Kenya/Mombasa/Mtwapa
Creek/
Villas Annchen holiday (vacation)
and accommodation
Information.
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Infos
Internet
/ Telephone
Internet is available in the Villa through MOBILE PHONE > EDGE, 3G or Laptop connection
with Data cable.
We provide
you on request with a pre-paid Kenya SIM card, to use for for your calls and Internet.
The Villas Annchen Laptop Internet 3G Line is available for you (charges depending
size of data transfer). All Kenya Mobile Networks and Telcom Wireless are available.
Electricity
Apart from some of the camps on safari, there is electricity supply everywhere
albeit sometimes erratic or ceases in the bush lodges at 2300 hours to 0500 hours
to conserve fuel. The supply is 230/240 50 Hz and plugs are 3 pin square or round,
so it is a good idea to bring an adaptor. If you have a video camera make sure
the battery charger is the same voltage otherwise you will need a transformer.
Passports & Visas
All visitors to Kenya require a return or onward ticket and a valid passport and
a accommodation address. For up-to-date visa requirements please contact the embassies
concerned in your own country.
Health
Kenya enjoy a healthy invigorating climate and visitors need feel no concern
for their general health during their stay. However, Malaria is endemic throughout
Africa and we cannot stress enough the importance of taking prophylactics. For
this we suggest you consult your doctor in good time for his / her recommendation
on the up-to-date medication. These, with an appropriate insect repellent are
a priority. Visitors requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies
in their hand luggage. Chemist shops are well stocked but the generic medication
may not be readily available.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that all persons take out an appropriate insurance
cover to include medical, baggage loss/damage and repatriation charges.
Photography
It is recommended that you take enough film/digital cards with you for the duration
of your trip. Film bought locally is usually expensive. Take spare batteries and
bring a dust proof bag for all electronic equipment. You will see many interesting
subjects and scenery but there are some rules to abide by. You must consult your
driver or guide before taking pictures of buildings, presidents, persons in uniform,
airports and police stations, prisons and harbours. Some people may also resent
their photo taken so it is courtesy to ask first.
Security
Africa is no different from any other country in the world. Just follow the common
sense rules. Remember that excessive displays of jewellery or cash will attract
undesirable elements. Do not walk alone around streets, parks, beaches and towns
at night.
Customs
Personal effects including binoculars, cameras, film, may be imported (temporarily)
free of duty. A custom bond may be demanded from visitors bringing in professional
video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure
the goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit that should be obtained
in advance. Visitors buying local handicrafts must keep cash sales receipts and
ownership certificates for wildlife trophies for presentation to Customs officials
on departure.
Currency
Kenya Shilling (Kshs), which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors can bring with
them any amount of foreign currency but it is against the law to import or export
Kenya Currency. Foreign currency in cash or in traveller's checks may be exchanged
at the commercial banks, authorized dealers, or at the bureau de changes operating
at the international airports, major towns and border posts.
Departures
An airport tax of US$ 20.00 is levied on all visitors departing the country by
air. In many instances, this fee is included in your airline ticket. Visitors
departing by air from Kenya must pay at the airport, however. Baggage is weighed
at check-in counters and may be inspected by Custom officials. Airport departure
tax for domestic flights is about US$ 4.00. All fees are subject to change. There
is no departure tax when travelling by road.
Luggage
Safari vehicles and small aircraft provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore
recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and
might not be taken on board.
Climate
The climate is tropical. The coastal areas are hot and humid with an average day
temperature of 30 degrees centigrade. The central plateau is dry and arid with
hot days and cool nights. In the northwest highlands around Arusha and Ngorongoro,
the climate is temperate and cooler between June and September. The long rains
are from May to June and the short rains fall between October and November. The
hottest months are between January and April.
What to bring
Light tropical clothes, especially cotton slacks, shirts and skirts are most suitable.
Some warm clothing is needed in the higher altitude areas around Ngorongoro Crater,
Mt Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and Mombasa. Whereas in Serengeti, Masai Mara, Northern
Kenya and Nairobi - long slacks and light jumpers are probably a good idea especially
in the evenings and early in the morning. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
on safari and guests are advised to carry some insect repellents.
Air Travel
Most major airlines operate out of Nairobi and Mombasa airport with the domestic
routing being handled by Air Kenya or Kenya Airways.
Flying Doctor Membership
A temporary Flying Doctor membership is recommended to cover air medical evacuation
to Nairobi. Participation fee is US $25 for Northern Tanzania and US$ 50 for Southern
Tanzania and for Kenya in general it is US$ 50-.
Time
Both Kenya and Tanzania have only one time zone. Local time is GMT + 3 and Daylight
Savings Time is not used.
Domestic Air Transport
Air transportation has come a long way in the last few years in East Africa.
Most parks and towns have airstrips accessible by smaller planes.
International Airlines
Kilimanjaro International Airport, the closest airport to Arusha, is currently
served by a number of international carriers including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
(3 times each week), Alliance Air (once weekly), and Ethiopian Airlines. Visitors
to the southern parks, beaches or Zanzibar may also use a number of international
airlines that service Dar es Salaam International Airport. Zanzibar is served
by international, charter and domestic air carriers. In Kenya Most large International
airlines have daily flights into Nairobi including British Airways, Kenya Aiways,
Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Gulf Air and several others.
Mtwapa
Lively town on the way to Mtwapa Creek Villas Annchen with plenty of bars and
nightlife.
Mombasa
Coastal capital town just 17 km away from the villa. Sightseeing attractions are
the Portuguese emperors built Fort Jesus, Old Town and the old port.