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Travel Information

VISAS //...

The following East African nations now require travellers to obtain visas online BEFORE arrival in these countries:

Uganda & Rwanda: To obtain visa, traveller’s passport must be before 6 months to its expiry date. A visa is required for each country and, depending on one’s nationality or age, it costs between US$ 50.00 to US$ 100.00 per person online. Uganda: https://visas.immigration.go.ug Rwanda: https://www.ivisa.com/rwanda-e-visa

Kenya & Tanzania: Likewise, for Kenya or Tanzania visas traveller’s passport must be before 6 months to its expiry date. Visas are obtainable online, and may cost between US$ 25.00 and US$ 100.00 per person depending on one’s age, nationality, or reason for entry. Kenya: http://evisa.go.ke Tanzania: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa

Tanzania: A visa is required and for most nationalities it costs US$50 per person online. But for U.S. Citizens a tourist visa costs US$100.00 per person, and for Pakistanis: US$200.00 per person. Obtaining visa at port of entry into any East African nation has been phased out.

East African Tourist Visa: This is a Joint Tourist Visa issued to persons traveling to and within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for tourism. Tanzania is Out! Present E-Visa Printout to immigration control at the point of entry, East Africa Visa Sticker will be issues at the point of entry. Basic Requirements: 1. Valid travel document not less than six months. 2. A return ticket.

ROADS //..

Uganda & Rwanda: Up to 80% of the feeder roads are in good condition. National Parks and reserves roads are regularly graded. Kenya & Tanzania: Major roads on tourist circuit are up to 75% paved. Many roads within the national parks and reserves are only navigable by 4x4 in rainy season. In the dry season, road conditions in reserves and parks can be rough and dusty.

CREDIT CARDS //..

Most major credit cards (Master Card, Visa) are widely accepted, BUT Diner's Club and American Express & Traveller’s Checks are NOT readily accepted. In addition to credit cards, clients are advised to bring some small denomination cash US Dollars to pay off tips and small bills as we go.

HEALTH //..

Vaccinations are required from time to time. Currently, advance inoculations against COVID -19 and Yellow Fever (and certificates thereof) are required. Jewelines Safari Services Limited will advise you of these and more from time to time. Malaria is rare in many parts of our safari circuits. However, 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 that you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay. Please do NOT rely on finding your particular medication on sale in East Africa – what if you don’t?

WATER //..

Avoid drinking water or brush your teeth with water straight from the tap. Complimentary bottled water will be provided on game- viewing drives on all our programs. This will be clearly documented on your pre-safari documentation. Sodas, beer and other beverages can be purchased in the lodges / camps bars and comfortable lounges throughout the safari.

BAGGAGE //..

While international flights allow the transport and handling of large pieces of luggage per person, clients are strongly advised to travel very light with one medium sized piece of checked luggage, and a carry-on bag to contain your cameras. On light aircraft flights in East Africa region baggage allowance is limited to a maximum of 33 pounds, including camera and video equipment. Any additional luggage can be stored at your first hotel in the country until your return. Luggage and personal effects are at owner’s risk throughout the tour. Baggage Loss or Damage insurance is strongly recommended.

CLOTHING //..

Travellers should bring very casual summer clothes that are easily laundered and can dry quickly. Visitors on safari have traditionally worn olive, tan or other neutral colors. These clothes reflect the heat, don’t attract insects, don’t show the inevitable safari dust, and do not stand out when you are trying to look inconspicuous on a game drive. With cool temperatures in the early morning and evening, layering is the best approach. Laundry service [at extra cost] is available in most places so you can replenish your supply of clean clothing, as you need it. Much of the time on safari is spent in a van so lightweight and comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes or desert boots) are appropriate. Hiking boots are not necessary. The style in Africa is casual even in the evening. For dinners in the cities dress in smart casual. You will be in the sun a great deal and at these altitudes it is easy to sunburn very quickly. Bring your own anti-sunburn lotions. Pack a swimsuit and cover-up as some of the properties have lovely swimming pools.

CURRENCY //..

In Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania the unit of currency is Shilling. In Rwanda the currency is Rwanda Franc. We recommend that you exchange money only as needed. You will find it easiest to make small purchases in local currencies, and will usually receive a better price. Travellers’ cheques are NOT any more the best way to carry your cash. If you do carry them, you will not only get the worst exchange rates, but also so many questions will be asked, before they are cashed! You will conveniently exchange money at any forex bureau in town. Hotels and lodges have lower exchange rates. If you happen to bring cash US Dollars, or Euros, the bills ought to be clean, new, un-inked/un-stamped, unbroken, latest version, dated 2000 or later for a better exchange rate.

ELECTRICITY //..

