are net and non-commissionable.
Prices are subject to change without notice. If, however, full payment has
been received, the price will be guaranteed, unless it is subsequently
affected by government action or other influence beyond the control of
Independent Suppliers.
TOUR
COST INCLUDES
Accommodation
First
class, or deluxe, hotels, game lodges, tented safari camps and country
houses based on shared occupancy of twin bedded rooms with bath/shower,
except at Treetops and The Ark.
Meals
Full
board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) each day, except in main cities, where
the meal plan is specified in the tour outline.
Transfers
and Transportation by road
In
9-seater microbuses and 4 wheel-drive Land Rovers or Land Cruisers, equipped
with photographic roof hatches, sliding windows and ice chests.
Transportation
by air
Based
on scheduled internal air services in single or twin engine aircraft
including domestic airport service charge.
Guides
Services
of qualified and caring English-speaking driver/guides.
Taxes
and Fees
All
government taxes, hotel levies and service charges. Entrance fees to parks,
reserves and museums.
Porterage,
tips to game rangers or local guides; incidental tips to hotel/lodge, bar
and waiting staff; gratuity to English-speaking driver-guide; personal items
such as laundry and drinks and telephone of fax calls when available; e-mail
and Internet services. Does not include cost of Passport, visas and monies
to fullfill health requirements. As mentioned before: Airport Taxes.
CONNIE
SCHELLER EXPEDITIONS, S.A de C.V. is operating under Tourism (MEXICO)
Registration No. 09-1000-1040.CSE-00214-JX1-2562-5 10 2000 based on the
Chapter X, articles 45 and 46 from the Law of Tourism of Mexico, Distrito
Federal, Mexico.
RESERVATIONS.
In
order to proceed with reservations, a preliminary payment of 25% of total
cost of tour will be requested. Instructive Sheet will be forwarded to
interested party. Together with confirmation of reservation, pre-tour
information will be forwarded regarding visas and health requirements.
Balance to complete total cost of tour or safari is due 45 days prior to
commencement of travel.
CANCELLATION
POLICY.
If
written cancellation is received up to 60 days prior to departure,
preliminary payment will be refunded less US$250.00 per person cancellation
fee.
If
written cancellation is received: 59 to 45 days prior to commencement of
services: 20% of the total tour cost will be forfeited. 44 to 35 days prior
to commencement of services: 35% of the total tour cost will be forfeited.
34 to 15 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of the total tour cost
will be forfeited. Less than 15 days prior to commencement of services: 100%
of the total tour cost will be forfeited.
Any
air ticket involved in the tour is subject to the airline’s cancellation
policy.
LIMITS
ON CONNIE SCHELLER EXPEDITIONS’ RESPONSIBILITY. CONNIE SCHELLER
EXPEDITIONS, S.A. de C.V. is a sole Mexican company based in Mexico,
Distrito Federal, Mexico. It purchases transportation, hotel, lodge or
camping accommodation, restaurant, pic-nic’s box lunches, and other
services from various independent suppliers, that are not subject to its
control. CONNIE SCHELLER EXPEDITIONS, S.A. de C.V., CANNOT, therefore, BE
LIABLE FOR DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY OR ANY OTHER LOSS that may occur (1) due
to any act or omission of any such a supplier, or (2) by reason of any other
event over which it has no control.
INDEPENDENT
SUPLIER (TANZANIA) LIMIT OF LIABILITY. Our Independent Supplier in Tanzania
(including Zanzibar), East Africa and its agents act only as agents of the
client in all matters relating to hotel/lodge accommodations, tours,
sightseeing, transport and other services. It shall not be liable for
injury, loss or damage to any clients, their baggage or personal effects. It
is therefore advisable to effect an insurance. The company’s liability to
passengers carried in its own vehicles is governed by the laws of Tanzania
only.
INDEPENDENT
SUPPLIERS, TANZANIA AND KENYA. ALTERATIONS TO TOURS:
The
right is reserved by our Independent Suppliers to change any route or
arrangements should conditions so necessitate, to offer substitutes of equal
value, or to cancel the operation of any scheduled tour. The right is also
reserved 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.
INDEPENDENT
SUPPLIER IN KENYA. LIMIT OF LIABILITY Our Independent Supplier in Kenya is a
sole proprietorship operating under the laws of Kenya. Our Independent
Supplier is able to offer travel services to its clients within its sphere
of operations. Our Independent Supplier operates only to make travel
arrangements with carriers, hotels and other suppliers, independent
contractors, and in no way represents, warrants or guarantees their
performance. As independent contractors, none of the above are agents,
employees, or servants of or joint venturers of our Independent Supplier.
All certificates and other travel documents for tour services issued by our
Independent Supplier are subject to the terms and conditions specified by
the supplier and to the laws of the countries in which the services are
supplied.
