THE AUTHENTIC SAFARI DESTINATION
Safaris in Kenya have enchanted travellers for centuries with the allure of wildlife, spectacular scenery and exotic tribes. Kenya comprises of wildlife, culture and the cradle of mankind – a natural paradise and land of contrasts, with world famous national parks like the Masai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli, Tsavo and Mt Kenya.
Kenya’s wildlife regions are the magnet, which lure safari enthusiasts to East Africa, but the white sandy beaches and tropical palms of the Swahili coast is another good reason to choose this hospitable, friendly country as a vacation destination.
There are many different ways to experience Kenya. Whether you want to view a pride of lions from a 4X4 safari vehicle, walk through herds of plains game, watch a herd of elephants from the comfortable veranda of your safari lodge, track game on horseback or search for birds in a thick rainforest, the possibilities are endless.
Full Country Name: Republic of Kenya
Area: 583,000 sq km
Population: 41.61 million (UN 2011)
Capital: Nairobi
Borders: Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
Religion: Christian, Animist, Muslim
Time Zone: Standard time is three hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: English and Swahili are the official languages and are taught in schools throughout the country. However, there are many other tribal languages including Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba as well as many minor tribal languages
Country Dialling Code: +254
The climate in Kenya varies due to the sharp variations in altitude from sea level to 5,100 metres. Due to the proximity of the Equator, Kenya generally experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year with plenty of clear sunshine all the year round and although warm by day is often chilly at night. The ‘long rains’ usually fall in the months of April and May. The migration usually takes place after the long rains, when from late July to October the wildebeest migrate from Tanzania to find new grazing. During the months of October and November, there are occasional scattered rains, the ‘short rains’, which freshen the atmosphere and vegetation and lay the dust.
The Kenyan currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KSH), which is divided up into 100 cents, and it is now permitted to take local currency into the country.
US Dollar notes printed before the year 2000 will not be accepted. Barclay’s Bank in Kenya has implanted a new policy where they will no longer accept notes printed before 2000. Clients who carry US Dollar notes printed before 2000 will be compelled to accept a rate of exchange lower than normal.
In Kenya the general voltage is 240 and the frequency is 50 Hz. The British three rectangular blade plugs are common. Some lodges and camps only have power in the early mornings and evenings. Batteries may be recharged in camps during the day but it is wise to double check with the camp manager.
As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown. It is useful to carry a torch.
Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice. The following information is to be used as a guide only.
Malaria: It is recommended that precautions against malaria are taken for travel to most regions in Africa. We suggest you contact your doctor for advice on which prophylactic is recommended.
Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination is required. All travellers must carry proof that the Yellow Fever vaccine has been administered at least 10 days prior to travel.
Kenya like most countries in Africa is a third world country. Therefore please be aware that the infrastructure in certain areas is not up to the standard you would find at home. Specifically some of the roads are often very rough and short journeys can take much longer than expected. For example a journey from Nairobi to the Masai Mara which is 300 km’s takes 5-6 hours and from Lake Nakuru to Amboseli 6-7 hours. Some days will be very long and bumpy due to Kenya’s road conditions. The views and spectacular scenery encountered usually make the trip well worthwhile.
At the time of writing, a visa for Kenya is required for Australian Passport Holders. The visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport or at border posts.
Kenya has enforced a ‘blank pages’ condition of entry”. This means that all those requiring a visa to enter Kenya must have at least two blank pages available in your passport upon arrival. Failure to meet this requirement may result in an entry visa being refused.
Single Entry Visa: USD $50 per person on an Australian Passport (subject to change).
Multiple Entry Visa: Please note that if you are travelling within East Africa (Tanzania, Zanzibar or Uganda or Rwanda) you can request free re-entry into Kenya. You will however be required to pay the normal visa charges for the other countries but may re-enter Kenya freely.
Transit Visa: USD $20 per person on an Foreign Passport. Transit time in Kenya cannot exceed 24 hours (subject to change).
We hope that you will find this country Information on Kenya useful for reference when preparing for your holiday. All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only. Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.
THE LAND OF THE GORILLAS
Rwanda is popularly known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’. The landscapes in this green country are truly incredible. Fortunate people who have had the chance to visit Rwanda have remarked about the physical beauty of the country. From East to West and North to South, you get to discover one of God’s best creations.
Rwanda boasts a wide variety of wildlife. The Volcanoes National Park, in northern Rwanda is home to the world’s largest number of endangered mountain gorillas. Numbering in the hundreds, the gorillas live in a protected area, free from poachers. The Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is crowded with wildlife both large and small. Lake Kivu also offers beautiful beaches, jutting peninsulas and an archipelago of beautiful islands.
