KISS SAFARI TRAVEL TIPS
PLANNING PROCESS
We know there’s a great deal to consider before you set off exploring the world’s most exciting continent. We hope these tips will help you in some way when planning your Perfect Safari.
Travel Insurance
As soon as your travel plans are confirmed, purchase a travel insurance policy to protect you from any unexpected events and financial hardships that may occur while on your safari. Select a policy that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, mandatory evacuations, accidents or injuries abroad, loss of equipment or personal belongings, cancelled flights, and other contingencies. Be sure to take your travel insurance emergency phone numbers and your policy number and details with you.
Cash & Credit Cards
Carry at least one credit card and a combination of cash, preferably U.S. dollars and Kenya and Tanzania shillings.
Note: Kenyan and Tanzanian Shillings are not alike and have different conversion rates. For current conversion rates go to www.exchange-rates.org. Figure that you will need enough cash for tipping (at least USD $150 to $250 per person/per week).
Note: Travelers cheques (checks) are not widely accepted in Tanzania anymore.
Most establishments accept international credit cards. Use them as a method of payment wherever possible. It makes sense to carry more than one type of credit card because not all cards are accepted by all establishments. Be careful; some credit card companies add a foreign transaction fee on all charges. Prior to leaving for your trip contact your credit card company and ask if they charge a foreign transaction fee; make sure to bring the card that doesn’t charge a fee or one that has the most favorable fees.
KISS TRAVEL TIP: It’s wise to contact your credit company and advise them of your travels prior to your trip. You don’t want your credit card company to suspend your card like many do when detecting any unusual purchases in uncommon places.
ATM Machines
In Africa, ATM machines supply only local currency, and you may need an international PIN code. Be sure to check with your bank/credit card facility at home about how this should work. Not all ATMs in Africa will accept every credit card type. VISA has the best coverage in Africa. Use an ATM at a bank, so if your card is retained for any reason, you can go in and get it back. Don’t rely on ATMs as your main source of cash while on safari!
Electric Current
Electricity in Africa is all 220-240V / 50Hz AC, as is much of Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and virtually all the Asian countries and India. Those of us from North America must bring an adapter for the proper plug configuration and a converter. Kenya and Tanzania both use G plugs. Not all safari camps and lodges have electrical outlets in the tents or rooms, but they always have a place where you can recharge your camera/video and phone/iPod batteries. Some camps run their generator at certain times of the day – so be sure to check with the manager when you arrive. A number of mobile tent accommodations have inverters in their vehicles, so you can charge your camera/video batteries on the move.
KISS TRAVEL TIP: If having a hairdryer is important to you, make sure you purchase and bring a hairdryer with a universal plug prior to your trip.
Water
Drink bottled water. You are always safe drinking the bottled water that is readily available at all the camps and lodges. If you are at all apprehensive about the quality of water where you are staying, check with the staff. And, if the water is not treated or bottled, then avoid ice in your drinks or cleaning your teeth with tap water. You might want to consider taking water purification tablets for emergency use just in case bottled water isn’t available.
Dust
From June to October, the game reserves are very dry and thus can be extremely dusty at times. Contact lens wearers should bring eye drops and eyeglasses to avoid eye irritation. And, while on safari, cameras should be stored in a camera bag when not used.
KISS TRAVEL TIP: If possible, choose a vehicle that allows you the ability to close the windows with ease when dust swirls occur.
Tipping Etiquette
Knowing who to tip and what the right amount to tip is a common dilemma for most travelers. In Africa, tipping is customary, but is not expected. Typically, gratuity to safari guides or camp staff is not included in the price of your tour, and how much you want to tip is completely at your discretion. Bear in mind, though, that what may seem like an insignificant amount to you will most likely be considered a significant amount to local African staff. Most safari lodges have a ‘tip box’ located in the lobby or reception area for the staff – tips cover all the unseen but appreciated services you have enjoyed during your stay, including the housekeeper and kitchen staff who are often busting their tails behind the scenes.
Guidelines: Tip moderately and in accordance with the level and quality of service provided – and only if you are satisfied with that service. Tips can be paid in U.S. dollars; however, most staff are going to want it in local currency so they can avoid exchange fees. Use the following guide (per day):
Driver/guide – US$10 and upwards
Private safari guide – US$25 & upwards
Camp staff – US$10 to $20 as a pooled tip to be shared among the housekeepers, waiters, bartender, etc.
