Are you having an
African safari tour, the question that comes to your mind first is where in Africa, when followed by how long you would like your African safari holiday to last, then
the type of accommodation you would want to have before your budget and any other special interests you wish to pursue special interest will include dietary issues(Vegetarian or not), kind of activity to do, mountain climbing, game watching or beach holiday. The more you are clear about your aspirations for your African Safari tour, the easier the safari planning. The final objective is to compare the safari areas within specific countries to decide which is/are most likely to provide an authentic African safari experience that you want. Here we focus on what you need to consider when planning an Africa safari to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda or Zanzibar.
African Safari Holiday Research
Ignorance is not an excuse for a shoddy African safari holiday. It is thus important to take your time to read Africa Travel articles, magazines, journals, and books. This will give you an idea about what to see in different East African countries, eg Uganda and Rwanda offers Mountain gorilla trekking while Kenya boasts of the ‘big five’. Tanzania has not only the roof of Africa, The Kilimanjaro as a major attraction, but wildlife and beach. Browse through different tour operator and travel agency websites to compare information. You can also contact your friends who have been to the region. You can get East African safari information available at African Safari Tour Holiday Vacations and other safari operator websites.
African Safari Cost
For many people, Africa safari cost is one of the many criteria that influence the type of safari to take. There are many reasons for cost differences between safari destinations and areas/ regions. The East African safari market in Kenya and Tanzania is highly competitive and driven by supply and demand; for instance, The demand is often higher between July – October (Peak Season) and mid-December – to early January. The safari costs are thus higher compared to low season (April – mid-June) when you will enjoy a Kenya Safari or a Tanzania Safaris at a cheaper cost. Uganda and Rwanda most often than not maintaining the same quote throughout the year. In cases of seasonality, the difference is not that big in Uganda and Rwanda. The type of property chosen also determines the cost. Budget Traveller would go for camping normally basic to low-cost tour is lodges while high-end spenders would go for the luxury semi-permanent tented camps and 5-star properties. One reason why we encourage the use of a local tour operator here is that with their knowledge of the properties in different regions, one is able to be advised on the type of service a property can offers. You may thus end up with a good bargain or enjoy quality serviced hotel at a better rate.
African Wildlife
There is a believe that an African safari is not complete without the big five – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and leopard. The big five are not available in all the parks. Some National Parks even on a
Kenya safari holiday ‘home of the big five’ do not have all these animals. The ease of tracking the big five might thus depend on the park to be visited or the season.
It is easier to see these animals in areas with large concentration of wildlife or
during the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania as some of the cats move with the over 1.2 million wildebeest that cross over the Mara River twice a year. This makes Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania as the best places to see the big five not only in East Africa but in the world. Other places with high concentration of wildlife include Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire in Tanzania, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu and Lake Nakuru in Kenya, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley in Uganda and Nyungwe in Rwanda.
Another factor to consider here is the type of wildlife found in this regions. There is wildlife that is unique to a region and would make you chose a destination over the other. Mountain Gorillas are unique to Uganda and Rwanda and so is the Uganda Kobs. Beisa Oryx and Gerenuk, a long-necked gazelle is unique to Samburu in Kenya and so are some giraffe subspecies. The Kilimanjaro experience is a unique Tanzania adventure that takes you to the top of Africa. So are the tree climbing lions that are a unique feature to Lake Manyara in Tanzania and Ishasha – Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. The Golden Monkeys are found in Rwanda’s PNV.
Type Accommodation
How would you want to spend your nights under the stars when on an African safari holiday? For some a lodge is okay, others would go for the African camping experience. Another influence is the level of style and luxury in accommodation this is both for the lodge and camps, the quality of food and service, facilities and amenities are all important factors to consider when planning an African safari. Others would go for the brand, the Serena, Governors, Sarova are some of the re-known brands in the African hospitality industry. One should be careful when choosing accommodation as the brand name might not always signify quality and also remember that the more expensive a property does not always mean that the service is up to high.
Convenience
National Parks with airstrips offer increased convenience due to shorter transfer times between the entry points and the destination.
One is able to take about an hour to get to Masai Mara from Nairobi saving about 5 hours of road transfers. This is also the same in Uganda where an 8 hours drive to Bwindi for
Gorilla Trekking safari in Uganda is reduced to a 90 minutes flight. However, it is important to note that the flight cost will make your safari more expensive than the road travel and you will also miss the beauty of enjoying the terrain and the African landscape experience.
Political Stability
East Africa is relatively stable politically hence travel is safe. However, there are incidences that have made various foreign ministries in different countries issue travel alerts. Some of the bans have been on travel to Lamu in Kenya where a Briton was Kidnapped and taken to the lawless and politically unstable Somalia and was released after six months in March. Most International foreighn media have not done Africa justice as they often condemn a whole country for a one off happenning that can happen anywhere in the world. The best people to advice on this would be those who have travelled to the country you would like to go to.