Rwanda, in a nutshell, is a nature lover’s paradise. It is also one of the friendliest countries. A warm welcome is complemented by comfortable facilities, fine food and a rich cultural heritage.
Full Country Name: Republic of Rwanda
Area: 26,338 sq km
Population: 10.94 million (UN 2011)
Capital: Kigali
Borders: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC (formally Zaire), Tanzania and Uganda
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Adventist, Muslim and indigenous beliefs
Time Zone: Standard time is two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French (official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in commercial centres
Country Dialling Code: +250
A combination of tropical location and high altitude ensures that most of Rwanda has a temperate year-round climate. Temperatures rarely stray above 30 degrees Celsius by day or below 15 degrees Celsius at night throughout the year. The exceptions are the chilly upper slopes of the Virunga Mountains and the hot low lying Tanzania border area protected in Akagera National Park.
The unit of currency is the Rwanda Franc (RWF). However when changing money, US Dollars cash is the preferred currency. Any dollar bills taken must not be tattered or torn, and should not have been issued prior to 2001. It is difficult to change money outside Kigali.
Credit cards are not widely accepted and not all lodges will take them. Small local purchases such as souvenirs and drinks will definitely have to be paid for in local currency.
The general voltage in Rwanda is 240 and the frequency is 50 Hz. Generally a 2-pin European style plug is used. Electricity in most camps is provided by generators. Batteries may be recharged in the camp during the day but it is wise to double check with the camp manager.
As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown. It is useful to carry a torch.
Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice. The following information is to be used as a guide only.
Malaria: It is recommended that precautions against malaria are taken for travel to most regions in Africa. We suggest you contact your doctor for advice on which prophylactic is recommended.
Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination is required. All travellers must carry proof that the Yellow Fever vaccine has been administered at least 10 days prior to travel.
Please note that road surfaces vary from tarmac, gravel, sand and occasionally vehicles may travel “off road”. Additionally, if visiting remote areas or National Parks and Reserves, the roads may well be rough, bumpy and in a poor condition and may be affected by adverse weather conditions.
Photographing government buildings is prohibited and plastic bags are prohibited in Rwanda. You may be requested to pay a fee if you are found carrying any plastic bags on entry at the international airport.
At the time of writing, Foreign Passport holders are required to pre-register for an entry visa for Rwanda prior to arrival. The visa is then paid for on arrival in Kigali.
Single Entry Visa: USD $60 per person on an Foreign Passport (subject to change).
Applications are available online with an “entry facility application” on the Rwandan immigration authority’s website – www.migration.gov.rw – under the topic “Public service”, click on “entry facility. The form that appears should be completed with the basic details of name, passport number, arrival date and port of arrival and you then submit it over the net. Remember to print a copy in case your copy is not at the visa counter when you arrive.
We hope that you will find this country Information on Rwanda useful for reference when preparing for your holiday. All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only. Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.
THE LAND OF KILIMANJARO
Tanzania is home to the great wildebeest and zebra herds and the pursuing predators that trek the Serengeti in an annual migration in search of fresh grazing and water sources. The annual migration of an estimated two million animals can happen anytime between May and July, depending on the rains, with the animals returning to the southern Serengeti from the Masai Mara around October.
This incredible wildlife spectacle is just one of Tanzania’s many attractions. Other attractions include the Ngorongoro Crater, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest free standing mountain in the world, the Selous Game Reserve, the largest game reserve in Africa and the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. Tanzania combines very well as a safari destination with neighbouring Kenya and is easily accessible to Uganda and Rwanda to see the amazing gorillas.
Full Country Name: United Republic of Tanzania
Area: 943,000 sq km
Population: 46.22 million (UN 2011)
Capital: Dodoma
Borders: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Religion: Mainland Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, Indigenous beliefs 35%, Zanzibar – more than 99% Muslim
Time Zone: Standard time is three hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: Kiswahili or Swahili (official), English (official, primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in Zanzibar), many other local languages
Country Dialling Code: +255
Although Tanzania lies close to the Equator, the climate is healthy and generally agreeable due to altitude – it is the coastal zones, which have what can truly be described as a tropical climate. There is plenty of clear sunshine all year round. Much of the terrain is above 1,500 metres and here the climate, although warm by day is often chilly at night. The ‘long rains’ usually fall in the months of April and May.
The migration usually takes place after the long rains, when from August to October the wildebeest migrate from Tanzania into Kenya to find new grazing. During the months of October and November, there are occasional scattered rains, the ‘short rains’, which freshen the atmosphere and vegetation and lay the dust.
The Tanzanian currency is decimalised with 100 cents to the Shilling. At the time of writing, hotel bills and extras have to be paid for in foreign currency. It is possible to change Tanzanian Shillings into US Dollars on departure from the country, and bank receipts are required for this. Please note the import and export of Tanzanian Shillings is not permitted.
