How to Get There

Flight Recommendations

There are no commercial carriers that fly directly to Africa from the U.S.  So, travelers will likely connect through Europe or Southern Africa to reach Eastern Africa.  Also, “jet lag” is an important factor in planning your travel because your circadian rhythm will completely oppose the diurnal sun on the other side of the world. For those reasons, we suggest booking a flight through any of the major European or African cities (London, Paris, Rome, Moscow, Athens, Zurich, Johannesburg, etc.) and spend a few days getting “acclimated” to the new time zone as you explore the European city of your choice, before you travel to your final destination in Africa.  Plan on spending at least two days to recover from the difference in sunlight hours.

• The cost of the airfare will vary with the season and the timing of the ticket purchase but expect to pay between $2,500 to $3,500 for a coach, round-trip ticket to Eastern Africa from the United States.
• Major carriers are also willing to schedule a “layover” for a week or more in Europe without adding to the cost of flying to Africa.
• It’s recommended to fly into the city of Nairobi since this is a major airport in Eastern Africa, offering maximum flexibility for connections to Campi Ya Kanzi and other destinations near and around Kenya.

What to Bring

Essential Luggage for African Safari Travel 

Duffle bags, without rolling boards and wheels, inducing shoulder straps (i.e. backpack style) are preferred. They provide maximum flexibility in “stuffing” in and out of the small cargo compartments of the small private planes we use for travel in Africa (travel on roads in this part of the world is not practical – the small plane is really the only option).

• Small private planes used for in-country travel have a maximum weight of 33 pounds for duffle bags. You are also given a “carry on” bag as heavy as 22 pounds
• Luggage with you should have a total weight of 55 pounds per person maximum.
• Include flexible compartments or folding garment bags to pack items within your duffle bag to separate things from each other. After several days of travel in the bush, things to become disorganized.
• A medium or small backpack is a very practical “carry all” for a variety of reasons.

Clothing from “Toe to Head”

East African weather is arid, sunny and pleasant.  The temperatures are mild all year long since both countries are located on or near the equator.  Expect significant warmth during the day and pleasant temperatures at night.  The climate is very close to Southern California, perhaps even a little nicer.

Consider specialized clothing is the early morning game drives which can be quite chilly.

• Hiking Shoes – boots with deep traction ridges on the sole boots that provide good ankle support but are also light and comfortable when walking in a warm climate
• Socks – should be designed to pull perspiration away from your feet since you will be hiking in a warm climate.
• Pants – Light versatile safari pans that offer protection from harsh equatorial UV and are easily washed.
• Shirts & Blouses – Layers or options for shirts, both short sleeve and light weight button down, long sleeves provide dust protection. Bright colors and all white shirts are not advised on safari. Camouflage clothing is not recommended while traveling through major airports in Africa.
• Jackets -Warm coats are beneficial for early morning drives. Parka-like jacket with excellent insulation, as well as light weight.
• Hats – Hats with broad brim to insulate from African mid-day sun, UV protection is also necessary.
• Sunglasses – Quality sunglasses that prevent dust from getting into your eyes with 100% UV protection recommended.
• SFP – At least 30 containing Zinc.

Visas and Global Entry

Neither Kenya nor Tanzania require visas to be purchased before entering the country at this time, although these requirements can change abruptly without notice, so check before you travel.  At the moment, both Kenya and Tanzania will allow you to purchase the visas upon entry into their countries.  They can be purchased at customs by filling out forms and then paying the Visa amount which is approximately $50.00.  However, a nice alternative to purchasing the Visas at Customs is to “pre-purchase” the Visas in the U.S., making the entry process much easier.

Standard issue visas are good for 30 days for single entry.  Multi-entry visas are also available if you plan to enter a country more than once.

At this time, the Yellow Fever card is not required as part of your entry into Kenya or Tanzania.

Reminder: double-check the expiration date of your passport:  passports must be valid for six months from your date of entry into Kenya.

Vaccinations

If you haven’t been vaccinated for several years, you might need to acquire several immunizations in preparation for your first trip to Africa.

• DPT (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Parapertussis)
• Typhoid (oral taken before the trip)
• Hepatitis A and B (this is a series, so plan well in advance of the trip)
• Anti Malarial Medicine (oral taken during the trip).

See requirements for U.S. Travel abroad at the Department of State website or on the Kenyan Embassy website.

Cash and Credit Cards

Currency in Kenya is based on the British system, however the currency is unique to Kenya.  The Kenyan Shilling is based on 100 cents.  The Blue Kenyan Ksh20 note is often called the Kenyan pound.

Electronics

Electricity in Africa is 220, not 110.  Most outlets are two-pin oval rather than the traditional 3 pin prong triangular, common in the United States.

Final Checklist – Clothes to Bring

• Sun hat/bush hat
• Headscarf/ bandana
• Light, wind-breaker jacket.
• 4 T-Shirts
• Two pair safari pants
• Belts: I would suggest non-metallic so they needn’t be removed when going through customs.
• Two Long-sleeved cotton shirts
• Two Pair trousers/ slacks
• One Pair “dressier” pants/ slacks.
• 5 Pair Underwear
• 5 Pair socks
• Good walking shoes, trekking boots
• 1 Pair “travel” shoes
• 1 Pair “Travel” Pants with Belt
• Shorts which could go into water
• Warm winter jersey or fleece
• Warm parka and scarf & gloves
• Light rain gear; e.g. plastic hooded poncho
• More formal attire for stay at city hotels

Final Checklist – Equipment to Bring

• TSA Locks for your suitcase
• Cash, credit cards, ATM card, calling card. Money belt?
• Copies of Passports, Driver’s Licenses and travel documents
• including your travel insurance and emergency evacuation documents.
• Prescription and reading glasses
• Backup pairs of prescription and reading glasses!
• Good quality sunglasses
• Reading material for the planes
• Sleeping mask, travel pillow, earplugs, compression socks
• Flashlight
• Electrical converters
• Reading and Prescription Glasses and a pair of “backups” in case they are lost in travel.
• Bird and Mammal Reference Books
• Personal toiletries
• Moisturizing cream and sunscreen, including lip balm (30 SPF is recommended).
• Sealable plastic bags. Xtra large for Maasai trinkets.
• Medicines: Malaria Tablets, Ciprofloxacin, Advil or Aspirin, Bite
• Sticks, Imodium, antiseptic cream. Anti-nausea tablets if you
• have a tendency to motion sickness (we will be in small planes).
• Insect repellant
• Multiple packs of tissues, hand sanitizer and “Wet Wipes”.
• Visas, Tickets, Passports, Money, Credit Cards. Consider bringing
• a copy of your passport signature page in case of loss or theft.
• Camera Equipment. Bring several memory sticks and perhaps a computer to back up the memory sticks.  Backup batteries!
• Water and dust proof covers (I recommend a backpack) for camera and Binoculars.
• Binoculars – 8 x 40 or 10 x 42 is recommended.
• Cellphone and charger
• PDA and charger
• Laptop and charger