TRAVEL TIPS
Why should I go on safari in East Africa?
Africa remains the last outpost of raw adventure, a refuge from the modern world. From the splendor of the Maasai Mara / Serengeti teeming with herds of a million wildebeest, to the pristine beauty of the Lake Nakuru / Ngorongoro Crater, to the scenic viewing of game parks and forgetting the gorilla tracking at Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks. Generally East Africa provides the traveler with highest quality and chances of spotting diverse wildlife and bird species, as well as adventure, stunning ancient old culture and traditions of the locals, sightseeing and the white sandy beach off the coast of the Indian Ocean, greater experience of a life time to any traveler.
Best time for safari.
Safaris in East Africa is year round with diverse wildlife to be spotted. Certain game parks and reserves have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different times of the year. African winter (Jan to March and July – October) is the best time to go on safari, There is no rain, the grass is dry and vegetation sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration of over two million animals. However for budget travelers (April to June and November to Mid-December) is the low season so you can take advantage of the special offers.
Getting to East Africa
Major regular international flights to cites i.e. Nairobi, Mombasa, Dare salaam and Kampala. There are many airlines operating direct flights to Nairobi from USDpe, United States and Asia. You can also get easy connections where there are no direct flights. You might choose to approach your local travel agent for assistance regarding the flight connections. Please Contact us for more options! We however arrange flights within Africa.
Entry requirements
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas – this depends on the country you are visiting. It is advisable to check with the Embassy of the country that you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements. Kenya and Tanzania visa is a must and can be obtained at point of entry charges USD $ 50.
What to pack
Temperatures is generally mild but can become considerably cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks. Before you go on safari, consult your doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.
Your packing list should include:
• Long sleeved shirts, pants and socks to protect from mosquito bites
• A small flashlight and batteries
• Adapter plugs and convertors for electrical devices
• Sun glasses, sun hat and sun screen
• Long skirts, t-shirts, sweaters, pants, tops and flip flops
• Good walking shoes, open shoes, snickers are ideal
• A good camera , batteries and a charger
• Insect repellent
• Light rain gear for summer months
• Warm clothes for the morning and evening
• Binoculars
• Basic medical kit
• Bright colors and white are not advised for a safari but are good for the beach
• Camouflage is illegal- Military wear
The Local food
Great International cuisines is available at all the hotels you will be staying. Special dietary requirements are catered for throughout Africa if you need. Please give us advanced notice so that we can make arrangements with the lodges and camps you are scheduled to stay at. Most restaurants offer selections for vegetarians, and some have embroiled the Vegan concept, where specifically meals throughout are offered for vegans in the chosen accommodation places on our itineraries.
Medical Requirements
Vaccination requirements change from time to time. Some countries require advance inoculations for yellow fever (and certificates thereof) that are good for 10 years – We will advise you of these. Malaria is present in many parts of Africa – we will advise you if you will be visiting a malaria area. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on malaria prophylactics and the latest health precautions. If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).
How Long to Book your safari?
It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel (3-6 months), especially during the peak seasons (July – October and Christmas/New Year’s). This is especially important for those wishing to travel on private custom safaris and those adding extensions to the beach hotel after their safari.
How many people are on safari vehicle?
Small group travel allows for flexibility and informality, we operate on 4 to 6 travelers. We offer the ease and flexibility of independent travel without the hassles. Some of our safaris have guaranteed departures with a minimum of two people and are limited to a maximum of 14 people (if more than 7 people are on a safari, we use two vehicles). Other safaris especially the tailor-made can depart on a day of your choice. As a rule, each person has a window seat guarantee. But even if you are alone, we have joining safaris that you can join, contact us and will assist you.
What is a single supplement?
A single supplement is a fee imposed by hotels, lodges and camps on single travelers. Tour prices are quoted based on two people sharing accommodation. If someone takes a room by themselves they have to pay the per-person price plus the single supplement fee. It is the excess cost you pay in occupying a room designated to take two people by yourself alone.
Can single Travelers join a group and share a room with other single travelers?
If we have 2 single travelers on the safari and wish to share room with another, of the same sex and all willing to share the said room, it’s possible and will ease the cost. This is a great way to meet like-minded people from all over the world, of all ages and interests!
Can I use my credit card to pay for my safari?
Yes you can pay via debit or credit card through our online website link, PAY ONLINE, Or through bank transfer.
What type of vehicles do you use on safari?
