East Africa In-Depth - 16 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are there any optional activities available on this tour?

  Yes, there are several optional activities. In Nairobi, you can visit the Bomas of Kenya, The Carnivore Restaurant, the National Museum, or the Karen Blixen Museum. In Masai Mara, a hot air balloon safari is an option. In Bigodi, you can do a swamp walk, and in Queen Elizabeth National Park, an evening cruise along the Kazinga Channel is available. Porter hire is also an optional activity for the gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

• Is this a single continuous tour, or is it a combination of trips?

  This tour is a combination of two tours that travel through different countries (Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda). Due to local regulations, your local staff (driver/guide, cook) and vehicles will change approximately halfway through the trip, and your group CEO and fellow passengers may also change.

• How does this tour support local communities?

  This tour includes 'G for Good Moments' which are activities designed to positively impact local communities. These include lunch at the Amani Ya Juu in Nairobi and the Nyamirambo Women's Centre in Kigali, both supported initiatives that help local people earn income from tourism. The tour operator is also the largest corporate donor to the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to connecting underserved communities to the benefits of tourism.

• What are the general safety and security considerations for this trip?

  It is recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and passports (carry photocopies), and to leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. In cities like Nairobi, avoid wandering alone at night and use pre-arranged taxis. Be cautious of strangers approaching you on the street offering tours or showing excessive interest. During safaris and treks, always adhere to National Park/Reserve rules and follow the instructions of your guides and trackers. Photography of government buildings or military installations is prohibited.

• What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on this tour?

  The CEO (Chief Experience Officer) serves as your group manager and leader throughout the trip. They organize the logistics, provide assistance, and handle the smaller details so you can focus on enjoying your adventure. Your CEO will be knowledgeable about the region and wildlife, and you will also be supported by a certified driver/guide, camp crew, experienced gorilla trackers, and local guides.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Hand washing facilities are available at most campsites, and it is recommended to bring biodegradable soap and a simple string for a drying line. Some hotels and lodges may offer laundry services for a charge.

• What happens if I am unwell before or during a trek to see gorillas or chimpanzees?

  If you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied participation in the treks to ensure the safety of the gorillas and chimps. This is a national park regulation, and trekking permits will not be refunded if you are denied entrance due to illness.

• Are wildlife sightings, particularly gorillas, guaranteed?

  While specific wildlife sightings can never be 100% guaranteed, especially for animals like mountain gorillas, the gorilla trek is organized to ensure success. Local guides receive real-time coordinates from trackers who stay with the gorilla families until the group arrives. However, there is always a chance you may not encounter a specific animal.

• What are the health considerations for traveling in East Africa, including Yellow Fever and Malaria?

  It is recommended to contact your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for the most up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling to Uganda and Rwanda from a Yellow Fever endemic country, and may also be required for Kenya. Malaria is present in some regions, so discuss preventative medication (prophylaxis) with your doctor and use insect repellent. Carry a basic first-aid kit, and advise your tour leader of any medical conditions.

• Is tipping expected on this trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour. It serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service and is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Guidelines suggest around $5 USD per day for your CEO and Driver, $2-5 USD per day for supply crew, $1 USD per couple of hours for local guides, 10% of the bill for restaurant/café servers, and $10-15 USD for certified trekking guides in Uganda and Rwanda.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money on this tour?

  The local currencies are the Rwanda Franc, Ugandan Shilling, and Kenyan Shilling. The easiest foreign currency to exchange is US Dollars (notes printed after 2006 and in pristine condition). ATMs are available in major centers but can be unreliable. Credit cards are accepted in major cities and towns only, usually with a 5-10% fee. It is recommended to carry a combination of foreign currency (USD cash) and debit/credit cards for cash advances, and to bring more funds than you anticipate needing due to potential power outages or ATM issues.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. For Kenya, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is required for all nationalities. For Uganda, visas for most nationalities must be obtained through an online Electronic Visa application in advance, with a $50 USD cash payment required upon arrival at the border. For Rwanda, most nationalities will require a visa; please refer to the official Rwanda immigration department’s website for specific details. Additionally, a valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory upon entering Uganda and Rwanda, and may be required for Kenya and Tanzania.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in this trip. You will need to show evidence of coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation on this trip includes 7-seat 4x4 safari vans equipped with sliding windows and pop-up roofs for wildlife viewing, a plane for internal flights, private vans, and walking. Be prepared for long drives and varying road conditions, which can be poor and dusty. Seat belts are mandatory at all times in a vehicle.

• What is the physical requirement level for this tour?

  This trip is rated a level 4 physical requirement. Travelers should be in excellent physical condition, without heart problems, and prepared for strenuous days of trekking in humid rainforests, steep terrain, and high altitudes for chimpanzee and gorilla tracking.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip, especially for the gorilla trek?

  The minimum age to join this trip is 15 years old. This age restriction is strictly controlled by the government for safety reasons, especially for the gorilla trekking component, and there are no exceptions.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 14 travelers, with an average group size of 10.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, the tour includes 15 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners. All camp meals are prepared from fresh local produce by the crew. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Please note that bottled drinking water is at your own expense.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation includes standard hotels for 3 nights, full-service camping for 4 nights, and simple furnished tents/rooms for 8 nights. Full-service camping means that tents are pitched for you, meals are prepared and served, and washing up is handled by the staff, allowing you more time to enjoy your surroundings. In Masai Mara, you will stay in simple permanent tented camps with beds and mattresses. Please be aware that interruptions in electricity and water can be common in this developing area.

• What are the main wildlife highlights of the 'East Africa In-Depth' tour?

  The main wildlife highlights include exploring the Masai Mara National Reserve, enjoying safari drives in Samburu National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park, admiring a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, trekking to see chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, and keeping an eye out for elephants and hippos in Queen Elizabeth National Park.