Travel Tips

Documents and permits:
Carry confirmed passport, visa documentation, and travel insurance details as part of essential trip paperwork to prevent entry or check-in issues.

Secure gorilla trekking permits well in advance; availability is limited and permits can sell out months ahead, especially in peak season.

Expect regulated, non-transferable gorilla permits with current prices differing by country (e.g., Rwanda and Uganda) and book early to match preferred dates.

Consider booking permits through reputable operators to streamline logistics and ensure compliance with park rules.
Health and safety:
Plan a pre-travel health consult to align vaccines and malaria prevention with specific routes and seasons across East Africa.

Malaria prevention blends bite-avoidance with chemoprophylaxis; depending on the medication, prophylaxis often begins shortly before arrival and continues during and after travel.

Use mosquito-avoidance measures consistently (repellent, treated nets, long sleeves) and seek prompt evaluation for any fever after travel.

In very remote regions, discuss standby emergency malaria treatment with a clinician, using it only under medical guidance and seeking confirmation care as soon as possible.

Verify yellow fever vaccine requirements and malaria risk by country before departure to ensure compliance and risk-appropriate protection.

Packing and luggage:
Favor neutral, earth-toned clothing with long sleeves and long pants for sun and insect protection, complemented by layers for cool mornings and evenings.

Include a warm fleece or sweater for dawn/dusk game drives and higher-altitude locations where temperatures can drop.

Pack a lightweight rain jacket, especially for the long and short rainy seasons (commonly March–May and October–December in parts of East Africa).

Choose comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or hiking boots, plus socks for trekking days, and lighter footwear or sandals for lodges.

Bring a wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm for high sun exposure on open vehicles and plains.

Use soft-sided luggage/duffels and keep packing streamlined to adapt to lodge storage and vehicle space constraints.
Gear and essentials:
Carry binoculars and a camera kit suitable for wildlife viewing to maximize sightings across varied distances.

Bring spare batteries, memory cards, and a power bank since some remote camps have limited charging windows.

Pack a compact first-aid kit and personal medications, along with basic toiletries and hand sanitizer.

A headlamp or small torch is helpful for low-light camp navigation and pre-dawn departures.

A reusable water bottle supports hydration and reduces single-use plastic while traveling between camps.

On-safari etiquette:
Follow guide instructions at all times and maintain respectful distances from wildlife for safety and conservation.

Keep voices low, avoid sudden movements, and never feed wildlife to preserve natural behavior and visitor safety.

Disable the flash for wildlife photography and remain in the vehicle unless a guide indicates it is permitted.
Gorilla trekking specifics:
Expect variable trail difficulty and duration; plan accordingly and allow sufficient time buffers in the itinerary.

Hiring a porter is optional but recommended to manage day packs and assist on steep or slippery sections.

For Rwanda treks, arriving near Volcanoes National Park a day early helps avoid missing a strictly timed permit window.

High socks and sturdy boots improve comfort on forest trails, which can include nettles, mud, and ants.

Disable the flash when you photograph the Gorillas, and keep a minimum safe distance as it is indicated by the rangers, the guide and in the pre-trek briefing.
Seasons and timing:
Prepare for a range of temperatures—cool at dawn/dusk and warmer midday—by packing versatile layers for game drives.

Anticipate rain showers during common rainy windows and protect gear and clothing with lightweight waterproof layers.

Photography pointers:
A telephoto lens, steady support (like a bean bag), and ample memory enable quality wildlife images from vehicle-based sightings.

Back up images regularly and carry spare batteries to avoid missing rare sightings.
Money and practicalities:
Expect variable connectivity and charging schedules in remote camps; plan offline maps and power backups accordingly.

Keep essential documents and small valuables secure and organized for transfers between camps and border points.

Contact Form — Africa Horizon Safaris

Contact Africa Horizon Safaris

Full Name *

Email *

A confirmation will be prepared to send from your email app after clicking Send Message.

Phone — Country Code *

Example: +256, +254, +255, +250

Phone — Number *

Digits only, 4–15 digits.

Destination *

Safari Duration (days) *

Travelers — Adult(s) *

Travelers — Children

Children are optional; choose 0 if none.

Message *

Thank you for getting in touch and for completing our contact form.
We’ve received your message and details, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you need immediate assistance, feel free to call us at +256782114287 or reply to this email.

Warm regards,
The Africa Horizon Safaris Team

Travel Tips

Contact Africa Horizon Safaris

Our Contacts