Booking Terms & Travel Guide

Travels carry a measure of risk. Bookings are accepted on the specific condition that Paws and Treks only acts as agent for clients in matters related to hotels, sightseeing, restaurants, and all transportation included in the tour. Paws and Treks purchases these services from suppliers and independent contractors without warranties or representations. Such services are therefore subject to their control.

The right is reserved to substitute hotels of comparable status and make any change in the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by adverse weather conditions, disruption to airline schedules, or any other valid reason.

Paws and Treks and its agencies shall not be liable for any death, loss, delay, injury, accident, or damage arising from any cause, including terrorism, natural calamity, government action, or any act beyond our control.

All baggage is carried at the passenger's own risk. Baggage insurance is highly recommended.

Paws and Treks will not accept responsibility for additional expenses or losses due to changes in airline schedules or delays, or any factor caused by force majeure such as civil strife, war, or quarantine.

Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances.

For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program, accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement from the Operating Company. Any adjustment will be based on the actual price of the services involved, not on a per diem basis.

Adjustments will not be made for unused sightseeing trips or meals.

All visitors to Kenya are required to have valid passports. Visas are also required for visitors who are not citizens of Commonwealth countries. Currently, visitors from Germany, Denmark, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Finland, Spain, Turkey, and Uruguay do not require visas.

Since visa requirements may change, it is advisable to check the current requirements through airlines, tour operators, Kenya Tourist Offices, or Kenya Embassies/High Commissions before departure. Visas normally take up to six weeks to process and are valid for up to a three-month period.

Those visitors with proper documents and return tickets may be issued visitor's passes free of charge on arrival at any Kenyan port of entry.

Kenya enjoys a tropical climate — hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland, and very dry in the north and northeast. Sunshine is plentiful year-round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year, though it can be cool at night and in the early morning.

The long rains occur April–June, and short rains October–December. Rain typically falls in the afternoons and evenings. The Great Migration takes place between June and September.

Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase per person, plus hand luggage. Hotels will normally store excess baggage at no extra cost.

• Standard safaris: one medium suitcase plus hand baggage per person
• Air safaris: maximum 15 kg per person (may reduce to 10 kg on small aircraft)
• Private safaris with fewer than 7 passengers: no baggage restrictions

Hard currencies can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus in Nairobi, and most large hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most accepted. Banks are open Mon–Fri 9am–3pm and Saturdays 9–11am.

Credit Cards: VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted, though a percentage mark-up may apply.

M-PESA: Mobile money payments are accepted by Paws & Treks for deposits and balances.

Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya. Visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue for the prescribed time after return. Use insect repellent after dusk and wear suitable cover-up clothing in the evenings.

Flying Doctors Society: Membership is strongly recommended. In the event of accident or sickness on safari, the Society will fly patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for hospital admission.

Drinking Water: Tap water should be considered unsafe. Hotels and lodges provide safe water in thermos flasks. Bottled mineral water is widely available.

Normal precautions as in any world destination apply. Do not leave cash and valuables in hotel rooms — use safe deposit boxes. Avoid carrying large sums of cash. In busy streets, keep a firm grip on bags and valuables.

Walking alone at night in cities should be avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all principal hotels.

Photography is prohibited at airports, military installations, near government buildings, and of the President, soldiers, prisons, or prisoners. Always obtain permission before photographing local people.