KISS TRAVEL TIP: If you spend a great deal of time with a single guide, consider tipping that guide more based on the overall enjoyment you feel your guide added.
Intra-Air Travel
Because many roads and routes are subpar in Kenya, the very best way to explore and travel from park to park is via air. Access by air to all major national parks in Kenya is excellent, operated by small aircraft companies allowed to fly within airstrips. If you are flying into a park, know that nothing beats the wonderful feeling of arriving and departing right in the middle of the reserve!
Anyone who’s been on safari knows that a soft-sided duffel bag is the quintessential luggage item for travel, especially if you’re planning some intra-country flights. Most domestic flights have a 33-lb limit. Keep this in mind when packing, and be smart about what you pack and what you leave behind.
Safety Smarts
When it comes to personal safety, use common sense to protect yourself and your belongings, including your cash, credit cards, and other forms of money. Regarding money, you can go here to figure out conversion rates in advance: www.exchange-rates.org. Figure that you will only need enough cash for tipping (at least USD $150 to $250 per person/per week) and possibly a few miscellaneous expenses.
Note: Travelers cheques (checks) are not widely accepted in Tanzania anymore. Most establishments accept international credit cards. Use them as a method of payment wherever possible. It makes sense to carry more than one type of credit card because not all cards are accepted by all establishments. Be aware, though, that some credit card companies add a foreign transaction fee on all charges. Prior to leaving on your trip, contact your credit card company and ask if they charge a foreign transaction fee. Make sure to bring the card that doesn’t charge a fee, or one that has the most favorable fees.
KISS TRAVEL TIP: Use safety smarts; stay with your group and don’t veer off alone. It’s wise to contact your credit company and advise them of your travels prior to your trip. You don’t want your credit card company to suspend your card like many do when detecting any unusual purchases in uncommon places.
Communications: Phone, Internet & Apps
CELL PHONE
Cell phone coverage can now be found in many previously off-the-grid areas in Africa. For example, many areas in the Serengeti and the Masai Mara have pockets of coverage.
You will want to check with your carrier to make sure you set your settings correctly to avoid receiving data that can cost a fortune. Be aware that an incoming call from a caller who leaves a message that you will listen to uses data. The best way to avoid these charges is to keep the phone on airplane mode until the time you are connected to the internet to check your messages.
Avoid exorbitant international roaming charges by checking with your carrier to see if they offer any short-term data and phone usage packages for travel to Africa. As of this writing, I have been informed that SPRINT offers free data and/or phone usage throughout Kenya and Tanzania. And AT&T offers a Passport Package that can be added to your phone for 30 days that will save you money and avoid the shock you’d otherwise receive on your next bill!
INTERNET
If you do need to access the Internet while on safari, check beforehand what is available. Most lodges and camps will have some form of Internet access, which is mostly used for their own business purposes. Many lodges and camps will provide Wi-Fi to guests and others provide a computer with Internet access. The rule of thumb is that those closest to the communal areas will receive a stronger signal. Assuming there is Wi-Fi in the communal areas, it’s best to go to airplane mode during meals and other social times. Better still, leave your device in your room during those times.
All accommodations offered by KISS offer internet access except the one day at Kati-Kati Camp on our 12-day Tanzania tour.
KISS TRAVEL TIP: As an alternative to using minutes and data on your phone, download the WhatsApp app prior to your trip and message your friends and family for free while in Africa.
WhatsApp uses your phone’s Internet connection to send messages so you can avoid SMS fees. With voice calls, you can talk to your friends and family for free*, even if they’re in another country. And with free* video calls, you can have face-to-face conversations for when voice or text just isn’t enough. WhatsApp voice and video calls use your phone’s Internet connection, instead of your cell plan’s voice minutes, so you don’t have to worry about expensive calling charges.
Visit a Travel Doctor or Medicine Provider
Note: The information provided here is informational in nature. Visit your doctor for recommendations specific to you.
Travel on an African safari in Kenya and Tanzania is exciting, rather easy to arrange, and extremely fun! Add a bit of advance planning to keep yourself healthy and you will truly enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Simple and easy preparations will keep you healthy as you travel to the safari game parks of Africa. At least 30 days prior to your departure, make an appointment to see a travel doctor. Don’t wait until the last second because not all offices have on hand all the necessary vaccines (if recommended), and they may have to be ordered. Also, keep in mind that it takes some time for your body to build up an immunity to certain diseases after being vaccinated.
