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:: FAQ's
Planning an
African safari is quite unlike the planning for
most of your previous travels. The preparation and anticipation of the
actual trip can be almost as exciting as the safari itself! Below are
some questions and answers to some of the questions people ask while beginning the planning
process. We suggest you take some time to read through these questions, if
you do not find the answer to your question
(s)
please contact us.
1.
Is there an age limit for safaris?
2.
How far in advance should I book my safari?
3.
How many people do you take on a safari?
4.
Is it possible for people with special needs to travel on any of
your Safaris?
5.
Is East Africa a good family destination?
6.
When is the best time to go on a safari?
7.
What money should I bring?
8.
What is the tipping procedure?
9.
What are the meals like?
10.
Will I be able to use my electrical equipment while on safari?
11.
Do I have to pay a departure tax at the airport?
12.
Can I have my own custom safari itinerary?
13.
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
14.
What are the weight and size restrictions on luggage when traveling
in East Africa?
15.
When does the Wildebeest and Zebras migration occur in East Africa?
16.
Any advise regarding photography?
17.
Do I / We require travel insurance?
18.
Do I need a Visa to visit East Africa?
19.
What is the climate like in East Africa?
20.
What clothes do I need?
21.
What is the security like in East Africa?
22.
Is water provided for and is tap water safe?
23.
How do I communicate back home?
24.
What are the roads conditions like in East Africa?
25.
What kind of vehicles will we be using on our
safari?
26.
How many extra beds can be provided in a room?
27.
How do I pay for my bills?
28.
What do I buy as souvenirs in East Africa?
29.
Is it safe to fly on the internal flights?
30.
Is it safe to eat raw fruits and vegetables?
1.
What is the safari age limit?
In certain camps, lodges,
hotels, beach resorts and mostly the tree lodges and on specific
activities, minimum age limits can apply. The minimum age limit for Gorilla
safaris is 15 years, for balloon safaris is 12 years minimum and
maximum of 70 years and for camping safaris minimum is 12 years
and maximum of 70 years and is absolutely inflexible. Please note, where
there is age limit, we always try and indicate in the tour plans.
2.
How far in advance should I book my safari?
It is better
to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at
the time you wish to travel (4-6 months) or even one year early especially
during the high and peak season (Between June and October) and during Christmas
and New Year
season.
3.
How many people do you take on a safari?
Our safaris have
guaranteed departure with a minimum of two people and recommended
maximum of six people per every safari vehicle allowing guaranteed
window seats.
4.
Is it possible for people with special needs to travel on any
of your safaris?
Most of the locations that we feature; have
facilities such as wheel chairs and easy access to your room. Our
wish is to have your request placed on time so that we can easily
plan an itinerary that suits your needs.
5.
Is East Africa a good family destination?
A safari is
the one of the best gift you can reward a child. Our family safaris are designed
especially for multi-generational travelers. As the family is the foundation
of everything, our family itinerary brings the family
spirit of outdoor adventure.
The family safaris will introduce your children to East Africa뭩 fantastic creatures, fragile eco-systems, conservation and let the family discover some of the oldest and bravest cultures left on earth. The savage natural beauty of East Africa can awaken a child뭩 appreciation of nature through an unparalleled contact with animals in the wild. Our family safari gives the family from grandparents to children the opportunity to interact with each other in a superbly unique environment whilst enjoying the traditional fun and adventure of a safari.
6.
When is the best time to go on a safari?
East Africa is
an all year round destination. We recommend
camping and walking safaris
for the drier months for obvious reasons! The most popular time of year to visit Kenya
is between June
through October and December through March in Tanzania - these times are generally the peak
of the migration of the wildebeest and zebra.
Mountain climbing is better between December and March when it is
dry and the views are clear.
October
to April is the best time of year for water based activities during a beach
holiday on the coast. During this time the sea conditions are at their calmest,
making these months a great time for holidays at the East Africa beaches.
April
and May
is the best time to visit as most birds are in their
breeding plumage and during this time
we offer
the bargain birding and wildlife safaris which are great deals and very popular
tours giving our clients first hand experience.
7.
What money should I bring?
Travelers� cheques and major
credit cards are generally accepted in East Africa where traveler뭩
cheques would prove a safer bet.
We recommend that visitors carry small amount of cash as well. Only authorized dealers and banks are allowed to change currency. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency which can be imported but visitors are generally not permitted to depart with much local currency in their pockets so spend your local money prior to departure or convert it at a bank or bureau.
Please note that it is an offence to destroy or deface local currencies in any way.
It is worth changing money at the banks on arrival at international airports, or at banks in the major towns, where the rate of exchange is more favorable than those offered at lodges, camps and hotels.
8.
What is the tipping procedure?
Tipping is the appreciation of services offered.
