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Essential Information
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Essential Information: Kenya
The Country
Quick Facts
Our Location
The Weather
Travel
Communications
Food and Drink
Shopping
Cultural Awareness
Useful Swahili Phrases
Kenya is regarded by many as the jewel of East Africa and has some of the continent’s finest beaches, most magnificent wildlife and scenery, and warm and welcoming people. It is a country of rich contrasts; from vast open savannahs rich with game, to pristine beaches and coral reef, equatorial rainforests and mighty snow-capped mountains, deserts and cool highland retreats.
Kenya has a diverse population with around 40 different tribes, all with their own language and cultures, the most famous being the tall, red-robed Masai who still lead semi-nomadic lifestyles of cattle herding along the southern border. A mix of African and Asian, Swahili culture can be found along the coast. Swahili peoples traditionally became prosperous on the profits of commerce from the trade winds that carried ocean-going dhows (sailing boats) across the Indian Ocean to Arabia and Persia.
Population: Approximately 37,953,840
Capital: Nairobi
Total Land Area: 569,250 km2
Time Zone: GMT +3 hours
Currency: Kenyan Shillings (KSh)
Electricity supply: 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. UK-type flat 3-pin or round 2-pin plugs
International dialling code: +254
Language(s): English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages
Religion(s): Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Indigenous beliefs 10%, Muslim 10%, Other 2%
Most of our camps are located on or near the south coast, close to the Tanzanian border. We also have a camp located within the Tsavo ecosystem, and temporary camps close to mount Kenya.
The weather in Kenya is little short of perfect as it’s generally sunny, dry and not too hot for most of the year, despite being situated on the equator. Temperatures average between 22oc-31oc with the hottest months falling between December and February. The main rainy seasons are from March to May and November to December but the amount of rainfall varies from year to year and rainfall is seldom continuous over long periods.
Nairobi Airport (NBO) (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) is 13km southeast of the city. Mombasa Airport (MBA) (Moi International Airport) is 13km west of the town.
Approximate flight times (if flying direct):
- London to Nairobi: 8 hours
- Nairobi to Mombasa: 50 minutes
- London to Dubai: 7 hours
- Dubai to Nairobi: 6 hours
- Kuala Lumpur to Dubai: 8 hours
Telephone International direct dialling is available. Mobile phone networks are now widespread throughout the populated areas of Kenya and so you may consider taking your mobile/cell phone with you if you feel it is necessary. Most large hotels are now equipped with email, and cyber cafes have sprung up all over major towns and cities. The postal service is often unreliable and email and texting are the preferred options.
National dishes appear on most restaurant menus. Kenyan beef, chicken, lamb and pork are outstanding, as are the wide variety of tropical fruits. Indian and Middle Eastern food is available in most areas. Most East Africans eat maize, beans and maize meal. Top Tip: Try some traditional chai (tea boiled with milk, sugar and often spices), mandazi (triangle shaped doughnuts) for breakfast, or home made chapatis which are delicious. The most popular locally brewed beers are Tusker and White Cap and bottled sodas are cheap and readily available throughout the country.
Kanga, kitenge and kikoi cloths may be bought in markets and the Biashara streets of Mombasa and Nairobi. Makonde carvings are sold throughout the country, and young Kamba and Masai men sell carvings and necklaces on the beaches of the south coast. Be aware that the purchase of souvenirs derived from wild animals is illegal and will result in heavy fines, confiscation, and even imprisonment. This is also the case for curios made from unsustainable wood sources including ebony, mahogany, rosewood and teak.
During your expedition you will be visiting ethically, culturally and religiously diverse areas and it is important to be culturally sensitive during your stay. A large percentage of the local population is Muslim and your appearance, especially when on project work or in public places, should respect this. We urge you to be culturally sensitive and not to wear very short shorts and skirts or revealing tops during the working day, around the schools and in the villages in Kenya. In major towns like Mombasa it is particularly important that women cover their legs and shoulders.
Going barefoot is disrespectful and an indication of extreme poverty (most people, however poor they may be, make an effort to buy shoes) and it also extremely offensive to show the soles of your feet.
| Hello | Jambo |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri |
| What is your name? | Jina lako nani? |
| My name is... | Jina langu ni... |
| How are you? | Habari gani? |
| Good | Nzuri |
| Bad | Mbaya |
| Thank-you | Asante |
| You're welcome | Karibu |
| Please | Tafadhali |
| Excuse me | Samahani |
| Sorry | Pole |
| Yes | Ndiyo |
| No | Hapana |
Aims, objectives and expectation not only realized but superseded. In every way a truly beneficial and worthwhile experience. I have not only become more knowledgeable, but also up built as a person and more prepared to enter into adult life. I want to thank Camp Kenya for this phenomenal and unforgettable experience.
Anna Cyrano
Essential Information: Tanzania
The Country
Quick Facts
Our Location
The Weather
Travel
Communications
Food and Drink
Shopping
Cultural Awareness
Useful Swahili Phrases
The largest country in East Africa, Tanzania boasts the continent’s highest mountain, the historical spice islands of Zanzibar, the world’s largest game reserve and probably the most famous national park. Lush tropical forests and mighty rivers fringe Savannah grasslands, while the Great Rift Valley has produced a number of unusual geographical features, from the exceptionally deep Lake Tanganyika to the unique Ngorongoro crater, and ultimately to the heights of Kilimanjaro. For many it is the ultimate safari destination, and with National Parks and Game reserves covering 28% of the country, Tanzania has more land devoted to wildlife than anywhere else in the world. Tanzania captures the very essence of the African continent and embodies what is for many, quintessential Africa.
Tanzania has approximately 120 ethnic groups and Tanzanians value their country’s multicultural heritage. The tall red-robed Masai are the best known of Tanzania’s peoples, inhabiting the northern regions of the country. Tanzania’s coast is home to the Swahili people, a vibrant mix of Arab, Indian and Bantu origins. A predominantly Islamic region, old mosques and coral palaces scatter the area.
Population: Approximately 40,213,160
Capital: Dodoma
Total Land Area: 886,037 km2 (including the islands of Mafia, Pemba and Zanzibar)
Time Zone: GMT +3 hours
Currency: Tanzanian Shillings (TZS)
Electricity supply:220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. UK-type flat 3-pin or round 2-pin plugs
International dialling code: +255
Language(s): Kiswahili (official), English (official), numerous indigenous languages
Religion(s): Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35%; Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslim
Most of our camps are located on the outskirts of Moshi at the base of Kilimanjaro in the northeast of Tanzania. We also have temporary camps near Mount Meru and on the Tanzanian coast near Dar es Salaam.
The weather in Tanzania is little short of perfect as it’s generally sunny, dry and not too hot for most of the year, despite being close to the equator. Temperatures average between 18oc-31oc with the hottest months falling between December and February. The main rainy seasons are from March to May and November to December but the amount of rainfall varies from year to year and rainfall is seldom continuous over long periods.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 40km from Camp Tanzania in Moshi. Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR) is approximately 12km southwest of the city.
Approximate flight times (if flying direct):
- London to Dar es Salaam: 9 hours
- London to Nairobi: 8 hours
- Kuala Lumpur to Dubai: 8 hours
- Dubai to Nairobi: 6 hours
- Nairobi to Kilimanjaro International Airport: 1 hour
- Kilimanjaro International Airport to Dar es Salaam: 50 minutes
Telephone International direct dialling is available. Mobile phone networks are now widespread throughout the populated areas of Tanzania and so you may consider taking your mobile/cell phone with you if you feel it is necessary. Most large hotels are now equipped with email, and cyber cafes have sprung up all over major towns and cities. The postal service is often unreliable and email and texting are the preferred options.
