The East African Safari Guide

Passports & Visas

Tourist Entry Authorizations (eTAs) for Kenya are issued exclusively through the government's online portal. We advise submitting your application a minimum of 3–4 weeks before you fly.

• Passport must remain valid for at least six months from your date of arrival
• A minimum of two blank visa pages is required
• Entry requirements can change at any time — always confirm with your consulate before traveling

Health & Vaccines

Speak to your doctor or a travel health clinic before departing for Kenya. Vaccination needs and potential health risks differ depending on your personal health history and planned itinerary.

Yellow Fever

WHO-recommended vaccinations

• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
• COVID-19

CDC-recommended for Kenya

• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Meningitis

Malaria

Malaria risk exists across Kenya. Discuss preventive options and suitable anti-malarial medication with your doctor before you travel. To reduce exposure, cover up with long sleeves after dusk and apply insect repellent. Most lodges supply mosquito nets or conduct evening room treatments as a precaution.

Food, Water & Hygiene

Stick to food that is freshly prepared and served piping hot. When buying fruit or vegetables from local vendors, make sure they are either thoroughly rinsed with clean water or have an outer skin that can be peeled away safely.

Drink only water from a trusted, sealed source — your hotel, lodge, or supermarket will have this readily available. Always use bottled or filtered water when brushing your teeth. The tap water is fine to use for bathing and showering.

Cash & Cards

Kenya's national currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KSh). While US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, using KSh is more practical for tipping, drinks at the bar, and any meals outside your safari package.

• Exchange money at the airport or through licensed foreign exchange bureaus
• You'll receive a better rate when changing large denomination notes (USD 50, USD 100, or EUR)
• ATMs in Nairobi dispense KSh, but machines outside the city are unreliable
• Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most major hotels, typically with an added surcharge
• Let your bank know you're traveling abroad to prevent your cards from being blocked
• Travellers' cheques are no longer accepted

Electricity

220/240 V AC, 50 Hz. Socket type: British Standard (Type G). Pack your own plug adapter — a small number of lodges keep adapters on hand, but these cannot be relied upon.

Electricity outages and voltage spikes happen even in the capital. At bush camps and remote lodges powered by generators or solar panels, charging points may be available only in communal areas. Wi-Fi is generally accessible at city hotels and lodge main buildings, though connection speeds at remote camps can be unpredictable.

Packing List

Travelling light is essential — many safaris involve moving between several parks by air. Kenya's domestic carriers generally enforce a total baggage limit of 15 kg (33 lbs) per traveler, inclusive of hand luggage. Hard-shell suitcases are usually not permitted; opt for soft-sided bags instead.

Clothing

• Full-length trousers for sun protection and bush walks; modest shorts or capris are also fine
• Light, neutral-coloured long and short-sleeved tops
• Layer up — temperatures on early morning game drives can drop considerably
• A packable rain jacket
• A mid-layer fleece or sweatshirt
• Swimwear

Footwear & accessories

• Solid, comfortable closed-toe shoes or trainers, worn with socks
• Sandals for lodge relaxation; flip-flops if visiting the coast
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Hiking boots for any trekking activities — wear them in thoroughly before the trip

Gear & essentials

• A good pair of binoculars
• Camera body with spare memory cards and charged batteries
• A dustproof protective camera bag
• Voltage converter and Type G plug adaptor
• A torch or head torch
• High-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and SPF lip balm
• A portable power bank

If your itinerary includes the Kenyan coast, bring reef shoes and a modest cover-up for venturing away from the beach. For trekking excursions, add a pair of good hiking socks and optionally a walking stick.

Gratuities

Gratuities are entirely voluntary, but form an important and valued part of the safari experience. Tip lodge and camp staff when you check out of each property, and set aside a separate amount for your guide.

Most camps have a shared tip box in the common area where your contribution is distributed equally among all members of the team.

Photography

Before pointing your camera at anyone, ask for their consent. In some communities, being photographed is considered spiritually invasive — approach this with sincere sensitivity. In other cases, people may ask for a small payment in return.

Pay attention to signage — some locations explicitly ban photography and these boundaries should be respected. Dust is unavoidable on bush roads across East Africa, so a protective, dustproof camera bag is a wise investment.

