travel tips - tut · swimsuit a hat or cap and a rain poncho personal medications and prescription...

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TRAVEL TIPS You can feel it the moment you decide to participate in our Mwangaza Adventure—the butterflies that come with an approaching trip to Kenya. After all, the anticipation is a part of the journey… and there are many excuses to begin imagining yourself in Africa’s legendary wilderness. From deciding to actually book the trip to choosing the clothes you’ll wear when you’re out on your first game drive, planning is all part of the fun! Yes, the thrill of safari begins long before you set foot in Africa. We’ve provided some information below to help you get prepared—and excited—for the Kenyan adventure to come. If you have any specific questions concerning your airline reservations or our itinerary, please contact BenchMark Travel Services at (978) 792-5150 or toll-free at (866) 535-8600 from the USA and Canada, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. You may also contact us via e - mail at [email protected] or by fax at (978) 834-6082. TRAVEL DATES If you’re flying with the group from New York, you will depart on Swiss International Airlines for Nairobi, Kenya (NBO) at 6:10 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2015 and arrive on Saturday, August 29 at 6:05 p.m. local time. Your flight back to New York departs at 11:25 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2015 and arrives back in New York at Sunday, September 6 at 12:35 p.m. A connection in Zurich is scheduled in both directions.

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Page 1: TRAVEL TIPS - TUT · Swimsuit A hat or cap and a rain poncho Personal medications and prescription eyeglasses Binoculars Small backpack Sunglasses and sunscreen Calculator or currency

TRAVEL TIPS

You can feel it the moment you decide to participate in our Mwangaza Adventure—the butterflies that

come with an approaching trip to Kenya. After all, the anticipation is a part of the journey… and there

are many excuses to begin imagining yourself in Africa’s legendary wilderness. From deciding to actually

book the trip to choosing the clothes you’ll wear when you’re out on your first game drive, planning is all

part of the fun! Yes, the thrill of safari begins long before you set foot in Africa. We’ve provided some

information below to help you get prepared—and excited—for the Kenyan adventure to come.

If you have any specific questions concerning your airline reservations or our itinerary, please contact

BenchMark Travel Services at (978) 792-5150 or toll-free at (866) 535-8600 from the USA and Canada,

between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. You may also contact us via e -

mail at [email protected] or by fax at (978) 834-6082.

TRAVEL DATES

If you’re flying with the group from New York, you will depart on Swiss International Airlines for Nairobi,

Kenya (NBO) at 6:10 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2015 and arrive on Saturday, August 29 at 6:05 p.m. local

time. Your flight back to New York departs at 11:25 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2015 and arrives

back in New York at Sunday, September 6 at 12:35 p.m. A connection in Zurich is scheduled in both

directions.

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WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

Safari clothing should be comfortable and casual—suffice it to say, any fine jewelry should be left at

home. And while it's not actually necessary to dress like an old safari hand, you won't feel out of place if

you do since that's the everyday attire of the locals—i.e., the present-day "old safari hands" whose

great-grandparents moved to Africa from England and points beyond. Plus, there are valid reasons to do

so.

Wearing white increases your visibility to wildlife, while bright colors, particularly red, can frighten

animals. (It is said that lions fear red because it is the color worn by the Maasai, who hunt lion as a part

of their coming of age rituals.) Khaki, olive, tans and browns increase your chances of good game

viewing while offering the added advantage of concealing dirt and dust. Not to mention that all of those

pockets on safari shirts, vests and jackets are infinitely useful in the bush!

Some essentials we suggest:

Walking shoes, sneakers or hiking boots

Shorts, lightweight slacks or pants (polyester and nylon typically dry faster – jeans are fine, but might be

a little heavy for the climate), t-shirts and a light sweater, jacket or shawl for the ladies

Swimsuit

A hat or cap and a rain poncho

Personal medications and prescription eyeglasses

Binoculars

Small backpack

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Calculator or currency converter - if you have a smart phone, there’s an app for that

Camera with charger or extra batteries

Travel Insurance certificate, if you’ve purchased insurance (highly recommended)

Passport and money

A copy of the picture page of your passport – keep separate from your passport

Electric converter and/or plug adapter

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PASSPORTS

ALL travelers (regardless of nationality) must carry a passport, valid for at least six (6) months after your

intended return date to your home country. If you hold a passport with an expiration date less than six

(6) months after your return date, you must renew your passport prior to departure.

