Frequently Asked Questions
Nairobi, Kenya
Travel is one of those things that naturally gives rise to queries, concerns and doubts, so we’re here to put your mind at ease. Which Safari is right for me? What do I do about visas? How does Camptrek manage COVID-19? How much do I tip? Should I have a local meal or an English buffet or a local meal? For questions frequent and otherwise, this is the spot.
Choosing a Safari
Want to lie in a hammock and not move until cocktail hour? We’ve got a Safari for that. Want to power up the side of a mountain at high altitude? We’ve also got a Safari for that.want to walk I the African jungle I search of our cousin primates? We have a safari for that. To determine what type of Safari suits you best, contact us for a Safaris Physical Rating to let you know how physically demanding it is… or isn’t.
Travelling with Children
Camptrek offers a wide range of Family Safaris around the globe. The minimum age (for Family Safaris) varies depending on the destination, and Camptrek has set minimum ages to ensure that the included activities suit each age range. Additionally, you’ll notice that some of the more adventurous destinations have a higher minimum age. Please contact us for more information on Family safaris.
Travelling in a Group
Camptrek Safari are travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track. Whether you're travelling solo, with a group of friends, or are aged 18 or 70, there is a Camptrek Safari to suit your interests and comfort level. Each Camptrek Safari has a physical and cultural experience to help you choose if the Safari is right for you. No special skills are required for most Safaris, just a sense of adventure and curiosity about the wilds of Africa.
For the majority of our Safaris the minimum age is 3yrs. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Safaris have a minimum age of 3. Check each Safari for its minimum age, which is located on the Safari tour Packages on our website. Most of our Safaris don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all travellers 70 years and over.
While we can’t tell you who your leader/ Driver guide prior to departure, we can tell you they will all be awesome. Our leaders are experts in their regions, some because they were born and have been travelling there for years, others because they’re local to the region and can’t wait to show you around. On longer journeys, or ones that travel through more than one country, you may change driver guides and leaders part way through – but this just means double the awesomeness.
Although you won’t be reimbursed for any portion of the Safari unused, you can opt to sign off the Safari if you need to leave a day or so earlier. If you let us know before travel that you’ll be arriving late or need to leave before the Safari ends, we will notify our team on the ground to best accommodate your requirements.
Please make sure you are happy with your group Safari itinerary before booking because we are sometimes unable to change them, However, if you and a group of friends, colleagues or even your school would like your own personally designed itinerary, get in contact with our very talented team so they can tailor an itinerary just for you before your tour starts.
Yes sure can. Just ask your Safari consultant at the time of the booking.
Travelling Solo
Yes, you can.
Nope the accommodation is part of the tour package that you choose.
Camptrek is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We ask that you carefully consider whether you are physically and mentally able to complete the itinerary you have chosen.
Where we can we will make reasonable adjustments to the operation of our Safaris to facilitate the requirements of disabled travellers
Rooming
On our Safaris rooms are assigned on a single, double, twin, triple, Family and even quadruple share basis. This all depends on the group or persons who you are coming for the safari with or if you would like a room of your own.
Yes, you can request a Triple room depending on the number of people in your Safari.
If you’re travelling with a partner, we automatically book a double room for you and your partner. Just let us know if you have any changes.
Yes, it is very possible as Some of our Tours are arranged on Twin share basis.
Food, drink and dietary requirements
We will try our very best to accommodate all dietary requirements. In some out-of-the-way places it can be very difficult to guarantee. Please let us know at the time of booking of any food requirements or allergies and we’ll pass the information onto the lodges and our driver guide.
Food is one of the most exciting parts of travel. There may be some familiar English buffet but often you’ll be confronted with the new local delicacies to sample and taste your taste buds.
In some destinations it may not be wise to drink the local water. Other than that, we will provide bottled water for each of our travelers.
Are flights and airport transfers included in the tour price?
Flights to the tour destination are not included in the Safari Package price unless the tour is a flying package tour. please get in touch via phone, WhatsApp or live chat to request a quote or help when booking.
Generally, airport transfers are included in the tour price unless you’re arriving earlier before the start of the tour. Please refer to your Itineraries to see all tour inclusions and exclusions.
Bookings
Booking an Individual Room
You will get an Individual room with a double or single bed, a bathroom and a toilet, mosquito nets and other facilities found in any modern room but the standard of accommodation will vary depending on the Safari and whether or not you have been upgraded.
