Plan Your Perfect Safari
From the best migration windows to what to pack in your duffel — everything you need to travel East Africa with confidence.
Best Time to Visit
East Africa offers exceptional wildlife viewing year-round, but understanding the seasons unlocks the difference between a good safari and a life-changing one.
Excellent birding with migratory species present. Calving season in the Serengeti draws predators. Fewer tourists.
- Calving season
- birding
- green landscapes
- lower rates
The premier wildlife-viewing season. Sparse vegetation, concentrated waterholes, and the Great Migration river crossings.
- Great Migration
- river crossings
- all parks open
- clear skies
Lower rates with fewer crowds. Lush green landscapes and newborn animals. Some roads can be challenging after heavy rain.
- Lower prices
- fewer crowds
- newborn animals
- lush scenery
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes NP is available all year. Dry months (Jun–Aug, Dec–Feb) offer easier trails.
- Gorilla trekking any month
- drier trails Jun-Aug
Visa & Entry
Entry requirements vary by nationality. We recommend applying at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Our team will guide you through the exact process for your passport.
East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda + Kenya + Rwanda) $100. Single entry valid 90 days.
Apply OnlineApply at least 2 weeks ahead. Transit visa $20. No visa on arrival since 2024.
Apply OnlineValid 90 days. Zanzibar included. Yellow fever cert required from some countries.
Apply OnlineVisa-free for most nationalities. Gorilla permit required separately (~$1,500/person).
Apply OnlineAlways check your country's specific requirements — regulations change. Our team will provide a personalised visa checklist with your booking confirmation.
Packing List
Pack light, pack right. Neutral earth tones, breathable fabrics, and a sense of adventure.
Clothing
- Neutral shirts (4–5)
- Quick-dry safari trousers (2–3)
- Warm fleece / light jacket
- Waterproof layer
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals or camp slippers
Safari Essentials
- Binoculars (8x42 recommended)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Insect repellent (DEET 30%+)
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Sunglasses (UV400)
- Head torch / flashlight
Camera & Tech
- Camera + telephoto lens (200mm+)
- Extra batteries & memory cards
- Solar charger or power bank
- Dust-proof camera bag
- Small tripod / bean bag
- Adapter plugs (UK/EU)
Medications
- Antimalarials (consult your doctor)
- Travel first aid kit
- Rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrheal tablets
- Blister plasters
- Personal prescription medicines
Documents
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Visas (printed + digital)
- Travel insurance certificate
- Yellow fever certificate
- Hotel/lodge confirmations
- Emergency contacts list
Gorilla Trekking
- Long-sleeved shirt & trousers
- Garden gloves (protection)
- Gaiters or long socks
- Good waterproof boots
- Light day-pack
- Rain jacket (essential)
Health & Safety
East Africa is safe and welcoming for travellers. Taking the right precautions means you can focus entirely on the experience.
Malaria Prevention
High PriorityMalaria is present in most East African parks. Take prescribed prophylactics, use 30%+ DEET, wear long sleeves at dusk, and sleep under a net. Consult your GP at least 6 weeks before departure.
Vaccinations
High PriorityYellow fever certificate is required for entry from endemic countries. Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (if trekking). Consult a travel health clinic.
Food & Water Safety
ImportantDrink only bottled or treated water. Avoid ice in drinks outside lodges. Lodges and camps provide safe filtered water. Fruit and vegetables washed in clean water are safe.
Travel Insurance
High PriorityComprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is mandatory for all our safaris. Ensure your policy covers wildlife activities, gorilla trekking, and emergency airlifts.
Altitude
Good to KnowGorilla trekking in Bwindi (1,160–2,607m) and Volcanoes NP can be strenuous. Allow time to acclimatise. Discuss fitness requirements with our team before booking.
Wildlife Safety
ImportantAlways follow your guide's instructions around wildlife. Never exit a vehicle in open game areas without permission. Maintain recommended distances. Our guides are trained in wildlife safety protocols.
Sun & Heat
Good to KnowEquatorial sun is intense year-round. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, stay hydrated, wear a hat, and rest during peak heat (12–3pm) when wildlife activity is lower anyway.
Emergency Contacts
Good to KnowAll guests receive our 24/7 emergency contact number. Medical facilities are available in Kampala, Nairobi, and Arusha. AMREF Flying Doctors provides air evacuation across the region.
Every Safari We Build is One of a Kind
No two safaris are the same, and neither should yours be. Tell us your dream — gorillas at dawn, migration river crossings, a private camp under the stars — and our founding team will craft every detail around it.
We plan an average of 30 itineraries per year, which means every guest gets the personal attention of people who actually know the land.
- Hand-crafted itinerary, built by local experts
- Gorilla permits secured in advance
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- No hidden fees — full transparency
- 10% of profits go to Wild Future Fund
Let Us Build Your
Perfect Safari
Every journey we design is shaped around you — your pace, your interests, your budget. Tell us where you dream of going and our safari specialists will craft it from scratch.
Share your vision
Destinations, dates, group size and any must-do experiences.
We design your itinerary
Our specialists build a personalised route and lodge selection.
Travel with confidence
Full support from booking through to your return home.