Planner

Enaja’s Trip Planner

Our planner is a thorough preview for all of the most frequently asked questions regarding planning, packing and general pre-trip advice.

Table of Contents

Click on the links below to go directly to the information you seek.

Timeframe and Costs Planning a custom safari to East Africa with Enaja Safaris and Tours is a team effort. First we determine how long you want to travel. A minimum of two weeks is strongly recommended. Next we will consider your desired budget. Safaris can range from basic (mobile tent with shared facilities and which clients participate in setting up) to classic (5-star luxury lodges, hotels, and bush camps with a full staff to take care of every need). Mid-range safaris offer quality lodging with medium sized tents and a service crew to assist. Throughout the process we pay close attention to your reasons and motivations for going on the trip. Most likely the wildlife will be a main interest (which is easily satisfied in any itinerary), but Africa offers many other wonders and opportunities. You might be interested in an action-packed trip (hiking, camping, canoeing, etc.) or in community service experiences. In addition, you may wish to focus on art, culture, archaeology, history, or geology. Regardless of your interests, we plan your adventure in a way that will maximize your enjoyment, keeping in mind the seasons, migration patterns, geography, and other factors that will affect your experience.

Travel All trips include roundtrip international airfare between the USA and Africa. We are also happy to price and arrange flights from your local airport to the main international gateway. If you are traveling from a country other than the USA, we will work with you to find the most convenient and economical travel options.

According to your preferred safari style we will use a combination of commercial flights, bush flights, 4-wheel drive vehicles with private drivers and – if your interests are more adventuresome – some local transport.

Selecting Camps, Lodges and Hotels Enaja Safaris and Tours combines lodges, hotels, and tented camps so that your experience is unique and consistent with your preferences. All accommodations offer outstanding service, and many of them are world-renowned.

When to Go With so many fascinating possibilities, there truly is not a bad time to go to East Africa. However, you should be aware that high season is from June to December. The rainy seasons and climates of each country vary, affecting the location of animal concentrations. Our pre-trip process will take all of this information into account, and we consult with you frequently to assure you the most rewarding trip during the time you travel.

General Information

  • Passport and Visa Information

    • A passport valid for at least six (6) months past the date of your trip is required. Visas are available upon arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Kenya; the Entebbe International Airport in Uganda; and all the international arrival airports in Tanzania. Costs can vary but currently are $50 each for Kenya and Tanzania, and $30 for Uganda.

    • Currency and Spending Money

    VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted, and some places accept American Express. Travelers Checks can be exchanged at most of the hotels/lodges/camps for fair exchange rates. You will be responsible for your own beverages and personal items such as laundry service, phone calls, souvenirs, and visa fees.

    • Shots and Medications

    Vaccinations: For medical advice it is always best to consult your doctor or travel clinic. The minimum requirement for entry into East Africa is a yellow fever vaccination, although anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended. Keep in mind that you will be staying in camps and lodges set up to meet the needs of American and European guests, so you do not need to worry too much. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to check with the current recommendations of the CDC at www.cdc.gov/travel/eafrica.htm

    If you regularly take any medications, please be sure to take enough for the trip with you and to keep them with you at all times.

    Language English is spoken in all of the East African countries, so you will have no trouble communicating – but you may come home speaking a few words of Kiswahili.

    Food Excellent European cuisine and traditional African foods tempt your taste buds everywhere, and special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Bottled water is available everywhere, although brushing your teeth with tap water in Kenya is perfectly safe.


    Safety     We have never experienced any problems traveling in East Africa. Tourism is a major source of income, and tourists are well looked after. In Nairobi it is wise to take the normal big-city precautions, but I don’t know of a safer place than being in the African bush.

    Tipping It is customary to tip your guides and drivers, as well as the camp staff during your safari. You should estimate approximately $15/day per person for tipping.


    Travel Insurance     TraveLite, underwritten by Travelex Insurance Services, is available through Enaja Safaris and can be added to your total trip cost at the time of booking. This policy combines comprehensive travel protection and 24-hour emergency assistance into one convenient plan. (To request a brochure/application, click here.) If you buy directly from Travelex, please include the Agent Code 33-0038 on the “Purchase A Plan” page.

    Packing Suggestions     A soft-sided duffel-type bag is recommended, although any luggage will be accommodated. Remember that on some internal (or domestic) planes we will be limited to 30 pounds per person. The best advice I can give is to reduce space and weight as much as you can. Same-day laundry service is available at most camps and lodges. Remember that YOU will have to carry your bags in and through customs. Also, it is important to have an additional small bag which holds your valuable, irreplaceable items that you can keep safely with you at all times.

    My personal packing list:

    • 1 pair tan/khaki slacks
    • 1 pair nicer casual slacks
    • 1 pair shorts
    • Several tops (at least one long-sleeved, one lightweight turtleneck)
    • Bathing suit and cover
    • Casual dress/nice shirt and tie for men
    • Sleepwear
    • 4-5 pairs of underwear
    • 2-3 pairs of socks
    • Flip-flops OR sandals
    • Lightweight hiking boots OR comfortable walking shoes
    • LOTS of film/memory cards (take more than you think you will use)
    • One extra set of batteries for each battery-operated device
    • Books to read on planes and while enjoying quiet time
    • Small notebook and pen for journal/notes/addresses
    • Small pack (e.g. fanny pack) in which to keep valuable and irreplaceable items, such as cameras, film, passport, and money. Better if it has a good holder for a water bottle
    • Ziplock plastic bags (gallon size) are good for all kinds of packing and organizing your possessions
    • Washcloth (not provided everywhere)
    • Sunglasses
    • Cosmetics (most places have little shampoos and conditioner so you won’t
    • need big bottles); don’t forget Chapstick and hand lotion
    • Medications: be sure to put these in your carry-on bag
    • Sunscreen
    • Insect repellent (two cans per person)
    • Small flashlight
    • Hat, if you want more protection from the sun
    • Lightweight windbreaker or jacket in case of rain

    This list has worked well for me and I hope you can use the above suggestions  for your packing list.