National dishes appear on most restaurant menus. Tanzanian beef, chicken, lamb and pork are outstanding, as are the wide variety of tropical fruits. Indian and Middle Eastern food is available in most areas. Most East Africans eat maize, beans and maize meal. Top Tip: Try some traditional chai (tea boiled with milk, sugar and often spices), or home made chapatis which are delicious. The most popular locally brewed beers are Serengeti and Kilimanjaro and bottled sodas are cheap and readily available throughout the country.
Kanga, kitenge and kikoi cloths may be bought in markets and makonde carvings are sold throughout the country. Regional specialities and unique finds include Masai beadwork, gourds and spears from northern Tanzania. Brightly coloured woven mkeka baskets and handbags are also very popular. Be aware that the purchase of souvenirs derived from wild animals is illegal and will result in heavy fines, confiscation, and even imprisonment. This is also the case for curios made from unsustainable wood sources including ebony, mahogany, rosewood and teak.
During your expedition you will be visiting ethically, culturally and religiously diverse areas and it is important to be culturally sensitive during your stay. A large percentage of the local population is Muslim and your appearance, especially when on project work or in public places, should respect this. We urge you to be culturally sensitive and not to wear very short shorts and skirts or revealing tops during the working day, around the schools and in the villages in Tanzania. In major towns like Moshi and Dar es Salaam it is particularly important that women cover their legs and shoulders.
Going barefoot is disrespectful and an indication of extreme poverty (most people, however poor they may be, make an effort to buy shoes) and it also extremely offensive to show the soles of your feet.
| Hello | Jambo |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri |
| What is your name? | Jina lako nani? |
| My name is... | Jina langu ni... |
| How are you? | Habari gani? |
| Good | Nzuri |
| Bad | Mbaya |
| Thank-you | Asante |
| You're welcome | Karibu |
| Please | Tafadhali |
| Excuse me | Samahani |
| Sorry | Pole |
| Yes | Ndiyo |
| No | Hapana |
I achieved things that I did not even imagine could happen. I was very happy with what we accomplished as a group.Mully McCullogh
Essential Information: Zanzibar
The Country
Quick Facts
Our Location
The Weather
Travel
Communications
Food and Drink
Shopping
Cultural Awareness
Useful Swahili Phrases
Zanzibar, known as the ‘spice island’ is part of the Republic of Tanzania and is still the best kept secret in the Indian Ocean, offering every visitor pristine tropical beaches, lush plantations, an incredible history and a fascinating culture. It is an archipelago consisting of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, sometimes informally referred to as ‘Zanzibar’) and Pemba. The capital of Zanzibar, located on Unguja, is Zanzibar Town, and its old quarter, known as Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site. The ecology on the islands is of note for being home to the endemic and highly endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, as well as boasting some of the world’s most impressive diving sites and marine life.
Zanzibar’s rich history has been influenced by the Arabs, Persians, Indians, Portuguese, British and local tribes from the African mainland, and this is reflected in the architecture. Stone Town is famous for its winding streets, ornately carved wooden doors, circular towers, raised terraces and beautiful mosques and is the world’s oldest functioning Swahili city.
Population: Approximately 900,000
Capital: Zanzibar Town / Stone Town
Total Land Area: 1,500 km2. It is 85 km long and 30 km wide
Time Zone: GMT +3 hours
Currency: Tanzanian Shillings (TZS)
Electricity supply:220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. UK-type flat 3-pin or round 2-pin plugs
International dialling code: +255 or +259
Language(s): Kiswahili (official), English, numerous indigenous languages
Religion(s): More than 99% Muslim
Our camps are located throughout the island.
The weather in Zanzibar is little short of perfect as it’s generally sunny, dry and not too hot for most of the year, despite being close to the equator. Daytime temperatures average between 26oc-28oc and humidity is generally high, although refreshing sea breezes often relieves this. The main rainy seasons are from March to May and November to December but the amount of rainfall varies from year to year and rainfall is rarely long in duration and more often than not lasts a few hours to be followed by clearer weather.