Country Etiquette

Kenya's cultural landscape is rich and remarkably diverse, spanning many different tribes and communities. Keep these social customs in mind during your visit:

• Greetings carry real weight here — a friendly hello, a smile, a handshake, or a wave makes a genuine impression. Take the time to acknowledge everyone present, especially older members of the group.
• When navigating government offices or official processes, staying calm and keeping a light-hearted attitude will get you much further than showing impatience.
• Even a few words in a local language will be warmly received and genuinely appreciated.

Useful Swahili phrases

Area Overviews

Passports & Visas

Single-entry tourist visas permit stays of up to 90 days and cost USD $50 for most European passport holders and USD $100 for US citizens. You may apply for an e-visa before you travel or collect one on arrival — note that only cash is accepted at the border.

• Your passport must remain valid for at least six months from your date of arrival
• A minimum of one blank visa page is required for stamping
• An arrival declaration form must be completed on entry, including your length of stay, intended destination, and a local contact
• Entry regulations are subject to change — always confirm with your consulate ahead of travel

Health & Vaccines

Before departing for Tanzania, schedule a consultation with your doctor or a specialist travel health clinic.

Yellow Fever

Tanzania does not require a yellow fever certificate for most travelers, unless you are arriving from — or have transited through — a country with active yellow fever transmission, including any stopover exceeding 12 hours in an affected country.

WHO-recommended vaccinations

• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
• COVID-19

CDC-recommended for Tanzania

• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Meningitis

Malaria

Malaria is a risk across the whole of Tanzania. Before you travel, discuss the right prevention plan and anti-malarial medication with your doctor. Minimise mosquito exposure after dark by keeping skin covered with long sleeves and using repellent. Most lodges offer nets and carry out evening room treatments.

Food, Water & Hygiene

Eat only food that is freshly prepared and served hot. Any fresh produce from local markets should be thoroughly washed or peeled before consuming. For drinking and teeth-brushing, use only sealed bottled water available at your accommodation or local shops. Tap water is perfectly adequate for washing.

Cash & Cards

Tanzania's official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). Within the tourism industry, US dollars are the preferred currency and typically cover accommodation costs, national park entry fees, and transportation.

• Foreign currency must be exchanged at banks only; larger denomination notes yield better rates
• Visa and MasterCard are accepted at ATMs in major cities, with a single withdrawal cap of TSh 400,000
• Most hotels and lodges accept card payments, though a surcharge of 5–10% typically applies
• Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid having transactions flagged or blocked
• When venturing into remote areas, bring enough cash to cover your needs

Electricity

220/240 V AC, 50 Hz. Socket type: British Standard. Bring your own adapter. Power interruptions and voltage fluctuations are common, even in major towns. At remote lodges running on generators or solar, charging facilities may only be available in shared communal spaces.

Packing List

Keep your luggage to a minimum. Most domestic airlines cap total baggage weight at 15 kg (33 lbs) per passenger, including carry-on items. Only soft-sided bags are accepted; hard-shell cases are not typically permitted.

Clothing

• Neutral-coloured long trousers; modest shorts or capris are also suitable
• Long and short-sleeved tops; layer up for chilly mornings and cool evenings
• Lightweight, packable rain jacket
• A mid-weight fleece or jumper
• Swimwear, plus reef shoes if Zanzibar is on your itinerary

Footwear & accessories

• Robust, closed-toe shoes or trainers with socks
• Relaxed sandals for downtime; properly worn-in hiking boots if your trip includes a trek
• Hat and UV-protective sunglasses

Gear & essentials

• Binoculars
• Camera gear with spare batteries and memory cards, stored in a dustproof bag
• British Standard plug adaptor
• Torch or head torch
• SPF sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and SPF lip protection
• Portable charging bank

Gratuities

Gratuities are customary and genuinely appreciated throughout the Tanzanian safari circuit. Leave tips for lodge staff at the end of each stay, and thank your guide separately with an individual tip.

Photography

Seek permission before photographing anyone. Certain communities view being photographed as a spiritual imposition — be considerate and take no for an answer. Some individuals may request payment in exchange for photos. Follow all posted photography restrictions in designated areas. Given how dusty safari tracks can be, a dustproof camera bag is highly recommended.

Country Etiquette

Tanzania is home to an extraordinary mix of ethnicities, communities, and faiths. A few customs to be mindful of:

• Greeting people matters enormously — a warm smile, hello, or handshake is the expected norm. Always make a point of greeting elders first.
• Dealing with official processes can take time; a relaxed attitude and a good sense of humour will carry you a long way.
• Making even a basic effort to use local phrases is always met with enthusiasm.

