TRAVEL GUIDE
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know before your East African safari — safety, climate, packing and essential travel tips.
Good to know: East Africa is generally safe and welcoming for travelers. Stay alert in cities and always follow your guide’s instructions in the parks.
Safety Tips for Your Safari
Stay safe and healthy throughout your East African adventure.
Health & Vaccinations
Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for Uganda entry
Take anti-malaria medication as prescribed
Bring DEET-based insect repellent (30%+)
Drink only bottled or purified water
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential
Ensure coverage for emergency medical evacuation
Check coverage for gorilla trekking activities
Keep copies of all policy documents
Know your provider’s emergency number
Personal Safety
Do not approach or feed wildlife
Keep valuables secure and out of sight
Avoid walking alone after dark in cities
Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash
Sleep under a mosquito net
Safety in the Parks
Always follow your guide’s instructions
Stay inside your vehicle unless authorized
Keep at least 7 metres from gorillas
Maintain low noise during game viewing
Running or jogging in wildlife areas is prohibited
Climate Guide
Understand the region’s weather patterns to pack perfectly.
🇺🇬 Uganda Climate
Uganda has two rainy seasons (March–May and September–December). Average year-round temperatures are moderate, with the southwestern highlands running noticeably cooler.
20–27°C
Annual Average
Dec–Feb & Jun–Aug
Dry Seasons
Mar–May & Sep–Nov
Rainy Seasons
16–18°C
SW Highlands
🇷🇼 Rwanda Climate
Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate thanks to its elevation, with substantial annual rainfall and two rainy seasons similar to Uganda’s.
16–21°C
Daily Average
Jun–Sep & Dec–Feb
Dry Seasons
Mar–May & Oct–Nov
Wet Seasons
Cold & Misty
Volcanoes NP
Safari Clothing Guide
Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
Warm fleece or jacket for evenings
A waterproof rain jacket
Sturdy walking boots for primate trekking
Safari Essential Items
Wide-brim hat and UV sunglasses
High-SPF sunscreen
Insect repellent (DEET 30%+)
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Ultimate Packing List
Tailor your list to the season and the activities you’ve booked.
Tracking Primates
Long trousers & long-sleeved shirts
Sturdy walking boots
Waterproof rain jacket
Face mask (mandatory for primate tracking)
Gardening gloves for vegetation
Daypack with water bottle
Game Viewing
Binoculars (recommended)
Camera with zoom lens
Extra batteries & memory cards
Insect repellent
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Neutral-colored clothing
Camping Trips
Lightweight sleeping bag
Flashlight or headlamp
Warm fleece & sweater
Toiletries & first aid kit
Power bank & universal adapter
Reusable water bottle
Documents & Essentials
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Passport (valid 6+ months)
Copies of documents (digital + printed)
Travel insurance documents
Universal electrical charger
Personal toiletries
Road Safety & Transport
What to expect getting around East Africa.
Safari Vehicles
All vehicles are 4×4 with pop-up roofs
Regularly inspected and serviced
Drivers are licensed and experienced on park tracks
Vehicles carry first-aid kits
Drinking water provided on transfers
Road Conditions
Major highways are single-carriage, generally good
Park roads can be rough after rain
Allow extra travel time between destinations
Night driving in and around parks is not allowed
Driving Rules
Drive on the LEFT in Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania
Drive on the RIGHT in Rwanda
Seatbelts compulsory for all passengers
Maximum speed inside parks is 40 km/h
Airport Transfers
Standard packages include airport transfers
Our team meets you at all major airports
Share your flight details after booking
Notify us of any flight delay or change
Precautions & Guidelines
Important safety guidelines every traveler should know.
Important Traveler Guidelines
East Africa is one of the safest safari regions in the world. Being informed and prepared helps you enjoy a smooth trip while respecting local customs and the environment.
Document Security
Keep passport copies separate from originals. Store digital copies in cloud storage.
Cash & Payments
Carry small denominations. USD notes must be printed after 2013 to be accepted.
Communication
Get a local SIM at the airport. Save emergency contacts and your guide’s number.
Health Precautions
Carry a basic first-aid kit. Stay hydrated and use mosquito nets consistently.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before photographing people. Never photograph military sites.
Environmental Respect
Do not litter. Stay on designated trails. Respect wildlife habitats at all times.
Cultural Sensitivity
Dress modestly when visiting villages or religious sites. Respect local customs.
Prohibited Items
Plastic bags are banned in Kenya. Check customs regulations before you travel.
Emergency Contacts
Detlef Safaris 24/7 Hotline: +256 772 532 746
Uganda Police Emergency: 999 or 112
Uganda Tourism Board: +256 414 251 062
Medical Emergency (Ambulance): 112
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Let our local experts design a tailor-made safari that fits your dreams, budget, and travel style.