If you are not a U.S. Citizen, your National Consulate or Embassy can answer any questions you may

have regarding the individual travel documents required. You can find a worldwide index of Embassies

for Kenya via the web at: http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/Kenya/Kenya.html.

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WILL BE EXTENDING YOUR TRIP TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, YOU SHOULD CHECK

WITH THE CONSULATE OF THAT COUNTRY TO ESTABLISH IF A VISA OR ANY ADDITIONAL

DOCUMENTATION WILL BE REQUIRED.

RECONFIRM YOUR FLIGHTS

If you are flying domestically you must reconfirm 48 hours in advance. For international flights,

reconfirm 72 hours before your flight. If you are flying on the TUT group flights we will reconfirm your

flights for you.

AIRPORT CHECK IN

Strict security measures at the airport may impact your travel plans and cause delays, which is why it is

important that you allow plenty of time to get to the airport and check in at least two (2) hours prior to

your flight’s departure time. Due to constant changes of flight schedules, it is highly recommended that

you confirm your flight’s status before you leave for the airport.

Please take note of the check-in policies, carry-on restrictions and airport security rules that may impact

your travel plans. Due to the fact that these security measures change regularly, we suggest that you

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visit the following website for the most up-to-date information: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-

information.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REQUIRES AIRLINES TO SOLICIT EMERGENCY

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR U.S. PASSENGERS TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY. PLEASE BE PREPARED

TO GIVE AN EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER UPON CHECK IN.

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE

Most airlines now limit carry-on luggage to one piece, plus a purse, backpack, briefcase or laptop. The

approximate size of your carry-on should be no larger than: 10”x13”x23” and it should weigh no more

than 18 pounds. Passengers with more than one carry-on, plus a personal item will be required to check

the additional luggage. Be sure to pack the essentials in your carry-on bag, such as your airline tickets,

passport, a light change of clothing, any valuables, medications, toiletries, and perhaps a book or a snack.

Although regulations have recently changed, the TSA still recommends that sharp objects be placed in

your checked luggage. It’s not just the obvious items, but includes such innocuous items as razors for

shaving, nail files, Swiss army knives, and corkscrews. Lighters and matches, or any type of scissors (e.g.,

from a sewing kit or first aid kit) should also be packed in your checked luggage.

Additionally liquids and gels are forbidden as carry-on items unless they are under three (3) ounces and

declared by showing them in a plastic, 1 quart bag. A few exceptions to this rule apply and include

diabetic glucose medications such as insulin, baby formula, and prescription liquid medications labeled

with a name that matches the passenger's ticket. These items must be declared to the transportation

security officers at the security checkpoint. Beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding

area may be brought onto the aircraft.

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Laptop computers must still be screened separately at the security checkpoint, but will be allowed on

board the aircraft.

CHECKED LUGGAGE

Swiss International Airlines allows one checked bag at no charge. The weight of any single piece of

checked baggage should not be over 23kg (50lb). The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by

adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height. Any bag exceeding the total

dimensions of 158 cm (62 inches) will incur an additional fee.. Charges will apply for additional bags. If

you are not flying with the group, please check with your carrier regarding their rules for checked

baggage.

LOST LUGGAGE

In the event that one of your bags goes astray, you’ll want to file a Baggage Claim Report before going

through customs at the airport. Also, be sure to inform a member of the TUT Travel Staff so that they

can work with the airlines to recover your lost luggage as quickly as possible.

EMERGENCY TRAVEL SERVICE

If Benchmark Travel Services has arranged your flights, and you are in need of assistance on your travel

days, you may contact us at the numbers listed above. If you are traveling before or after normal

business hours, you may contact Emergency Travel Services at the number listed on the back of your

airline ticket jacket – a representative will be available on a 24-hour basis to receive your call. If you

have an emergency while in Kenya, our TUT Travel Staff will be on-site with you throughout the trip to

offer assistance.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

If you book your flights with BenchMark Travel Services, your airline ticket and/or e -ticket receipt will

arrive, along with your final documents, approximately three (3) weeks prior to your departure date.

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Kenyan Visa

A visa is required for US Citizens when visiting Kenya. You may use one of three methods to obtain your

Kenyan Visa:

Obtain your visa on your own by logging on to The Kenyan Embassy at

https://kenyaembassy.com/dcservices/appforvisaonline.aspx.

