1. WHAT KIND OF SAFARI VEHICLES DO YOU USE?
For safaris around Kenya, on the most part, we use Tourist seven seater vans with pop-up roofs which ensures each passenger window seating. Also available are Land Rovers and Land Cruisers for use in rough terrain as well as for safaris around East Africa.
2. WILL YOU PAIR ME WITH OTHER TRAVELERS?
In most cases we shall pair you with other travelers up to a maximum of seven persons. We however give consideration to families of more than 4 to travel in their own vehicle. Persons may also request for a private safari which will be arranged at a supplement.
3. CAN ONE SMOKE WHEN ON A SAFARI?
Smoking is NOT permitted in our safari vehicles, however regular stops can be arranged for you to enjoy your cigarette while on your tour.
4. HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I TAKE WITH ME ON SAFARI?
Where your safari does not include internal flights, then you can carry upto 40 kgs of luggage per person. Please remember that the smaller the group, the more luggage one can take. For larger groups, and safaris that include internal or charter flights, one is advised to only carry what is necessary and limit the luggage to 10 - 20kgs inclusive of hand luggage per traveler.
5. WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES DO I CARRY?
Comfortable, casual clothes are highly recommended. Khakis, linen, jeans and light cotton materials are ideal for tropical weather as found in East Africa. However some hotels and restaurants insist on formal dress during dinner, so don’t forget a formal cocktail dress for the ladies and dinner jacket and tie for the gentlemen. If on a beach holiday, carry some beach wear and bathing suits. Also note that even during the summer, some areas in East Africa get cold or experience rain showers so it is advisable to also include in your luggage some comfortable and warm trousers, a cardigan and rain coat. For footwear carry with you a pair of sandals, a pair of trainers, and a pair of safari boots (optional and good in rainy weather). Also include some comfortable formal shoes for the evenings. You should also carry with you some sun screen, a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the hot sun and dust. Do not for get an umbrella in case of rain
6. DO YOU ACCOMMODATE PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
Yes we do. The places you will be staying offer a variety of menus ranging from vegetarian, vegan and non vegetarian. Where there are dietary restrictions due to medical reasons, please advise us in advance so that we can make necessary arrangements ahead of your visit.
7. CAN I GET A VISA UPON ARRIVAL?
Most travelers can purchase entry Visa on arrival at the airport or border crossing at a cost of US$ 50 cash. Travelers are advised to ensure they are given a receipt for Visa purchase. We however advise that to save line-up time at the airport or border crossing, we recommend that you obtain visas in advance of travel from the particular embassy located in your country.
8. WHAT IMMUNIZATIONS/SHOTS ARE REQUIRED?
If prior to your arrival in East Africa you have gone through countries that have yellow fever and cholera prevalence, then you will need anti yellow fever and anti cholera shots. You will also need anti malaria medication. For more accurate and up to date information, please visit the respective embassies for the countries you wish to visit.
9. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND MALARIA MEDICATION?
Yes, malaria medication is highly recommended as malaria is very common in East Africa. Among recommended tables for this are Malarone and Larium. We also recommend insect repellants in addition to the above. Also try to get away from all bugs (especially tsetse flies that are common in some areas in Tarangire and Western Serengeti) while on safari that might bother you.
10. HOW SOON DO I HAVE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR?
We recommend at least 6 – 9 months before the day you plan to start your safari also taking into account the seasons (peak/off peak) which affects availability and pricing of safaris. The earlier you book the better as you can enjoy good seasonal deals and offers.
11. DO YOU CUSTOMIZE A TOUR?
Yes, we do! Do not hesitate to let us know your needs and we will deliver.
12. WHAT IS THE MIGRATION?
Animal Migration in East Africa refers to the movement of animals between the Serengeti and the Mara national parks. In late May/early June, wildebeests and zebras begin their annual migration from western Serengeti through the northern Serengeti to the Mara crossing the Mara River. They reach Masai Mara national park sometime in mid July/early August depending on the rains. After the short rains in the month of November, the herds move back into the Serengeti national park and make their way to the southern pastures where they rest and feed through the rains until their search for better. grazing leads them back north in their annual migration once again. This is a spectacular wonder of nature not to be missed.
13. WHEN IS THE WILDEBEEST AND ZEBRA CALVING SEASON?
The calving season for wildebeests and zebra takes place in late January through to mid March, with thousands of them born daily within that time frame. This happens frequently in southern Serengeti.
14. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN EAST AFRICA?
Typical Temperatures in East Africa are as follows: Mid March – May and November: Rainy season; June – August: Cold weather (20 – 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 15 – 20 degrees during the night) The Highland areas and areas around Mount Kenya are generally colder then the lowlands even during the summer The coastal region is very humid with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius.
15. DO YOU RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes we highly recommend travel insurance.
16. WHAT OF TIPPING AND GRATUITY?
It is common courtesy to tip your driver, tour/safari guide and porter when on safari. Drivers are a great source of information and if you tell them in advance what you would like to see, they will do their best to find it. However tipping is not mandatory. Please see tipping guidelines below: Tour driver and or Tour guide: US$ 5 – 10 per person per driving day Drivers’ tips are presented to the driver on the final day of driving.
17. IS THE FOOD SAFE TO EAT?
East Africa is proud to offer and impressive range of organic foods and drinks to suit all visitors requirements. Dishes cater for vegetarians and non vegetarians. Whether in a luxury city hotel or deep in the bush, a traveler is almost guaranteed to find a mouth watering buffet with a wide variety of meats, fresh vegetable and fresh fruit salads and drinks. The food is relatively safe to try whilst in a hotel or lodge which caters for international tourists. Soft drinks and alcohol are also readily available, affordable and safe to drink.