I want to book flights, airport transfers, extra accommodation or insurance for my Safari. How can I do this?
Contact us for a detailed summary of what your Itinerary will include before you make a booking. We will assist with information about insurances and airport transfers.
When will I know all the details of my Safari?
All Safari details are available in your Itineraries, Important to note. If there are last-minute changes, we’ll email you an update before the Safari begins.
Safari changes and booking amendments
Our Safaris are guaranteed to depart once you have fully paid, unless special condition states otherwise.
We never want to cancel a Safari, but sometimes unforeseen things happen that are out of both your control and ours. We closely monitor all our destinations, and if your Safari is changed or cancelled due to a Force Majeure Event or for operational reasons, we'll aim to notify you as soon as possible.
You will receive an email from us explaining the changes to your itinerary, and any options that may be available. If you have further questions, please reach out via phone, WhatsApp or live chat.
Plans can change – we get it! You can change your travel plans up to 60 days before departure (with no fees) we will hold onto your deposit as a credit for future travel.
It depends on how close you are to departure. In some circumstances we may be able to transfer the spot to another traveller for a fee if it's outside the pay-in-full period.
When you pay your deposit, we'll sometimes use those funds to secure certain non-refundable permits or activities on your Safari. If you're inside the pay-in-full period but you have paid for your Safari, then a partial refund minus the cost of the deposit may be possible. If you are inside the pay in full period, then further fees may be incurred. Please get in touch to discuss your options.
Safari cancellations and refunds
Please get in touch via live chat to cancel. We can only process cancellations when we have received written confirmation from you. You may also be charged a cancellation fee depending on the departure date – please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.
We don’t offer full refunds for cancellation by you. However, you can cancel your booking up to 60 days before departure and either transfer your deposit to another Safari, or hold onto it as credit for future travel. For most of our Safaris, credits don’t have an expiry date.
If you want to make changes to your booking less than 60 days before departure you may incur a cancellation fee as per our Terms and Conditions.
We’re sorry to hear that. Please get in touch with our friendly Safari consultants to review your circumstances and discuss your options.
We try to process refunds as quickly as possible, but it may take 15 to 30 days depending on your bank and external systems that are out of our control. If the funds aren’t back in your account within 30 days, please contact your bank.
Payments
Don’t worry. If you paid too much by mistake, please contact us via phone or live chat to organise a refund.
Full payment is required on arrival day before departure to avoid Safari cancellation. You can email us directly.
Unfortunately, this is possible only in Euros and Dollars. All invoices must be paid in the same currency in which the Safari was originally booked.
Before you Depart
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our Safaris if you’re travelling internationally. Camptrek safaris will provide you with AMREF flying doctor’s emergency coverage which is not an insurance but an emergency ambulance cover.
Find out more about the latest information on travel documents and visa requirements, plus local government COVID-19 vaccination and quarantine policies by contacting us directly.
Visa Information
Yes, Camptrek can assist with visa/s in some instances. Please contact us to find out more.
Safety and medical information
The safety of our travellers, leaders and operators is a major priority for Camptrek. With this in mind, we monitor events and News very closely and Camptrek makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources.
While we take all the precautions, we can to make sure your belongings are safe, we are travelling to some exciting destinations that are sometimes home to some pretty skilled thieves. Travel insurance is a must and a lockable bag or money belt will always help too.
We recommend having access to money from a variety of sources – cash, cards and travel money cards are all commonly used. Check your Essential Safari Information and the relevant destination page on our website for more country-specific information.
Availability of refrigeration cannot be guaranteed. As a general rule, many of our hotels provide access to small fridges; however, outside of this, especially when trekking or out on game drives, you cannot rely on access to refrigeration. Please be sure to advise Camptrek if you are travelling with medication that requires refrigeration.
Medical and general vaccination requirements differ between nations, you will require a valid yellow fever card Travelling in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda and as we are not medical practitioners, unfortunately we cannot advise on other issues. Contact us as we will advise you on Where to seek the information you need?
Our leaders and driver guides are trained to deal with these situations and we'll endeavour to get you help as quickly as possible. As well as contact our health insurer If you must leave the Safari early due to illness, our local offices will help you find appropriate medical care and ensure someone at home is aware of the situation. We will do whatever we can to get you home or on your onward journey. Your travel insurance, which is compulsory on all our Safaris, should cover any costs incurred if illness occurs.
