Overview
Common Safari Questions; Planning for an African safari is exciting and mind-blowing. But it is also known for attracting many questions, especially for first-timers. Interestingly, the internet is said to be a source of information about anything. But can it be beneficial in this case?
For instance, when you search online for issues concerning safaris in East Africa. You might fail to find the answers you need due to the overwhelming amount of information you will encounter. We have therefore put together—this article to provide precise details on some of the common safari questions that you may have. Hopefully, you will get your answers and a sense of relief.
How is my money protected?
Suppose you are already at the stage of starting your safari. That is to say, you have made bookings for your flights and accommodation. You have set travel dates and have booked a safari package with your trusted tour company.
One of the remaining concerns would probably be about your money. You will likely have questions about the currency to use and how much money to carry in cash. Other means of payment to use and the physical safety of your money as you travel through Uganda.
Why should one carry cash/ extra money anyway?
- First of all, it is vital to carry extra cash as you prepare to travel. This money can be used to purchase souvenirs such as animal wood carvings, African print clothes, Uganda coffee/honey and several others. These souvenirs offer a physical representation of your adventure and connection with the Pearl of Africa.
- Extra money can also help give tips to your tour guides, hotel team and porters (in the case of gorilla trekking). You can also use the money to buy delicious street food and refreshments such as wine, sodas, and fresh fruit juice, to mention but a few.
How much money should I carry in cash?
This depends on your preferences and your budget. It would be good for you to lay out a simple budget of what you expect to spend during your safari. Alternatively, you could inquire from us depending on your interest to get an accurate quotation. Ensure that you carry your credit card as a backup (to avoid inconveniences caused by running out of cash).
How safe will my money be as I visit Uganda?
It is important to note, firstly, that carrying large sums of money might not be a good idea. It may attract criminals who could steal the money and probably harm you.
Suppose you must carry large sums of money. Ensure that you conceal it properly and avoid attracting attention. Also, you can divide the money and keep the portions separate.
When you check into your hotel/lodge, do not leave your cash, bank cards, passports or any other valuable items inside the room when you are out for any activities. It is safer to move with them in your cross bag or backpack, or handbag.
This is not because of a lack of trust in the quality of services offered by the lodges/hotels that we recommend to you but because we believe in taking the best possible precautions for the comfort of our guests.
Regarding bank transactions, you must inform your bank back home in advance so that none of your transactions made in Uganda are flagged as fraud and denied.
In a nutshell, you are advised to keep alert and careful with your money as you travel in Uganda to avoid any possible inconveniences.
How can I book for my holiday?
Before you book for holidays, there are a few steps that you must take to ensure that you get the best possible package. These steps include; setting a budget, doing enough research about what you need in your package—finding the safest and most efficient payment methods, getting advice from trusted sources/your tour operator, and checking for availability of space in your chosen accommodation facility. Booking international flights on time, booking gorilla trekking permits and others.
After you have considered all the necessary steps, you may make a booking for your holiday. It is still advisable to do so through your trusted tour operator to save yourself the stress/pressure involved. All you need to do in this case is to make a deposit/payment. As requested by the tour operator, they can book your hotel rooms, gorilla permits and so on. You should also provide the tour operator with the essential details such as dietary restrictions, travel dates, number of days, number of persons and so on.
All payments can be made to the tour operator’s bank account or by using your credit/visa card or PayPal (with a 4% charge on your payment). Alternatively, the balance can be paid in cash (on arrival) if it is agreed between both parties. Ensure to get a receipt after making any payment for record-keeping purposes.
It is also essential to have a signed contract/agreement between you and your tour operator to ensure transparency and accountability between both parties.
How can I pay for my holiday?
You can pay for your holiday in instalments as agreed between you and your tour operator. However, it would be better to make total payments to prevent any inconveniences at the start of your trip.
Payments can be made to the tour operator’s bank account (bank transfer) or by using your credit/visa card or PayPal (with a 4% charge on your payment). Alternatively, the balance can be paid in cash (on arrival) if it is agreed between both parties. Ensure to get a receipt after making any payment for record-keeping purposes.
How do I check for availability for a specific date?
Checking for availability for a specific date can be handled by your tour operator. All you need to do is to provide them with essential details such as the number of people, the day, the month, the year, the preferred room type (for the case of accommodation) etc.
This information will then be forwarded by the tour operator to the lodge/hotel in question or to Uganda Wildlife Authority (if you want to purchase gorilla trekking permits).
After the availability has been confirmed, you will receive an update to decide how to proceed. There are times when a specific date is fully booked, and adjustments/flexibility are required on the client’s end. As your trusted tour operator, we always ensure you get the best.
Are flights included in my safari package/ do you book flights?
Two types of flights may be included during your trip. That is to say, domestic and international flights. We usually make bookings for domestic flights for our clients. Thus have them in the safari package that we offer. However, for international flights, you should make a booking (by yourself). In advance and to, follow all the necessary procedures/requirements for travel in order to avoid any disturbances. Examples of domestic flights in East Africa include Kajjansi airstrip to Kisoro, Nairobi to Diani Beach, Dar-es-Salaam to Kilimanjaro and so on.
What is included in holiday safari packages?
First, a safari refers to an adventure or expedition into the wilds of Africa. It is further described as an overland journey usually made by tourists to observe wild animals such as the big 5; lions, leopards, rhinos, Cape buffaloes and elephants in their natural habitats. Besides wildlife viewing, a holiday safari can include other adventurous and exciting activities. These include hiking, white water rafting, zip-lining, city tours, canoe rides, flat water tubing, and kayaking, depending on your preferences and budget. With regards to what is included in a holiday safari package, there are several components which can also be adjusted from time to time.
Some of them include the following;
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Hiking permits
- Gorilla trekking/ chimpanzee trekking permits
- All activities (Unless labelled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional English-speaking guide
We can provide a professional tour guide that speaks any other language (of your choice) apart from English.
- A comprehensive safari vehicle
- All transportation (Unless labelled as optional)
- Fuel for the entire journey with unlimited mileage
- All Taxes/VAT
- Round-trip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking mineral water (On all days)
There are some components of a safari that are usually excluded from a safari package. However, as your trusted tour operator, we can adjust according to your preferences. They include;
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- The government imposed an increase in taxes or park fees
COVID-19 and Ebola Travel Guidelines
Ensure to follow all the necessary COVID-19 and Ebola travel guidelines to ensure you are safe and healthy during your safari with us. One of our major priorities is to provide the best possible safety and comfort during your tour, so please rest assured that you will be in safe hands.
Some of the travel guidelines include wearing and carrying a sufficient number of surgical masks, moving with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, vaccination against COVID-19 or taking a PCR test and several others.
Conclusion
There are so many other questions that you could be having besides the ones that have been answered above. With that said, please feel free to contact us and forward any inquiries or questions or even suggestions. We shall be delighted to hear from you. Also, don’t miss out on a beautiful opportunity to explore East Africa with us. Allow us to turn your safari dream into an everlasting memory! Make your safari booking today.