Use any reputable Visa Service Agency. We recommend CIBT at www.cibtvisas.com/benchmarkin. This

site will walk you through the steps required to obtain your Kenyan visa.

Get your Kenyan visa upon arrival in Kenya. This is not a problem, but you’ll have to wait in line at the

Nairobi airport, which will detract time from your vacation. You will also be required to pay in US dollars

(current fee is $50.00) or in Euros. No other form of payment is accepted.

Customs and Immigrations Forms

The flight attendants on the airplane will hand out one (1) Customs Form per family and one (1)

Immigration Form per person, both of which must completed prior to arrival in Kenya.

Tourist Card

In addition to your passport, a completed Tourist Card will be required. For your convenience we will

mail one Tourist Card per person to you prior to your departure. Simply complete the form and present

it, along with your passport, to the Immigration Officials when you arrive in Kenya. The Immigration

Officials will take the top portion of the Tourist Card; you’ll need to hold on to the bottom half and

return it upon airport check-in during departure. Make sure you complete both the top and bottom

sections of the form to ensure quick passage through Immigration.

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HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

The following general information has been provided only as a guideline. Please consult your personal

physician for his or her advice based on your health history and current situation. ALL TRAVELERS should

make sure that your standard adult immunizations and ‘boosters’ are up to date. In addition you will

need to take a malaria prophylactic, and be inoculated against yellow fever and Hepatitis A.

As these requirement may change, please consult your physician and/or local immunization clinic before

you travel. Also, it is always wise to carefully assess your health requirements before travelling abroad.

At this time, he Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend a malaria prophylactic (just to be on the

safe side—contracting malaria is highly unlikely), as well as yellow fever and hepatitis A inoculations.

You may also wish to review the CDC guidelines at www.cdc.gov or by calling 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-

394-8747). Again, we recommend contacting your physician well in advance of your departure to

discuss these suggestions.

TIME ZONE

In August Kenya will be 7 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time. If it’s 1:00 p.m. on August 28th in New

York City, it is 8:00 p.m. in Kenya, the same day.

COMMUNICATIONS

Calls to/from Hotel Rooms

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You should have no problem making local, long-distance or international calls from your guest room at

the Resorts. However, it is recommended that you call home collect or by using a telephone calling card,

which will be less expensive than charging the entire cost of your call to your room. You can dial direct

from your hotel room; however the hotels will add a surcharge to your personal account. If family and

friends need to contact you during the program, they can reach you at:

Evenings of August 29th & 30th

Fairmont the Norfolk Hotel

PO Box 58581 00200

Nairobi, Kenya

TEL: 011-254 (0) 20 226-5555

Evenings of August 31st & September 1st

Mount Kenya Safari Club

P.O Box 35

Mount Kenya

Nanyuki, Kenya

TEL: 011-254 (0) 20 226-5555

Evenings of September 2nd, 3rd & 4th

Mara Safari Club

P.O. Box 58581

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya

TEL 011- 254 (0) 20 226-5555

All resorts offer internet access from the lobby.

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Cell Phone Usage

If you have one of the newer phones (tri or quad band) it may work in parts of Africa, depending upon

your service provider. U.S. cell phones using AT&T and T-Mobile will generally work in urban areas such

as Nairobi. And, remarkably, there is even cell service in many remote areas of the bush! Coverage in

the more remote parts of Kenya can be spotty. If you subscribe to Sprint, Verizon or another mobile

service, ask your service provider specifically for a phone that will work overseas. Cell phones are also

available for rent at the major airports-rates are reasonable, and you pay for calls made.

International roaming service is not automatically enabled on cell phones, even if subscribing to one of

the services above. You will need to contact your service provider and ask them to activate the

international feature. Also visit the web site of your carrier to get up-to-date information on coverage

and options.

WEATHER

In Kenya, a blissful 70 degrees Fahrenheit greets the day and rarely does the temperature vary

throughout the year. It is one of those exceptional areas of the world that enjoys "eternal spring." Yet,

located on the equator, a widespread misconception is that the weather is hot and sultry. In fact,

nothing could be further from the truth! The elevated altitudes keep temperatures utterly balmy and

comfortable, even calling for sweaters and jackets every evening and morning.

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CULTURAL AND SOCIAL CONVENTIONS

• The most common greeting is the handshake.

