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Next Steps
Summary of what you need to do now (see details below):
- Send in Deposit and Reservation Form and Travel Consultant Release Form now
- Final payment
- Passport
- Visa (see attached application form)
- Travel Insurance
- Immunizations
- International air
DETAILS:
Deposit and reservation form: Fill out and return the attached reservation form along with a check or cash deposit of $500 per person to hold a space for you (first come, first served) and to make your land reservations. (See Travel Insurance section of this document regarding refund in the event of trip cancellation or interruption and baggage insurance). If departure date is within 120 days, full payment must be made.
Travel Consultant Release Form: Read, fill out and return the attached Travel Consultant Release Form.
Final payment: Full payment is requested by December 1, 2007 and must be received at least 120 days prior to departure. International air reservations must be paid in full when booked and to ensure that rates are not increased.
Photos: Have passport photos taken as soon as possible. If you are applying for a new U.S. passport, you will need 2 passport photos for your U.S. passport, 2 passport photos for your Kenya visa, and 1 photo for me. For safety, please make a few extra photos and bring along.
Passport: Ensure U.S. passport is valid for six months from date of departure from Kenya with at least 2 empty pages. If needed, please apply immediately. Provide 2 passport photos. When your passport is sent to you, be sure to sign it immediately, and please make 4 copies of the first 2 pages of your passport. Keep 2 for yourself in case it is lost or stolen, and send 2 copies to me. You will then need to send your passport to the Kenya Embassy for a visa.
Visas: Apply for a Kenya visa as soon as possible. We will provide a copy of the visa application forms, or forms can be printed from Kenya Embassy website:
You will need to send to the Kenya Embassy the following (as noted on the Kenya Visa Application Form):
- Completed Kenya Visa Application Form
- Valid and signed U.S. passport, valid for six months from date of departure
- Cashiers check or money order for $50 (no personal checks, no cash)
- Two passport photos for Kenya Visa
- Tour itinerary
- Self addressed and stamped envelope
- FedEx or other carrier which provides tracking capability is recommended
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included in the tour price. To allow for unexpected contingencies, it is highly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage insurance from any reputable travel insurance company. My personal recommendation is to consider using Travelex as they have extensive coverage, they are an A+ rated company, and they have a policy that many other insurance companies do not have. If you sign up for trip insurance with Travelex within 21 days of your initial deposit, they cover pre-existing conditions. If that is an issue for you, consider using Travelex or ensure that whatever company you use, you would be covered for pre-existing conditions. Travelex has two policies: Travel Plus and TraveLite. Read over the coverage in their brochure (sent on request) or view their website and select the policy that suits you. They can be reached by phone at 800-228-9792 or online at:
Use LOCATION NUMBER: 05-0201.
You do not need a travel agent code. If you would like a Travelex brochure, or wish to sign up with Travelex please let me know. Again, you may use any reputable travel insurance company. No matter what company you use for trip insurance, be sure you are covered for the total cost of the trip including both the air and land costs.
Immunizations: No inoculations are required, but some are recommended. See the county health department where you reside as soon as possible for advice regarding immunizations for Kenya. Give them a copy of the itinerary so that they will know where you are going. The health department has the latest information and provides fresh serum, for a low cost. Some immunizations (such as the hepatitis series) take several months to complete, so go as soon as possible. Look under HEALTH section at the Kenya Embassy website:
As with every developing country, there is risk of disease. Each passenger is responsible for his or her own health care while on tour.
International Air: If you are making your own international air arrangements, please let me know so that we can coordinate meeting you at the airport, and ensure you will arrive in Nairobi on the correct date in order to meet up with the rest of the tour group before we leave on safari. If you do not arrive on time, every effort will be made to assist you, but you will be responsible for making arrangements to catch up with the rest of the tour group. If you wish to request that we make your international air arrangements, please let me know as soon as possible. We are happy to assist you but as you know flight plans are based on availability and first come, first served. You will find our rates are highly competitive.
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