FAQs

What shall I bring?

We would advise that you bring sturdy walking shoes or boots, a decent, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. The African sun is fierce - even if we try to avoid being out during the hottest part of the day - so sun-screen is essential. We invite you to wear the same clothes that we do - a traditional red Maasai shuka (similar to a sarong), which we will provide, but please bring a belt to tie it and some sleeveless tops for the ladies. For the evenings, light-coloured clothes to deter mosquitoes. We would advise you to speak to your doctor about malaria prophylactics, and to carry insect repellent. It is rarely chilly enough to need warm clothing, but do carry a fleece or sweater in case. Don't forget your camera with a charged spare battery if possible: we do not have facilities to charge batteries at the camp. With digital cameras, you might need an extra memory card. A pair of binoculars is also very useful for bird-watching and game spotting.

Do you have electricity?

There is no electricity in our camp. Light is provided by solar. Our fridge is powered by solar energy as well. Water is heated by fire made with locally available dead wood.

Will my mobile phone work?

We have to warn guests who need to be in regular contact with home or work that we really are away from it all here, and that there is limited mobile telephone reception in the camp. Simple mobile phones can be charged using our portable solar energy lamps.

What is included in the price?

Our prices include: accommodation at the camp, all meals and all drinks, all scheduled activities and conservancy fees.

What is not included in the price?

International and local flights, transportation and transfers between the camp, local airstrips, lodges, Nairobi and/or any other destination, health insurance, tips and souvenirs.

Visas

Visas for most countries are available upon arrival in Kenya through the international airport or when crossing the border into the country. It is possible to pay by US Dollars, Euros or GB Pounds. Contact your nearest Kenyan consulate for updated information.

Is it Safe?

Your health and safety is our top priority. Our camp is surrounded by wildlife conservancies and wild animals are dangerous. For this reason our guests are always accompanied by our trainers (the warriors) who have lived with wildlife all their life, and that will be with them through the whole of their stay. A qualified guide and wildlife ranger will be with you at all times when you leave the camp to further ensure security and safety. We always assess each situation to minimise danger but as with all travel within Kenya, it is essential that your insurance includes medical evacuation to Nairobi. We strongly suggest that, on top of a good travel insurance, you also take short-term medical evacuation cover available from Kenyan Flying Doctors.

Do I need a travel insurance?

Yes you do. Travelling in Africa entails inherent risks of illness, injury, death, or the loss and damage of property. These may occur while travelling in civilized or remote areas, while travelling by plane, car, boat, horseback, camel, foot or other conveyance. These risks may come from dangerous wild animals, insects, reptiles, the forces of nature, civil disturbances, riots and negligence of others. We advice all our guests to arrange for comprehensive travel and health insurance before the travel dates.

What about medications, malaria and vaccinations?

Please bring any prescription drugs or other usual medicines you might take for colds, infections, upset tummy etc. Emergency services are found in the nearest large towns: Isiolo, Meru and Nanyuki.

Yellow fever inoculations are a must in Kenya so please remember to carry your inoculation certificate with you. Note that inoculations requirements vary from different countries and change from time to time.

Malaria is not common in the area where we are- but there are a few cases, generally in the rainy seasons (April/May and November). We suggest that you talk with your healthcare provider or a good travel clinic to decide on the best approach.

Contact your doctor for more information about what medication you should bring or contact a tropical medical centre. Consider updating your tetanus, polio, meningitis, & hepatitis vaccinations before departure dates.

What is the minimum age for children?

We recommend five years old as the minimum age for children. Below five years of age children cannot join in most of the activities on offer.

How do I get to the camp?

The options from Nairobi, where most international flights arrive, are to drive up or fly and drive. From Nairobi it's a 5-6 hours, very scenic drive: you pass near the Aberdares mountain range, then go around half of mount Kenya,climbing up to 2400 meters. The road then starts descending, opening into a breathtaking view of the northern plains and mountain ranges. The last stretch (1 hr approx) is through the bush, on dirt roads (at times no roads!)- you really build up the feeling of arriving into the untamed bush. The cost of a 6 pax safari land cruiser is approx 350$ (including fuel and driver) each way. If you are alone you could either join other trip participants and share a ride, or take a smaller car- a Pajero IO or a Rav4 for instance, which would cost approx 160US$ each way and fit comfortably max 2 pax with luggage.

If you prefer to fly, there are schedule flights to Lewa Downs or charter a plane to Tassia. From Lewa it's a 2 hours drive to the camp, and from Tassia it's 45 minutes. The scheduled flights cost approx 300US$ return- you can check the latest prices on safarilink.com or on airkenya.com, the two companies that serve Lewa Downs. To charter a flight check on boskovicaircharters.com. The transfer from the airstrip to our camp is handled through Il Ngwesi Conservancy, which charges 200US$ per vehicle (max 6 pax) each way.

While we do not provide any of the transfers ourselves, we will be happy to assist you in arranging them with the companies we normally deal with.

I have another question...

Please feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.