Pathway safaris uses a variety of vehicles which include customized 4 x 4 or safari minivan with pop-up roof for good game viewing and photography as well as the luxury 4 x 4 Land-cruiser, which comes with extra cost for its use depending on the season. The specific vehicle used on a particular safari depends on the country and the reserves to be visited. All vehicles are equipped with two-way radios used for communication during game drives and are well maintained, for comfort and safety, a cooler box and first aid kit.
How is the African Weather?
Great! Almost all year round! Because of the high elevation (3000 to 8000 feet above sea level), and proximity to the equator, there is a pleasant weather throughout the year. The “dry” season is July through October, and December through March. During this time you may expect to find the greatest concentrations of animals because they will congregate around the remaining water holes. The dirt roads may be dusty, but should not prove to be a major discomfort. The relatively “rainy” season includes the month of April, May, and November. During this time the landscape is beautifully green, and there are fewer tourists. The animals are more dispersed, so will be harder to spot. Expect showers interspersed with beautiful sunny skies. Many travelers prefer to go on safari during these months. If your itinerary includes a coastal resort, the best times for you to visit are August through October, and December through March.
When is the migration?
The “Great Migration” is the heralded movement of millions of wildebeest and zebras across Tanzania’s Serengeti plains into the Maasai Mara game reserve of Kenya, from late June through early October. Tanzania’s annual migration occurs March through May and October through November. Whether you catch the migration or not, there will always be plenty of animals, more than you could ever imagine. And you could take the same safari at the same time every year and always see something different. Nothing remains the same, because the animals are constantly on the move in search of fertile grasslands.
How are the accommodations?
Pathway safaris use a number of finest hotels for our guest accommodation. The game lodges are imaginatively built with marvelous gardens and terraces. A typical lodge has bungalows spread across the grounds, a large central reception area, dining room, shops and an attractive outdoor swimming pool. Many have exercise room as well. Each room has twin beads and private bathroom with flush toilet and shower or bath. Tree hotels, such as the Ark or Mountain Lodge, are more rustic, yet feature great views from their lofty perspective, and each bedroom has its own private facilities. We also use tented camps, with large canvas tents erected on concrete or wood platforms. They all have sewn-in floors and net screens. Comfortable beds and a private connecting bathroom with flush toilet and shower make for a most comfortable stay. Many even have swimming pools! Most permanent tented camps in Tanzania retain all the style and glamour of the famous mobile-tented camps. Sensitive to this fragile environment, these camps retain an elegant simplicity, yet offer every feature to ensure a comfortable stay: excellent meals: fine wines and liquors: insect proofed tents with twin beds: private hot water bucket shower: discreet safari toilet: free laundry service. Private camps are set up in private game viewing areas far from other tourists. Here you’ll have a chance to view game on foot, or by four-wheel drive vehicle with your highly trained naturalist guides. For most, these exclusive camps are the ultimate African experience.
How is the food?
Good! All meals- buffet-style American or Continental breakfast, and sumptuous lunches and dinners- are included while on safari. In major cities, some of our safaris include only breakfast. This allows you to dine on your own at some of the outstanding local restaurants. Check the inclusions described for your specific tour. You’ll savor everything from African delicacies to international specialties on an East Africa Safari. The meals are well prepared, the menus varied, with fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and meat amply provided. And food never tasted better than upon returning from an exciting day on safari.
How will I get around in East Africa?
Most of your safari will be in deluxe late-model minibuses. At most tented camps, and in the Ngorongoro, Crater, you’ll travel in four-wheel drive vehicles. Guaranteed window seat for best game viewing and photography. Roads outside major cities are often dirt or gravel and may be bumpy or dusty. You may happen to get temporarily stuck in a muddy patch if there is a heavy rain. It’s all part of the adventure and your driver is an expert in dealing with tough driving conditions. Some of our safaris feature short flights, thereby saving hours of surface travel. From this lofty perspective, you will appreciate the size and scope of the African plains, and enjoy the additional time allowed for game viewing drives.
Safari Driver / Guides.
Pathway safaris has a number of drivers well-trained professionals with a vast knowledge of both flora and fauna, culture and traditions of the locals, historical and touristic site ready and willing always ready to share with the guest. These dedicated professionals are with you at all times to make sure that your every need is attended to, answer all your questions, and give informative briefings on the reserves you visit, the birds and wildlife you see, and the people you meet, rest assured of the very best.