Useful Swahili phrases

Area Overviews

Passports & Visas

Rwanda offers visas both on arrival and through the government's online Irembo portal for those who prefer to apply ahead of travel.

• Single-entry tourist visa: USD $50, valid for up to 30 days (certain nationalities may be exempt)
• East African Tourist Visa (covering Rwanda and Uganda): USD $100, valid for up to 90 days
• Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your entry date
• Entry conditions can change at any time — always check with your consulate before travel

Health & Vaccines

Before traveling to Rwanda, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a dedicated travel health clinic.

Yellow Fever

WHO-recommended vaccinations

• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
• COVID-19

CDC-recommended for Rwanda

• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Meningitis

Malaria

Malaria is present across Rwanda. Talk to your doctor about the right anti-malarial medication for your specific itinerary. After sunset, cover up with long sleeves and apply insect repellent diligently. Most lodges supply mosquito nets and perform evening room treatments.

Food, Water & Hygiene

Choose meals that are freshly cooked and served while still hot. Thoroughly wash or peel any produce picked up at local markets. Drink and brush your teeth with sealed bottled water only. Tap water is acceptable for bathing.

Cash & Cards

Rwanda's official currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF / RF). At larger hotels, both US dollars and Rwandan Francs are generally accepted, though premium properties often favour USD. In rural and remote areas, tips in local currency are particularly helpful.

• Exchange currency in Kigali — larger denomination notes attract better exchange rates
• ATMs are accessible in and around the capital but become increasingly scarce outside the city
• Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most upmarket hotels, typically with a surcharge of 3–10%
• Inform your bank of your travel plans in advance to avoid having your card blocked

Electricity

230 V AC, 50 Hz. Socket types: C and J. Come prepared with your own plug adapter. Even in Kigali, power outages and voltage dips are not uncommon. At lodges running on generator or solar energy, electrical outlets may only be available in the main guest lounge.

Packing List

Travel with minimal luggage. Laundry services are available at most lodges and hotels, though drying time is weather-dependent as clothes are typically air-dried in the sun. Before any domestic or regional flights, check with us about applicable baggage restrictions.

General safari clothing

• Neutral-toned long trousers; modest longer shorts or capris are also suitable
• Long and short-sleeved tops; layering is key for cold mornings and chilly evenings
• A light, packable rain jacket
• A warm fleece or sweatshirt — essential if you're trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Warm pyjamas for gorilla trekking stays, where nighttime temperatures at altitude can be very low
• Swimwear

Footwear & accessories

• Comfortable, well-fitting closed-toe shoes or trainers, worn with socks
• Sandals for relaxing around the lodge
• Sunglasses and a hat

Gear & essentials

• Binoculars
• Camera with spare batteries and memory cards, in a dustproof protective case
• Type C and/or Type J plug adaptor
• A torch or head torch
• High-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and SPF lip balm
• Portable power bank

Additional gear for gorilla & chimpanzee trekking

• Solid, well-worn-in hiking boots — start breaking them in long before you travel
• Thick, cushioned hiking socks
• A lightweight daypack to carry your camera, water, and a packed lunch
• Sturdy, comfortable hiking trousers
• Rain jacket — mountain weather in the Virungas is highly unpredictable
• Thin trekking gloves (optional)
• A walking pole or stick (optional; locally made sticks are often available at the start of the trail, sometimes free of charge)

Gorilla Trekking

Spanning the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga Mountains shelter approximately 480 mountain gorillas — more than half of the entire global population. Within Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, twelve separate gorilla families have been habituated to human presence and are open for trekking, providing one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences available anywhere on earth.

The day of your trek

Your trek begins with an early departure to the park headquarters in Kinigi, where rangers introduce you to your assigned gorilla family and run through essential protocols. Each trekking group is capped at eight participants. The route begins through cultivated farmland — fields of potatoes and pyrethrum flowers — before giving way to dense forest. You can hire a porter at the trailhead, which we strongly recommend: they'll carry your bag and assist on difficult terrain, and the fee goes directly into the local community.

Your permit entitles you to one hour in the presence of the gorilla family. From there, you return on foot to your vehicle. Total trek duration typically falls between two and six hours, depending on where the gorillas are ranging that day.

