Planning your Safari

To succeed in everything, you must be well prepared. And chances favors prepared mind. Planning an exciting and memorable safari, Holiday or vacation depends on the a professional and experienced Tour company who takes into consideration all the client’s needs and expectations. This is why we feel there are some things you should know before when planning your trip more especially to Africa. We point out some of the things you need to look at when planning your trip.

For how long do you want to go on safari?

How many people are traveling with you? Indicate the number of adults and children.

What are your desired expectations and interests?

Set aside the projected total budget.

Consider the people you are travelling with if they have any special dietary requirement, Special Medical attention just in case, or physical disabilities.

About Children on Safari

The National parks and Game Reserves in East Africa have no age restrictions on children to enter the park. But there some activities which they cannot go for which has age limit as you will see below. In the line of accommodation, most of the hotels/lodges charge the same rate for children above seven years. Below that age, there is a special rate for the children. Most hotels/lodges do not charge children under 2 years sharing room with parents.

Gorilla Tracking: No children under 14 years

Chimp Tracking: No children under 14 years

Balloon Safari: No children under 7 years

Visa requirements and Payments

The visa fees for entry to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and DRC is usually about US$ 50.00 per person paid on arrival at the airport. But 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 because it keeps on fluctuating depending on the situation in the country and the international relations with the your home country.  

Clothing for Gorilla and ChimpTrekking

When you go for gorillas tracking, we advise to wear long pants/trousers, long sleeved shirt and hiking boots, a hat, raincoat, Rucksack for your camera equipment, insect repellant, packed lunch when tracking in Uganda.

Clothing for Game Drives

You need casual, light and comfortable clothes on game drives and in the lodges. The climate is warm when sunny and cold when rainy. Which can also be bought in any of the East African Countries either in the cities or hotels/lodges. 

Currency:
East African Countries have different currencies with different value. ATM’s issue only local currencies and you can use Visa card to draw money from any outlet with visa services. You can also exchange foreign currency at the bank, Forex bureau, hotels, or safari lodge. For the local markets, have with you the local currencies or US$ in small denominations. Uganda shilling (Ushs) is the Uganda currency, Rwanda Francs (Fr) is the currency for Rwanda, Kenya shilling (Kshs) is the Kenya currency, Tanzania shilling (Tshs) is the Tanzania currency, and Congolese Francs (Fr) is the local currency for DRC.

Payment of goods and services:

Credit cards: widely accepted throughout all Resorts, hotels and Safari lodges in East African 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 East Africa. 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 Africa, some countries also require that you have a vaccination certificate when departing from either of these countries in Africa. Remember to take your Malaria medication. Most of these medications can be obtained on arrival in chemists within the city centers. We recommend that you consult your physician for these medical advice or subscriptions. And 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, Tanzania, Rwanda and Congo: 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: (Uganda) 

Generally has two rainy seasons: the short rains of November to December and the long rains of April to early July, 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

   
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) 

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.

Climate and weather patterns: (Rwanda) 

Generally has two rainy seasons: the short rains of October to December and the long rains of April to early Jne, 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