Useful Travel tips

At stunning Destinations Safaris, we believe that the better prepared you are, the safer and more enjoyable your travel will be. While this is not a comprehensive list of things you need to do or know before your trip, we highly recommend taking a few minutes and ensuring you are conversant with this useful tips.

1. Take Adequate Travel Insurance

When planning for your trip whether it’s for business or for leisure, this may take up a lot of resources including time and money. There are situations when things out of your control can impact your travel such as as weather, illness, emergencies or baggage loss. A good travel insurance package will ensure that you are covered against eventualities such as medical bills incurred in a foreign country, lost or stolen luggage, cancellation of flight and hotel reservations. We strongly recommend you purchase adequate travel insurance before proceeding on a Trip.

2. Visa & Health Requirements

Nowadays, it’s possible to apply for visa online for most countries before your trip even though a few countries will allow for visa application on arrival. Most countries will also require proof of vaccination from certain ailments such as yellow fever or a doctor’s letter exempting you from such vaccinations. We recommend that you discuss this with our consultant, depending on where you are coming from and which country you are visiting, and we will be happy to advise.

3. Packing List

We generally advocate for our clients to travel light. This entails carrying only necessary luggage for convenience and also save on costs since most flights have a limit as to what a passenger can carry as luggage allowance. As a result, we recommend the below list to help our travelers plan their trip.

4. Men’s Clothing

Sunhat, Light windproof / Waterproof jacket, 1 Fleece & 1 jumper / sweatshirt, 2 pairs of safari trousers & safari shorts, 6 pairs of sports socks, 4 short sleeved shirts & / or T-shirts, 2 casual trousers (for evenings), 3 long sleeved shirts (for evenings), Pajamas (nights can be cool), Swimming trunks and at least 6 sets underwear.

5. Women’s Clothing

Sunhat, Light windproof / Waterproof jacket, 1 Fleece & 1 jumper / sweatshirt, 2 pairs of safari trousers & safari shorts, 6 pairs of sports socks, 4 short sleeved shirts & / or T-shirts, 3 long sleeved tops / blouses (for evenings), Pajamas (nights can be cool), Swimming costumes , at least 6 sets underwear and 1 Sarong (you can buy kikois / kangas here).
Toiletries (Men & Women)Anti-histamine cream & Insect repellent, Motion sickness pills (if needed), Painkillers (sun / dehydration can cause headaches), Sunscreen (we recommend a high factor, as many parts of East Africa are at high altitude), After sun / moisturizing lotion, Face cleaner (wipes are handy) & moisturizer, Hand cleaning wipes (antibacterial), Battery or hand razor (not electrical), Hair brush, shampoo and conditioner, Deodorant, lip balm, eye drops (if needed), Feminine hygiene supplies, Toothpaste and toothbrush, Supply of any usual medication – bring in hand luggage.

6. Sundries

Passport & Health card, Air tickets / vouchers, Credit cards (Debit cards often not compatible), No Traveller cheques, Cash – US$ preferable, notes newer than 2006, (tipping is customary expect to use $15 pppd)**, Discrete money pouch / wallet, Basic sewing kit, Sun glasses & solid case, Prescription glasses (+spare pair), solid case, Clients using contact lenses should bring extras and prescription glasses (due to dust), Books / magazines / journals / ipad, Converter / plug set – to UK square 3pin, Binoculars*, Flashlight (small, with extra batteries), A few zip-lock bags.

7. Camera Equipment

Camera / video camera with lenses (if required), Camera bag (padded, dust & splash proof), Lens cleaning equipment & battery charger + adapter and Extra batteries & large memory card (and a spare).

8. Power Supply & Connectivity

Most properties have limited power source and may be unable to support hairdryers and/or hair straighteners. Many camps have limited wifi (often through satellite link), and many areas have mobile networks with main areas having strong signals. Roaming charges can be prohibitive, so stick to wifi when possible. Always bear in mind the peace of the wilderness and disturbance to other guests.

9. Luggage & Clothing Advice

Weight allowance for most domestic flights is 15kgs in soft bags (we recommend a soft 80 litre duffle bag without wheels). We recommend bringing comfortable, hard-wearing, ‘breathable’ (cotton) clothes. Consider wearing layers of clothing as temperatures can vary on an hourly basis throughout the day.

10. Lost Luggage

Wear suitable casual clothes and shoes when traveling, and make sure you bring spare underwear, and essential toiletries in your hand luggage, in case your checked luggage is delayed by the airline. Essential medication should be carried in hand luggage when traveling. If luggage get’s lost, we have a dedicated airport staff that will assist in tracing and reuniting you with lost luggage.

11. Laundry

Laundry is often scrubbed on a rock and ironed with a charcoal iron, and luggage can bounce around the back of the safari vehicles, so please do not bring anything too special or fragile! Due to diverse cultural beliefs and practices, kindly note that Under wears/undergarments may not be washed or processed as laundry garments by the hotels and you may need to wash these by yourself. We and the properties will not take any responsibility for damage to fragile laundry.

12. Binoculars & Extra Gear

For game viewing we advise that every guest in your party brings their own pair of binoculars. We recommend a telephoto lens of 250-400mm for the best results. Many camera stores will rent specialist equipment including lenses – ask your local camera shop about this option. We also recommend you practice with the new equipment before the safari.

13. Tipping

Tipping is customary and at your sole discretion depending on how you perceive the service. Most lodges, hotels and camps will have a central tip box so that all lodge staff can share, although your guide should be tipped separately. Allow $5-10 per guest per night, for the lodge staff and same for the guide.

14. Luggage Size & Weight Matters

Each airline has its own baggage limits. Weigh your luggage beforehand to avoid extra fees. Stick to the allowed size for cabin baggage, and use digital scales to check accuracy.