Money:
You need about $100 per day in the Mara. When paying safari tips we accept pounds or dollars for the staff. Credit cards are acceptable at most places. We suggest you bring Dollar bills Series 2013 or later.
However, don’t forget you may need a credit card if you have booked your flight online. I suggest you bring only the one used for your flights and you intend to use here as it is safer to leave unnecessary cards at home. Also, remember to notify the card company of your destination and length of stay.
Torch:
You will need a good torch – at least 2 cell – plus a couple of spare batteries, as it is dark out in the bush and you do need to see reasonably far. I carry my 3 cell Mag-Lite torch day and night in case our return to camp is delayed; the experts also carry a dinky torch in their camera bags.
Binoculars:
Pack a good pair of binoculars. I would go as far as to say that not having one’s own pair, powered to at least 8 x 32, could spoil your enjoyment and participation by as much as 50 percent – and I don’t exaggerate! We spend a fair time scanning the plains, valleys and hillsides for game. Spotting is vital and sharing binoculars does not work very well.
Binoculars are just as important for spotting as a long-lens is to a keen photographer.
Medicine on safari:
It so important you see your doctor and seek advice, don’t take any chances. It is better to be fully protected as requirements do change – as do treatments – particularly with malaria. Prevention is by far the best option and fortunately, as we do not operate in malaria areas, it is more for anti-bite precautions. If I am going to a known risk area then we all take medication. For example in Uganda, yellow fever certificate is required on entry.
If you are on medications then please ensure you have enough medicine to last a minimum of a month. Keep any spare separate, as we have had tablets stolen by vervet monkeys in the past!!
Some people are concerned that they may suffer with some form of stomach complaint. Well I can count on one hand the number of times it has happened. Good hygiene practice is very important in our camp routine, a point we always insist on. However, I suggest you bring a hand sanitizer too.
Clothing and foot wear:
I strongly advise layers of clothing which can be removed as the day warms up and put back on as it cools – shorts under tracksuit type trousers, shirt, jumper and body warmer. Don’t forget at least a shirt with a collar. It is important to have a hat with brim and sunglasses as, although sunstroke is not life threatening, it is unpleasant.
I strongly recommend you bring hard wearing inexpensive clothing for everyday use as we wash by hand.
Use a separate set of clothing for around the fire to protect you from the anti-dudu (Swahili for insects/mosquitoes). At night I wear long trousers with socks. Also pack a pair of walking shoes and socks, with softer shoes when around camp and for transfers. We recommend you include a set of easy pull-ons or flip-flops for in-tent wear.
Lotions and Potions:
Don’t forget all your creams, sun block, after sun, as well as moisturiser and enough toiletries, shampoo, toothpastes and blades for the duration. Wet wipes are extremely useful and strongly recommended. Don’t forget the all-important insect repellent, the best contain Deet.
Travel insurance cover:
As we all know, travelling is fun, safaris are very adventurous and may involve a certain amount of personal risk. The fact that you are travelling in the third world can be described as adventurous as there are few local hospitals able to provide the standard of healthcare expected or required.
Conditions can be harsh and affect your equipment – so make sure you are fully insured before travelling.
Like all insurance, in the unlikely event you may need it, it must cater for all eventualities and it must adequately cover you for the conditions encountered. If you are using your existing travel insurance policy, make sure it covers you adequately.
Local flying doctors services:
We also insist you have full local Flying Doctor insurance cover which is the bush ambulance purchased locally by us. Being isolated and off the beaten track may require instant medical attention which cannot wait for clearance or authorisation from your overseas insurance company. Time is usually of the utmost importance and no one provides such a fantastic service as AMREF. You can get a 14-day cover via their website.
Evacuation by Air Ambulance provides a quick and reliable air evacuation when there is a medical need, to a hospital in an area or country where the medical standards are available.
Repatriation by international Air Ambulances to your home country or any other country is provided by your international insurance company.