What should I bring?
On some Camptrek Safaris you will be required to carry your own luggage, sometimes upstairs and on and off transport. Or when hiking. We therefore recommend you travel with a backpack. Please check the important trip notes to know in your itinerary package in the website and we will also Email you the list.
On a more physical Safari like the gorilla trekking, hiking boots are definitely recommended. Hiking boots or sneakers/runners will be adequate. some Camptrek safaris will be hiking in near-freezing environments so please be sure to research the climate and weather conditions at the time of year you will be trekking and pack accordingly. There is also a packing 'checklist' in your Essential Safari Information.
It’s important that you always travel with your current passport, visas, travel insurance and Camptrek documentation. For more information contact us we will advise.
On your Safari
Arrival Information
Yes, you can request an early check in. Confirm with our sales team before you make a booking
This information can be found in the Itinerary / tour package
Amenities
Camptrek safaris limited will use a wide range of lodges around inside and outside the parks. They range from budget, mid-range to luxury lodges and hotels having all the hotel comforts and facilities. From large beds, mosquito nets, toilets and bathrooms inside, drinking water dispensers, extra blankets in case of cold weather seasons, charging points, toiletries, and any other item found in a modern room. t
All the lodges have regular access to western toilets while others don't depend on which type of itinerary you choose – it just depends on the areas you’re travelling in. As a general rule, the more remote the place the less likely you are to find western bathroom facilities example is mt Kilimanjaro climbers.
All the lodges offer laundry services at a reasonable price per item. On other safaris where there are no laundry services, on the way there are usually chances to do laundry, mostly through your hotel room or your campsite. Your leader / driver guide will be able to let you know once you are on the Safari.
Camping
We have a wide range of camping sites around the the parks. They range from having all the Hotel comforts to bush camping on the plains of the Serengeti with limited facilities (though their amazing vistas make up for this). Most camps will have basic facilities at a minimum.
Accommodation
Yes, all details will be listed out in your Itineraries.
The standard of accommodation depends on the Safari Package you have chosen.
Keeping in touch with home
Communication facilities are always improving globally. Our vehicles and Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi so it’s usually possible to keep in touch with home, if you so desire. In remote places like the Serengeti or on treks, you will not be able to communicate as readily. Your leader will usually give you the heads up before you leave a place so you can send a quick email or two.
If family and friends are unable to contact you in an emergency through email or phone, they can contact Camptrek directly. Emergency contact details (for your destination) are listed in your safari Package or they can contact one of our Sales offices, who can pass on a message if required.
Some places have Wi-Fi hot spots everywhere and other places will have no coverage at all. If you stumble into the latter, take the rare chance to just sit back and get to know your fellow travellers the old-fashioned way.
In most places you’ll be able to recharge your appliances at the hotel. We recommend you bring a travel adapter with you. On our safaris most of our vehicles come with their own power supply and you should be able to recharge onboard. Be sure to bring an extra camera battery just in case.
Transport
You may use a Van with a pop-up roof or a Land cruiser with a pop-up roof depending on the package you choose.
Tipping Information
Yes, in most places tipping is expected but is not a must. At your welcome meeting, ask our company representative or your driver guide about the local custom and advice on how much is recommended at restaurants or with local guides.
At the end of your Safari, if you're happy with the service you received, providing a tip for our driver guide - though not compulsory - is appropriated. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Covid-19
Yellow fever cards are mandatory when crossing over from one country to another I east African countries namely Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
Kindly talk to us in case of any questions regarding the yellow fever card
Camptrek does requires travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for some Safaris. and, we strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
If a traveller tests positive for COVID-19 and wishes to continue on their Safari, they will be required to take additional precautionary measures to prevent transmission, including wearing a mask when in close contact with others.
Camptrek will always follow local COVID-19 regulations and protocols where these are stricter than our own.
Camptrek does not have any specific COVID-19 cancellation conditions. Please contact us for assistance.
Vaccination
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.
On applicable Safaris, children between 6 and 17 years of age are exempt from vaccination policies.
In order to join one of these Safaris, they must provide:
•Proof of vaccination status (for children who are eligible);
•Proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted no more than 72 hours before day 1 of your
Safari;
•Proof of recovery from COVID-19 (a medical clearance certificate from a medical professional)
Children aged 5 years and under are not required to provide any vaccination or testing documentation to travel with Camptrek.