• Do you need vaccines for a safari trip in Kenya or Tanzania?
A quick online search at the CDC reveals many things for you to consider, and not all of them are vaccines. It all seems a little confusing, particularly since your exact itinerary will determine which vaccines are recommended for you. Recommendations for one safari park are different from another. Get advice from your local travel medicine provider, someone who specializes in preparing people for their exact itinerary; they are easy to locate at the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM).
• Don’t Get Confused by Required vs. Recommended Vaccines.
Vaccines required for visas and crossing borders are governmental regulations (and therefore nonnegotiable), but to stay healthy, take the recommended vaccines, too. After all, staying healthy is the point.
For starters, all international travelers should be current on their routine vaccines. Common things happen commonly, that’s why protection with routine vaccines is recommended.
Vaccines Needed by Most People:
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Tetanus (Tdap)
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Measles (MMR)
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Chickenpox (Varicella)
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Yearly Influenza vaccine
There are other vaccines that may be recommended based on age or underlying health considerations, such as Pneumonia and Zoster.
Most Travelers to Africa Also Need:
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Hepatitis A
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Typhoid
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Polio booster
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Yellow Fever (Yellow Fever disease is present in Kenya and the vaccine may be required for entry to Tanzania)
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Hepatitis B
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Rabies and other vaccines may be recommended, depending upon your exact travel plans
As of the date of this writing (5/10/19): Documentation indicating travelers have been either vaccinated for yellow fever or have a medical excuse for not being able to be vaccinated is required upon entry into Tanzania from Kenya, or vice versa. Proof of vaccinations is not needed if a traveler enters Kenya or Tanzania directly from the United States and stays the entire duration of his/her trip within those countries. To obtain updated information, please contact both the Kenya and Tanzania embassies in Washington.
Kenya: (202) 387-6101 | Tanzania (202) 939-6125
To stay healthy while on safari far more preparation than vaccines is needed…even for luxury safaris like those offered by KISS. Many travelers get so focused on vaccines they forget many other health problems can affect them while on safari. Your local travel medicine specialist can help you stay healthy while you travel and even provide you with some self-treatment options in the event you do become ill.
• What else, besides vaccines, should travelers do to prepare for a Safari in Africa?
Malaria is present in many safari parks and towns around the safari parks. Proper protection from mosquito bites and medication are essential to protect travelers. Insects carry other diseases besides malaria. Prevent bites from mosquitoes, flies, and ticks that transmit many annoying and nasty diseases. Proper clothing, sleeping arrangements, and effective insect repellent can minimize your chances of becoming ill. Although not fashion-forward, tucking your socks into your pants and wearing light colored clothing can minimize your chances of getting bit by insects while out in the bush.
KISS TRAVEL TIP: If you plan on visiting a Maasai Village during part of your trip, we suggest you don’t wear dark (especially blue) articles of clothing. Tsetse flies are prevalent throughout the village and are attracted to darker clothing.
KISS TRAVEL TIP: Purchase Permethrin Insect Repellent and spray as directed on your clothes prior to your trip!
Traveler’s Diarrhea: Statistically speaking, this is the most common illness travelers on safari suffer. Talk to your doctor about taking along self-treatment for prompt relief in the event you develop symptoms.
Chronic Health Conditions. Many people with asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, and other health problems love to travel. Most people with chronic health problems are so adept at managing their chronic illness they forget that the level of health care varies from country to country. With advance planning, a safari can be a wonderful vacation for almost anyone.
Travel Health Insurance with medical evacuation and repatriation is an absolute must for this type of travel. You will be in remote locations with limited health care. Affordable policies are readily available. Please note: This type of insurance is not the same as lost luggage or canceled flight insurance.
KISS TRAVEL TIP: Talk to your KISS representative about adding this essential item to your trip.
Passports & Visas
All travelers, including children in your group, will need to obtain a valid passport and apply for a visa to allow for entry into both Kenya and Tanzania. Allow for 30-45 days to apply and receive a new or renewed passport.
Keep in mind, the expiration date on your passport is a bit deceiving. The U.S. lets you use your passport up to the date inside the cover. However, both Kenya and Tanzania will deny travelers entry if the passport expires in less than six months. To avoid any issues, renew your passport well before it expires.
KISS TRAVEL TIP: Avoid contacting third-party sites that will charge you excessive fees to obtain passports and visas. Use only governmental authorized sites to save lots of time and money.
For Passport information: Visit https://www.usa.gov/passport.
