FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Kinds of accommodation?
Why should I go on safari in East Africa?
Best safari time to travel?
What to bring?
Would you advise taking a family to Africa?
What do I require to enter East Africa?
The kind of safaris and packages do you offer?
How many people are required to start a safari?
What is a single supplement?
Can a single traveler share a room with another single?
How far in advance should I book my safari?
What type of vehicles do you use on safari?
What are the road Conditions?
What is the time difference in East Africa?
Is the English language spoken widely?
What about food and water?
Are there any medical precautions?
What photography advice can you give?
Will I be able to recharge my video camera batteries?
Is there electricity in the safari lodges and camps?
What type of baggage/ luggage should I take?
Why big five?
Do I need Travel insurance?
What airlines fly to East Africa?
Is it safe to visit East Africa?
Aren’t wild animals dangerous?
Is tipping recommended?
How much money should I bring?
Cash or travelers cheques? Are credit cards accepted?
Should we purchase local currency?
What is there to buy in East Africa?
Why should I go on safari in East Africa?
Africa remains the last outpost for raw adventure, a refuge from the modern world. From the splendor of the Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti teeming with herds of millions of wildebeest, pristine beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater, the scenic viewing of game parks and reserves; this ancient land and its people offer a travel experience unlike any other. East Africa in particular, provides travellers with the highest quality African wildlife and wilderness experience available.
Best safari time to travel?
Almost all parks have great sightings all year round. Due to different habitats of the parks and reserves an overland safari comes in handy and many maintain that June to September is the best time for Kenya and April to June, October –December for Tanzania.
Bottom line is that all year round there is plenty of wildlife to see and great birding activity. The mentioned months usually have less vegetation and wildlife can be viewed with relative ease. The nature reserves are at times a bit crowded and as such it is recommended that reservations should be made in advance.
What to bring?
From June-September the evenings can be quite cool. Be ready for this and pack some warm clothing for the evenings. Be ready to meet with unexpected showers but this doesn't lower the temperatures too much. The guides know how to deal with this and it should be the least of your worries.
Always have with you a wide-brim hat, insect repellant, sunscreen and sunglasses. Force yourself to drink water, lots of it, if you want to avoid headaches and lethargy from dehydration.
Would you advise taking a family to Africa?
Tanzania and Kenya are great family destinations. Some of the lodges have arrangements to cater for young ones through children's clubs that you can engage them a lot with games and nature activities. Many of the lodges and permanent tented camps have swimming pools that the kids can enjoy. Contact us for children's arrangements and you will be informed accordingly. Some lodges do not accept children less than 7 years. If traveling with children indicate their ages in the remarks on the reservation/inquiry form.
What do I require to enter East Africa?
The nearest consulate office will be the best to answer this question, especially for latest visa requirements. You should have a passport with at least 6 months validity. Visa for Kenya and Tanzania costs US$50 respectively (please note and check the visa fees might change since publishing this information). Arrange to have your visa in advance, but can also purchase one at your point of entry into the country. NOTE: American citizens are required to pay US$100 as visa fees for Tanzania.
Kinds of accommodation?
This depends on personal taste and varies from Luxury safari lodges, hotels, bed & breakfast, Luxury tented camps and camp sites. Whatever your choice, advance booking is recommended.
The kind of safaris and packages we offer?
Oribi Adventure Travel offers lodge safaris, fly-camping, permanent tented camps, budget mobile camping. All of these are available for both of our Kenya and Tanzania safaris. More specific information is available on request.
Lodge safari:
Our safari guides drive you from lodge to lodge and do game drive excursions in each of the park/ reserves visited. These are facilities in the nature reserves. These offer great comforts. Works well for families with children and services such swimming pools, restaurant, bars are available.
Permanent tented camp safari:
Permanent tented camps are facilities in the nature reserves and are really permanent facilities. Safaris are operated by vehicle or fly-in packages. Accommodation varies from comfortable to luxurious tents. Usually these camps accommodate up to 50 or less people. They are facilities for smaller group of clients. This adds a personal feeling of closeness to the nature. Furnitures such as chairs, beds are included. Hot showers, cold water and flashing toilets
How many people are required to start a safari?
Our safaris are guaranteed to commence with a minimum of 2 people, although, one person can travel. The vehicles are 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser and Land Rovers - 5 & 7 seaters. For safaris with more than 7 people we use 2 vehicles. Each person is guaranteed a window seat for better view while on safari.
What is a single supplement?
The hotels impose a minimal extra fee for single travelers. Safari prices are based on two people sharing a double-room. In the case of single travelers they pay the per-person and the single-supplement fee.
Can a single traveler share a room with another single?
