Travel Tips | General Pointers to a Successful Safari

Travel Insurance

All our clients traveling to Africa must have travel insurance that includes coverage for medical treatment and emergency air evacuation. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure your safety and well-being during your safari.

Security

We are committed to ensuring you enjoy your stay in Africa without undue concerns about safety and security. The tourism industry in East Africa prioritizes visitor safety and has established a Safety and Communication Centre, operational 24/7, to monitor visitor safety and coordinate closely with security agencies.

Visas

Visas are required for most visitors to East Africa. It is essential to check the specific visa requirements for each country you plan to visit as they can vary. Many countries offer an online e-visa application process, which can simplify your travel preparations. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and has sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Health

No compulsory vaccinations are required for entry to East Africa unless you are arriving from an area infected with Yellow Fever. In such cases, travelers older than one year must present a Certificate of Inoculation against Yellow Fever. Visitors from other African countries where Yellow Fever may occur, including Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar, are also required to have a Yellow Fever certificate.

Climate

The climate in East Africa varies significantly across different regions, from the tropical humidity of the coast to the dry heat of the savannah and semi-arid areas, as well as the cool air of the highlands. Coastal areas average around 27°C (80°F) year-round, while temperatures in other regions range from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F).

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted in city hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, this may not be the case in rural areas. A commission charge is typically added to transactions using a credit card. Traveler’s cheques can be cashed at banks, though the process may be lengthy. Smaller safari lodges and rural hotels may not accept traveler’s cheques or credit cards, and if they do, they may offer an unfavorable exchange rate or add a surcharge. It is advisable to withdraw local currency from ATMs in major cities using a VISA card before heading to rural areas.

Banking Hours

Banks operate from Monday to Friday, 0900hrs – 1600hrs. Airport banks are open until midnight every day. Banks generally offer better exchange rates than hotels, so it is recommended to change some money at a bank upon arrival. ATMs are available in most major towns and allow cash withdrawals using an international Visa card with a P.I.N.

Photography

We recommend each traveler have their own camera, ideally a dSLR (digital Single Lens Reflex) camera with interchangeable lenses. For wildlife photography, lenses in the range of 200-400mm are ideal. Wide-angle lenses (24-100mm) are useful for landscapes and close-ups. Avoid cumbersome flash units and tripods, but consider bringing a video camera or a dSLR with video capabilities. Ensure you have plenty of batteries, chargers, cleaning equipment, and memory cards. Each traveler should also have their own pair of binoculars, preferably 8/10 x 40.

Packing List

Pack lightly due to space restrictions on light aircraft, with soft, lockable bags preferred over large rectangular suitcases. Luggage weight for checked-in items on light aircraft flights is limited to 15kgs. Many camps and lodges offer limited laundry services (typically one or two items per day per person), excluding personal items such as underwear. Detergent is usually provided for guests to wash personal items. Consult our Sales team for more information when booking.

These guidelines are designed to help you prepare for a safe, enjoyable, and memorable safari experience in East Africa.