Monday 29 May 2017



Planning a Safari, Holiday or Vacation

Success in planning an exciting and perfect safari, Holiday or vacation rest on finding a professional and experienced Travel Agent who knows the product very well and takes into consideration all the client’s needs and expectations. That’s why we pride ourselves as the best in the market –we have information at our finger tips, best prices and unrivalled services
The following points go a long way in aiding the Travel Agent to come up with the best safari, holiday or vacation program for you
  • Indicate your desired expectations, attractions, destination etc.
  • Indicate length of stay i.e. the number of days you have set aside for your Safari, holiday or Vacation
  • Indicate number of people traveling with you (number of adults and children –children ages are important)
  • Indicate your projected total budget (rather than daily budget) for the entire stay
  • Indicate any special dietary, medical or physical requirements 
Remember to pay your booking on time, preferably in advance to avoid disappointment. Always request for a receipt of your payments  
Children policy:
All parks and Game Reserves have no age restrictions on children, however, some lodges, Tented Camps and Hotels in these parks have a children age policy. This is usually set at under 7 years. And examples of these are Serena Mt Lodge, The Ark and Treetops all in Kenya and Kirawira Tented Camp, Sabora Tented Camp etc in Tanzania.
The age limits comes in with the Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking where the children under the age of 14 years are not allowed to trek the Gorillas and the Chimps.
GorillaTrekking: No children under 14 years and Balloon Safari: No children under 7 years
Most hotels and lodges do not charge children under 2 years sharing room with parents while airlines charge only taxes for some age provided they are not occupying own seat

Visa requirements and Payments

Visa fees for entry to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is usually about US$ 50.00 per person, you must however counter check with the respective country’s embassy, high commission or consulate nearest to you for the correct rates and visa requirements applicable to your nationality 
Clothing/dressing:
Dressing in National parks and game reserves should be casual, light and comfortable, long pants, open shoes or slippers, t-shirts, vest, spaghetti straps for ladies, and shorts etc are all advisable during game drives and in the lodges. Safari clothes are available from  hotels/lodges/camps. You may also shop for these on arrival in either the city of Nairobi Kenya or Arusha Tanzania.

Restaurant dressing code: Most lodges and hotels do not allow swim wear, bathroom slippers, gowns or clothing that are too revealing in the restaurants
Clothing: (Gorilla Trek)
While tracking the gorillas, it is recommended to wear trousers or jeans, a long sleeved shirt and hiking boots. A hat, raincoat and rucksack (for your camera equipment etc.) are also recommended. Remember no flash photography allowed near the gorillas
Currency:
These vary tremendously from country to country. Traveler’s cheques and foreign currency must be changed at the bank, licensed Forex bureau hotel, or safari lodge. Most countries will accept any traveler’s cheques when making payment of service or goods. For the local markets, have with you the local currencies or US$ in small denominations. The Kenya shilling (Kshs) is the Kenya currency, Tanzania shilling (Tshs) is the Tanzania currency while the Uganda shilling (Ushs) is the Uganda currency
Payment of goods and services:
Credit cards: widely accepted throughout all Resorts, hotels and Safari lodges in all three countries. Many city restaurants, clubs, shops and other businesses accept them too.
Cash: Best to carry some local currencies for shopping in the various stops outside the cities (up country). US$ are also widely accepted though you need to check the prevailing exchange rates so as not to be cheated. Ensure also is in small denominations 1$ - 5$ as change might be challenging.
Baggage:
We advice that where possible travel light and pack most items of necessity only. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or hold all per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.
Water: 
Although the water provided by most hotels and lodges is safe and of good quality, we recommend for peace of mind, to drink local bottled mineral water. This is available in virtually every shop, kiosk or store throughout the three countries. Prices range from half a $ to a dollar for a 500 ml bottle depending on the brand.   
Health and Medications: 
Yellow fever vaccine is required to enter the three countries; some countries also require that you have a vaccination certificate when departing from either of these countries. Remember to take your Malaria medication. Most of these medications can be obtained on arrival in chemists within the city centre.
We recommend that you consult your physician for these medical advice or subscriptions.
Remember to carry a Safari hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from sun. 
Most hotels and lodges provide mosquito nets in the rooms while others go further to provide mosquito repellant and burn Mossi chip in the rooms to ward off the insects.
Electricity Voltage and Plug
In Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the voltage is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are UK-type square three-pin. Remember to bring a converter in the event that these specifications are different from those of your country. 
Time Zone:
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania: GMT +3
Internet access:
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania: Internet service is available in all major cities, towns, lodges, hotels, tented camps and cyber cafes; it is also available from the local cell phone companies

