The information on travel to the East African countries of Tanzania and Kenya is current but travelers are cautioned to check with the nearest consulate or embassy for the latest updates as these travel conditions are liable to change without notice.

Visas: All visitors to Kenya are required to have valid passports. Visas are also required for visitors who are not citizens of the commonwealth countries in order to enter Kenya. At present visitors from Germany, Denmark, Norway, San Marino, Sweden, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Finland, Spain, Turkey and Uruguay do not require visas. However, since visa requirements may change, it is advisable for the visitors to check the current visa requirements through airlines, tour operators or Kenya Tourist Offices, Kenya Embassies or High Commissions in their countries before coming, to avoid embarrassment. Visas normally take up to six weeks to process and are valid for up to a three month period. Those visitors with proper documents and who also possess onward or return tickets may be given visitor's passes free of charge on arrival at any Kenyan point of entry.

During the three months period, the visitors' pass holders are not allowed to engage themselves in any form of work or business in the country without authority from the Principal Immigration officer. Visitors without proper documents will be required to pay a refundable deposit of Kshs. 5,000/= before they are issued with visitor passes.

Weather: Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country.

• The average annual temperature for the coastal town of Mombasa (altitude 17 meters) is 30.30 Celsius maximum and 22.40 Celsius minimum, the capital city, Nairobi (altitude 1,661 meters) 25.20 Celsius maximum and 13.60 Celsius minimum, Eldoret (altitude 3,085) 23.60 Celsius maximum and 9.50 Celsius minimum, Lodwar (altitude) 506 meters) and the drier north plain lands 34.80 Celsius maximum and 23.70 Celsius minimum.
• There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning.
• The long rains occur from April to June and short rains from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and when it does come it often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August.

The annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya takes place between June and September. The migration of almost two million wildebeest, zebras and other species is nature's greatest spectacle on earth. The animal trek has been captured by filmmakers worldwide.

Baggage: Baggage space on safari is restricted to one medium suitcase or hold-all per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 7 persons in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction). Visitors to Treetops and the Ark are asked to take overnight bags only; suitcases can be left at the base hotel. Hotels will normally store baggage at no extra cost. Baggage can also be stored at Vindicate Tours & Travel offices. A baggage weight restriction of 15 kg per person applies on air safaris. Where very small aircraft are used this maybe reduced to 10kg.

Currency: Hard currencies can be exchanged in cash or travelers cheques at banks all over the country, at forex bureaus in Nairobi and at most large hotels. US Dollars and Sterling Pounds are most acceptable and will cause the least delay. As a norm, always ask what commission and charges will be deducted first and prior to transaction. Banks are usually open from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm, Mondays through Fridays and from 9.00 am and 11.00 am on Saturdays.

Credit Cards: VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS are widely accepted for tourist services. There's usually a 5% mark-up on top of the price as establishments are charged a fixed percentage of their transactions.

Health: Since rules concerning disease prevention change from time to time, a check should be made with the nearest Kenyan High Commission, Kenya Tourist Office or any airline flying scheduled services into Kenya. Malaria is endemic to most parts of Kenya and intending visitors should start taking anti-malarial tablets before departure and continue taking them for the prescribed time after their return. Insect repellents should be made use of after dusk and suitable cover up clothes should be worn in the evenings.

Flying Doctors Society: Membership of the Flying Doctors Society is strongly recommended. In event of accident or sickness while on safari, the society will fly patients by air ambulance to Nairobi for admittance to hospital. The current cost for 1-month membership is US$ 25 per person.

Drinking Water: Drinking water from the tap must be considered risky. Hotels and lodges usually furnish safe water in a thermos flask in guest rooms. Bottled mineral water is available in every hotel and supermarket.

