FAQ’s
ACCOMMODATIONS:
In East Africa, a number of good hotels are available to
choose from to fit every budget. Elsewhere across the
countries and in the National Parks, hotels and inns are
generally available, but quality of service and quantity of
rooms vary greatly. We take care in booking the best
accommodation available for your safaris. All of our
prepared itineraries start from the cities. If you require
pre-or post -safaris hotel bookings in any city or airport
transfers to /from Entebbe, JKIA or Kilimanjaro contact us
so that we can make these arrangements for you. Reservations
should be made in advance.
AIRPORT: Most guests to East Africa arrive by air,
landing at the Entebbe, Jomo Kenyatta or even Kilimanjaro
International Airports; approximately 45 minutes drive from
or to the cities. Transfers to and from the airports are
available for any size group. Your Departure tax is
incorporated in your tickets.
AIRLINES: Several airlines land within the three east
Africa countries, they include, Uganda Airlines, Air
Tanzania, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines,
Gulf Air, Inter Air, Kenya Airways, Sabena and South African
Airways. There are daily connections of Nairobi. There are
also several reputable domestic charter companies to choose
from.
ALCOHOL: Several brand of local beer are available,
including Bell, Club and Nile Special. Most spirits and
wines are imported and are readily available at slightly
elevated prices. There are no longer limitations on the
drinking of alcohol in Uganda.
BANKING: Several international banks operate in East
Africa cities including Barclays, Standard Chartered and
Stanbic. Many local banks and forex bureaus also operate
across the countries. Generally the banking hours are
8.30A.M. To 3:00 P.M., Monday to Friday, though some
institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays. There
are no longer restrictions on foreign exchange transactions
and currency is easily convertible. Use only USD notes dated
after 1990.
CLIMATE: East Africa enjoys ideal weather conditions
ranging from the warmth of the lowlands to the coolness of
the highlands. Mean temperatures are between 21C and 31 C
all the year around. Wet seasons are March - May and October
- November.
CLOTHING: Light summer clothing supplemented by a
sweater or jacket should be sufficient all year round.
Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and flats-heeled
comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Don't
forget to bring a hat for sun protection and a swimsuit.
Umbrellas and windbreakers are recommended in the wet
seasons. Request additional details at the time of booking.
CREDIT CARDS: AMEX, Visa and MasterCard are accepted
at some establishments in East Africa cities and some
lodges.
CURRENCY: The Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania Shilling are
the currency used. It is issued in different denominations.
The rates vary from time to time but are readily available
from banks and forex bureaus. We accept US Dollars, the
Euros or even the Travelers' Cheques.
DRINKING WATER: We recommend that you do not drink
tap water. Most hotels and restaurants provide previously
boiled drinking water. Mineral water is also available.
FOODS: Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables are
plentiful throughout the country. A wide range of dishes,
both traditional and international, is served in the hotels
and restaurants.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Certificates are required for
vaccination against yellow fever. Check current medical
advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. Malarial risk is
general and prophylactics should be taken. It is advisable
to start anti-malaria medications 10 days prior to arrival
and continue with the same until 14 days after leaving East
Africa.
LANGUAGE: The official language is English though
Kiswahili is commonly spoken throughout the countries.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Though some types of film are available
in many of the lodges, it is advisable to bring films and
batteries with you or to purchase them in Kampala. A pair of
binoculars will prove extremely useful for the keen game
viewer. There is no charge for photography cameras but there
may be a charge for video cameras in some places. Clients
are directly responsible for any such fees.
SECURITY: Precautions should be taken as in any major
city. Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your
hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents, travelers
cheques, cash and other valuable with you at all times. We
recommend that you do not walk late in the night but instead
take a taxi.
SPORTS FACILITIES: There are a variety of sports
available in the East Africa cities - squash, golf, tennis,
etc. Fishing, on Lake Victoria or the Nile River, and White
Water Rafting from Bujagali Falls is also popular.
Arrangements can be made for these activities depending on
individual's interests.
TRANSPORT: The roads are generally in good condition.
Four-wheel drive vehicles may be required for up-country
use, especially in the national park during the rainy
seasons. We maintain a fleet of saloon cars, mini-buses and
four wheels drive vehicles, available on either a self-drive
or chauffeur driven basis. Please enquire for further
details and tariffs.
VISAS: All PTA countries, EEC Countries, Japan and
USA are exempt from visas. Visas are generally available at
all entry points.
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