What to wear trekking

• Light or mid-weight long trousers — tuck the cuffs into your socks on the trail
• A short-sleeved base layer topped with a long-sleeved shirt or rain jacket
• Solid, well-worn-in hiking boots with thick socks
• Apply insect repellent before you head out

Porters

Porter hire is arranged at the trailhead, with a standard fee of around USD $20 paid directly to your porter at the end of the trek, plus a tip of your choosing. Porters carry your daypack and offer a steadying hand on steep or slippery sections. Every hire fee goes directly into the local community and contributes to the broader conservation effort.

Golden Monkey Trekking

A golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park puts you face to face with one of the world's rarest primates, inhabiting the bamboo-clad slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Guided by expert park rangers, treks depart in the early morning and move through vivid, verdant forest.

The length and physical demand of each trek varies depending on where the troops have settled that day; the hike is generally moderate and accessible to a broad range of fitness levels. When you encounter the monkeys — animated, inquisitive, and brilliantly golden — they bound through the bamboo all around you, creating exceptional opportunities for photography. The sweeping views of the surrounding Virunga volcanic peaks add another layer of wonder to an already remarkable experience.

Gratuities

Tips are never required but are always gratefully received. Make sure to tip your guide directly at the end of your time with them. While USD and Euros are accepted, local Rwandan Francs are far more practical for staff working in remote locations where exchanging foreign currency is difficult.

Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking tips

Photography

Always ask before photographing individuals. Some communities regard being photographed as a spiritual intrusion, while others may simply ask for a small gratuity. Where signage prohibits photography, those boundaries must be respected without exception.

Protect your equipment with a dustproof camera bag for all bush travel. Many seasoned safari-goers bring a backup camera as extra insurance.

Country Etiquette

Rwanda's people are known for their courtesy and warmth. There are a few cultural norms worth keeping in mind:

• A handshake is the customary greeting. Placing your other hand on your own forearm while shaking is a gesture of deep respect.
• Avoid asking Rwandans about their ethnic identity. The country has made considerable strides toward unity and reconciliation since 1994; citizens identify as Rwandans, not by tribal affiliation.
• National cleanliness is a source of immense pride. Plastic bags are banned and cannot be brought across the border.
• When dealing with officials or navigating bureaucratic processes, patience and a light touch will take you further than frustration.

Useful Kinyarwanda phrases

Kigali

Passports & Visas

All tourist visas for Uganda are applied for electronically through the government's official immigration portal. Processing for approved applications takes about one week, but we strongly recommend applying at least 3 weeks (and no more than 3 months) before your departure date.

• Single-entry tourist visa: USD $50, valid for 90 days
• Multiple-entry tourist visa: USD $100, valid for 6 to 12 months
• East Africa tourist visa (covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya): USD $100, valid for 90 days from arrival in East Africa

• Passport must stay valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with a minimum of one blank visa page
• A short entry form is completed on arrival, covering the duration and destinations of your trip and your in-country contact
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required both to obtain your visa and to enter Uganda

Health & Vaccines

Consult your personal physician or a travel health clinic before your journey to Uganda. Vaccination needs and health risks vary with your medical history and your planned itinerary.

Yellow Fever

WHO-recommended vaccinations

• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
• COVID-19

CDC-recommended for Uganda

• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Meningitis

Malaria

Malaria is present throughout Uganda. Speak to your doctor about prevention and the anti-malarial medication best suited to you. To reduce exposure, cover up with long sleeves and trousers after sunset and apply a good insect repellent. Most lodges provide mosquito nets, or will treat the room in the evening as a precaution.

Food, Water & Hygiene

To avoid an upset stomach, choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot. When buying fruit and vegetables from local markets, make sure they are thoroughly washed in clean water, or have a skin that peels away cleanly.

Drink only water from a trusted, sealed source. Hotels, lodges, and supermarkets all stock bottled drinking water, and you should use it for brushing your teeth as well. Tap water is fine for showering and bathing.

Cash & Cards

Uganda's official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), issued in notes of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000, and coins of 100, 200, 500, and 1,000. US dollars and shillings are both widely accepted at larger hotels and lodges. Tips across the tourism circuit are accepted in either, though shillings are preferred where possible.