US Dollar notes printed before the year 2000 will not be accepted. Barclay’s Bank in Tanzania has implanted a new policy where they will no longer accept notes printed before 2000. Clients who carry US Dollar notes printed before 2000 will be compelled to accept a rate of exchange lower than normal.
In Tanzania the general voltage is 230 and the frequency is 50 Hz. The British three rectangular blade plugs are common. Some lodges and camps only have power in the early mornings and evenings. Batteries may be recharged in camps during the day but it is wise to double check with the camp manager.
As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown. It is useful to carry a torch.
Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice. The following information is to be used as a guide only.
Malaria: It is recommended that precautions against malaria are taken for travel to most regions in Africa. We suggest you contact your doctor for advice on which prophylactic is recommended.
Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination is required. All travellers must carry proof that the Yellow Fever vaccine has been administered at least 10 days prior to travel.
Tanzania like most countries in Africa is a third world country. Therefore please be aware that the infrastructure in certain areas is not up to the standard you would find at home. Specifically some of the roads are often very rough and short journeys can take much longer than expected. Some days will be very long, bumpy and dusty due to Tanzania’s road conditions. In saying this though the views and spectacular scenery encountered usually make the trip well worthwhile.
At the time of writing, a visa for Tanzania is required for Foreign Passport Holders. The visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport or at border posts.
Single Entry Visa: USD $50 per person on an Foreign Passport (subject to change).
We hope that you will find this country Information on Tanzania useful for reference when preparing for your holiday. All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only. Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.
THE PEARL OF AFRICA
Winston Churchill called Uganda ‘the pearl of Africa’, presumably basing his opinion on the country’s great natural beauty. From the moment the visitor lands it is clear that Uganda is no ordinary safari destination.
Dominated by a century old botanical garden alive with the chatter of acrobatic monkeys and colourful tropical birds, Entebbe itself is the least obviously urban of all comparably sized African towns.
Just 40 kilometres away, sprawled across seven hills, there is the capital Kampala. The bright modern feel of this bustling, cosmopolitan city reflects the ongoing economic growth and political stability that has characterised Uganda since 1986. Since the late 1980s, the nation has managed to move on from the abyss of civil war and the economic catastrophe of the Idi Amin days.
Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. In this lush country, one can observe lions prowling the open plains, track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth, then navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocs before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a mountain gorilla.
Full Country Name: Republic of Uganda
Area: 241,038 sq km
Population: 34.51 million (UN 2011)
Capital: Kampala
Borders: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, formally Zaire), Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Tanzania.
Religion: Most common is Christianity followed by animist and Muslim
Time Zone: Standard time is three hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: English is the official language, with Swahili, Luganda and other Bantu languages also spoken
Country Dialling Code: +256
Uganda has a typically tropical climate with little variation in temperatures throughout the year. Distinctive wet and dry seasons characterise the climate of most of the country, except in the semi-arid north east. The dry season, generally from December to February and mid-June to mid-August, is the best time to visit.
The two rainy seasons are from March to May, and September to November. In the south the rainiest month is April. The mountainous areas in western and eastern Uganda can be cold at night.
The unit of currency is the Ugandan Shilling. However when changing money, US Dollars cash is the preferred currency. Any dollar bills taken must not be tattered or torn, and should not have been issued prior to 2001. It is difficult to change money outside Kampala.
Credit cards are not widely accepted and not all lodges will take them. Small local purchases such as souvenirs and drinks will definitely have to be paid for in local currency.
In Uganda the general voltage is 240 and the frequency is 50 Hz. The British three rectangular blade plugs are common. Electricity in most camps is provided by generators. Batteries may be recharged in the camp during the day but it is wise to double check with the camp manager.
As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown. It is useful to carry a torch.
Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice. The following information is to be used as a guide only.
Malaria: It is recommended that precautions against malaria are taken for travel to most regions in Africa. We suggest you contact your doctor for advice on which prophylactic is recommended.
Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination is required. All travellers must carry proof that the Yellow Fever vaccine has been administered at least 10 days prior to travel.
Please note that road surfaces vary from tarmac, gravel, sand and occasionally vehicles may travel “off road”. Additionally, if visiting remote areas or National Parks and Reserves, the roads may well be rough, bumpy and in a poor condition and may be affected by adverse weather conditions.
At the time of writing, a visa for Uganda is required for Australian Passport Holders. The visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport.
Single Entry Visa: USD $50 per person on an Foreign Passport (subject to change).
We hope that you will find this country Information on Uganda useful for reference when preparing for your holiday. All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only. Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.
