travelling on safari

Entry requirements: Africa
Currency & Banking: Africa
Photography on Safari
Transport on Safari
Luggage on Safari
What to Wear

Entry requirements: Africa

• Visas are required for some visitors arriving in Kenya and Tanzania, and to avoid delays on arrival you should check with the High Commission in your country before travelling.

Currency & Banking: Africa

• The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES)
• In Tanzania the currency is the Tanzania Shilling (TZS)
• Please ensure that traveller's cheques and currency are only changed at authorised dealers
• Most major credit cards are accepted in Kenya and Tanzania, but this can be limited so visitors should bring traveller's cheques or US dollars, as well as some local currency for drinks, laundry and tips

Photography on Safari

• Although film is usually on sale at the safari lodges, we recommend that you bring enough with you, and that you overestimate your requirements, as you will want to record everything that you see
• We recommend a telephoto lens of 210-300mm for the most effective shots (otherwise your subject will be a very small part of the overall image) as well as UV filters, a dust cover to protect your camera, and spare batteries
• It is not always possible to recharge batteries at the lodges so be prepared for this eventuality
• Binoculars will allow you to get closer to the game and make your safari experience even more rewarding

Transport on Safari

• Safari transport is in non air-conditioned four-wheeled drive vehicles. Vehicles are equipped with a pop-up roof for game-viewing, two-way radio transmitters, wildlife reference books and cool boxes for refreshments.
• Your vehicle is driven by your safari guide, who has been selected for his driving skills, as well as his extensive knowledge of the bush and its wildlife
• Your safari schedule is subject to many outside factors, such as poor road conditions, adverse weather conditions, and the challenges of distributing fuel across the vast terrains of the parks and reserves. Please bear this in mind, and be willing to show a little flexibility if arrangements have to be changed during your tour

Luggage on Safari

• On safari, luggage needs to be kept to a minimum, as it will be travelling with you inside the safari vehicle. We recommended soft sided holdalls rather than suitcases, as they're easier to stow into the vehicle
• Please also bear in mind that light aircraft baggage is limited to 15 kilos per person, including hand luggage, and you will incur surcharges for excess baggage
• If you wish, you could separate your safari luggage from the rest of your luggage, bringing just the items that you will need for your safari. Your remaining luggage (for the rest of your holiday) can be left at your Nairobi hotel for collection at the end of the safari. We recommend that you lock all left luggage as an extra precautionary measure
• Most of the safari lodges have fast and efficient laundry services (charged extra) enabling you to travel light if required

What to Wear

• Safari attire is casual and comfortable, and this goes for all of the game lodges, safari camps and Mombasa coast hotels that might be a part of your holiday. Light, cotton clothing is best, to keep you cool and comfortable
• Beware of the sun, and bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. A hat with a brim, which can be tied underneath the chin is best, to prevent it from being blown away when you're stood up in the safari vehicle
• Footwear should be flat and comfortable, although there is little walking to be done on most safari itineraries
• In the evening, some safari lodges and camps require men to wear long trousers, so please ensure that you bring at least one pair. This will also help to keep mosquitos at bay
• In public places, women need to be respectful of the local culture and wear appropriate clothing. Topless sunbathing is not permitted anywhere in East Africa
• You will need to bring a sweater or long-sleeved sweatshirt, as mornings and evenings can be cool. This will also help to keep mosquitos at bay
• Many of the safari lodges have swimming pools so remember to take your swimwear with you
• Most of the lodges have fast and efficient laundry services (charged extra)