FAQs

What should I pack?

A practical pair of walking shoes is highly recommended to bring on your safari. As vibrant colours and patterns are known to startle many animals and birds, subtle, neutral colours including browns, greens, tans and greys are most appropriate to be worn on game drives during your safari adventure. Summer clothing such as short sleeved t-shirts and shorts or khakis are appropriate for warmer days. Although the beaming sun is hot in the middle of the day, mornings and evenings are cool after the sun goes down. It is recommended you come prepared with clothing that you can layer, and at least one warm jacket and full-length pair of pants. It may be useful to bring a light rain jacket and other water-resistant gear for days when there are heavy rains.

Other essential packing items it is advised that you come prepared with include:

• Sunscreen with SPF between 30-50 – as the sun is powerful and has the potential to cause great damage such as heatstroke or sunburn.
• A small flashlight – At night time it can be very dark, and you may need to navigate without light to view your surroundings.
• Binoculars – Binoculars are useful to help you spot animals on game drives that are hiding in the brush and not within view to the naked eye.
• A small first aid kit – may be handy, packed with items such as small band- aids, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever, immodium, cipro from doctor, etc.
• Camera with batteries – Come prepared to capture all of your unforgettable moments and be sure to pack batteries and a charger so that you won’t miss out on any surprises that nature might come up with.
• Necessary toiletries – Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, wetwipes etc. are useful toiletries to bring as you may need them while you are traveling
• Insect Repellent – DEET over 50% is recommended to keep mosquitos and other insects away from you, an added precaution to take although mosquito nets are typically provided at the accommodations you will be staying at.

Other items you may consider packing:

Lip balm, other sun protection such as a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, your bathing suit, a sufficient amount of all other necessary clothing – underwear, shorts, trousers, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, sleepwear, a money belt, hand sanitizer, electrical adapters for all your electronics (Electricity in East Africa is 240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to East Africa with a device that does not accept 240 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. It is recommended that you carry a three-pin square adapter (type G) to charge any electronic equipment, as plug sizes may vary from the type your equipment uses.), flip flops and sandals to wear when you are lounging around the pool or shower, Tylenol or ibuprofen etc.

What about safety?

When travelling through Africa, be aware and cautious not to display flashy items or accessories. Generally, be vigilant and stay aware of the location of your belongings at all times. Make use of the safes provided at your hotels or lodges.

What currency will I need to bring with me?

US Dollars is the most widely accepted form of payment in East Africa. Well-known credit cards are widely accepted in Kenya, but to a lesser extent in Uganda and Tanzania, it is important to bring US bills that were made in years later than 2006, as only newer bills are accepted in Tanzania.

What can I do to stay healthy while traveling?

It is important to drink an ample amount of water to stay hydrated on your safari. Keeping hydrated is important as you will be spending a large amount of time in transit on some days and on game drives exposed to the hot sun.

What special medications will I need?

Malaria areas exist in all countries within East Africa. Malaria is a real threat and potentially fatal disease. Please ensure that you have consulted with your doctor as to what prophylactics you should take for the particular country that you are visiting, as there are various strains of Malaria.

Please consult with your doctor or travel clinic as to which vaccinations you should receive before departing. Yellow Fever is a required vaccination; don’t forget to bring proof of your vaccination, as certain East African countries do require you to present it upon arrival.

Do I need insurance?

When booking with East Africa Wild, we have a number of options available that we can recommend to you at the time of your booking. Travel insurance is an important part of anyone’s trip and should be purchased before setting out on your adventure.

What travel documents are required?

You must be in possession of a passport that is valid for 6 months past the day of your departure. In the Visa section of your passport, you must have at least three blank pages available. If you are an American, Canadian or European Union passport holder, you do not require visas for travel to Botswana, South Africa or Namibia.

Visa requirements may vary from time to time and between countries, requirements should be checked with the nearest tourist office or diplomatic mission. Health certificates may be required, but these also vary with country of origin and should be checked with the relevant authorities. However, yellow fever vaccination certificates are recommended for travel to and within East Africa. Malaria is prevalent in many parts of Africa, and visitors should take all necessary precautions. Anti-malaria medication should be started prior to arrival. Consult with your physician or your local travel clinic before your departure.

What do I need to do to prepare for Mount Kilimanjaro?

Thank you for enquiring/booking your Kilimanjaro climb through East Africa Wild Adventures. To be sure that you are as prepared and ready as possible for the journey ahead of you, it is important to read through the attached document of useful advice and information.