Important Information, what you need to know?

As you plan your travel or trip, you need to make sure that you don’t go wrong. You do not want to get disruptions while on your trip or “lock-horns” with authorities etc. Therefore, this section gives you highlights of what you need to know before or as you plan your upcoming safari.

The Passport & Other Travel Docs

As you plan your journey to East Africa for whatever purpose it may be i.e., business or safari, you are required to have a valid passport especially when you are not a national of the East African Community (EAC) or if you are not listed under passport exemption in the respective country Travel Information Manuals.

For East African citizens and those under the passport exemption, you are usually required to present valid National IDs or Travel Docs at points of entry.

Kindly note, the passports must be valid at least up to 6 months beyond your period of intended stay. East African citizens, residents or those listed under exempt, the docs required for travel must at least be valid for 3 months. You are advised to check with us or your travel agent or online travel sites, for advice and latest info regarding passport.

The Visa and Permits

Any group or person intending to travel to East Africa for tourism purposes, you are supposed to obtain a visa before entering any of the country you plan to visit. You are strongly advised to apply for your visa online well in advance prior to arrival and at the immigration counters, you would be required to present your passport for stamping.

The 3 East African countries of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda created the Borderless Boarders Brand where a single Tourist visa can be obtained [East African Tourist Visa] for travel into/across these countries for tourism over a period of 90days. Please note that the country from which you apply the EA tourist visa must be the first point of entry before you enter the other member countries. The cost of the EA visa is 100USD and the Individual country single entry tourist visa costs 50USD. However, note that if you may require application service, operators or agents may charge a service fee or do it for free as a complementary for your trip.

Useful sites; Uganda’s-www.visas.immigration.go.ug Rwanda- https://www.migration.gov.rw/visaOR www.irembo.gov.rw/rolportal/en/web/dgie/newhome andKenya-www.kenyaimmigration.org visit individual country pages/sites for details.

Tanzania is independent from the EA Tourist visa system. Any visitors who are required to have a visa to enter the country must apply for it or obtain it to be granted entry. Check the link for details about visa https://immigration.go.tz/ or https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ to apply for your visa.

Please note, tourist visas are for a sole purpose of tourism and one is not permitted to engage in work. If the purpose of your travel is work, please apply for a business or work permit with the respective countries.

As you apply, please be sure to have copies of the following as they will be required for upload; valid yellow fever card, recent passport size photo, passport biodata page and credit card details to make payment.

Health

When you are planning your visit to Africa, it is better to make sure you are in proper health. To enjoy your vacation, you need to take proper health and medical precautions. We strongly recommend visitors to make sure they are healthy before travel, visit your doctor for checkups and other health travel preparations. Remember to also visit a travel clinic for latest updates and advice about health. You can browse the respective destination (country) websites or travel manuals for up-to-date health info and requirements.

Yellow Fever is one of the most essential and required vaccinations, before you travel be sure to have it in advance. Others may include; Hepatitis B, Cholera, Rabies and Malaria. You may need to carry with you some immune boosters, anti-malarial, ORS.

Currency and Forms of Payment

The most popular form of payment is Cash. The most common foreign currencies in the Travel and Tourism sector across the East African region are; the US Dollar, Euro and GBP. Transactions within the various East African countries can be done and carried out using different valid local and international currencies. But other forms of payments like Credit cards (though not all cards) are generally acceptable. Payment for goods and services made using credit cards usually attract a surcharge.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged for local currencies or any other currency at the prevailing bank selling rate in respective banks or at existing forex bureaus.

Getting Around

While in a destination, transport is the most important factor. If you are on safari with us or any professional operator, the basic rule is that we get you around in properly maintained and manned safari vehicles. Kindly note that most of the tourist destinations like national parks and game reserves are located in remote areas and accessing or traversing them with public means can’t be a perfect option. Public transport like buses and matatus are available within and between major towns while minor/small towns can be accessed using private hires or motorbikes.

Photo & Videography

We know that one best way to enjoy your time while in a destination is through video and photography. It is one best way to tell your experiences after you return from your trip or safari. Generally, photographing of wildlife, landscapes etc. in tourist areas like parks is acceptable, but certain guidelines or restriction may apply in some cases. In some instances, use of flash photography especially when tracking primates is not allowed, use of drones without prior approval is restricted and commercial photography.

In most cases, photo or videography of people, commercial buildings like banks, security areas, areas of strategic importance….is not allowed or can only be accepted after prior arrangements or request. Before photographing people or cultural places, it is advisable and polite to request.

Food & Beverage

Most tourist hotels, lodges, and restaurants can always have something you find appealing. There are a number of tourist-oriented hospitality establishments that offer fine dinning with combos of western style and local dishes. It is always advisable that if you have special requests or dietary needs, you notify us to see if we can be able to make the arrangements, as, if it is for a safari, not all accommodations you may use can be able to meet the needs.

Beverages are available almost in every FB establishment and shops, from soft drinks like fresh juices, water, bottled ones to alcoholic drinks but one must be cautious about the hygiene. You can always find both local and western drinks like wines.

What to Carry

As you prepare for your trip, please use these items and others you may find convenient to ensure a comfortable stay while on safari.

The items highlighted here may be general, but there are specific occasions or activities that require specific packs like attires etc.;

Remember to carry; camera and its accessories, binoculars, proper walking/hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellants, sunglasses, clothes including water proof pants and jackets, open shoes or sandals, back-pack bag, hat/cap, simple flash light among others. Feel free to contact us of what you may need for your upcoming safari. Don’t forget you Identification docs.

For any other travel related info or advise, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for proper preparations and ensuring you have a hassle-free safari.