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Frequently Asked
Questions
Can you arrange a trip for persons located outside the
United States?
Yes, we have an international clientele. We can make all arrangements in
Africa including transportation, accommodation and activities. However,
we can only arrange international flights originating in the United
States and Europe.
When is the best time to go on a safari?
It really depends on the type of animal you wish to see. Certain
reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have
particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at
different times of the year. It is generally felt that the African
winter (June - August) is the best time to go on safari, as the grass is
dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the
time when animals are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya
and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the
migration of over two million animals.
Temperatures in winter are generally mild but can become considerably
cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you
stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. It goes without
saying that the standard safari gear must include a broad brim hat,
sunscreen and mosquito repellent. In areas where malaria is prevalent,
summer is generally a more risky time to travel. So, before you go on
safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.
Kenya: All year round. Great
Migration: June-September.
Tanzania: All year round. Best
climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Aug-Oct and Jan-March. Great migration:
April-June and Oct-Dec.
Uganda: All year round. Day
temperatures range between 77° and 95° F. January is the hottest month.
In general there are two main rainy seasons: March - May and October -
November.
What are the special attractions of the countries you operate in?
Kenya: Aberdare National Park,
Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National
Reserve, Meru National Park, Tsavo National Park, The Rift Valley Lakes,
Mombasa, Malindi, south and north coast.
Tanzania: Great Migration,
Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara
National Park, Arusha National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha
National Park, Tarangire National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park and
Selous Game Reserve.
Uganda: Gorilla treks in Bwindi
National Park, Murchinson Falls, Nile River, Kibale National Park,
Ruwenzori Mountains, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Is Africa a good family destination?
Africa offers outstanding value for families. However, some destinations
and establishments cater more fully for the enjoyment of children than
others. In Kenya, children five years old and younger are generally not
allowed on game drives in the parks and reserves. Travel to Tanzania is
not recommended for children younger than eight years old. Most lodges
have swimming pools and baby-sitting services. Please contact us for
more specific information.
How do I get to Africa?
Africa can be reached by regular international flights to its major
cites. South African Airways flies direct daily to Johannesburg, South
Africa from Atlanta and New York. To reach East Africa from the US, you
will have to fly through Europe and then to Nairobi on any of the
following airlines (e.g.,Kenya Airways, British Airways, KLM, , etc.).
Cyber Safaris Kenya can arrange international flights to Africa that
originate in the United States or Europe. We can also arrange flights
within Africa.
What are the entry requirements?
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six
months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain
countries do not require visas - this depends on the country you are
visiting. It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country
that you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements. The
list below contains the current visa requirements applicable to most
North American and European countries.
Kenya: A visa is required and
costs $50. The visa can be obtained through a Kenya embassy in advance
of your trip or upon arrival at the airport.
Tanzania: A visa is required and
costs $50. The visa must be obtained in advance of your trip unless you
live in a country that does not have a Tanzania embassy.
Uganda: A visa is required and costs $50. The visa should be obtained
through a Uganda embassy in advance of your trip.
What types of accommodation are available?
The accommodation type in Africa varies from hotels and inns to luxury
lodges, B&Bs and tented camps.
Kenya: Advanced bookings
recommended. Most safari lodges have rondavel or banda type
accommodations, with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit
hotels. Tented accommodations vary from super deluxe to standard tents.
Tanzania: Advanced bookings
recommended. Lodges tend to be of rondavel or banda type with a lounge,
central dining and bar in single unit hotels. Luxurious "tented camps"
pitched on concrete bases are popular. National parks also offer
ordinary campsites. All major towns have luxury hotels and at least one
good guesthouse.
Uganda: Advanced bookings
recommended. International hotels are available in cities. In national
parks, there is camping, self-catering huts or chalets and top end
lodges with luxury chalets or permanent tents.
What type of safaris do you offer?
Serene Africa offers the following types of safaris: lodge, fly-in,
permanent tented camps, mobile camping, serviced camping, limited
participation camping, full participation camping and self drive.
What is a lodge safari?
On a lodge safari you travel from lodge to lodge and do game drives with
one of our driver/guides. The lodges we use are essentially hotels in
the bush. They accommodate between 100 and 200 people. They provide most
of the amenities found in a hotel (e.g., restaurant, lounge, swimming
pool, etc.). This is a good choice when traveling with children or if
you want certain creature comforts when you return from game viewing.
What is a permanent tented camp safari?
Permanent tented camp safaris are done either by vehicle or light
aircraft. In the case of a fly-in safari you will fly from one reserve
to the next. This reduces the amount of travel time considerably and
maximizes game viewing opportunities. Permanent tented camps provide
accommodation ranging from comfortable to luxurious. Most consist of
large walk-in tents on elevated wooden platforms, with beds, chairs,
furniture and an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold water and flushing
toilets. Permanent camps accommodate a smaller size group (20-30 people)
than lodges allowing a more personal interaction with the natural
habitat.
