Safe Travel Protocols

Bookings confirmed and secured with a deposit but affected by official COVID-19 related travel bans/restrictions will be eligible to postpone or defer travel arrangements for travel within 2 years (24 months) of the original date at no extra cost. Diwaka Tours & Travel Ltd will hold credit to the value of their booking until new travel dates are provided.

Safari booking postponement shall be governed by the below terms:

• Changes to existing bookings must be communicated to Diwaka Tours & Travel Ltd up to a minimum of 15 days prior to the safari starting date.
• Bookings shall be rebooked for a similar period/season of the year previously booked for (e.g., High, Low & Peak seasons).
• In case of season/period rebooking variation, the price difference between the respective seasons shall be added or reduced.
• In cases of safari rebooking, accommodation shall be provided in the originally confirmed accommodations or a superior version.

Our COVID-19 health and safety protocols

Diwaka Safaris has adopted tourism and hospitality protocols on health and safety to mitigate the effects of the disruptions caused by the coronavirus disease and has taken responsibility for ensuring that destination Kenya is safe for tourism business.

• All our core staff have valid COVID-19 free certification not more than 14 days old from a recognized government-approved facility and subsequently maintain COVID-19 prevention guidelines prescribed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and relevant agencies.
• Approved facemasks, hand sanitizers/hand washing facilities with running water and soap are provided at the entrance and other strategic locations in the premises, hygienically operated.
• Contactless thermometers are available for body temperature checks at the entrance for both staff and visitors.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for guest management in line with these protocols and MOH COVID-19 preventive guidelines are documented.
• A register of all visitors is maintained for contact tracing.
• Staff are instructed to wash or sanitize their hands before and immediately after entering the work premises, after changing into uniforms, after using lockers, and frequently while on shift, particularly after touching items or surfaces.
• Offices are well-ventilated with wide, openable windows.
• Visible notices and signage with information on COVID-19 preventive measures, screening, hand washing, sanitization, and mandatory face masks are posted at strategic locations.
• Technologies such as online payment platforms and mobile payments are integrated to discourage cash payments.
• Waste bins and hygienic disposal methods for used PPEs are provided to minimize contact.
• Emergency contacts, a reporting system, and evacuation procedures are documented for health-related incidents at offices.
• Office staff work schedules and shifts are developed, with an option for working from home for some staff.
• All public facilities such as kitchens, washrooms, and lounges adhere to social distancing, frequent cleaning, disinfection, and are equipped with hand washing and sanitizing facilities.
• Cleaning procedures with appropriate disinfectants/sanitizers focus on guests' belongings, travel documents, and high-frequency touch points.
• Office equipment like computers and telephones are assigned to individual staff members.
• Guest and visitor records include mobile contact and physical address for contact tracing, and online bookings are encouraged over walk-ins.
• Records of sanitized areas, detergents used, and personnel involved in the process are maintained.

• All safari transfer vehicles are cleaned and sanitized before and after each trip/transfer.
• Packed lunches are provided for long drives to minimize stopovers.
• Drivers and guides use communication gadgets for vehicles carrying more than 7 passengers to avoid unnecessary contact.
• Client registers are maintained for all interactions with tour guides.
• Vehicles are sanitized, focusing on handrails, door handles, and seats.
• Luggage is disinfected before and after handling.
• Open windows are encouraged for air circulation when the weather permits.
• The number of staff accompanying guests is limited to one driver guide per vehicle.
• Information like tourist maps is placed on vehicle seats to minimize contact.
• Only the driver guide is permitted to open vehicle doors for guests, with sanitization before and after opening.
• Guests are educated on their shared responsibility to maintain safety protocols in a COVID-19 environment.
• A list of emergency contacts is available in each vehicle for quick assistance in case of health issues.
• Non-cash payments are encouraged in restaurants and curio shops.
• Disposable facemasks and sanitizers are provided in all vehicles.
• Drivers are restricted to prearranged stopover points only.
• Vehicles carry a limited capacity to ensure social distancing, with no more than 7 passengers per vehicle.
• Only partners complying with government safety directives are selected (hotels, airlines, etc.).
• Water bottles and other items are labelled individually to prevent sharing.
• Binoculars and cameras are not shared and are regularly sanitized.
• Families, tour groups, and couples are assigned specific vehicles and guides to minimize exposure.