Q&A

Q1: How do I book a chosen Safari with you?

Please give us a call, complete our Online Enquiry Form or send us an e-mail.

Q2: How do I make payments?

We require a 20% deposit 48Hours upon confirmation, sent by wire transfer to our bank account  or by Credit Card 48 hours upon confirmation, balance due is payable at least 30 days prior to arrival or in full depending on the time span within which you inquire and book. Kindly confirm with us first regarding Card Payments.

A/C NAME:     VACATIONS QUEST
BANK:             KENYA COMMERCIAL BANK
BRANCH:       KENCOM BRANCH (Kencom House, Moi Avenue 48400 – 00100)
A/C NO:         USD ACC NO. (INQUIRE)
SWEIFT:          KCBLKENX

See our Term & Conditions for further information.

Q3: Do I need to book my safari in advance?

It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel, especially during the high/peak seasons – June to Oct and Christmas/New Year season.

Q4: What are the entry requirements?

Visas are required to enter all 3 East African Countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. They can either be obtained in advance through the various Embassies/High Commissions abroad, or at the airports or other ports/borders of entry. The process is fast and easy and all one requires to have is a valid passport (at least six months) and the fee is US$50, payable in cash US dollar. Citizens of some listed countries cannot get visas on arrival, so it is advisable to enquire with us on booking your safari. Please note: Tanzania Visa is now US$100 for US citizens.

Q5: What does the cost in/exclude?

Normally we will specify what the safari/quoted prices will include or exclude below the safari programs. Please do take time to go through these small details for your information.

Q6: What type of vehicles do you use on road safari?

We use 4X4 – 8 seater custom safari minibuses, off road  4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers or Land Rovers with pop-up roof ideal for game viewing and sightseeing. All vehicles are fitted with HF long range radios for easy communication and are well maintained to provide maximum level of comfort and safety. In addition to the above, all our vehicles are fully equipped with cool-boxes and first aid kits. All our safari drivers are trained tour guides, friendly, experienced, knowledgeable and are committed to ensuring clients’ satisfaction.

Q7: How many people do you take on a safari?

Most of our safaris operate on private basis with a minimum of two persons on a lodge safari and 04 persons on a camping adventure. We recommend not more than 06 persons per vehicle for maximum comfort and guaranteed window seats.

Q8: When is the best time to go on a safari?

All Year Round! But it also really depends on the type of animal you wish to see. Certain reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year. It is generally felt that the African winter (June – August) is the best time to go on safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over two million animals in the Mara and Serengeti plains during this period.

Q9: Are we guaranteed to see the ‘Big Five’ whilst on safari with your company?

We cannot guarantee this, as all of the animals are in their natural environment. However, with our well though-out itineraries and chosen locations you will not be disappointed.

Q10: What is a single supplement?

This is a fee imposed on single travelers by the hotels, lodges and camps. Our safari prices are quoted based on two people sharing accommodation. If someone takes a room by themselves they have to pay the per-person price plus the single supplement fee.

Q11: Is it possible for people with special needs to travel on any of your Safaris?

We cannot guarantee that facilities will be available for such as wheelchair passengers, but some of the properties that we use have these facilities. Please contact us with your special needs/ requirements (including dietary) at the time of reservations.

Q12: Do I require Travel Insurance?

We strongly recommend that you take out all of the necessary comprehensive Travel Insurance before commencing your journey. However, we offer Free Membership to AMREF Flying Doctors Service, to all our clients while on safari with us. This is a security in the knowledge that should a medical emergency arise, the Flying Doctors Service will rescue and evacuate you to a reputable hospital which is just a call away. This service covers only rescue.

Q13: How safe are your Safaris?

Any adventure involves an element of risk and we recommend that you have your insurance in order just incase of the unforeseen. However, all of the destinations that we offer are considered to be safe and secure, and are all well-established.

Q14: Do I need to know the local language?

English is spoken throughout East Africa. We have multilingual staffs including the driver guides provided on request, and sometimes at a fee depending on the language requirements.

Q15: Is tap water safe to drink?

While tap water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, it is safer to drink sealed bottled water and we do provide you with a little each day on safari. Incase you need more; this is readily available in stores and supermarkets.

Q16: How is the local food?

Great! International cuisine is available at all the hotels you will be staying. Special dietary requirements are catered for throughout Africa if you need. Please give us advanced notice so that we can make arrangements with the lodges and camps you are scheduled to stay at. Most restaurants offer selections for vegetarians, depending on their forte. Local specialties can be surprisingly good! With the exception of a few lodges, halaal and kosher food is not available at most camps/lodges.

Q17: Do I need yellow fever/malaria inoculation?

Vaccination requirements change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on the latest health precautions. Currently, shots against Yellow fever and cholera are recommended. As a precaution we usually advise anti-malarial drugs to be taken before, during and after your visit to East Africa. 
Also, if you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).

Q18: Any advise regarding photography & Filming?

In Kenya, It is illegal to photograph a presidential motorcade, a military police in uniform, president’s office and such establishments. Some communities too would demand permission to take pictures of them. Please inquire and adhere to these. For wildlife photography, a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that you should use, A 300-400 zoom is preferable. For bird-watchers, a 500mm or larger is necessary, and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots. Bring extra camera and flash batteries and plenty of film – you may find these quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally. Contact us for specific Filming requirements.

Q19: Why should I choose Vacations Quest?

Vacations Quest is without doubt a leading provider of outdoors and premier holiday company. We have the passion, knowledge, experience, expertise and commitment to make your safari a lifetime experience! Testimonies from our past clients bear us witness. In case you would like to communicate with some of these past clients, please request for e-mail/telephone contacts, and we shall be happy to provide.

Q20: What should I pack?

Temperatures in winter are generally mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally a more risky time to travel. So, before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.

Q21: Are we supposed to give Tips?

Yes it is common courtesy to tip your driver, safari crew, guide and porter when on safari. Driver guides are a great source of information and if you tell them in advance what you want to see they will do their best to find it .However tipping is not mandatory, it’s a gesture of appreciation of services rendered.

Please see below some tipping guidelines, depending on the number of pax on a particular safari:

• Porter/ Waiter: US $ 5 per service
• Van driver/ guide/ crew: US $10- 15+ per person , per driving day
• Driver’s tips are presented to the driver or tour leader on the final day of your safari tour.