What is a mobile camping safari?
In a mobile-tented safari the camp moves each day while you are game
viewing. Usually the relocation is combined with one or two nights at a
safari lodge before going back into the camp at a new location. This
type of accommodation obviously does not have the amenities of either
lodges or permanent tented camps but the level of comfort and staff
attention is unsurpassed. The camps consist of sleeping, dining, kitchen
and staff tents with toilet and hot water shower annexes. The sleeping
tents are large walk-in tents completely insect proof, with a high outer
fly and small shaded veranda. They are furnished with comfortable beds,
bedside table and chairs. The camp cook prepares meals on open charcoal
fires.
What is a serviced camping safari?
A serviced camping safari features exclusive wilderness campsites,
comfortable 3X3 meter dome tents with GI beds, bedrolls with crisp
linen, bedside tables with reading lamps, towels, mats and hot water
bottles for the winter months. There is a shared bathing enclosure with
flushing toilet, hot shower, hand basin and a luxury range of shampoos
and conditioners. Guest areas include a bush dining area, bar, small
wildlife library and board games. The staff erects and dismantles camp,
prepare excellent meals of fresh produce and take care of all camp
chores. All luggage and camp equipment is transported on a support
vehicle.
What is a limited participation camping safari?
A limited participation camping safari requires that you put up and take
down your tent. The accommodation is in 2-person igloo style tents with
a foam mattress. All camping equipment is provided with the exception of
sleeping bags, which you can bring (recommended) or hire (approximately
$20). All meals are included while camping. The safari leaders are
full-time employees and trained professional guides. Detailed
information on the history of the area, fauna and flora is given to the
participants during the safari. A camp assistant helps with general camp
chores and duties.
What is a full participation camping safari?
A full participation camping safari is essentially the same as a limited
participation camping safari with the exception that you are required to
assist in putting up and taking down the camp including your tent,
preparing meals, etc.
What is a self-drive safari?
On a self-drive safari you will be met at the airport upon your arrival
and assisted with the formalities of picking up a rental car. You will
be given a detailed itinerary, vouchers and maps for your trip. You
would then proceed, unguided, on the tour according to the set
itinerary. Accommodations are at hotels, lodges, chalets and rest camps.
How many people do you take on a safari?
Most of our safaris have guaranteed departures with a minimum of two
people and are limited to a maximum of 10 people (if more than 7 people
are on a safari, we use two vehicles). Each person is assured a window
seat. A few of the participation camping safaris require a minimum of 4
people and allow a maximum of 12 people.
What is a single supplement?
A single supplement is a fee imposed by hotels, lodges and camps on
single travelers. Tour prices are quoted based on two people sharing
accommodation. If someone takes a room by themselves they have to pay
the per-person price plus the single supplement fee.
Can a single traveler share accommodation with another single
traveler?
Yes, providing there is another single traveler of the same sex, on the
same safari, and the other person agrees to the proposed arrangement.
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), especially
during the peak seasons (July & August and Christmas/New Years). This is
especially important for those wishing to travel on private custom
safaris and those adding extensions to scheduled trips.
Can I use a credit card to pay for my safari?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express for your safari deposit.
The balance is due 60 days prior to departure and is payable by check,
money order or wire transfer.
What type of vehicles do you use on safari?
African Horizons uses mini buses in East Africa. In Southern Africa we
use mini buses, open-roof vehicles and 4x4 vehicles on safari. The
specific vehicle used on a particular safari depends on the country and
the reserves to be visited. All vehicles are equipped with two-way
radios and are maintained to provide the maximum level of comfort and
safety.
What are the different cultures?
Kenya: There are over 70 tribal
groups in Kenya. Differences between many of them are blurred - Western
cultural values are becoming more deep-seated and traditional values are
disintegrating. Tribes include Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba.
Tanzania: Tanzania's culture is a
result of African, Arab, European and Indian influences. There are 120
African tribal groups. The largest group is of Bantu origin including
Dukuma, Nyamwezi, Makonde, Haya and Chagga. The Maasai are of Nilotic
origin, as are the Arusha and the Samburu.
Uganda: The population of Uganda
is made up of a complex and diverse range of tribes the most prominent
of which are the Bugunda, Lango, Acholi, Teso and Pygmies among many
others.
What is the landscape like?
Kenya: Lies on Indian Ocean and on
the equator. Four geographical regions: arid desert, savannah grassland,
fertile lowlands (coast) and the highlands. There are extinct volcanoes
as well as lakes and rivers.
