Kenya to Uganda Overland Safari with Participation Camping - 15 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this safari?

  This tour offers opportunities to spot the 'big five' in Masai Mara, search for chimpanzees in the Kalinzu Forest, and observe endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will also enjoy wildlife drives in Lake Nakuru National Park.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  The tour includes one night in a basic hotel (single or twin-share), two nights in a permanent tented camp, and eleven nights of participation camping. All necessary camping equipment, with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow, is supplied. Campsite facilities can range from basic to good, sometimes including restaurants, bars, flush toilets, and showers.

• What is 'participation camping' and what does it involve?

  Participation camping means you will be involved in setting up and packing away your tent each morning, as well as helping with meal preparation and washing dishes. It is considered an essential part of the safari adventure and fosters team spirit.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 22 travelers, with an average group size of 20.

• What kind of vehicles are used for transportation on this tour?

  For the Masai Mara portion, 7-seat 4x4 safari vans with sliding windows and pop-up roofs are used for wildlife viewing. For the remainder of the tour, a custom-built 24-seat overland adventure vehicle (OAV) named the 'Lando' is used, which is excellent for scenic and wildlife viewing due to its height. Minibuses are utilized for specific transfers, such as getting to the gorilla trek trailheads. Please note that Landos do not have on-board bathrooms.

• Are meals included in the tour price, and what can I expect?

  Yes, 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners are included. All included meals are prepared from fresh local produce by your Chief Experience Officers (CEOs), consisting of a variety of continental and local dishes. Lunches are often light meals like sandwiches and salads. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified in advance. Bottled drinking water is at your own expense.

• What kind of guides will accompany us on this trip?

  You will be accompanied by two crew members throughout the journey: a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who acts as the head guide/cook and a CEO driver. Certified safari guides/drivers join for the Masai Mara safaris. For the gorilla trek in Uganda, you will have an experienced and certified local mountain guide, expert gorilla trackers, and armed guards for safety. Local guides are also used for some included activities to provide specific knowledge.

• What are the main activities included in the tour?

  The main included activities are wildlife safari drives in Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park, a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (with permits), chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, a tea plantation visit, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• What are some of the optional activities available during the tour?

  Optional activities include a Maasai Mara Balloon Safari, swimming, canoeing, hiking, bird watching, or a motorboat tour in Lake Bunyonyi, a boat cruise in Kalinzu Forest, a Lake Mburo Boat Safari or Nature Walk, and various adventure activities in Jinja like Nile River sunset cruises, quad biking, kayaking, bungee jumping, and white water rafting. Mountain biking is also available in Mabira Forest.

• What should I know about currency and money exchange in Kenya and Uganda?

  The local currencies are the Ugandan Shilling (UGX/USH) and the Kenyan Shilling (KES/KSH). US Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros can be exchanged, but US Dollar notes older than 2006 are not accepted in Africa. Larger US Dollar notes (e.g., $50, $100) generally yield better exchange rates. Travelers’ cheques are difficult to exchange. Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards, while Mastercard/Cirrus are less common. Credit cards have limited acceptance in major cities only and may incur 5-10% fees. It's advisable to carry a combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards, as ATMs can be unreliable due to power outages or running out of cash.

• Is tipping expected on this tour?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program and serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service. Tipping is an important source of income in the African tourism industry. Suggested guidelines per person per day are: $5-8 USD for the CEO, $2-3 USD for local guides and safari drivers, and $2-4 USD for gorilla trekking guides. For restaurant staff, 10-15% of the bill is suggested.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Solo travelers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, as group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops where private accommodation is provided.

• Are there any specific health recommendations for this trip, including vaccinations?

  It is recommended to contact your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A Yellow Fever certificate may be required upon entering the country. Medical facilities are basic, so carrying a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers is advisable. It is important to advise your tour leader of any medical conditions.

• What physical condition is required for the gorilla and chimpanzee treks?

  Visitors to Uganda for gorilla and chimpanzee treks should be in excellent physical condition, without any heart problems, and prepared for strenuous days in humid rainforests, steep terrain, and high altitudes. Trek lengths and difficulty can vary. Please note that if you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied trekking permits for the safety of the primates, and permits will not be refunded due to illness.

• What safety precautions should I be aware of during the tour, especially in cities and national parks?

  In cities like Nairobi, it is advised to use hotel safe deposits for valuables, avoid flaunting jewelry or cameras, not wander through the city at night, and use taxis after sundown. Be cautious of individuals approaching you with suspicious intentions. Photography of police stations, airports, bus stations, border crossings, army barracks, and government buildings is prohibited. The use of drones in national parks is also prohibited. Water-based activities carry an element of danger, and it's recommended to participate only when accompanied by guides. Always use your own good judgment when selecting optional activities.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Hand washing of clothes can be done at most campsites. It's recommended to bring a non-polluting/biodegradable soap and a simple string for a drying line. Your start/end hotel in Nairobi also offers a laundry service for a fee.

• What is Planeterra and how does the tour support it?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into positive impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, ensuring 100% of your donation directly supports their projects. This tour includes 'G for Good Moments' like meals at the tour operator-supported Ubuntu Cafe and AidChild Cafe & Gallery, which directly benefit these communities.