Zanzibar is well connected to most of the cities and towns in Tanzania by air and sea. Frequent ferry and catamaran services connect Zanzibar to the port city of Dar es Salaam. Travel time from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar by ferry takes approximately 2.5 hours (high-speed ferry takes approximately 50 minutes).
Approximate flight times (if flying direct):
- London to Dar es Salaam: 9 hours
- London to Zanzibar: 9 hours
- Kuala Lumpur to Dubai: 8 hours
- Dubai to Nairobi: 6 hours
- Kilimanjaro International Airport to Dar es Salaam: 50 minutes
- Kilimanjaro International Airport to Zanzibar: 50 minutes
Telephone International direct dialling is available. Mobile phone networks are now widespread throughout the populated areas of Zanzibar and so you may consider taking your mobile/cell phone with you if you feel it is necessary. Most large hotels are now equipped with email, and cyber cafes have sprung up in the town. The postal service is often unreliable and email and texting are the preferred options.
Zanzibar Town and its old quarter, Stone Town has a number of good restaurants that offer local dishes, great seafood and curries. There are some smaller places to eat in town that offer a cheaper alternative, although the menu is usually nothing more than a choice between two dishes. Zanzibar’s markets are where all the action is, offering fresh fruits, exotic spices, and fresh fish, and giving you the chance to interact with the locals and get a real taste of the culinary culture. Top Tip: Take a ‘spice tour’ to learn how important this trade has been to the local economy and how it has helped to shape the identity of Zanzibar.
Stone Town is the place to shop in Zanzibar. Explore the ramshackle alleys and winding staircases of the old Swahili buildings for antiques, jewellery, old silver and trinkets. Be prepared to bargain hard or you will be taken for a ride! Be aware that the purchase of souvenirs derived from wild animals is illegal and will result in heavy fines, confiscation, and even imprisonment. This is also the case for curios made from unsustainable wood sources including ebony, mahogany, rosewood and teak.
During your expedition you will be visiting ethically, culturally and religiously diverse areas and it is important to be culturally sensitive during your stay. The majority of people on Zanzibar are Muslim and your appearance, especially when on project work or in public places, should respect this. We urge you to be culturally sensitive and not to wear very short shorts and skirts or revealing tops away from the beach and tourist areas. It is particularly important that women cover their legs and shoulders.
Going barefoot is disrespectful and an indication of extreme poverty (most people, however poor they may be, make an effort to buy shoes) and it also extremely offensive to show the soles of your feet.
| Hello | Jambo |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri |
| What is your name? | Jina lako nani? |
| My name is... | Jina langu ni... |
| How are you? | Habari gani? |
| Good | Nzuri |
| Bad | Mbaya |
| Thank-you | Asante |
| You're welcome | Karibu |
| Please | Tafadhali |
| Excuse me | Samahani |
| Sorry | Pole |
| Yes | Ndiyo |
| No | Hapana |
My expectations were more than realised and I have to say I had high expectations. It taught me many skills of a practical nature and has encouraged a greater degree of independence. I think it’ll also be useful in showing people that I can get things done without supervision, both in drumming up funds to go out and from what we did while there.Marco Allsop
Essential Information: Borneo
The Country
Quick Facts
Our Location
The Weather
Travel
Communications
Food and Drink
Shopping
Cultural Awareness
Useful Malay Phrases
Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located in Southeast Asia. It is comprised of the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, the sultanate kingdom of Brunei and the Indonesian province of Kalimantan. This multicultural island is home to an enormous diversity of exotic flora, fauna and natural beauty. The extensive rainforest ecosystem that covers most of the island is the oldest in the world and the island also boasts the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, the mighty Mount Kinabalu.
The state of Sabah is a cultural melting pot with a bewildering multi-cultural and multi-religious aspect, yet everyone lives together in harmony. Sabah boasts no less than 32 indigenous ethnic entities, speaking as many languages and over 50 dialects. The main indigenous group are the Kadazan-Dusun, living around Kota Kinabalu. Next are the Bajau who live along the coast, and the Murut who live in the interior and were once famous, intrepid warriors and reputedly the last to give up the ancient custom of headhunting!