Security: Normal precautions as in any other destination world-wide should be taken. Visitors are advised not to leave cash and valuables in their hotel rooms but to make use of safe deposit boxes and safes. One should never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on handbags in crowds or busy streets. Jewellery snatching is quite common in city streets. As in all major cities walking alone or in small groups at night should be considered a hazard and avoided. Reliable taxis are available at all the principal hotels. Taking photographs at airports, near military installations, of policeman, the president, the national flag, the State House, state lodges, soldiers, prisons and prisoners etc., is prohibited. Before photographing local people, permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed. Seek the assistance of your driver/guide in this matter.

Voltage: Both mains electricity and generated supply in lodges provide 240 volts AC 50 cycles. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with 110v 50 cycles. Sockets are normally three pin and of the 'square' variety.

Tipping and Porterage: Although hotels and lodges include a service charge, it is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers and safari drivers/guides.

Language: Kiswahili is the lingua franca while English is the official language. In addition, most tribes have their own language.

Post and Telephones: Keeping in touch by mail and telephone is generally easy. Direct overseas dialing is possible from major centers and increasingly from remote places such as game lodges. Call home bureaus are in plenty in Nairobi as are the Cyber cafe for e-mail and Internet access in the towns throughout the country.

Arrivals and Departures: Kenya has two main ports of entry by air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. Located 16 km from the city center. Moi International Airport, Mombasa. Located 12 km from the town center. Mombasa is the main port of entry by sea.

Airport Departure Tax: International Airport departure tax equivalent to US$ 30 per person is payable on departure from the International airports. A local airport service charge is also payable on departure for domestic flights. As this varies from country to country, please check with us on the prevailing amounts payable prior to your flight departure.

Opening and Shopping Hours: Major stores, tourist services, offices and museums open from 8.00 am to 5.00 PM in large towns though offices often break for lunch. In rural areas and out in the bush small shops can be open at almost any hour. Souvenirs to take back home can include wood and soap stone sculptures and carvings, ciondos (sisal baskets), beadwork and tribal regalia, masks, textiles and gemstones set in unique jewellery pieces.

Entry and Health Regulations: Visitors must be in possession of valid visa or travel documents on arrival in Tanzania. Different regulations are applied according to Nationality and country of origin and these should be checked with the nearest Tourist Offices or diplomatic missions.

Customs and Exit Regulations: Personal effects, film and camera may be imported temporarily free of duty. However, a customs bond may be required in connection with professional video equipment, tape recorders, radios, musical instruments and souvenirs from other countries, to ensure that goods can be re-exported. Firearms need special permit, which must be obtained in advance. Excess baggage is strictly monitored and charges are very expensive. Custom officials normally check baggage on arrival and departure.

Currency: There is no restriction to the amount of foreign currency a visitor may import. Only authorized dealers are allowed to exchange money. The three East African currencies of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are interchangeable.

Medical Advise: Tanzania enjoys a healthy, invigorating climate and visitors need feel no concern during their stay. However, malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malaria medication should be taken according to prescription recommendations. Visitors requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies in their hand luggage. Chemist shops are well stocked and medication is readily available in the main cities with medicines becoming scarce as you move further from these centers of civilization. Please buy all the medicines and mineral water you may need before the safari commences.

Security: Visitors should take the same as they would normally take in any other destination worldwide. Keep a close watch at your handbags, wallets and cameras when walking in crowd places. Avoid walking at night and place valuables in safe deposit boxes at hotels and lodges.

Supplements: A supplemental charge will be applied to all tours operating between 16 December to 05 January and for the Easter weekend each year.

Departure Taxes: This is normally included in the cost of the ticket or is alternatively payable in foreign currency in Tanzania.

Travel: All the tours are based in hotel/lodge, tented camp or basic camping and such require little effort. However, East Africa is for the most part underdeveloped. It is therefore important for you to understand and accept that even the most meticulous arrangements can go wrong and that the conditions can dictate that there may be moments of discomfort and delay. Any clients booking any of our arrangements must implicitly accept the above and make any such booking subject to the booking conditions and this general information. It is our policy to constantly review the services of the handling agents, hotels, lodges and camps we use, but we can not be held responsible for the results of delays and alterations other than in those circumstances outlined in the booking conditions.

