Travel Tips

Visa and Health Regulation:

Visa requirements vary from time to time and should be checked with nearest tourist office of diplomatic mission. Health certificates are required but these vary with country of origin and should be checked with relevant authorities. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are recommended. Anti malaria medication should be started prior to arrival.

Photography:

Films and batteries are available at most lodges but in restricted stocks and sizes so it is suggested you bring your own supply. A 200 mm to 300 mm telephoto lens is recommended for game and bird photography.

Much of East Africa is generally warm, minimal humidity and cool evenings. Temperatures vary with altitude.

Clothing:

Cotton, linen dresses, light slacks and short sleeved shirts are recommended. Bring a warm sweater, as nights can be chilly at high altitudes. Comfortable walking shoes, swim suit, sun glasses, suntan lotion, flashlight and an alarm clock will complement your safari gear.

Hotel Check in/check out:

Check out time is usually 10:00 hours. Hence check in cannot be guaranteed before 11:00 hours unless room is reserved from night before. Day rooms up to 18:00 hours are usually available.

Accommodation

Each of the Safaris carefully chosen hotels, camps and lodges add to the flavor and romance of your program. They are comfortable and very luxurious. On safari we will encounter a variety of accommodations. Luxury lodges blend nicely with the landscape and have rooms with all amenities you would expect from a good hotel. Tented camps are on permanent foundations and have en-suite bathrooms. The amenities can include hot water bottles to warm your bed before you turn in coffee, tea and hot chocolate served in your tent as part of your early morning wake up call. Except the tree lodges, all other lodges and camps have swimming pools.

Water

Avoid drinking water straight from the tap. Complimentary bottled water will be provided  in the safari Van – for specified deluxe programmes and also upon request. This will be clearly documented on your pre-safari documentation. Sodas, beer and other beverages can be purchased at the lodges and camps throughout the safari as they have bars and comfortable lounges with fire places for those cool evenings.

Meals:

On safari, meals are provided on full board basis. There is full English breakfast. Lunch is often buffet style set out with salads, cold and hot starters and hot main dishes. Dinner is 3-5 courses with a combination of dishes.

Roads

All major roads are tarred. Surface of lesser roads vary. Many roads within the National Parks and reserves are quite navigable.

Climate

Africa is a year-round destination with delightful temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Although East Africa is on the equator, only on the coast is the weather tropical. Most safaris are at moderate altitudes where the days are warm and the evenings cool. The humidity is low and daytime temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Except at the highest elevations, it rarely drops below 50 degrees at night. July and August are the coolest months, with highs in the 70’s. The warmest months are December to March with highs in the 80’s. The principal rains occur for approximately three weeks during April. Shorter rains usually take place in late October and early November. Travel is possible during the rains. Because you will be near the

Currency

We recommend that you exchange money only as needed. You will find it easiest to make small purchases in local currencies, and will usually receive a better price. You may conveniently exchange money at all lodges and hotels at close to the bank rate, but the best exchange rates you get from “Bureau de Change”.

Driver /Guide

Your Driver/Guide will be an integral part of your safari experience. He will spend many days with you. revealing the wonders of Africa geography, history and of course their wildlife and culture.

Electricity

It is important to note that lodges in the game parks may turn off their generators during the day and late at night, meaning that no electricity is available. Plan ahead to recharge video camera batteries at applicable times of the day, or carry extra batteries.

Fees and Taxes

The land portion of the safari includes government taxes and service charges relating to accommodations and meals provided, entrance fees to national parks and game reserves, and game ranger services (where obligatory).

Game products

In Africa, it is illegal to sell any product made from wild animals, including hides and skins, rhinoceros horn, Elephant-hair bracelets, crocodile handbags, etc. Please note also that ivory is not legally sold Africa. Please note, however, that it is illegal to take anything made from Elephant, Rhino or Crocodile.

Gratuities

All hotel and porterage gratuities are included on your safari; however, it is customary at the end of the program for each individual to tip the Driver/Guide. The sum is usually contingent upon your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. The amount is at your discretion, You are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staff who have provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.

Insuarance

Travelers should have medical insurance, as they will be responsible for all medical expenses they may incur.

Language

Each African countries speak different native languages..Of which you may wish to learn.

Laundry

Laundry services is available at any game lodge or camp where two or more nights are spent.

Transportation

The journey take long hours on the trail on wildlife, the quality of the ground vehicle is of the utmost importance. Each comfortable safari mini-van carries 6-8 guests, thus affording everyone a window seat and access to the roof hatch. Â Our Driver/Guides are all experienced mechanics.