As
such, our Independent Suppliers in Kenya and Tanzania:
Do
not have the right to control the operations of the above-mentioned
entities;
Cannot
guarantee the financial stability of the above-mentioned entities;
Do
not have the right to set the prices charged by the above-mentioned
entities;
Cannot
control certain cancellation restrictions and penalties imposed by the
above-mentioned entities;
Cannot
be responsible for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase
of a non-refundable ticket;
Cannot
be responsible for any damage, loss, accident, injury, delay, or other
irregularity which may be caused by any vehicle or the negligence or default
of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the
services involved;
Cannot
be responsible for severe injury or death due to participation in certain
travels which have inherent risks including, but not limited to, attacks by
wild animals, hot air ballooning, sightseeing flights in small planes,
mountain climbing and rafting;
Cannot
be responsible for losses or expenses from sickness, quarantine, weather,
Acts of God, strikes, civil disturbances, wars, customs regulations, or such
other causes.
Any
losses sustained due to the above must be borne solely by the Participant.
All baggage and personal effects are solely the responsibility of the owners
of such baggage and personal effects at all times.
PROGRAMMED
OR OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES THAT MAY BE DANGEROUS.
It
there exists activities, programmed or optionals that may be dangerous
during your travel as, depending on the itinerary you have selected, such
activities will be available at some of the places to be visited. Some of
these activities, CARRY WITH THEM THE INHERENT RISK OF SERIOUS PERSONAL
INJURY. These activities include, but are not necessarily limited to: (a).
walking safaris; (b). horseback safaris; (c). camel safaris; (d).
ostrichback rides; (e). elephant rides; (f). canoe or boat rides; (g).
rafting and or kayaking; (h). soaring on artificial wings: hot air
ballooning, hang gliders, paraplanes, micro-lights; (i). gorilla or
chimpanzee tracking on foot. (j). Trekking & hike; (k). flights in light
aircraft; (l). Jumping (bungie); (m). Parachuting; (n). Mountaneering; (o).
Jungle Safari; (p). Hunting Safari; (q). Sport Fishing; (r ).Biking and or
Mountain Biking. You have to be aware that SAFETY CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.
Should you elect to participate in such activities while you are on tour or
safari, you are, of course, free to do so. However, you must understand that
such participation will be at your own risk and that CONNIE SCHELLER
EXPEDITIONS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR SAFETY.
Our
Independent Suppliers and CONNIE SCHELLER EXPEDITIONS strongly advises
Participants to purchase travel protection insurance. Trip cancellation
insurance is strongly recommended, to cover unexpected medical emergencies.
Due to unexpected events, illness, and emergencies, Participants risk losing
all or part of their travel investment in the absence of travel protection
insurance, Participants are not covered for any losses sustained in addition
to tour costs, such as medical expenses, baggage loss, and death benefits.
There are a number of policies available, varying in the extent and type of
coverage, as well as the cost. Typically, the policies do not cover losses
incurred due to civil disturbances, war, terrorism, or insolvency of tour
operator. Participants are not required to purchase this or any other travel
protection insurance in order to participate in the tour package, but again,
such coverage is strongly recommended for the reasons stated above.
GOD,
HUMAN OR ANIMAL ACTS.
CONNIE
SCHELLER EXPEDITIONS IS NOT LIABLE for acts of God, like fire, heavy rains,
wind storms, floods, earthquakes; human acts like of governments and of
other authorities, wars, civil disturbances, riots, terrorist acts,
kidnapping, thefts, pilferage, strikes, quarantines, danger incident to sea,
, land, and air travel; animal acts like epidemics, infections, accidents
with or because of animals, domestic or wild, and OTHER SIMILAR ACTS or
INCIDENTS BEYOND ITS ABILITY TO CONTROL.
TRAVELER’S
REPRESENTATION.
The
traveler represents that neither he or she nor anyone traveling with him or
her has any physical or other condition or disability that would create a
hazard to himself or herself or other members of the tour or safari,
including members of his or her own family and personal friends.
APPLICABLE
LAW AND AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE.
a).
This agreement shall be construed, interpreted and enforced in accordance
with, and shall be governed by, the law of the Distrito Federal, Mexico. b).
It is agreed by CONNIE SCHELLER EXPEDITIONS and the traveler that any claim
araising in connection with the tour or safari, the information in Internet,
brochure or this contract, including, without limitation, any claim for
illness, injury or death, shall not be filed in any court, but shall be
resolved exclusively by binding arbitration, in Mexico, D.F., Mexico,
according to the then current rules of the Procuraduría Federal del
Consumidor.
ACCEPTANCE
OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
Any
payment, preliminary or total cost of the tour constitutes acceptance of the
TERMS AND CONDITIONS as recited in this Webpage or brochure, contract or, if
any, in more specific pre-tour passenger documentation, and the “LIMITS ON
CONNIE SCHELLER EXPEDITIONS’ RESPONSIBILITY” and its Independent
Suppliers set out above. In case of a conflict, the “LIMITS OF CONNIE
SCHELLER EXPEDITIONS’ RESPONSIBILITY”, will govern.
