• The Wildebeest Migration is a dramatic story. It takes place within Kenya and Tanzania and is the greatest wildlife show on earth. Between the open plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate to greener pastures as the seasons change and the circle of life and death continues. Predators follow the Wildebeest Migration closely, waiting for an opportunity to strike weak prey as they make their way into different territories.
  
  The precise timing of the Wildebeest Migration changes annually and it is a very unpredictable and spontaneous natural event. The calving season takes place in the Serengeti between the months of January and mid-March before the Wildebeest Migration begins heading towards the western Serengeti in June. The best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River. There are a few excellent camps in this area where you can stay to witness this natural phenomenon. If you are in the Masai Mara you can expect the wildebeest to make their arrival as early as July, but they generally arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara between October and November. Between December and January the wildebeest gradually begin their migration back towards the Serengeti.
  

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We believe that going on safari to view & witness the Wildebeeste migration is one of the ultimate safari experiences that Africa has to offer.

• National Parks: Smart cards and pre-payment of entrance fees are essential for the Nairobi, Nakuru, Aberdares, Amboseli and Tsavo national parks.
• Park fees will generally be included in the cost of your safari and the relevant documentation will be given to your driver / guide, who will be responsible for and handle all your entrance fees.
• Reserves: Cash payments are still acceptable at reserves such as the Mara and Samburu.
• The cost of non-resident park fees in Kenya and Tanzania is currently US Dollars 30 per person per night spent in the park / reserve.
• Payment of the driver and vehicle’s entry fees is included in the cost of your safari and you are not responsible for these costs. Your driver / guide will carry his own Smart card or cash in this respect.

• Platinum recommends that you purchase temporary membership of the Flying Doctors Society services for the duration of your stay in Kenya / Tanzania. In the event of an accident or sickness whilst on safari, the Society will fly / evacuate patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance into a private hospital. The current cost for a 1month membership is US $ 30.00 per person and this can be organized by platinum prior to your arrival.

• During your visit to Kenya / Tanzania, you should take normal security precautions as you would in any other country. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms, but to ensure that use is made of safe deposit boxes which are available at a minimal cost at all hotels and lodges. Visitors should never carry large sums of money in cash, and ladies should maintain a tight hold on their handbags in crowded or busy streets. Jewelry snatching is quite common in the city streets, and as such very noticeable adornments should be avoided. As in all major cities, walking alone or in small groups at night could be considered dangerous, and should be avoided. Reliable taxi services are available (your reception desk will assist you with this), and should be made use of.

• Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policemen, the president, the national flag, the State House, state properties and prisoners, is completely prohibited.
• Before photographing local people, please ask their permission and via your driver / guide, negotiate a price that they will charge you for the privilege of taking their photograph.
• Please note that the use of your flash light may be restricted at certain locations.

• Both the mains electricity and the generated supply available in lodges provides 240 volts AC 50 cycles. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with 110v 50 cycles. Sockets are usually 3 pin and are of the square variety.

• Although hotels, lodges and restaurants include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters and waiters (US Dollars $2 – $5 per service rendered is acceptable), and safari drivers / guides (US Dollars $8 – $15 per person per day is acceptable).

• Kiswahili is the Lingua Franca while English is the Official language in both Kenya and Tanzania. The different tribes in both countries have their own languages and dialects but in all touristy establishments, English will be spoken and understood.
• Platinum is in a position to provide driver / guides who speak other languages for those who do not understand or speak English. Please let us know in advance so that we can arrange this for you.

• Keeping in touch by email, telephone and mail is generally easy. Direct overseas dialing and email facilities are possible / available from major centers and hotels, and increasingly available from more remote locations and game lodges. Special international calling bureaus are widely available in Nairobi as are the cyber cafes for email and internet access. Like most public facilities, the post office hours are from 08:00hrs to 17:00 hrs Mondays to Fridays, and on Saturdays until noon.

• Minimum check-in time for international flights: 2 hours.
• Minimum check-in time for domestic and other flights: 1 hour.
• Reconfirmation of domestic tickets is essential. Please request your hotel receptionist or travel agent to assist.
• Reconfirmation of international flights: Platinum will assist you with this service. For clients who have not purchased tickets through us, please ensure that you provide us with your full flight details to enable us to provide this service.