Tanzania: Lies on Indian Ocean.
Includes the island of Zanzibar. Mainland has lush coast, savannah, and
semi-desert along with extinct volcanoes, lakes and mountain ranges
including Mount Kilimanjaro.
Uganda: Although situated on the
equator, Uganda's relatively high altitude tempers the heat and the
humidity is generally low. The land varies from semi-desert in the
northeast, to the lush and fertile shores of Lake Victoria, to the
mountainous south and west.
What are the roads like?
Kenya: All major roads are tarred.
Surface of lesser roads vary. Many roads are only navigable by 4x4 in
rainy season.
Tanzania: About 5% of highways are
tarred. Only key roads are in good condition. Road conditions in
reserves and parks are rough.
Uganda: All major roads are
tarred. The quality of lesser roads varies. Many roads are only
:navigable by 4x4 in rainy season.
What is the time difference in Africa?
Kenya: GMT +3 hours
Tanzania: GMT +3 hours
Uganda: GMT +3 hours
Is English widely spoken?
Yes. English is spoken throughout East Africa, especially by those
involved in the tourist trade. Kiswahili language is also spoken
throughout East Africa. European and Middle Eastern languages spoken in
Africa include German, French and Arabic by some of those involved in
the tourist trade
Can I use my credit card in Africa?
Kenya: Most major credit cards
(MasterCard, Visa and American Express) are widely accepted. Diner's
Card is not generally accepted.
Tanzania: Most top hotels and
lodges around the country accept Visa and MasterCard. In addition to
credit cards, clients should bring US dollars and traveler's checks.
Uganda: Credit cards are accepted
at the major hotels. However, there are few other places where
international credit cards are accepted.
Are foods for special dietary needs available?
Yes. Special dietary requirements are catered for throughout Africa.
Please give us advanced notice so that we can make arrangements with the
lodges and camps you are scheduled to stay at. Most restaurants offer
selections for vegetarians, depending on their forte. Local specialties
can be surprisingly good! With the exception of a few lodges, halaal and
kosher food is not available at most camps/lodges.
What do the letters B, L, and D refer to on your itineraries?
The letters indicate the meals that are included on a safari or tour. B
= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. B&B refers to Bed and Breakfast.
Is the water safe to drink?
Kenya: While water in major towns
is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, it is safer to drink sealed
bottled water, available from most hotels and lodges.
Tanzania: It is advisable to drink
boiled or bottled water. If camping - bring drinking water and other
bottled drinks.
Uganda: It is advisable to drink
boiled or bottled water.
Are there any medical precautions?
Vaccination requirements change from time to time. Some countries
require advance inoculations for yellow fever (and certificates thereof)
that are good for 10 years - Malaria is present in many parts of Africa
- we will advise you if you will be visiting a malaria area. We suggest
you consult your local doctor or health department for information on
malaria prophylactics and the latest health precautions. If you are on
prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to
last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).
What is meant by en-suite or private facilities?
En-suite or private facilities are toilet and bath/shower located within
your room or tent rather than facilities designed for community use.
What photography advice can you give?
A good camera will make the difference between having photos of
spectacular wildlife and having vague, little dots of animals to show
family and friends. The more common "point-and-shoot" cameras are too
small. On safari, you won't always be able to get up close to wildlife.
A SLR (single lens reflex) camera with a 200-300mm lens is recommended.
More serious photographers may choose telephoto lenses of 400 or 500mm.
Larger lenses often require a tripod, which cannot be used on a moving
vehicle. A 2x teleconverter is useful for doubling the focal length of
your lens. A zoom lens, such as a 70 to 210 mm lens, is probably the
best option for shooting a moving subject.
The harsh African sun provides excellent lighting, but using larger
lenses will require faster film, especially in early morning or late
afternoon when the light is softer. In this case, 200-400 ASA film is
recommended.
Film and batteries are usually available along major tourist routes and
from lodges, but it is wise to bring your own. A lens hood and ultra
violet filter are advisable. A good bag for your equipment including a
dust cover (plastic bag) is essential.
Important Note: Not all African
cultures are familiar with cameras. Rural folk will often shy away from
having their picture taken. Please be sensitive. Some locals may ask a
fee for having their photograph taken. It is recommended you avoid
photographing anything relating to government and military
installations, including personnel (soldiers and police) and buildings
(post offices, banks, airports, border posts, railway stations and
bridges).
How did the "big five" get their name?
The "big five" are leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo. These
animals constitute a wish list for many people on safari. The term is a
reference from colonial trophy hunting. Hunters ranked African animals
as to how dangerous they were to hunt. This is why hippo and giraffe -
despite their stature - are not among this elite, sought-after group. |
