8-Day Signature Luxury Rwanda and Serengeti Safari Migration Expedition

 Yes, most international travelers require entry authorization for each country, though processes vary:

• Kenya: Requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) submitted online at etakenya.go.ke before departure. East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) a joint single-entry multi-country visa ($100 USD) allowing 90 days of travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is available if traveling to multiple countries when applying.
• Tanzania & Zanzibar: Requires a Single Entry Tourist Visa ($50 USD for most nationalities, $100 USD for US citizens), available via eVisa or on arrival.
• Uganda: Requires an eVisa applied for online in advance via the official immigration portal. East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) a joint single-entry multi-country visa ($100 USD) allowing 90 days of travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is available if traveling to multiple countries when applying.
• Rwanda: Offers an eVisa or Visa on Arrival ($50 USD) for most nationalities. East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) a joint single-entry multi-country visa ($100 USD) allowing 90 days of travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is available if traveling to multiple countries when applying.

East Africa is generally safe for tourists, particularly within wildlife reserves, safari circuits, and beach resorts. Standard safety practices apply in urban hubs (Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala):

• Avoid walking alone at night in major cities.

• Secure valuables in hotel safes and keep cameras/phones discreet in crowded areas.

• Use trusted transfers, registered taxis, or tour operator vehicles rather than unmarked street transport.

• US Dollars ($ USD), Euros, and Sterling Pounds: Are widely accepted for safaris, park fees, mid-to-luxury lodges, and tips across all five destinations. USD bills must be crisp and printed in 2013 or later (older bills are rejected by banks and businesses due to forgery concerns).

• Local Currencies: Recommended for small purchases, local markets, tipping drivers, and street cafes:

  • Kenya: Kenyan Shilling (KES)

  • Tanzania & Zanzibar: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

  • Uganda: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

  • Rwanda: Rwandan Franc (RWF)

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at main lodges, safari camps, and city hotels (often carrying a 3–5% processing surcharge). ATMs are readily available in major towns, but cash (USD and local currency) is essential once out on safari routes.

If your safari itinerary includes domestic internal flights on light aircraft.

• Weight Limit: Strictly 15 kg to 20 kg (33–44 lbs) total per person, including hand luggage.

• Bag Type: Soft-sided duffel bags only (no rigid hard-shell suitcases, as they cannot squeeze into small aircraft baggage pods).

Luggage storage facilities are available on request with prior arrangements.

• Neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive green); avoid bright colors.

• Avoid Dark Blue & Black: These colors attract tsetse flies in rural park regions.

• Layered clothing: Mornings and evenings in high-altitude zones (Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Bwindi) can drop to 10°C (50°F), while afternoons get hot.

• Gorilla/Chimp Trekking (Uganda & Rwanda): Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and garden/leather gloves to protect against thistles and nettles.

• Zanzibar and the East African coast have a predominantly Muslim culture. While swimwear is standard on private beach resort grounds, travelers should dress modestly when walking through Stone Town, local villages, or public areas (shoulders and knees covered for both men and women).

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through lush rainforest terrain, dense foliage, and volcanic slopes at altitudes between 2,500 and 3,000 meters. Treks can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours depending on where the gorilla family is located. Porters are available at the trailhead to carry backpacks and assist you along steep sections.

The minimum legal age for mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda (and Uganda) is strictly 15 years old. Families traveling with younger children can arrange specialized lodge-based nature activities and cultural tours with private lodge staff while adults undertake the trek.