| 1. Do I need injections? What shouldn't be missing from my travel first aid kit? |
| No injections are necessary for those flying directly into the country. For those entering the country via a yellow fever endemic disease country (e.g. Central Africa or South America) proof of a valid inoculation against yellow fever is necessary. Bear this in mind, especially if you are planning a round trip through several countries. In principle, medication as a prophylactic measure against malaria is recommendable. Please consult your doctor or local genral practitioner. |
| 2. Can I book excursions on the spot? |
| Yes, there is a booking office on site. It is more recommendable to make the bookings in Germany. |
| 3. Is there a wellness area in the hotel? |
| Yes, massage and wellness applications are offered. (It is even possible to have a massage on the beach whilst watching the sea.) Germany as you can then have your desired date verified and there can often be price advantages. |
| 4. Is there warm water in the camp? |
| Yes, every tent is equipped with a bathroom with a shower, wash bain, and seperate WC. The Kibo Suite is even fitted with a corner-bath. |
| 5. Is the catering in the hotel / camp typical of the country or international? |
| It is both. A substantial breakfast buffet with a service for late risers until midday begins your holiday day. On Sundays there is a champagne breakfast awaiting you. At midday you can enjoy à-la-carte dishes at the Kisima Grill or in the Flame Tree Terrace Restaurant. In the afternoons we offer you coffee, tea and cake. Candlelight meals consisting of several courses alternate with exotic buffets. The culinary highlight is a festive evening meal in the à-la-carte restaurant »Imani Dhow«. The hotel bars have a large stock of international drinks. |
| 6. Are there set meals or is there à-la-carte? |
| In the hotel you can help yourself to an ample buffet or choose from the à-la-carte menu. In the camp the meals are à-la-carte. |
| 7. Are the hotel / camp typical of the style of the country? What form does the evening programme have? |
| Yes, and we show dances and have performances typical of the style of the area. There are also fashion shows, snake shows and dance evenings - simply a diverse mixture. |
| 8. Are there breakers in the Indian Ocean? |
| No. The coast is protected by a barrier reef. And for this reason there are neither high waves nor sharks inside the reef and swimming is safe. Swimming in the sea is dependent on the tides. Because of the coral reef lying in front of the coast swimming at low tide is only possible in certain situations. In contrast to that, at high tide you are rewarded with a breathtaking underwater world, which can be discovered from our glass-bottomed boat or when diving or snorkelling. In order to protect the nature, the Kenyan Wildlife Service charges a fee. Bathing in the nude or »top-free« is not allowed in Kenya. |
| 9. Is a fitness programme offered in the hotel? |
| There is a fitness programme e.g. water gymnastic, every day. |
| 10. How far is the beach from the hotel? |
| The hotel is situated directly on the beautiful Bamburi Beach. |
| 11. Can electrical appliances with 220volt plug be used without problems in the hotel / camp? |
| The voltage is between 220-240 AC. You need a three pin adaptor. |
| 12. How big is the time difference? |
| The time difference between Germany (CET) and Kenya is, in the winter time, two hours and, in summer time, one hour. |
| 13. How high are the tips that are usually given? |
| In restaurants and in hotels the service charge is included in the bill. If you are satisfied you should give a small tip. Waiters and chambermaids receive about 250 KES per person per week. You should give the driver of your safari bus about 500 KES per day. |
| 14. Can I use my credit card in the hotel? |
| We accept the common credit cards. Payment by bank card is not possible. The local currency is the Kenyan shilling. It is advisable to take some US traveller's cheques with you. In Severin Sea Lodge it is possible to pay with euros and with Visa / American Express / Diners Club and Eurocard / Mastercard. |
| 15. How do I protect myself from malaria? |
| With protective substances against mosquitoes and longer clothes in the evening hours. Apart from this most of the hotels and camps provide mosquito nets over the beds. |
| 16. How long is the flight to Kenya? |
| It is about 8 hours from Germany. Direct flights are offered from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich. |
| 17. What must I pay attention to when entering the country? |
You need a passport which when entering the country is still valid for at least another 6 months. Children need their own document, also bearing a photograph. On entering the country a visa is necessary, which for 50 American dollars (situation in October 2007) can be obtained at the airport. In order to ensure a speedy processing please have the required amount available when you arrive. This visa can be applied for at the appropriate embassy before leaving for Kenya. 2 weeks time is necessary for the processing. Citizens from other countries should ask about the entry requirements at their appropriate embassy.
Embassy of the Republic of Kenya
Markgrafenstr. 63
10969 Berlin
Phone: 49 (0)30 2592660 |
| 18. How do I get from the hotel to the camp? |
| On the road safaris you travel by mini-bus. If requested, it is also possible to fly. The flight takes about 45 minutes. |
| 19. What kind of clothes is recommended? |
| Light summer clothing, primarily made out of cotton, is preferable. Comfortable shoes as well as a warm pullover for the evenings are necessary for a safari. Otherwise do not forget to include adequate film and photograph supplies as well as a pair of binoculars. Sun protection cream with a high factor, a good pair of sunglasses and something to cover your head with are also a necessity. |
| 20. How far is Mombasa city centre from the hotel? How big is the town? Is it advisable to go there alone? |
| It is about 12 kilometres away. Mombasa is a multi-cultural town with about 800,000 inhabitants and can be explored alone during the daytime without any problems. In the evenings it is safer to go in groups. |
| 21. Are there any doctors and hospitals near the camp? |
| Not near the camp but there is the flying doctor service. The insurance for this can be booked in advance. |
| 22. Are there televisions in the rooms? If so, which programmes can be received? |
| Some categories of rooms have a television with satellite reception. |
| 23. Are there also some small shops in the hotel complex? If not, where can I go for a stroll? |
| There are several shops in the hotel which amongst other things sell jewellery, souvenirs, photo and film articles, clothes as well as cosmetics. In the shopping streets and at the bazaars in the nearby town of Mombasa there is an exotic range of products. Popular souvenirs are spices, tea, coffee, hand-carved wooden articles and materials. Please take especial note that the purchasing and export of ivory, sea shells and corals is absolutely forbidden. |