• When greeting someone with whom you have a personal relationship, the handshake is more

prolonged than the one given to a casual acquaintance.

• Close female friends may hug and kiss once on each cheek instead of shaking hands

• When greeting an elder or someone of higher status, grasp the right wrist with the left hand while

shaking hands to demonstrate respect.

• Muslim men/women do not always shake hands with women/men.

• The most common greeting is “Jambo?” (“How are you?”), which is generally said immediately prior

to the handshake.

• After the handshake it is the norm to ask questions about the health, their family, business and

anything else you know about the person.

• To skip or rush this element in the greeting process is the height of poor manners.

• People are generally addressed by their academic, professional or honorific title followed by their

surname.

• Once a personal relationship has developed, you may be able to address a person by their title and

first name, first name alone, or nickname. Wait for the Kenyan to determine that your friendship has

reached this level of intimacy.

• Women over the age of 21 are often addressed as “Mama” and men over the age of 35 are often

addressed as “Mzee”. Children generally refer to adults as Aunt or Uncle, even if there is not a familial

relationship.

ELECTRONICS

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Kenya are the "Type G" British BS-1363 type. If your appliance's plug

doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel

plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you

need to plug into.

But the shape of the socket is only half the story! Electrical sockets (outlets) in Kenya usually supply

electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240

volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you

need. But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter

will still be the same 220-240 volts which the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply

electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently,

North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts, which requires the use of a converter as

well. Many devices, especially laptops and cell phones are “dual” voltage meaning they operate either at

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110v or 220/240v. There should be a label on the appliance advising that it is capable of dual voltage, (if

not or in doubt don’t use it without a converter). If your appliance is capable of dual voltage, all you’ll

need is a plug adapter.

WATER SAFETY

Drinking the Water

Drink a lot of water… but don’t drink from the tap. The tap water in Kenya is of uncertain quality. When

in Kenya, stick to canned drinks or bottled water. The ice in Kenya is safe at our hotels, but we do not

recommend using ice elsewhere. Each of our hotels provides two complimentary bottles of water per

day and bottled water is included on all vehicles during TUT excursions, game drives and tours.

FOR YOUR PROTECTION

Remember, neither the airlines nor the resorts will take responsibility for lost or stolen valuables. We

suggest you pack them in your carry-on bag and store them in the safe located in your room. While

touring or shopping leave your passport and the bulk of your money in the hotel’s safe. Take with you

only the money you intend to spend. Carry a copy of the picture page of your passport with you as you

may need it to exchange traveler’s checks or in case your passport is lost.

THE LANGUAGE

Kenya is a multilingual country. Although the official languages are Swahili and English, there are

actually a total of 62 languages spoken in the country (according to Ethnologue). JAMBO is one of the

most common words you will hear spoken throughout Kenya. This is the simplest Swahili greeting, and is

often the first word learned by visitors to Kenya. Swahili (locally referred to as Kiswahili) is Kenya’s

national language. Swahili originated on the East African coast, as a trade language used by both Arabs

and coastal tribes. The language incorporated elements of both classical Arabic and Bantu dialects, and

became the mother tongue of the Swahili people who themselves rose from the intermarriage of Arab

and African cultures.

Today, the language is also used in regions of Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Congo and

Zambia, and is the most widely spoken African language. In Kenya, most people generally speak a tribal

language at home, use Swahili as an everyday language, and English for business. Swahili is a relatively

simple language, being highly phonetic with a rigid grammar. The only difficulty in learning Swahili

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comes from the extensive use of prefixes, suffixes and infixes, and a class system for nouns. Coastal

Swahili remains the most pure, and the Island of Zanzibar is considered the home of the language. The

further away from the coast that you travel, the less sophisticated the language generally becomes, and

grammar is slightly more flexible. Nairobi has now become the home of Sheng, a fashionable Creole of

Swahili, Kikuyu, English and slang. Still, even a little Swahili goes a long way in Kenya. It is worth learning

a little, and most Kenyans are thrilled to hear visitors attempt to use any Swahili at all.

The following guide will let you try out some basic Swahili:

Useful Greetings

SHOPPING IN KENYA

Kenyan products are as diverse and unique as the country itself. There are traditional artifacts, fantastic

jewelry, beautiful carvings, the world's best coffee (or so they say), precious stones, furniture, beautiful

cloth, excellent local music, wonderful modern art and so much more to be found. Excellent, well

stocked gift shops can be found in hotels, lodges and camps throughout the country. But often real finds

can be found a little further off the beaten track.