The voltage is 220 as in Europe; however, the plugs are different from those in North America or most parts of Eastern Europe. As outlets may vary, we suggest you travel with a variety of international adapter plugs as well as a voltage converter, which may be purchased as a set. The most commonly used adapter plug has 3 square prongs. It is important to note that lodges in the game parks may turn off their generators during the day and late at night, meaning that no electricity is available. Plan ahead to recharge video camera batteries at applicable times of the day, or carry an extra battery, and a form of torch.

LANGUAGES //..

English is the official language in East Africa, Swahili is the second language and most people you meet will be able to speak either or both English and Swahili. In Rwanda French too is widely spoken. You may wish to learn and use a few Swahili phrases.

LAUNDRY //..

Laundry services are only available at major game lodges, where two or more nights are spent. Dry cleaning is not available. If you wish to do any of your washing yourself, please bring along your own soap powder, or you may buy some locally anyway.

MEDICAL FACILITIES //..

Capital cities have good medical facilities. Nairobi notably has more specialized private medical facilities than any other East Africa capital. Few camps or lodges have a resident medical officer on call, and these places have a medical officer who is experienced with common travel related ailments – NOT major emergencies. We suggest that you have valid Personal Health Insurance at the time of your travel. In case of any hospitalization your medical expenses will be reimbursed by your insurance rather than you having to foot all of them directly.

SAFETY //..

Guests should exercise the same common sense as one would in America, UK, rest of Europe or any other parts of the world. Normal care and sensible precautions should be taken! Please do not leave cash, jewellery or travellers’ checks unattended in your hotel, lodge or camp rooms. Most lodges and hotels have safe deposit facilities for your valuables. As a precautionary measure, do not wear flashy jewellery, or leave handbags and photographic equipment unattended in public places. Do not walk unescorted journeys outside your hotel, lodge or camp for fear of thug or animal attacks. Avoid night walks & local discos.

SHOPPING //..

Attractive, inexpensive baskets, copper jewellery, batik cloth, beads, carvings, coffee and tea are all for sale in the shops and markets. Boutiques sell fine art and handicrafts, gemstones and jewellery, including tanzanite in Tanzania. Most popular are wood carvings, which range from small trinkets, such as animal head salad spoons and letter openers, to world-class ebony sculpture. Carved soapstone from napkin rings and candlesticks to complete chess sets, are also attractive. Bags woven from sisal and baobab are available in myriad colors, sizes, styles and shapes much more artistic and unique than those reaching European or US Markets.

East African artisans have responded to the increasing appreciation of tribal artefacts with a variety of stunning original pieces and faithful reproductions: drums, headrests, stools, shields, beaded necklaces and belts from various parts of the region. Some of the most prized pieces featuring elaborately are silver, malachite and amber beads. We suggest that you take all goods you purchase with you as shipping and duty cost may easily exceed the cost of the item. When purchasing large pieces, if you must have to ship the item, please note you are good to insure your shipment and that freight can run into many hundreds of dollars more expensive than the item price.

WARNING ON SHOPPING //..

Your purchase decision(s) is very personal. You must use your best judgment when deciding whether an item is worth the price being asked. Be especially careful when buying tanzanite, golden articles, animal skins, rugs, large carvings to ship. Jewelines Safari Services, Limited cannot be responsible for any purchases you make. It is only our duty to identify and recommend to you the best shopping locations & opportunities with the best quality and value. However, we not responsible for the goods you buy, for any damages, delays or problems you may encounter when shipping your purchase(s). NOTE: Please do NOT buy, if you are not sure of the item or if you are not sure of the vendor. You will only have yourself to blame, if you are not satisfied with what you have bought.

CLIMATE //..

East Africa’s climate is tropical having both dry and rainy seasons. Although Uganda is located on the equator its climate is only warm rather than hot, and temperatures vary little throughout the year. Most of the country receives an annual rain fall of at least 30inches. In the Lake Victoria region an annual rainfall of 59 inches is distributed throughout the year, and the average annual temperature is 12.6degrees C [71 degrees F] with a daily range of 7-9 Degrees C [13-16 Degrees F].

GEOGRAPHY //..

Situated in Eastern Africa, Uganda is mostly a plateau, a compact country occupying an area of 236,580 square kilometres; it lies astride the Equator and has a fine mild climate with copious rainfall that is experienced three times a year and sunny months. Uganda is bordered by Southern Sudan in the north, Kenya in the east, Tanzania in the south, Rwanda in the southwest, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the west. Uganda’s Population is roughly 40 million people today [ 2022].

WITH THIS BRIEF BUT VERY VITAL INFORMATION, WE BELIEVE YOU ARE NOW APPROPRIATELY EQUIPPED TO SUCCESSFULLY TRAVEL WITH US! SEE YOU HERE.