PREPARATION GUIDE
Travel Essentials
Everything you need to know before you fly.
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What to Pack
- Neutral clothing — khaki, beige, olive, grey (avoid blue, black, bright colours)
- Lightweight long sleeves and trousers (sun and insects)
- Warm layer for early morning game drives — it gets cold
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Wide-brimmed hat and polarised sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen and DEET insect repellent
- Quality binoculars — 8×42 or 10×42 recommended
- Camera with a telephoto lens if possible
- Power bank and universal adaptor (Kenya/Tanzania: Type G UK plug)
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Health & Vaccinations
- Yellow fever — required for Uganda, Rwanda; recommended for Kenya/Tanzania
- Hepatitis A and B — strongly recommended
- Typhoid — recommended
- Malaria prophylaxis — consult your GP 6–8 weeks before travel
- Routine vaccinations should be up to date (MMR, tetanus, etc.)
- Bring personal medications with sufficient supply plus 10% extra
- A basic medical kit — antiseptic, plasters, rehydration sachets
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Visas & Entry
- Kenya — eVisa available at evisa.go.ke, apply 2+ weeks in advance
- Tanzania — eVisa available at eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Uganda — eVisa at visas.immigration.go.ug
- Rwanda — visa on arrival for most nationalities, or online at irembo.gov.rw
- East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda — good value
- Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your travel dates
- Keep 2+ blank pages for stamps
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Money & Payments
- US Dollars are widely accepted alongside local currencies
- ATMs available in all major towns and airports
- Inform your bank before travel to avoid card blocks
- Keep small US Dollar bills ($1, $5, $10) for tips and small purchases
- Tipping culture: guide ~$20/day, camp staff ~$5/day
- Credit cards accepted at most lodges — Visa/Mastercard most reliable
- Mobile money (M-Pesa) widely used in Kenya
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Connectivity
- Most lodges offer WiFi — but connection can be slow in remote areas
- Consider a local SIM — Safaricom (Kenya) or Airtel have good coverage
- A WhatsApp number for your Zuraya guide is provided before travel
- Offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline areas) are useful
- Electricity available at all lodges — some solar-only camps charge during day
We send every Zuraya guest a personalised pre-departure pack 6 weeks before travel — tailored to your specific destinations, activities, and season.
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