• Exchange currency at Entebbe airport or at licensed foreign exchange bureaus (Forex) across Kampala and Entebbe
• Larger denomination notes (EUR, USD 50 and 100) attract better exchange rates
• ATMs in and around Kampala dispense shillings; machines upcountry are unreliable, so do not depend on them while on safari
• Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels and lodges, usually with a 3% to 10% surcharge
• Carry extra cash in case a card is declined or the network is down
• Tell your bank you are travelling to Africa so your cards are not blocked

Electricity

220/240 V AC, 50 Hz. Socket type: British Standard (Type G). A few lodges keep adapters on hand, but you should bring at least one of your own.

Power cuts and voltage fluctuations occur even in major cities. On safari, most lodges run on generators or solar power, which are often switched off for part of the day and night to reduce noise and fuel use, so charging points may be available only in communal areas. Wi-Fi is usually available in larger city hotels and in lodge main lounges, though speeds at remote camps can vary.

Packing List

Pack light, as a single trip often moves between several parks. Check your airline's luggage guidelines before international travel, and keep domestic and regional flight limits in mind once on safari. Contact us with any questions ahead of your trip.

Clothing

• Long trousers for comfort and sun protection on bush walks; longer shorts or capris are also fine
• Long and short-sleeved shirts in light, neutral colours; dress in layers, as mornings and overnights can be cool
• A light rain jacket
• A warmer layer such as a fleece or sweatshirt
• Swimwear

Footwear & accessories

• Comfortable, sturdy closed-toe walking shoes or trainers with socks
• Sandals for the lodge, plus flip-flops for beach itineraries
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• A good pair of binoculars

Gear & essentials

• Camera with plenty of memory cards and a spare battery
• Voltage converter and Type G plug adaptor
• Flashlight or head torch
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, and SPF lip balm
• A power bank for charging on the go

For itineraries that include gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, also bring well broken-in hiking boots, hiking socks, a light daypack, comfortable trousers, and a rain jacket for layering. Outdoor gloves and a walking stick are optional, and hand-carved wooden sticks are usually available free of charge at the trailhead.

Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda are once-in-a-lifetime adventures. If your itinerary includes either, a few things are worth keeping in mind.

Before the trek

Just before setting off, you will have a briefing with the park rangers on the guidelines to follow during the trek. We ask all guests to respect these, both for a rewarding experience and for the continued wellbeing of the animals being tracked.

What to wear

We recommend light to mid-weight long trousers, a t-shirt, a hat if you like, and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt or rain jacket for layering. Comfortable hiking boots and socks are strongly advised, and it helps to tuck your trousers into your socks. Apply insect repellent before you begin.

Gear & porters

Bring a light daypack for your camera, water bottle, and the picnic lunch from your lodge, which you may enjoy mid-trek or on your return. A walking stick is optional, and locally made wooden sticks can usually be borrowed at the trailhead. Porters are available to hire before you set off, typically USD $20 paid directly to the porter after the trek, plus a gratuity. A porter can carry your daypack and lend a hand on steeper sections, and hiring one supports the local economy and community involvement in conservation. It is highly recommended.

Gratuities

Tipping is never mandatory, but is always appreciated for excellent service, and you are welcome to adjust any amount to your preference. As a rough guideline:

Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking tips

A successful trek relies on the trackers, rangers, and security personnel who help locate the primates. As a guide:

Tips in US dollars or Euros are accepted while trekking, though the rural setting makes it harder for recipients to exchange them, so tips in local currency are especially appreciated.

Photography

Always ask before photographing anyone. Members of some communities believe a photograph takes away part of their soul, so please be respectful and ask first. Others may expect a small tip or fee, particularly where requests are frequent.

Some places prohibit photography and are clearly marked, and these boundaries should be respected. When tracking gorillas and chimpanzees, flash photography is not permitted. Many travelers treat this as the photographic trip of a lifetime, and bring a spare camera, extra batteries, and memory cards. A dustproof camera bag and a small air brush help protect your gear from the heavy dust of bush travel.

Country Etiquette

Uganda has a rich cultural heritage of diverse tribes and ethnic groups, each with its own customs and language, and its people are well known for their warmth and hospitality. A few customs worth keeping in mind:

• Greetings matter: a friendly hello, wave, smile, or handshake goes a long way. Elders in particular are treated with respect, and it is good to greet everyone in the room.
• When dealing with officials, patience and good humour go further than impatience, and most issues resolve calmly.
• A simple hello in English works fine, and any effort to speak the local language is met with heartfelt appreciation.

Useful Luganda phrases