Traveller's Tips

Health: Malaria is prevalent in Kenya. Malarone pills as opposed to Lariam appear to have the most preventive effect. However guests should consult their doctors with respect to taking the best preventive anti-malaria measures suitable for their specific circumstances. You should carry anti-insect sprays/creams for the evenings and consider wearing long sleeves and full length trousers after sunset. Please note that all of our beds are supplied with mosquito netting. A medical staff is available at the camp at all times in case any need arises. The Flying Doctor facility is also available to fly guests to Nairobi in case of any medical emergency.

Insurance: It is a condition of using the rates and services offered by the Royal Mara Safari Lodge that all clients (whether individuals or corporate or other forms of legal entities) take out their own adequate comprehensive travel, medical and other insurance (before their departure from their home country) against all risks that are associated with an African safari holiday vacation. A trip to the African bush entails certain risks and neither the Royal Mara Safari Lodge nor their employees and officers and any third parties contracted by them to supply goods or services are liable or responsible in any way for any illness, damages, losses, costs or expenses sustained by clients or guests arising from any illness, injury, loss or medical emergency that may occur during their safari holiday vacation while using the services of the Royal Mara Safari Lodge their employees and officers and any third parties contracted by them to supply goods or services. It is the responsibility of all clients (whether individuals or corporate or other forms of legal entities) to evaluate and assess their particular insurance needs and requirements and to secure such necessary and appropriate insurance coverage. In the event of any failure of any client (whether an individual or corporate or other form of legal entity) to secure and put in place such appropriate and necessary insurance coverage and to comply with the aforesaid insurance conditions and requirements, then in that event neither the Royal Mara Safari Lodge nor their employees, officers or any third parties contracted by them shall be liable or responsible in any way for any losses, damages, costs or expenses arising from any incident or occurrence during such client's safari holiday vacation.

Clothing: We recommend that guests dress in lightweight cotton clothing with muted colors (preferably green or khaki) and carry a light jacket. Guests should travel with light, soft baggage. If flying to the camp, local airline baggage limitations (usually 15 kg) may be more stringent than international flights. Extra unnecessary luggage may be left at your Nairobi hotel lodging. The Royal Mara will not be responsible for the carriage of baggage exceeding the allowance nor for the storage in the event of offloading. We also recommend that guests carry insect repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a camera and binoculars.

Safety: Guests should never leave their suites to wander in the camp grounds unescorted at any time. The camp is unfenced, and as such wildlife trek thru the camp grounds throughout the day and night. In the evening, especially, the resident hippos leave the river and graze around the tent guest suites and throughout the camp marsh and lagoon. Elephants and sometimes even lions visit the camp grounds at night. Maasai warriors and armed guards are posted outside each guest suite at night to maintain an all night vigil for the safety of guests. During the day guests are requested to summon an escort for their movement throughout the camp in order for us to ensure their safety at all times.

Visas: Visas are required for most nationals, and may be purchased at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon arrival. A 90 day Visa typically costs USD $50 per person. Foreign currency exchange bureaus are available in the airport in the event that a passenger does not have USD currency. Passports may be required to be valid for at least 6 months after arrival. Please check with your travel agent or local Kenyan Consulate.

Best Time To Travel: Safari in the Mara is an unforgettable experience year round. Wildlife is abundant for viewing during the entire year. The period of July to November each year, however,  provides the extra excitement of the "Great Migration". The wildebeest, zebra and gazelle begin to cross the Mara River during July and return to the Serengeti during November, thereby making July to October a peak season with spectacular migration crossings and increased numbers of wildebeest and zebra in the open plains. The Royal Mara is close to the migration crossing points on the Mara River and is on the migration route thereby insuring that our guest will experience this "Seventh Wonder of the World" phenomenon.

Tipping: Gratuities based on the quality of service are solely at the discretion of guests. Most guests tip their game drive guide on the last day of their stay. Gratuities designated for other camp staff should be dropped in the gratuities box, located in the reception area, which is shared equally by all staff.

Air Balloon Rides: Air balloon rides are charged at a supplementary rate of USD $425. Please let us know as soon as possible, and preferably at the time of your reservation, if you are interested in scheduling a balloon ride. Availability is limited and reservations tend to fill up rather quickly.

Schedule Changes: The Mara is a land of unpredictable conditions. Schedule changes may become necessary with little or no advance notice. The Royal Mara reserves the right to make any such required changes without notice, reference, recourse, etc. We will, however, to the extent possible attempt to notify you in advance. Any revisions to your itinerary will be scheduled in such a way to the extent possible to enhance your holiday vacation while giving consideration to wildlife and weather conditions.

Foreign Exchange: The Royal Mara is not licensed to trade in foreign exchange. Change for any purchases or hotel bills made in a foreign currency will be given in Kenya shillings at the prevailing daily exchange rates.

Photography: It is recommended that when photographing wildlife you use a 200 mm telephoto lens to capture the incredible sights you witness. If you are considering a lens over 400 mm you will need a tripod to steady your camera.

Further Inquiries: Please feel free to contact us for any additionally required information:

 

Royal Mara Safari Lodge
P.O. Box 260 - 00621
Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: (+254 20) 7123356
Tel: (+254 20) 2018169

Fax: (+254 20) 7123357

Email contact: reservations@royalmara.com

http://www.royalmara.com