It is not compulsory but highly recommended
as it is a safari tradition. Most lodges, camps and hotels have
a tip box located at the reception, or a central location. We recommend
US $ 5 per client per day. Tips left here will be divided amongst
the lodge staff that you don't get to meet during your stay. If
you are particulary satisfied with assistance received from someone
a personal tip is acceptable - a
guideline on how tip is as follows. Porters:
US $ 5 for the luggage, restaurant staff - 10% of cost consumption per meal,
safari guide: US $ 20 per person per day.
However, if
services are exceptionally good, you are free
to give over the guidelines.
9.
What are the meals like?
The meals are primarily European
style buffets, Vegetarian, Indian dishes, Chinese, Italian with
African influences.
10.
Will I be able to use my electrical equipment while on Safari?
The local electricity supply is 220 / 240 volts AC, 50HZ.
Plugs are 3 point square. If you are planning to bring a video camera
charger or any other electrical device, please bring voltage and
plug adaptors where appropriate. Some camps, lodges and major hotels usually provide hair
dryers and other electrical amenities upon request.
11.
Do I have to pay a departure tax at the airport?
Like
most international destinations, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and
Kenya charge an airport departure tax for all international flights.
The departure tax may be included in the airline ticket. If it is
not included, visitors must pay the tax in cash at the airport
upon arrival. Departure taxes can only be paid in cash using local
currency, Euros or U.S. Dollars. Zanzibar tax is to be paid directly at
the airport as you depart the Island.
12.
Can I have my own custom safari itinerary?
If you prefer
to travel on your own, or with family and friends in a small private
group we are happy to design a special journey that will give you
the best sightseeing in the best destinations in East Africa, accommodations
of your choice, and an itinerary that emphasizes on the most interesting
and unique features that you � won't want to miss.
13.
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
We believe in
a philosophy of 밶dventure by day, comfort by night". We typically
use only first class hotels, lodges and luxury local communities
tented camps with local decor. All the tented camps and eco-lodges we
use
have private bathrooms with hot water and flush toilets ammenities.
14.
What are the weight and size restrictions on luggage when traveling
in East Africa?
The weight limit on all travel within East
Africa is 32 pounds per person. The domestic flights weight limit
is 15 kgs. We recommend a soft bag than suitcases.
In case of a suitcase bring a suitcase no larger than 24x17x7 or
duffel. It is important to staying under the 32-pound weight restriction.
This does not include hand luggage or camera/video equipment.
When traveling with your family, you are allowed to distribute the weight anyway, you want, as long as the total weight is 32 pounds per person or less.
15.
When does the migration occur in East Africa?
Mbango
Safaris offer a tour designed specifically around the Great Wildebeest
Migration.
�
Kenya � July to October.
� Tanzania - January to March.
16.
Any advise regarding photography?
For wildlife photography,
a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that you should use, A 300-400
zoom is preferable. For bird-watchers, a 500mm or larger is necessary,
and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots.
Bring
extra camera and flash batteries and plenty of film / memory cards
- you may find the memory cards quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally.
While
taking pictures be sensitive to local conditions, laws and customs,
asking your local guide if in doubt. Seek advice and
their permission before photographing local people,
thus showing respect and awareness of another's culture
and beliefs. At all times avoid the obvious display
of cameras and other expensive items; you'll find more
in common with the locals, and avoid becoming the victim
of theft.
17.
Do I / We require Travel Insurance?
We strongly recommend
that you take out all of the necessary travel insurance before commencing
on your journey and you are supposed to send us details about your
insurance cover before you leave home. However, we offer evacuation cover with African
Air Rescue (AAR) to all our clients while on safari with us and all applicable
charges will be included in the cost of the tour arrangements. This
will offer you and your safari guide the security in the knowledge that should
a medical emergency arise, the air rescue service and evacuation
to a reputable hospital is just a call away. This
service covers only rescue and evacuation.
18.
Do I need a Visa to visit either Kenya, Uganda,
Tanzania and Rwanda?
An single entry visa into Kenya, Uganda,
Rwanda and Tanzania
is required. Most of the countries it is payable at US$50 per
person. However, this is just a guidline, you
will need to consult a consulate of the country you are willing
to visit for advice.
19.
What is the climate like in East Africa?
Temperatures rarely fall below 24 degrees centigrade
during the day and around 10 degrees centigrade
at night. Please note that temperatures vary from
place to place. Warm clothing is a must / recommended for
evening both in Entebbe, Arusha, Nairobi and on safari.
20.
What clothes do I need?
The kind of clothes to be worn depends on the
seasons. During rainy seasons and cold seasons,
clients will need to put on heavy or warm clothes
and during dry and warm seasons, light clothing
is recommended. Hot season range at highs of 28-30
degrees centigrade with lows of 18-20 while cold
seasons range at highs of 15-18 degrees centigrade
with lows of 12-14. The coast region can be humid.
We recommend safari colours clothes (Green, Brown, Khaki.....) for
game drives and long sleeved clothes as evening wear because of
mosquitos. While in Serengeti National Park we recommend not to
wear blue clothes as Tse Tse flies are attracted by the blue colour.
21.
What is the security like?
Like many other cities in the world, security
is of significant concern. Arusha, Dar les salam,
Entebbe and Nairobi is generally
safe but we advise clients not to drive or walk
in dark alleys or unlit streets. If one has to
leave the hotel at night, the hotel reception
staff will be of great help to obtain a taxi for
you. Do not carry a lot of money with you. Just
have enough money for what you wish to buy. The
rest of the money and other valuables can be kept
in the hotel safe. A receipt will be obtained
for the same.
22.
Is water provided for and is tap water safe?
It is advisable to use bottled water for drinking
and brushing.
Water from taps in the rooms can be used
for washing and bathing. Bottled water
is available in all lodges and camps during safari.
One little of bottled water is however, provided
for all Mbango Safaris.
23.
How do I communicate back home?
Telephone calls can be made directly from
hotel rooms. Telephone rates can be found in each
room and should be referred to before making calls.
However note that rates can be pretty high. It
is advisable to communicate by e-mail. E-mail
in East Africa can be relatively cheap.
This is offered by most city hotels at their business
centers. Postage stamps are available at the reception/
hotel shops. It is advisable to post from Nairobi,
Entebbe
or from Arusha as it is faster and more convenient.
24.
What are the roads conditions like?
All main roads connecting major towns in East
Africa
are well on tarmac, especially from the cities
and major
towns. However, there could be bumpy and dusty
road diversions if there are road repairs or if the road is under
construction. The roads to the national parks
and game reserves can be bumpy, fairly rough
and dusty
roads, but only for short distances of mainly not
more than 70 kilometers.
25.
What kind of vehicles will we be using?
We use modern custom-built fleet of 4WD
land cruisers or land rover specially designed
for comfort and to ensure easy observation birds, wildlife and photography
in all our safaris. Each vehicle is customized to give extra leg
room and plenty of headroom. Extra large windows and windscreeens
improve all round game viewing and room for those with cameras with
big lenses, tripods etc. Three generous roof hatches in the rear
offer plenty of room for overhead game and birds viewing. All vehicles
are fitted with communication radios with our own dedicated private
frequency for inter-vehicle communication. The standard versions can carry up to maximum
capacity of 06 people, but recommended 04 pax
per safari vehicle to allow comfortable sitting
and guarantee window seats. The extended
versions carry a maximum of 09 pax, but recommend
a maximum of 06 pax per safari vehicle to allow comfortable
sitting and guarantee window seats.
26.
How many extra beds can be provided in a room?
Traditionally, all rooms in the East African
setup are double rooms and only in a few cases
some lodges could have some rooms that fit three
beds and very few hotel units/ lodges can take
four beds.
27.
How do I pay for my bills?
Shopping payments can be made by either credit
card or cash either in local currency or in
US $, UK Pounds or in Euro's. Most international currencies are
widely accepted and can be changed either in banks
or forex bureaus. The following cards are widely
accepted: Visa, Amex and Master Card.
28.
What do I buy as souvenirs in East Africa?
East Africa has a variety of souvenirs to
offer, on a willing buyer � willing seller basis
out of the cities and major towns.
There are however major disparities in prices
and in some places you have to bargain (out
of the cities and major towns) whilst
in others the prices are fixed (in the cities
and major towns). The decision to
buy or not to is entirely yours. Ensure a fair
price when bargaining, taking advice from your guide.
Bargain hard by all means, to maintain respect, but
above all retain a measure of common sense and fairness;
remember that, ultimately, it is your salesman's family
that is going to be very much more disadvantaged by
a low price than you (or yours). Souvenirs and
other items are cheaper while on safari as compared
to Nairobi, Arusha, Entebbe or
in Mombasa. The following are some of the items you
can purchase a your souvenirs; carvings of animals
and local people, kiondos(traditional baskets),
Batiks, jewelry and many others. The Utamanduni
craft shops, Cultural heritage and African heritage
are one stop-shopping complexes in Nairobi
and Arusha that we recommend
and has a wide range of souvenirs.
29.
Is it safe to fly on the internal flights?
The airlines used for our clients have a reputable
track record both locally and internationally.
They have employed professional staff work for
them and are covered.
30.
Is it safe to eat raw fruits and vegetables?
The hotels and lodges take great care in preparation
of food. East Africa is famous for wonderful
fresh fruits and vegetables. It perfectly safe
to eat raw fruits and vegetables, as they are
well cleaned and stored.
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