Special Diet and Needs: In the case of special dietary needs or facilities for the disabled, let us know of these requirements at the time of making the booking.

Where to Stay: In Kampala, Uganda’s capital, there are diverse classes of accommodation; from the renowned top range establishments to the reasonably priced outlets for the budget traveler. Across the entire country and in the National Parks are hotels and resorts that offer quality service. To meet the needs of the budget traveler a number of campsites are also available in most of the tourist circuits.

Airport: For those travelers who arrive in Uganda by air, they land at the Entebbe International Airport, which is approximately 45 minutes drive from the Capital Kampala. From the airport there are taxis and other vehicles on hire to take you to the city. The airport tax is incorporated in your tickets.

Airlines: Uganda Airlines is the national carrier but others servicing Uganda regularly include: Air Tanzania, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, Inter Air, Kenya Airways Sabena and South Africa. There are daily connections to and from Nairobi. There are also several reputable domestic charter companies to choose from.

Banking: Several International banks operate in Uganda including Barclays, Standard Chartered and Stanbic. Many local banks and forex bureaus also operate across the country. Generally the banking hours are 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Monday to Friday, though some institutions are open for longer hours and on Saturdays. There are no longer restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible. Use only Uganda shilling dated after 1990.

Climate: Uganda enjoys ideal weather conditions ranging from the warmth of the lowlands to the coolness of the highlands. Mean temperatures are between 21° C and 31° C all the year round. Wet seasons are March to May and October to November.

Clothing: Light summer clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient all year round. Usually dressing is informal. Cotton slacks and flat-heeled comfortable shoes are recommended on safari. A hat for sun protection and a swimsuit would be ideal. Umbrellas and windbreakers are recommended in the wet seasons. Request additional details at the tome of booking.

Credit Cards: AMEX, Visa and MasterCard are only accepted at a few choice establishments in Kampala and some lodges.

Currency: The Uganda shilling is the currency used. It is used in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 Uganda shilling notes. The rates vary from time to time but are readily available from banks and forex bureaus.

Drinking Water: We recommend that you do not drink tap water. Most hotels and restaurants provide previously boiled water. Mineral water is also available.

Foods: Fresh tropical fruits and vegetables are plentiful throughout the country. Wide ranges of dishes, both traditional and international are served in the hotels and restaurants.

Health Requirements: Certificates are required for vaccination against yellow fever. Check current medical advice on typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. Malarial risk is general and prophylactics should be taken. It is advisable to start anti-malaria medications 10 days prior to arrival and continue with the same until 14 days after leaving East Africa.

Language: The official language is English though Kiswahili and Luganda are commonly spoken throughout the country.

Photography: Though some types of film are available in many of the lodges, it is advisable to bring films and batteries with you or to purchase them in Kampala. A pair of binoculars will prove extremely useful for the keen game viewer. There is no charge for coming into the country with photography cameras but there may be a charge for video cameras in some places.

Security: Precautions should be taken as in any major city. Unless safety deposit boxes are available in your hotel or lodge, always carry travel documents, traveler’s Cheques, cash and other valuables with you at all times. We recommend that you do not walk late in the night but instead take a taxi.

Sports Facilities: There are a variety of sports available in the Kampala and Entebbe City centers – Squash, golf, tennis etc Fishing on Lake Victoria or the Nile River and White water Rafting from Bujagali falls is also popular. Arrangements can be made for these activities depending on individual interests.

Transport: The roads are generally in good condition. Four wheel drive vehicles may be required for upcountry use, especially in the national parks during the rainy seasons. Vehicles for hire are available only in the major cities on both self-drive and chauffeur driven basis. Please inquire for further details and tariffs.

Visas: All PTA countries, EEC countries, Japan and USA are exempt from Visas. Visas are generally available at all entry points including Entebbe airport.