For the dedicated bargain hunter, Kenya's markets are the place to be . Markets selling all kinds of local

arts and crafts can be found all over the country. In Nairobi, there are large open air markets held each

week. Bargaining is the expected norm in Markets and even in some shops throughout Kenya. The art of

bargaining has deep roots in Kenyan culture, and is regarded as an essential business skill. Visitors to

Kenya should never be afraid to bargain, it is expected and rarely considered offensive. Opening prices

are always an exaggerated gambit, and considered the first step in a long process of bargaining. The real

price is usually somewhere in the lower vicinity of half the initial price. How close you come to the real

price is up to you. Bargaining can be a long and convoluted process, involving protracted negotiations.

Some westerners can find this frustrating, but it is an essential and usually amicable custom. The basic

rule of bargaining is this: Bargain hard but don't be unreasonable. Remember to bring along some cash,

as not all places accept credit cards - and be good humored.

Don't forget that some work, especially good quality carvings, fine basketry and beaded jewelry, take a

long time to make and involve a lot of hard work. Prices need to be fair from both sides.

CUSTOMS

Upon Departing for Kenya

If you have just bought a new and expensive digital camera, camcorder, watch, laptop computer or

similar item, it will be worth your while to stop at the Customs Office at your international departure

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airport and register these items. It usually does not take much time and will save you from the

possibility of delays and having to pay duty on these items on the return home.

Returning from Kenya

Per the norm, you will need to declare everything that you may have bought in Kenya or did not take

with you when you left your home country. Of course, how much you will be permitted to bring home

under “duty free” status varies by country and is often determined by the length of your trip. For those

traveling from outside of the United States, it is wise to confirm details with the Customs personnel at

your departure airport or contact your local Consulate prior to your departure.

Each U.S. citizen may bring back $800 USD worth of “duty free” items (a maximum of $1,600 USD per

household) as long as they are in your possession or brought back as accompanied baggage. Duty will be

waived on items that you mail home to yourself, if the value is $200 USD or less. Antiques that are at

least 100 years old and fine art are considered “duty free.” PLEASE NOTE: Exporting tortoise shells,

crocodile skin and ivory products is prohibited.

Citizens who individually declare between $800 USD and $1,000 USD will be charged a duty on the

amount over $800 USD (up to $1,000 USD) by Customs officials at the first point of entry, so remember

to keep your receipts handy. The $800 USD “duty free” exemption may include 200 cigarettes (1 carton)

or 50 cigars and, if you are over the age of 21, one (1) liter (33.8 ounces) of an alcoholic beverage (beer,

wine, liquor, etc.).

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES), which is made up of 100 cents. Notes in circulation are

KSh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20, and there are also new coins of KSh40, 20, 10, five and one in

circulation. As of this printing $1.00 USD = 89.60 KES.

MONEY MATTERS

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Traveler's Checks

We recommend that you use credit cards or cash while in Kenya as Travelers’ Checks are not widely

accepted, particularly those in currencies other than US dollars. Although, if you do plan to carry some

of your funds using Traveler’s Checks, those offered through American Express are the most preferred.

PLEASE NOTE: Before you depart for Kenya, be sure to call your bank and/or credit card issuer(s) to alert

them that you will be traveling to Kenya and plan to use your card(s) while traveling.

Visa TravelMoney is the newest way to carry money abroad since the invention of the Trave ler’s Check.

It is simply a card, which you “pre-pay” with your spending money before you travel. Then you can use

your Visa TravelMoney card to withdraw cash from ATMs or to spend money in shops, restaurants and

hotels while you're away, exactly as you would use a bankcard at home.

You can buy Visa TravelMoney at branches of Travelex and also at AAA, CAA, CUNA, ICBA and ABA. Visa

TravelMoney is just as secure as a Traveler’s Check. It has PIN and signature protection, and you can

choose to take a second card with you, which will still be active if the first card is lost or stolen. Plus you

are covered by 24-hour emergency assistance to help with replacement cash in a hurry.

Credit Cards

The resorts as well as most shops and restaurants, will accept Visa, American Express and MasterCard.

