What to Pack
Packing for a safari requires a balance of practicality and comfort. Light aircraft flights (like those flying into the Mara or Serengeti) strictly enforce a luggage limit of 15kg (33 lbs) per person, packed in soft-sided duffel bags. Hard-shell suitcases cannot fit in the aircraft cargo pods.
Clothing & Colors
Stick to neutral tones (khaki, beige, olive green, brown). Avoid bright colors, pure white (it gets dirty instantly), and dark blue/black, which can attract tsetse flies. Bring layers—early morning game drives are surprisingly cold, while midday is hot.
Footwear
Heavy hiking boots are unnecessary unless you are doing a gorilla trek or climbing Kilimanjaro. For standard safaris, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or trail sneakers, plus a pair of sandals for relaxing at the lodge, are perfect.
Gear & Gadgets
Bring a high-quality pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 are ideal) and a camera with a good zoom lens (minimum 300mm). Don't forget universal travel adapters (UK Type G plug is standard in East Africa) and extra memory cards.
Sun Protection
The equatorial sun is intense. Pack a wide-brimmed hat (with a chin strap to keep it from flying off in an open vehicle), high SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and lip balm.
Travel Documents & Visas
Ensuring your paperwork is in order guarantees a seamless arrival. All travelers require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, with a minimum of two blank pages per country visited.
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Kenya (eTA): Kenya is now visa-free for global citizens, but all travelers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to boarding their flight. Apply via etakenya.go.ke (Cost: ~$30 USD).
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Tanzania (e-Visa): US Citizens pay $100 USD; most other nationalities pay $50 USD. While visas can sometimes be obtained on arrival, we highly recommend applying for the e-Visa in advance to skip massive airport queues.
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East Africa Tourist Visa: If your itinerary includes Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, apply for this joint visa ($100 USD) through the first country you enter. It allows multiple entries across all three borders. Note: Tanzania is not part of this agreement.
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Comprehensive Insurance: Medical and emergency evacuation insurance is mandatory for all Urban Jay guests. Facilities in the bush are basic, and aerial evacuation to Nairobi or Johannesburg is costly without coverage.
Health & Medical
Consult your primary care physician or a specialized travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your departure to discuss specific medical requirements based on your itinerary.
Yellow Fever
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are traveling between East African countries (e.g., from Kenya to Tanzania) or arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic. Without the physical yellow card, you may be denied entry.
Malaria Prevention
Most premier safari destinations in East Africa are in malaria zones. You must take prescription anti-malarial medication (like Malarone). Your lodge will provide mosquito nets, and our vehicles carry insect repellent containing DEET.
Kenya and Rwanda enforce strict bans on single-use plastics. Do not pack your items in plastic grocery bags or carry plastic water bottles into the country; they will be confiscated at the airport. Urban Jay provides branded stainless steel refillable bottles in all vehicles.
Understanding the Seasons
Wildlife viewing in East Africa is spectacular year-round, but weather patterns heavily dictate animal movements, especially the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The absolute best time to visit. The bush is dry, making wildlife easier to spot as animals congregate around waterholes. This is the highly coveted window to witness the Great Migration river crossings in the Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti. Expect premium pricing and early bookings.
A magnificent time for travel. In the Southern Serengeti, this marks the calving season, where thousands of wildebeest are born daily, bringing high predator action. It is also an excellent time for birdwatching and combining the bush with Indian Ocean beach extensions.
The landscape transforms into a brilliant emerald green. While heavy afternoon showers are common, the lighting is spectacular for photography. You will enjoy dramatic skies, newborn animals, virtually no crowds, and the most competitive luxury lodge rates of the year.
Our Luxury Safari Fleet
Your comfort and safety in the bush are paramount. Urban Jay Safaris operates a proprietary fleet of extended, custom-built 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers. Built to navigate rugged terrain gracefully, they are the undisputed kings of the African savannah.
While the vehicles can seat up to 7 passengers, we cap our groups at 6 guests per vehicle. This guarantees that every traveler has a dedicated window seat and ample space for camera gear.
Currency & Tipping Etiquette
Your safari package covers almost everything, but you will need funds for souvenirs, premium alcoholic beverages, and gratuities.
US Dollars Rule
The US Dollar is widely accepted at lodges and markets. However, African banks strictly reject old currency. Ensure all USD notes were printed AFTER 2013 and are crisp, with no tears or ink marks.
Tipping Guide
Tipping is customary for good service. We recommend $15 - $20 USD per person, per day for your dedicated driver-guide (handed to them at the end of the trip), and $10 - $15 USD per day placed in the communal lodge tip box for camp staff.
National Park & Conservation Fees
Conservation fees are essential to maintaining the ecology of the parks and protecting wildlife from poaching. While Urban Jay includes these fees in your final customized quote, it is helpful to understand the underlying costs, which are charged per person, per 24 hours.
| Premium Park / Reserve | Approximate Fee (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara (Kenya) | $100 - $200 | Rates vary heavily based on season and if staying inside/outside the reserve. |
| Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) | $83 | Peak season rate. Subject to 18% VAT. |
| Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania) | $71 | Plus a mandatory $295 vehicle descent fee per vehicle per trip. |
| Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) | $1,500 | Fixed price for the Gorilla Trekking Permit. |
*Note: Government authorities frequently adjust park fees. Your dedicated safari consultant will confirm exact amounts during the booking phase.