Travel with Complete Peace of Mind. Africa Safari Planning Guide & FAQs.
Traveling to East Africa is straightforward when guided by seasoned experts. Review our comprehensive guide on entry visas, health preparations, domestic flight baggage limits, and packing tips.
What You Need to Know Before Departure
Visas & eTA
Kenya requires an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to boarding. Tanzania and Rwanda provide electronic visa portals. Passports must have at least 6 months validity and two blank pages.
Vaccines & Health
Yellow Fever vaccination cards are required when crossing borders within East Africa. Malaria prophylaxis (such as Malarone) is widely recommended. Consult your local travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before travel.
Soft Duffel Bags
Light aircraft servicing bush airstrips have strict luggage pod size limits. Rigid hard-case suitcases cannot fit. Pack in soft-sided duffels strictly within 15kg (33 lbs) including camera gear.
Safari Wardrobe
Neutral colors (khaki, olive, tan, beige) blend into the savannah. Avoid dark blue and black which attract tsetse flies. Bring layers: dawn game drives can be chilly (50°F / 10°C) before warming up.
Common Traveler Inquiries
When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania?
The dramatic river crossings across the Mara River typically occur from July through October in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. From December to March, the herds congregate in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu regions of Tanzania for the calving season.
What visas and health requirements do I need for Kenya and East Africa?
Kenya now utilizes the online Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. Tanzania and Rwanda provide electronic visa portals. Yellow fever vaccination cards are required when traveling between endemic zones. We provide complete country-specific health and visa checklists upon booking.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Soft-sided duffel bags are required for domestic light aircraft (typically 15kg limit). Pack neutral earth tones (khaki, tan, olive green; avoid dark blue and black which attract tsetse flies). Bring a light fleece for brisk early morning game drives and sturdy walking shoes.
Are children welcome on Big Ventures safaris?
Yes! We customize family journeys with lodges that feature dedicated family suites, enclosed swimming pools, and private 4x4 vehicles so parents can adjust game drive hours to their children’s rhythm.
How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) or Bwindi (Uganda) involves hiking through dense vegetation, elevation changes, and mud. Treks can range from 45 minutes to 4 hours. Porters are available and highly recommended to assist with backpacks.
Have Questions About Your Travel Plans? Our team is based in Seattle and Nairobi.
Speak directly with our safari coordinators to get real-time answers regarding flights, weather, and lodge availability.