Some of the smaller establishments do not accept American Express or any credit cards, so it is always

good to ask if you do not see a sign in the window or at a register. Credit cards are used at lots of

businesses on the island, though caution should be taken when paying with plastic.

When you receive your monthly credit card statement it will show the converted costs and will reflect

the rate of exchange at the time of your purchase. Please be aware that in most cases, an extra fee for

converting from foreign currency will be added to your credit card.

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND HOW TO TAKE CASH ADVANCES

OUT ON YOUR CREDIT CARD PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE.

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ATM Transactions

Virtually all banks in Kenya now have ATMs at most branches, but their usefulness to travellers varies

widely. Barclays Bank has easily the most reliable machines for international withdrawals, with a large

network of ATMs covering most major Kenyan towns. They support MasterCard, Visa, Plus and Cirrus

international networks.

Standard Chartered and Kenya Commercial Bank ATMs also accept Visa but not the other major

providers, and are more likely to decline transactions. Whichever bank you use, the international data

link still goes down occasionally, so don’t rely on being able to withdraw money whenever you need it.

PLEASE NOTE: THE AMOUNT THAT CAN BE WITHDRAWN FROM YOUR ACCOUNT MAY VARY FROM BANK

TO BANK.

If you're heading off the beaten track, carrying a bit of cash is always a good idea as access to banking

facilities may be less convenient. Keep in mind that many businesses do not accept foreign currency, so

you should plan to carry some Shillings along with you.

TIPPING

Many Kenyans are paid a low wage and depend on tips to supplement their incomes. When tipping, be

sure and tip in shillings, not in your own currency. This means to make sure you arrange the proper

foreign exchange before or when you arrive into Kenya and try to get the smallest note s so you can tip

adequately. When tipping, do not expect that you will receive change back. Tips for safari trackers, safari

guides, restaurant servers (for included meals only), and drivers are included in your Mwangaza tour

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price. Not included, are tips for local guides. Your American TUT Travel Staff will not expect or accept

any tips.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

BenchMark Travel Services strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance* before any TUT trip!

Travel insurance offers travelers coverage for unforeseen problems, from a cancelled flight to a serious

illness—or in rare cases, even an act of terrorism or the financial default of a travel supplier. If you miss

a travel connection, even for reasons beyond your control, you are NOT necessarily prote cted from

financial loss unless you have travel insurance. For example, if you encounter mechanical problems,

flight delays, or inclement weather that causes you to miss connections, the airline carrier might re -book

you, although in many cases (such as bad weather) it is NOT guaranteed (in which case you may either

have to purchase an entirely new round-trip ticket or forego the entire prepaid trip without any

reimbursement). Travel insurance can cover new flights or provide trip cancellation coverage (for a

covered loss), as well as emergency medical expenses and medical transportation. Travel insurance also

provides 24 hour “911” emergency travel service, in case a traveler has to change a flight or a hotel

room, in addition to assistance with emergency cash transfers, lost baggage, and pre-trip consultation

services (travel advisories, passport requirements, inoculation information, etc.).

*Please note that Travel Guard insurance is only available to US and Canadian residents at this time. If

you live elsewhere, please check for such coverage within your home country from independent providers.

HOW TO PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE: You can obtain travel insurance from Travel Guard

International. To view the various policies offered, log onto www.travelguard.com. You will have two

options to purchase travel insurance: 1. US and Canadian residents may call Travel Guard directly at 1-

800-826-1300. 2. Visit Travel Guard’s website at www.TravelGuard.com to process the insurance

yourself. In this case you will be asked for a travel agent code, please give Travel Guard the code

22735731 as this code will identify your booking with BenchMark Travel Services. Please be sure to read

all policy information thoroughly and note that if you have a pre-existing condition you must apply for

the insurance within 14 days of the trip deposit date.

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MORE QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions prior to traveling, please contact BenchMark Travel Services at the numbers

below. We expect that questions will arise during your stay in Kenya; therefore the TUT Travel Staff will

be readily available at the Hospitality Desk, located in a convenient area at each of the hotels. If you

need assistance, feel free to stop by or call the Hospitality Desk any day during the trip. Just dial the

hotel operator and ask for the TUT Hospitality Desk.

BenchMark Travel Services

21 Water Street, Suite 304 • Amesbury, MA 01913 • Tel: 978-792-5150 • Fax: 978-834-6082

Toll Free: 866-535-8600 • [email protected]