English is widely spoken, but a few words of Swahili will always be appreciated. Most people in the tourism industry speak English plus one other foreign language. So does our guides on your safari.
Here are some of the words you might find useful
Hello – Jambo
How are you – Mambo
Fine – Poa
Goodbye – Kwaheri
Welcome/ You are welcome – Karibu
Thank you – Ahsante
Thanks a lot – Ahsante sana
Yes please – Ndio ahsante
No thanks – Hapana ahsante
Okay – Sawa
If you are planning a high altitude climb, you are advised to consult your doctor to ensure that you are fully informed of the inherent risks of high altitude climbing. Note that, while your ability to withstand high altitudes during long trekkings, it is not directly related to your level of physical fitness, although a good level of fitness will assist in your general stamina.
It is advisable to take anti-malarial precautions and yellow fever vaccination before departure. It is also a good idea to bring antibiotics with you as a precaution.
Remember, change of food and altitude may cause diarrhea, headache or loss of appetite, why you should consult your doctor or travel clinic before you plan your journey to Africa.
Baggage on safari is limited to one soft-sided bag, plus one small piece of hand luggage per person (excluding a camera bag). Ideally, the total weight should not exceed 15 to 20 kilos. You are welcome to store any excess suitcases or other heavier items in the city hotels while on safari. Of course, if the number of people traveling together with you is minimal, you can choose to keep your luggage with you. In case you lose your luggage on arrival please leave this number to the airline +255 756 761701. This will ensure that your luggage is sent directly to us. We will make sure to store it safely while you are away, or we can bring it to you if necessary.
It is very important to bring plenty of film and batteries with you on your trip. If necessary, you can recharge your camera at a hotel, or in the car, if you have the necessary accessories. While on safari you are strongly advised to keep your camera free from dust and all your equipment and film cool. It is courteous, and appreciated, to ask permission before photographing local people. If you have an instant camera it would be appreciated to leave a copy for the people you might have met.
Tips are not obligatory, but a 10% tip of the package price for your support staff is always highly appreciated. Bright African Safaris neither limits nor obliges its’ clients regarding tips. Needless to say, the services and friendship you receive will influence your decision at the end.
GMT + 3 hours.
Electricity in the east African countries is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.
Outlets generally accept 2 types of plugs
- Three round pins arranged in a triangle or (old british)
- Two parallel flat pins with ground pin (british)
If your appliances plug has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter.
Power failures are common in East Africa, why a torch (flashlight) or headlamp can be your most needed accessory on your trip.
It is essential to check the current requirements of visa before leaving for Africa. Check with the nearest High Commission, Embassy or Consulate in your country. Currently it is required to have a visa when entering the country, which make 50 USD.
The East African countries are generally safe, stable and friendly, but do not invite temptation. Keep your eye on your belongings. Do not walk around at night – always take a taxi. Do not carry cameras or large amounts of cash, and beware of pickpockets and hawkers, especially at Namanga Border or at the bus stations. Use the hotel safety deposit box to safeguard valuables and obtain a receipt. Leave valuable jewelry at home.
The tourist areas and hotels sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewelry and trinkets. Do not be afraid to haggle at roadside stalls (your driver/guide will guide you where to shop and advise you on the best prices). The most sought after souvenirs are wood carvings, curios, and the famous love stone, which is a well known “Tanzanite” gem stone available widely at souvenirs shops.
Major foreign currencies – particularly US dollars and the Euro – and travelers cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureau de change in the main town and tourist areas. Euros are now widely used and generally have good exchange rates. Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. Some banks offer ATM facilities, such as NBC Bank, CRDB Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays’ Banks in the major towns and cities. At most banks only VISA is accepted in order to withdraw cash. Do not change money with unlawful currency traders in the street.
Camping
On camping safari we use public campsites and some of these are set in the wilderness and are provided with basic necessities only. During this safari we use light-tents for camping and we provide all other camping gears like mattresses, chairs, tables etc. Our cook travels with you and he takes care of all camping chores like cooking, washing dishes etc. You are welcome to give a helping hand.
Safari lodges and tented camps
The lodges and tents are permanent, providing a comfortable accommodation in specious rooms or big tents (Hemingway style) with private showers and toilets. Most of the lodges have modern amenities, e.g. swimming pools etc. There are about two levels of luxury lodges in the national parks – The standard lodges and middle class lodges.
Transport
On the safari you will drive in a special Safari Jeep – Land Rover 110 Tdi 4WD or Land Cruiser 4WD. The vehicles are fitted with a pop-up roof for game-viewing and photographing. The vehicles carry four people, excluding the driver, guide and cook.
Note – Our drivers are also guides by qualifications. They are knowledgeable in flora, fauna and the culture. You will have at least six hours of game-driving in the parks every day, taking at the best times of the day. This might be early morning game drives that continuous throughout the day until sunset.
Suggested packing list
Non-synthetic comfortable fitting clothes (neutral colors and wrinkle free preferred), 2-3 long sleeved shirts and 2 short sleeved shirts, shorts and long trousers. 1 safari vest with several pockets, 1 safari hat – packable (wide rimmed for sun protection), jersey or safari jacket for evenings, several pairs of socks.
It is also recommended that you bring safari binoculars, sleeping bag, lightweight safari shoes or trainers, sandals, sunglasses, suncream, insect repellent cream, a lightweight first aid kit, a day-pack for your camera, rucksack for your safari gears and clothes.
Suggested personal first aid kit
Cloth tape
General gauze pads
Non-adherent gauze pads
Combine (bulk) dressing
Band-aid bandages
Stretch roller gauze
Occlusive dressings
Triangular bandages
Ace wrap
Sam Splint or wire splint
Nasal or airway spray
Blister kit
Povidone iodine packets
Trauma scissors
Splinter tweezers
Thermometer
Blanket pin
2 safety pins
12 to 60cc syringes
Duck tape
