Pre-Safari Requirements

About this guide

Your complete guide to an unforgettable African safari experience. Please read this document carefully and complete all requirements before your safari departure date.

• Document Type: Pre-Safari Guest Requirements & Preparation Guide
• