East Africa Discovery - 12 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate for Kenya and Uganda, regardless of country of origin. Malaria is present in some regions, and speaking to your doctor about preventative medication is recommended, combined with insect repellent.

• Are there any specific safety considerations for this itinerary?

  In cities, please exercise caution and always take a pre-arranged taxi at night. During trekking and safaris, abide by all National park/reserve rules and follow guides/trackers to protect both wildlife and yourself. Do not photograph police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration/border crossings, army barracks, personnel, or any government building, as it is against the law.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  A USD40 departure tax is usually included in most international air tickets.

• How will we travel between destinations?

  The safari part of this trip uses private, 7-seat 4x4 Land cruiser vehicles designed for wildlife viewing, with sliding windows and large pop-up roofs. If the group is large, multiple vehicles will be used. Travel can involve long drives and poor road conditions at times, but the diverse African landscape, culture, and wildlife are considered well worth the experience.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement for solo travellers. Single travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include: Nairobi (Bomas of Kenya Tour, The Carnivore Restaurant, National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, Railway Museum), Masai Mara (Maasai Mara Balloon Safari), Bigodi (Bigodi Swamp Walk), Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kazinga Channel Cruise), and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Porter Hire for gorilla trekking).

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include safaris in the legendary Maasai Mara searching for the Big Five, visiting a traditional Maasai village, trekking deep into the forest to meet a family of mountain gorillas, spotting chimps in Uganda, and cruising Queen Elizabeth National Park to see elephants and hippos.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join without evidence of travel insurance covering medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage. Ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, expression of appreciation. It is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Guidelines per person: G CEOs and drivers: $3-4 USD each per day worked; Trekking Guides in Uganda and Rwanda: $10-15 USD (full day); Restaurant/Café servers: 10% of bill; Local guides: $1 USD for every couple of hours.

• What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund for unforeseen circumstances requiring a change to the planned route.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting community-owned businesses, empowering women, granting youth employment, and protecting the environment. 100% of your donation through the tour operator's Dollar-a-day Program goes directly to Planeterra projects.

• What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?

  The maximum number of travellers on this tour is 14.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners.

• What should I expect from the accommodations on this trip?

  Accommodation will be a mix of hotels (5 nights) and simple furnished tents/rooms (6 nights). Hotel accommodation in Uganda/Rwanda will be in simple, comfortable twin-share rooms with mosquito netting (except at high altitudes). Tented accommodation features large, walk-in tents on wooden platforms with two beds, provided linens, mosquito netting, and shared bathroom facilities. Expect that accommodations/service may not be of the same standard as in your home country, and interruptions in electricity and water can be common.

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

  The local currencies are Kenyan Shilling, Rwanda Franc, and Ugandan Shilling. US$ is the most widely accepted currency to exchange. Notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Larger notes ($US 50, $US 100) may be hard to change but offer better rates. Bring USD cash for visas if buying at borders. Travellers’ cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system cards are widely accepted for debit; Mastercard/Cirrus are less common. ATMs can run out of cash or be out of order. Do not rely solely on credit/debit cards; a combination of foreign currency and cards for cash advances is best. Expect a 5%-10% fee for credit card purchases.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community. They encourage visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and the Equaldex tool for specific country information to ensure safety and comfort.

• What is included in the tour price?

  Included are: Amani Ya Juu Lunch (Nairobi), Nyamirambo Women's Centre Local Lunch (Kigali), Meet Your CEO and Group Welcome Moment, Masai Mara National Reserve entrance and wildlife safari drives, Masai Village Visit, Guest farm stay near Kibale National Park, Chimpanzee trek, Bigodi community lunch, Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife safari drives, Guided gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Visit to Kigali Genocide Museum, all national park fees and trekking permits, an internal flight between Nairobi and Kampala, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Where can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. It is advisable to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for times when you may need to do your own laundry.

• Who do I contact in the event of an emergency?

  In case of dire need, first call the tour operator Local Representative or Local Office (Nairobi: +254 727 208 832; Rwanda: Robert +250 784 744 586). If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. For general emergencies or if local contacts are unreachable, call the 24-hour Sales team (Toll-free North America: 1 888 800 4100; UK: 0344 272 0000; Germany: 0800 365 1000; Australia: 1 300 796 618; New Zealand: 0800 333 307; Outside these regions: +1 416 260 0999).

• Who will be leading the group?

  The group will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/driver throughout, experienced gorilla trackers, local guides, and a certified driver/guide.