 ATM Machines

ATM machines are available 24 hrs at all major banks, and you can use your ATM debit card on Kenya's ATM machines. However, you will incur a small international transaction fee when you use your ATM debit/credit card.
Climate and weather patterns: (Tanzania)
Generally has two rainy seasons: the short rains of October to December and the long rains of April to early June, the driest months are February and March.
Most days are warm and sunny with cool nights, during the rainy season the evenings and nights are chilly as well as early morning.
Coastal Areas –hot and humid, average 30°C day time temperatures,
Highland countryside –cool most of the days, chilly during the rainy season
Hottest months are from October to February while the long rains are from March to Late May
Climate and weather patterns: (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) 
Generally has two rainy seasons: the short rains of October to December and the long rains of April to early June, the driest months are February and March.
Most days are warm and sunny with cool nights, during the rainy season the evenings and nights are chilly as well as early morning.

Monday 8 May 2017



Gorilla trekking Requirements
Study hiking boots
Water proof trousers
Long sleeved shirt/blouse
Water proof raincoat/jacket
Sun Cream
Insect Repellent
Backpack for carrying water and packed lunch
Camera and enough memory cards
Enough rechargeable Batteries
General requirements
Light safari clothing, ie shorts, sleeveless for the day
Warm clothing/sweater for the evening
Anti-Malaria/yellow fever vaccination.
Afrikan Wildlife Safaris
Emmy - +256 -730064242/+256-701421957

Friday 5 May 2017



Gorilla Trekking Rules
On the way to the Gorillas.
1.       A maximum number of eight (8) visitors may visit a group of habituated gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbances to the Gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
2.       Always wash your hands before you head out to the Gorillas.
3.       Do not leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back with you.
4.       On you visit, you will be taken to where the guides left the gorillas the day before. From there, you will follow the gorillas trail to find them. Look out for the gorillas nesting sites along the way.
5.       When you approach the gorillas, the guide will inform you when to get your cameras ready.
6.       Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest.

When you are with the Gorillas
1.       Keep a minimum of 7 meters from the Gorillas. This is to protect gorillas from Human disease transmission.
2.       You must stay in a tight group when you are near the gorillas.
3.       Keep your voice low at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
4.       Do not eat or drink while you are near the gorillas to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
5.       Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guide’s example crouch down slowly. Do not look the gorillas in the eye, wait for the animals to pass. Do not attempt to run away. Running away will increase the risk of attack.
6.       Flash photography is not permitted. When taking pictures, move slowly and carefully.
7.       Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
8.       The maximum time visitors are allowed to spend with the gorillas is one hour to limit their disturbance. If the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will end the visit early.
9.       After the visit, keep your voices low until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.


General Health Rules
Remember gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them
1.       Respect the limit imposed on the time that visitors are allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
2.       If you are feeling ill, or have a contagious disease when you are already in the park, please volunteer to stay behind. An alternative visit will be arranged for you, or your money will be refunded as per gorilla reservation guidelines.
3.       If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
4.       Always stay 7 meters away from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the gorillas will be.
5.       Do not leave any rubbish e.g. food wrappers in the park. Such items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
6.       If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole and ensure that you cover it when you have finished.

Any breach of these rules may lead to termination of gorilla trekking without any refund.