East Africa Discovery - 12 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the East Africa Discovery tour?

  The main highlights include safaris in the legendary Maasai Mara in search of the Big Five, visiting a traditional Maasai village and sharing stories with locals, trekking deep into the forest to meet a family of mountain gorillas, setting out on foot in Uganda to spot chimps swinging through the canopy, and cruising Queen Elizabeth National Park spotting elephants and hippos.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  The tour includes stays in hotels (5 nights) and simple furnished tents/rooms (6 nights). Hotel accommodation in Uganda/Rwanda will be in simple, comfortable twin-share rooms, equipped with adequate mosquito netting (except in high-altitude areas). Tented accommodation will be in simple furnished tents on wooden platforms with shared bathroom facilities, large walk-in tents with mosquito-netting, two beds, and provided linens. Please note that accommodations and service may not be of the same standard as in your home country, and interruptions in electricity and water can be common.

• What meals are included in the tour?

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

• How will we travel between destinations on this tour?

  The safari part of this trip is done in private, 7-seat 4x4 Land cruiser vehicles, designed for wildlife viewing with sliding windows and large pop-up roofs. For larger groups, two or more vehicles will be used. There will also be an internal flight between Nairobi and Kampala, and some activities involve walking. Please be aware that traveling can be difficult due to long drives and potentially poor road conditions, but vehicles are regularly serviced.

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

  The maximum group size for this tour is 14 travellers.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 15 years, and the maximum age is 100 years.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 4. While not physically demanding overall, it involves long drives and potentially rough road conditions. Activities like gorilla and chimp trekking can vary in length and difficulty.

• Are there any health considerations I should be aware of before traveling?

  We recommend contacting your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for the most up-to-date health information. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory for Kenya and Uganda for all travelers. Malaria is present in some regions, and preventative medication (prophylaxis) combined with insect repellent is recommended. Medical facilities are basic, so carrying a basic first-aid kit is advisable.

• What are the specific safety considerations for this itinerary?

  In cities, exercise caution and always take a pre-arranged taxi if going out at night. During trekking and safaris, strictly abide by all National Park/reserve rules and follow instructions from guides/trackers. Refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration/border crossings, army barracks and personnel, or any government building, as it is against the law. We strongly recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables.

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

  The local currencies are the Kenyan Shilling, Rwanda Franc, and Ugandan Shilling. The US Dollar ($US) is the most widely accepted currency for exchange; however, $US notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Larger notes ($US 50, $US 100) may be difficult to change in some places but offer the best rates. Travellers’ cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards, and it's advisable to carry both Visa and Mastercard. Credit cards can be used in major cities only, often with a 5-10% fee, and should not be relied upon as the sole method of payment due to occasional power outages and ATMs running out of cash.

• 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, to be used if unforeseen circumstances (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to the planned route.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Tipping is an expected and appreciated gesture. As a guideline, $3-4 USD per person per day is suggested for G CEOs and drivers. For certified safari/trekking guides in Uganda and Rwanda, $10-15 USD per person for a full day is recommended. For restaurant/café servers, 10% of the bill is suggested, especially for large groups. Local guides can be tipped $1 USD for every couple of hours.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and generally do not involve a single supplement for solo travellers, who are paired with someone of the same sex. However, if you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Are laundry facilities available on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry at other times.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Maasai Mara, a Bigodi Swamp Walk in Uganda, and an evening cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. In Nairobi, you can opt for tours to Bomas of Kenya, The Carnivore Restaurant, National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, or Railway Museum. Porter hire is also available for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour includes Maasai Mara National Reserve entrance and wildlife safari drives, a Maasai Village Visit, a guest farm stay near Kibale National Park, a chimpanzee trek, Bigodi community lunch, Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife safari drives, guided gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum, all national park fees and trekking permits, an internal flight between Nairobi and Kampala, all transport between destinations and to/from included activities, and two 'G for Good' Moments: Amani Ya Juu Lunch in Nairobi and Nyamirambo Women's Centre Local Lunch in Kigali.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

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

• What is Planeterra and how does this tour support local communities?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. This tour includes 'G for Good Moments' at Amani Ya Juu in Nairobi and Nyamirambo Women's Centre in Kigali, which are community-owned businesses supported by Planeterra. The tour operator covers all of Planeterra's operating costs, so 100% of donations go directly to their projects, creating opportunities for local people.

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

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit the dedicated LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip, including the Equaldex tool for country-specific information.