Population: Approximately 3,387,880
Capital: Kota Kinabalu
Total Land Area: 76,115 km2
Time Zone: GMT +8 hours
Currency: Malaysia Ringgits (MYR or RM)
Electricity supply: 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. UK-type flat 3-pin or round 2-pin plugs
International dialling code: +60
Language(s): Malay (official), English, Chinese Mandarin, numerous indigenous languages
Religion(s): Muslim 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%, Other 4.1%, none 0.8%
All of our camps are located in the state of Sabah. We have camps close to the tip of Borneo as well as a camp along the Kinabatangan River and on the Island of Mantanani.
Also known as the ‘Land below the wind’, Sabah lies below the typhoon and monsoon belt, and is therefore sheltered from dramatic tropical weather. Sabah boasts a fine tropical climate with uniform temperatures averaging from 23-33oc and a mean humidity of about 90%. Rainfalls are frequent but are seldom continuous for long periods. More rain tends to fall between November and March.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA or KUL) is 43km south of the city (approximately 1 hour) and is well serviced by taxis, buses or the KLIA Express train, which takes 28 minutes to reach the city centre and costs around RM 35 per person. Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is 8km southwest of the city (approximately 15 minutes).
Approximate flight times (if flying direct):
- London to Kuala Lumpur: 12 hours
- Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu: 2.5 hours
- London to Dubai: 7 hours
- Dubai to Kuala Lumpur: 8 hours
- London to Hong Kong: 12 hours
- Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu: 2.5 hours
Telephone International direct dialling is available. Mobile networks are widespread through Malaysia including some of the more rural areas. Most hotels are now equipped with email and even wireless facilities and Internet cafes are widespread. Postal services are available although they are less reliable outside of the major towns.
Malaysians are very fond of their food and have a number of popular dishes. There is a real mix of style of foods available with both traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes widely eaten. Popular dishes include Nasi Lemak, which is fried rice with chilli, peanuts and dried anchovies, chicken rice, and roti with curry sauce. Tropical fruits such as watermelon, papaya, mango, jackfruit, coconut, rambutan and mangostene are widely available. Top Tip: Try the delicious national drink, teh tarik, which is very sweet stewed tea poured intricately from a height. Or, if you are feeling adventurous you could try the world famous Durian fruit with its pungent odour – it’s an acquired taste but Malaysians love it!
This is a national pastime for city folk in Malaysia with some of the biggest and best shopping malls in the world situated in Kuala Lumpur. Traditional markets are commonplace selling an assortment of arts and crafts, including silk sarongs and traditional batik style shirts. Be aware that the purchase of souvenirs derived from wild animals is illegal and will result in heavy fines, confiscation, and even imprisonment. This is also the case for curios made from unsustainable wood sources including ebony, mahogany, rosewood and teak.
Malaysia is a Muslim country and therefore respectful behaviour is expected. However, that said, it is a much westernised country and generally accepts most western behaviour. In more rural and sensitive areas, women should dress conservatively with long skirts and long sleeve shirts. Away from the towns, people can be quite shy and reserved to start with until they get to know you and a nice smile goes a long way to help break down these initial barriers.
English is widely spoken throughout most towns. However, in some rural areas it is not widely used and in addition, local dialects and languages are used that bear little or no resemblance to Bahasa Malaysian
| Good morning | Selamat Pagi |
| How are you? | Apa Kabar? |
| I am fine | Baik |
| Good | Boleh |
| Excuse me | Permisi |
| Thank-you | Terima kasih |
| How much? | Berapa? |
| Hot | Panas |
| Yes | Ya |
| No | Tidak |
| Good-bye | Selamat Tinggal |
| Good Night | Selamat Malam |
I feel as a person I am now more able to tackle tasks head on and I am now eager to see more!Abi Penhale
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