Which East African Country is safe?
- Why should I travel to a safari in East Africa?
- A. With the beuaty of Africa from Masai Mara / Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater, to the scenic viewing of game parks of Uganda not forgetting forgetting the unforgotable gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park plus the chimpanzee at Kibale National Park. This part of Africa offer a travel experience truly unlike any other in Africa. Eastern Africa with Uganda in particular, provides travelers with the best African wildlife, mountain climbing and bird watching.
Q.When is the best time to go on a safari in Uganda-East Africa?
Because of one of the best climates in the whole world, safaris can be done all around the year! But it also really depends on the interest of safari/tour holiday you want not forgetting your budget. Some National Parks have good game viewing all year round but others will have particularly better game sightings . From Jan to March and July – October it’s not a rainy season and is the best time to go on safari. The grass is dry and low making safari game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals are on the move searching for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania, and Uganda in Bwindi the weather is so much better to track gorillas. However for budget travelers we recommend that you travel during April to June and November to Mid December because season is low which you can take advantage of the special offers and sometimes even pay half the price of high seasons.
Q.How do I get flights to East Africa- Uganda?
East Africa can be reached by regular international flights to its major cites Uganda( Entebbe) , Kenya(Nairobi), Tanzania(Dar salaam) and Rwanda(Kigali). There are many airlines operating direct flights to East Africa from Europe, United States and Asia. You can approach your local travel agent for assistance regarding the flight connections. Please Contact us for more options! We however arrange flights within East-Africa.
Q.Do I need to know any local languages?
No. English is spoken throughout East Africa, especially the tour operator companies. Some safari companies have guides who speak Germany, Spain, Italia and many more Our drivers/guides speak various local languages and we have specialists for Germany ,French, Spanish, Italian, Swahili, Japanese and Chinese.
Q.Is the local food good?
Most hotels and restaurant have International cuisines and the hotels you will be staying you can get what you want. If you want a Special dietary please give us advanced notice so that we can make arrangements with the lodges and camps you are scheduled to stay at. Most restaurants offer selections for vegetarians, depending on their forte. Local specialties can be surprisingly good! With the exception of a few lodges, halaal and kosher food is not available at most camps/lodges.
Q.Are there any healthy/medical precautions?
Vaccination requirements change from time to time. Some countries require advance inoculations for yellow fever (and certificates thereof) that are good for 10 years – We will advise you of these. Malaria is present in many parts of Africa – we will advise you if you will be visiting a malaria area. 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 you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).
- Is Africa a good family with Children destination?
Africa offers outstanding value for families. However, some destinations and establishments cater more fully for the enjoyment of children than others. In Kenya, children five years old and younger are generally not allowed on game drives in the parks and reserves. Travel to Tanzania is not recommended for children younger than eight years old, Uganda five years game drive and gorilla tracking 16 years old. For more specific information contact us.
- When can I book my safari?
It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel (4-6 months), especially during the peak seasons and when the safari comprises of gorilla tracking. (July – October and Christmas/New Years). This is especially important for those wishing to travel on private custom safaris and those adding extensions to scheduled trips.
- How many people can I take on a safari?
A Small group travel allows for flexibility and informality, which is why our journeys operate with a maximum of 14 travelers. Because groups are small, we always put the interests of our travelers while allowing opportunities for independent insights. Some of our safari/tour Packages have guaranteed departures with a minimum of two people and are limited to a maximum of 17 people (if more than 7 people are on a safari, we use two vehicles) starting every 14th day of the month. Other safaris especially the tailor-made can depart on a day of your choice. As a rule, each person has a window seat guaranteed.
- What is a single supplement of the hotel?
A single supplement is a fee imposed by hotels, lodges and camps on single travelers. Tour prices are quoted based on two people sharing accommodation. If someone takes a room by themselves they have to pay the per-person price plus the single supplement fee. It is the excess cost you pay in occupying a room designated to take two people by yourself alone.
- Is it possible a single Travelers join a group and share a room with other single travelers?
Some people frequently ask if they can travel alone or join a group? With us the answer is Yes! provided there is another single traveler of the same sex, on the same safari, and the other person is naturally willing to share! So, go on and join today! This is a great way to meet like-minded people from all over the world, of all ages and interests!
- Can I use a credit card to pay for my safari or online payment?
Yes you can pay via debit or credit card but only at our offices. Paying online can be daone by paying directly to our account, Let us know we send you the secure link with a 5% bank charges or money order or wire bank transfer to our bank account.
- What type of vehicles do you use on safari/tour in Uganda?
Alpha Safaris have customized 4×4 vans with pop up roofs or 4×4 land cruisers. The later being more Pricy. The specific vehicle used on a particular safari depends on the country and the reserves to be visited. All vehicles are equipped with safari gudgets and are maintained to provide the maximum level of comfort and safety.
Q.Who can go to a safari in Uganda?
Africa Safari holiday is perfect vacation for people of all ages, from eight to ninty years. A safari is not particularly strenuous or tiring, so anyone in reasonably good health should be able to enjoy his or her stay. Because a safari/tour has something to offer everyone, it has become an increasingly popular motivation incentive as well as a family vacation.
Q.What kinds of animals will I see?
In a typical day you can expect to see 15 to 40 animal species- Gorillas, Chimpanzees,lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos, to name a few. Buffalo and wildebeest may be in herds of hundreds or more. Others, like the swift cheetah, are more likely to be found alone. And then there are the birds, over 300 species! Birds in Africa are particularly colorful and easy to spot. Even if you’ve never looked at a bird before, with the help of your driver you’ll easily learn to identify twenty to thirty of the most striking and beautiful birds of Africa. Experienced birders can expect to see 60 to 100 different species in a single day. A special thrill is in store if your safari coincides with the annual wildebeest migration. You’ll see thunderous herds of wildebeest and zebra, totaling more than 1 million, stretching across the horizon. On their trail follow the predators the big cats, and the scavengers hyenas, jackals and vultures.
- How close will I get to the animals?
Because you are traveling in protected game reserves, many of the animals have no fear as long as you are in a vehicle. You can get surprisingly close, with gorillas 10 meters way from them, lions are busy feeding on prey, or at rest. Elephants often walk up to and even surround a minibus. Monkeys and baboons may study you as closely as you study them. But natural behavior will only continue if you give the animals some space and are quiet. If you go too close, or talk too loudly, the animals may just leave. Most animals will be more interesting if allowed the space to continue their natural behaviors- stalking, mating, playing with their young. Your driver will know the best viewing distance. Please do not encourage him to “stalk” or otherwise interfere with hunting or other activities crucial to the animal’s survival.
- Is a safari dangerous?
No, not if you stay within the marked boundaries of your lodge or in your minibus. Your guide and driver know what is, and is not, safe. Incidents involving animals are rare in East Africa and are, almost without fail, the result of someone doing what they have been advised not to do. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry, hold onto your purse and camera bag, beware of clever conmen and don’t walk in the city at night. Do not wear money belts, since they can easily be cut off from the rear. It is always a good idea when you travel to keep a photocopy of your passport in your suitcase and another at home. It’s a fact that traveling on safari is safer than traveling in most U.S. and European cities. The people are friendly, and the government patrols the game parks – their most treasured resource- for the safety and benefit of all.
- How good are the accommodations?
Alpha Adventures uses only the finest accommodation available. The most game lodges are imaginatively built with nature finishing. A typical lodge has bungalows spread across the grounds, a large central reception area, dining room, outdoor swimming pool. Many have exercise room as well. Each room has twin beds and private bathroom with flush toilet and shower or bath. For most, these exclusive safari lodges are the ultimate African experience.
