FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Feel free to ask us anything or contact us to start planning your dream holiday.
WELCOME, HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
Got a question about booking a safari of a lifetime with Kearsley Safari Tours? Check out the FAQ page!
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO TANZANIA?
Guest safety is of paramount importance, and even though Africa is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets, and travelers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Use your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items, and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports. Fully-trained uniformed security guards monitor animal activity within lodge areas and escort guests to/from their suites.
WHAT KIND OF DOCUMENTS SHOULD I CARRY WITH ME?
Please ensure that you have a valid passport with sufficient blank pages for entry stamps in each country visited, and that you apply for visas prior to your departure. Nationals of certain countries do not require visa. It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country you intend to visit for the latest visa and entry requirements beforehand or contact us, and we’ll gladly advise you with regard to documentation.
Read more about Tanzania E- Visa
Other important documents you need for Tanzania are yellow fever card and COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
WHERE CAN I CHANGE CURRENCY?
As some African currencies are difficult to change outside the country of origin, it is advisable to change money as required. Most international airports have banks where money can be changed, and facilities are usually available at hotels and lodges. Most major credit cards are accepted at lodges/hotels, shops, and restaurants.
As exchange rates fluctuate, please check with your local bank or business media before departure.
WHAT KIND OF MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE?
Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions. Some countries require advance inoculations (and certificates thereof) – we will advise you of these. Carry your basic medical first-aid kit, which may include mosquito repellent, medication for altitude sickness, and any other routine prescription.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
You will require comfortable, casual, and semi-casual clothes for your safari to Africa. Please note that bright colors are unsuitable for early morning and late afternoon game viewing and that game drives, can be cold, especially in winter. It is advisable to speak to our consultant once you have finalized your destinations- safari, mountain climbing, island vacation, or combined.
Internal charter/ domestic flights have baggage limitations. The tour consultant will advise you on weight allowance across different destinations.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
Here are some packing suggestions:
Light cotton trousers, Cotton shorts, Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved), Comfortable walking shoes, Sandals, Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker, Sunhat, Fleece, Insect repellent, Small torch, Bathing suit, Suntan lotion, Sunglasses, Camera (telephoto lens recommended), Binoculars, For winter, pack an extra: Warm jacket, Woollen hat, Scarf and gloves.
HOW ARE EMERGENCY MEDICAL COVERAGE AND TRAVEL INSURANCE ARRANGED?
Please ensure you arrange your insurance cover for personal effects, accidents, medical travel expenses, baggage, cancellation, and curtailment before your arrival. Trained first-aiders are on standby at most lodges at all times, and emergency evacuation by air is available.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Each region usually experiences lovely hot summers and mild winters and offers exceptional game-viewing opportunities throughout the year. The annual Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara is a 12-month cycle. Our consultants will advise when and where are the best times.
Kenya: Gentle, warm climate. Daytime temperatures are mild, and nights can be fairly cool. Summer extends from October to April, with December to March being the warmest months. All year, minimum temperatures are 11ºC/52ºF, and maximum temperatures are 30ºC/86ºF. The cold season is from May to September. Depending on the arrival of the rain, the Great Migration usually reaches Kenya by July/ August. Hundreds of thousands of herbivores then disperse onto the plains of the Masai Mara for the next couple of months.
Tanzania: Warm climate with maximum temperatures of 32°C/90°F. Early mornings and evenings can be cold with minimum temperatures of 12°C/90°F. Winter is from May to September, and summer is from October to April. Rainfall is seasonal with the so-called ‘short rains’ in November and December and the long rains from March to May.
IS EAST AFRICA A GOOD FAMILY DESTINATION?
East Africa is fun and enlightening to travel with children. Many lodges host entertaining activities for children between three and 12 years old. Please note, ceratin lodges/ hotels do not allow children below eight years for safety reasons. Always check with your tour consultant before planning your travel itinerary.
ARE THERE VEGAN/ VEGETARIAN AND SPECIAL DIET OPTIONS AVAILABLE?
Yes, all dietary requirements are catered for in East Africa. When making your reservation, please advise us of any specific dietary requirements that you may have, to be communicated immediately to the lodges. There will be an additional charge for specific items, such as kosher meals (which usually need to fly in), and are quoted separately. We require a two-weeks notice for such special requests.
WHAT WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE?
African safaris offer many excellent photographic opportunities. We recommend that you use a telephoto lens (at least 80-300mm in size) for the photography of birds and games, as well as a wide-angle lens. A high-speed film (200/400ASA) should be used for most game drives in the early morning or late afternoon.
The film, memory cards, and batteries are usually available along major tourist routes and selected lodges, but we advise that you purchase film, bulbs, and batteries before your departure. A lens hood and ultra-violet filter are advisable, and a good bag for your equipment, including a dust cover (plastic bag), is essential.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP?
Tips are excluded in your safari costs. We recommend you tender small amounts to your lodge/hotel staff, driver and mountain guides. Your lodge manager will provide you with guidelines for tipping if required. The tipping standard for restaurants is usually 10% of the bill.