Immigration Requirements
Passport is essential and must be valid for at least six months after your return. Generally, visas are require in all the East African countries. A single entry visa is US $ 50 other than Tanzania which charges US $ 100 for United States Passport Holders. One can also obtain a transit visa at the major airports and enjoy a short safari. UK, United States and most European Passport holders can get Visas on arrival at the major airports and entry pots in the East African countries. It is important for travelers from Middle East should check with the relevant consulate office for Visa information before traveling to East Africa. It is important to note that the East Africa Community is working on introduction of a common tourist entry visa. You will be updated once this is achieved.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking for most tours that all passengers have insurance cover. Your insurance should be fully comprehensive and include 24-hour emergency medical cover and repatriation along with general cover for travel cancellation and theft of valuables and personal items. This is mostly provided for by your insurance company in your country of origin. Most local African safari tour operators will provide insurance service at an additional cost. It is also important to note that while your travel agent back home might include this in your costing at the time of booking, this is often not passed to the local tour operator (ground handler) hence the claims often being done after your return.
Health
You should consult your doctor at least six weeks prior to travel on the health requirements of different regions. If guests have any medication requirements an adequate supply should be brought from home, as it might not be available locally. Yellow fever inoculation is mandatory for any traveller to East Africa and anti-malaria medication essential. It is recommended that visitors bring enough insect repellent and sun cream to last their stay in Africa.
Security
In general, people in Africa have an enviable reputation for being friendly and welcoming. Along with most countries around the world, mugging can be a problem in certain areas in big cities and it is advisable that you do not walk at night unless you know the area well. If you are driving yourself it is sensible to arrive at your destination before dark as a myriad of animals enjoy lying on the roads at night. It is always sensible when traveling to take precautions against theft. By far thebest precaution is to avoid taking valuables with you on holiday. If you do carry valuables ensure you are discreet. Do not leave any valuables or luggage unattended in a vehicle, unless in a locked trunk.
Clothing
The dress code at most safari camps and lodges is casual and there is no requirement to dress for dinner. We recommend that you wear neutral colors with a good pair of lightweight walking boots for game walks. Evenings are generally spent around a campfire, so a lightweight jumper is advisable. Early morning and night game drives allowed in some reserves can get very cold, particularly in June/July, so it is recommended that you bring a warm jacket and woolly hat. During the heat of the day a shady hat and sunglasses are essential. A long sleeved shirt and long trousers offer a degree of protection from mosquitoes. As for Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking other than the light ankle height walking boots it is advisable to have a rain coat. This is done in an Equatorial Rain forest and it might rain at anymoment. You might need gloves too. As for Mountain climbing in Kenya, Kilimanjaro and Mt Ruwenzori, if you do not have your climbing gear you can hire them on arrival.
Luggage Size
A luggage limit of 15kg applies for light aircraft transfers between camps. Soft bags are recommended for these flights. You will normally be advised of the requirements(if any) at the time of booking.
Traditions and Culture
One of those things that makes Africa Safari so special is its uniqueness. We say that each day in Africa is different and no day is the same. Africa is very different from Europe, the USA and other destinations is the element of surprise. As a safari goer please accept that things do not always happen the way you would normally expect and you must be prepared to adapt your arrangements as necessary. Whilst East African tour operators make every effort to ensure that your trip goes smoothly it is recommended that you be patient and understanding, accepting a degree of uncertainty and enjoying Africa as is. There are also traditions to be respected. It is important to ask how to do something or to dress up if you are to mingle with local communities. There are things done by a particular gender or age group same to places and dressing code. Non adherence to this may not go down well with your host hence need to ask before hand.
Climate
Although local weather conditions may vary, the major weather patterns are the same throughout Eastern Africa. Evenings and early mornings can get quite chilly, particularly between May and August. The rainy season is normally between April
and May for the long rains and November to early december for the short rains. The rainy seasons are not the
best for trekking mountain gorillas as the impenetrable forests are often wet making treks tricky.
Currency
The local currencies in the major safari destination countries are the Kenya Shillings, Uganda Shillings, Tanzania Shillings and Rwandan Franc. Tourists are expected to use local currencies and other world major currencies in camps, lodges, hotels, eateries and major curio shops. This can either be cash or vide credit/ debit cards. For local shopping for souvenirs and sundries you will need local currency. Banks and Forex bureaus will generally exchange US Dollars, English Pounds, Euros among other major world currencies. At the borders the US Dollars are required for visas purchases. It is good to have the exact amount as any change will be given in local currency. There are black market currency dealers in all this countries and mainly at the border entries. Changing currency in the black market is illegal, and you can be robbed of your money and valuables. Always ask your safari driver or hotel staff about changing currency.
Time
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania including Zanzibar are on the Riyadh time zone and are 3 hours ahead of GMT with the exception of Rwanda that is 2 hours ahead of the GMT.
Memories
One of those things you will never want to forget is an African safaris. This will be a story to tell not only to your grand children but also to the great grand children. It is therefore important to get a journal book, camera or camcorder to document your experiences.
