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Frequently Asked Questions & Travel Facts
It is our goal to make your tour to Africa a pleasant and memorable experience. Some of our clients and prospective clients have asked some of these questions, and for your convenience we have listed them here in our FAQ.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
- What is the weather like in Africa?
- Every country has it's own climatical conditions. Check out the country temp. on the home page, and ask for a specific city.
- Is it possible to make a phone call while on Safari?
- Yes, at anytime, especially the 3 countries listed. (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda)
- What type of clothing do I bring?
- The days can be warm and the nights cool down, so bring both types.
- How do I greet people?
- Traditionally the people shake hands when meeting someone new.
- Are there swimming pools at the lodges?
- Yes, most of the lodges have pools.
- Do I need to make reservations, or are there always rooms available?
- Most rooms need to be booked in advance, which guarantees you a room.
- Can I book a safari that appeals to me or are they all the same?
- We will do everything to accommodate your needs. Some are more active, or restful than others, while some are more educational than others.
- If I have special dietary needs. will that be a problem?
- It is not a problem, if arrangements are made in advance.
- If the tour has to be canceled, is all my money reimbursed or does it need to be rescheduled?
- It should be rescheduled if possible, otherwise you will incur penalty.
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Traveler's Information & Facts
Preparing for your Trip
- Hydrate your body by drinking lots of good purified water before you go. A good rule of thumb for general health is to drink half of your body weight (in ounces) in water each day, but before your trip, try to double that.
- Check with the CDC and your doctor concerning the necessary shots that you will need. Some of these shots are done in a series over several months, so good planning is essential.
- File for a US Passport and Visa
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Filing for a US Passport
It takes time to process your passport, and when you apply for the passport, you should allow at least 8 weeks before you will receive it. Look in the phone book to see where you can get a passport. Many post offices and drivers license stations, courts and libraries offer this service.
Some places where you apply for a passport, they also take the passport pictures, but if they don't then you will have to go to a photographer and get two passport photos, in the correct size for the application.
Bring proper identification, such as your birth certificate and citizenship papers. Birth certificates must be originals, not copies. If you are renewing a passport, issued within the last 15 years, you may be able to renew my mail. Check with a passport agency or the State Department web site for details.
Provide a current address where you can receive mail.
Ask the passport officer for expedited service if you need the passport in less than eight weeks. There will be an additional fee, and possibly additional documentation.
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Filing for a Travel Visa
Many foreign countries require a visa in addition to your passport. You can apply for a visa at the nearest consulate of each country you plan to visit.
- Call the consulate of the first country you intend to visit and ask for immigration services. Most consulates are located in Washington, DC, and many major US cities have consular offices.
- Ask if you need a tourist visa to visit this country
- Request an application by mail if a visa is required
- Fill out the application as soon as you receive it. Describe the nature of your visit and the estimated length of time that you will be there.
- Make a copy of the application for your records.
- Attach any required fee and photos, and return the original application to the consulate by mail or fax, as appropriate. Be sure to submit it early, since processing can take several weeks.
- Keep your visa with your passport when it arrives.
- Repeat the application process for other countries as needed.
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Packing a Suitcase
Travel light. A good rule of thumb is to pack about half of what you think you are going to need. Check with the airlines for the size and weight of allowable luggage and carry ons. Check with the airlines for items that are not allowed in carry ons, such as scissors, nail files, etc.
Choose clothing for lightness and washability, and things that will travel "well"... Buy clothing in fabrics that resist crumpling, or look well even when a bit wrinkled. You might want to invest in some of the new vacuum storage bags, which make it much easier for packing and cloths come out wrinkle free. Stash your socks inside of your shoes to save space, and roll denims and knits items tightly to reduce wrinkling.
Put your toiletries (shampoo and lotions, etc.) in a plastic bag separate from your clothing. The air pressure in the plane might cause flip tops to open up, and you can avoid leaking onto your clothes if they are sealed in plastic.
Keep your travel documents and airline tickets with you, and not packed in your checked luggage. Keep them in your purse, fanny pack or carry on.
As soon as you get to your destination, unpack your suitcase.
Some Good Reading Material to Pack in Your Suitcase
- "A Long Way Gone" Memoirs of Boy Soldier. by Ishmael Beah
- "Dreams from my Father" A story of race and inheritance. by Barack Obama
- "Wizard of the Crow" by Ngugi Wa'Thiongo
- "Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust" Immaculee' Ilibagiza by Steve Ervwin
- "Not on our Watch" The mission to end Genocide in Darfur and Beyond, by Don Cheadle/John Prendergast
- "10,000 Places to see Before you Die" by Patricia Schultz
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When you Arrive
- Only drink purified bottled water, and lots of it through out the day, especially when you are out in the heat.
- Brush your teeth with bottled water
- Do not shower with your mouth open
- Do not drink beverages with ice
- Do not eat food from street vendors
- Wear a hat when you are out in the sun, and continue to drink water.
- If you are a light sleeper, you might want to bring ear plugs
- Drink lots of purified bottled water
- Did I say drink water? Let me say it again... Drink LOTS of WATER! You will be in an environment that you are not used to, where the sun is stronger and hotter, and you need to keep your body hydrated.
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Helpful Links
You might find some of these links helpful for your excursion to Africa.
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