In addition, a single traveler can share a room with another single person as long as the other person is of the same sex and on condition they both agree to the arrangement.
How far in advance should I book my safari?
It is highly recommended that arrangements be made for your safari as early as possible. 4-6 months is most convenient and assures you availability especially during the months of the high season, July-mid September, Christmas-New Year. This saves last minute searches which often find you compromising standards and there are no guarantees of availability.
What type of vehicles do you use on safari?
Oribi Adventure Travel uses safari 4x4s - Land Cruiser, Land Rovers & mini-buses with open hatch (roof). All the vehicles have long distance two-way radios and are maintained to provide great comfort during the safari.
What are the road conditions?
In both Kenya and Tanzania, all the major roads are tarred. Not all of them are in good condition but accessible. In the National reserves the roads are of murrum.
What is the time difference East Africa?
GMT +3 hours
Is English language spoken widely?
English is widely spoken in East Africa. In the tourism industry some of the guides have knowledge of other foreign languages.
What about food and water?
Any special dietary requirements can be catered for. Please inform us in advance and it will be organized accordingly. On your itinerary you will see these letters , B,L,D. These are abbreviations. Each stands for: B > Breakfast, L > Lunch, D > Dinner. Gourmet cooks bake fresh breads, and produce soups, salads, and entrees that could easily grace tables at top restaurants around the world. Meals are international in flavor with soups, salads, cold cuts, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, and breads. Your day normally starts with tea and biscuits before your morning activity. Returning to your lodge or camp late morning, brunch is enjoyed - cereals, fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage, and toast. Buffet lunches are typical with a warm dish such as stew served with salads, quiches and cold cuts. Dinner consists of an appetizer followed by meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted vegetables and sauces. Dinner is followed by coffee (or tea), cheeses, and gorgeous desserts.
Avoid drinking or even brushing your teeth with tap water in your rooms. Drink only bottled water.
Are there any medical precautions?
Travellers to East Africa should start with long term basic health protection. This means vaccinations against Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow fever and Hepatitis A. It is mandatory for Kenya and Tanzania visitors be vaccinated for Yellow Fever. You have to prove this so bring your innoculation card and it will be checked at the airport.
East Africa has Malaria in some parts. It advisable that you consult your doctor for information on Malaria prevention.
Avoid taking in the sun in the middle of the day, and be especially careful when swimming, snorkeling.
If you intend to participate in mountain climbing be prepared with necessary altitude sickness medication from your doctor. Otherwise known as AMS, Acute Mountain Sickness.
Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, headaches, insomnia, breathlessness, loss of appetite.
Cure: rest, eat well, drink lots of water and don't ascend further. You should be fine in a couple of days. To avoid this take time to acclimatize.
Stage 2: dry cough, vomiting, confusion, loss of balance and co-ordination, Pulmonary oedema.
What is meant by ensuite rooms
These are rooms with private toilets and showers located within the room. They apply to both lodges and luxury permanent tented camps.
What photography advice can you give?
Souvenir photos can be taken. This requires some patience and excellent timing. The regular family camera is usually not enough for wildlife that is far. A camera with a 200-300 mm comes handy in this case. Dedicated photographers can use telephoto lens of 400-500 mm. If you have big lens bring a light tripod stand for stability and a teleconverter (2x) to help double the focal length. Bring with you ample film and batteries. These can also be bought in the lodges or tourist centres. Some cultures eg, Maasai are very sensitive about being photographed so please request before taking a photograph or consult the guide.
Will I be able to recharge my video camera batteries?
If a camp or lodge is connected to electricity mains or has a generator you may be able to recharge your video batteries. Many camps and lodges have the correct adapter plugs however we recommend that you bring your own plug and converter. One of the best options for recharging video batteries is an adapter allowing you to recharge from a vehicle battery.
Is there electricity at the safari lodges and camps?
Electricity in East Africa is 220/240 volts. Most safari lodges and camps are not connected to an electrical supply. Solar lighting (backed up by batteries) is common, with many lodges having a generator which runs part of the day (morning and late evening). Lanterns also provide light at night. In most areas you will not be able to use a hairdryer or electric shaver.
What type of baggage / luggage should I take?
Luggage should be kept to a minimum - 12 kg's / 26 pounds per person packed in a soft duffel bag (15 kg's per person on Exclusive Series safaris). Hard sided suitcases and soft-sided internal frame carry on luggage are not acceptable as they will not fit in the baggage compartment on small aircraft which are often used for transfers between lodges and camps. On safaris that have no small aircraft transfers the weight and size allowance is not as important however you should still strive to bring as little as possible. Remember – Laundry service is offered at most safari camps and lodges at an extra cost unless otherwise stated.
Why 'Big Five'?
The leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo are what are referred to as the 'Big Five.' These animals constitute a wish list for many people on safari. The term 'Big Five' was coined by colonial trophy hunters. The hunters ranked African animals based on how dangerous they were to hunt. This is why hippo and giraffe despite their stature, are not among this elite group.
Do I need Travel insurance?
It is always advisable to havea comprehensive travel insurance while visiting East Africa just like any other parts of the world. An element of personal risk is involved in all the expeditions. Members in such an expedition must accept this risk. You are advised to take out an Insurance policy to cover personal accidents and medical expenses. This can be arranged on request.
What airlines fly to East Africa?
Most of the major world airlines such as KLM, British Airways, South African Airways, and Swissair and Kenya Airways fly into East Africa several times a week.
Oribi Adventure Travel does not arrange for international flights but can recommend where to get reasonably priced airline tickets from most major cities in the United States via either Europe (London or Amsterdam) or via South Africa to the starting point of your safari. Flying via Europe, you can find great rates for flights aboard Northwest / KLM, British Airways, Kenya Airways and others.
Flying from the USA via South Africa you would fly aboard a combination of Delta to either New York or Atlanta and then non-stop to South Africa aboard South African Airways. From South Africa you would continue aboard South African Airways, Kenya Airways or another airline to your final destination for the start of your safari. Oribi Adventure Travel handles internal flight arrangements within East Africa.
Is it safe to visit East Africa?
In general petty theft does occur in East Africa's major cities and towns. Visitors should take the same care as they would normally take at any other destination worldwide. Keep a close watch on handbags, wallets, and cameras when walking in crowded places. Avoid walking at night and place valuables in safe deposit boxes at hotels.
While at safari lodges and tented camps you are typically far removed from human settlement and crime is virtually non existent. We advise that valuables be locked away or kept under the supervision of the camp or lodge manager while on safari.
Aren’t wild animals dangerous?
While viewing wildlife there is a degree of danger as the behavior of wild animals cannot be guaranteed. However, most animals are frightened by the sight / smell of humans and rather than attack, will flee (unless cornered or provoked). Attacks on humans are rare!
While on safari you will be accompanied by an Oribi Adventure Travel guide who is well trained & knowledgeable of the wildlife in their natural habitats.
At your tented camp or lodge it is not uncommon for wildlife to wander through as camps & lodges are typically not fenced. An attack on a sleeping traveler would be highly unusual. However please never venture outside your accommodation at night without your guide. Always consult with your guide/s when in doubt.
Is tipping recommended?
Tipping at restaurants (at your discretion) is 10%. Tipping on safaris, at lodges and camps is always welcomed, but the amount varies greatly. It is often best to tip the drivers, guides and lodge manager who will distribute your tip amongst the lodge or camp staff. As a rough estimate you can tip US $5 to US $10 for each traveler per day at each lodge/ camp. Alternatively you can give the tips to Oribi Adventure Travel head office who will make sure that all those who are involved will get a share of the money.
How much money should I bring? Cash or travelers cheques? Are credit cards accepted?
You will need very little spending money on most safaris as the majority of meals and activities are included in your package cost. You will need to pay for lunch, dinner, and drinks when you are staying at hotels on a bed and breakfast basis as is the case at most lodges and hotels in cities. Bills may be settled by US$ dollars cash, travellers check, or by credit card (accepted at most lodges, camps, hotels).
Credit cards may be used in large towns at restaurants and shops with MasterCard and Visa being most accepted. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and non-existent in small retail shops.
Automatic teller machines (ATM's) are situated outside most banks in towns and cities in East Africa, and international credit cards often can be used to withdraw currency. However, as Africa is unpredictable please do not rely on ATM machines for your currency needs.
Should we purchase local currency?
US$ dollars cash or travelers checks may changed into local currency at airports and banks. Please bring United states dollars notes printed after the year 2000.
What is there to buy in East Africa?
Shopping while on safari is limited. Often lodges and camps have small curio shops where you can buy postcards, local goods such as carvings or books, clothing (hats, shirts), and film. At airports and in larger towns you will find African curio markets where you can by all sorts of carvings, masks, drums, jewelry etc...in general souvenirs and curios are inexpensive (in terms of US dollars) - still, fun spirited bartering is the norm.
In most cities there are up market jewelers and art galleries where you can easily spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on African art. Most reputable shops offer shipping of your purchase at extra cost.
For any additional questions you may have on Tanzania Safari advice and counseling, Travel insurance, Tanzania safari packages, family safari, African Safari FAQ, Safari Questions, Travel Kenya/ Tanzania questions, safari advice, Tanzania tour information, booking tour, safari preparation to Tanzania tour, please contact us for further personalised advice. |
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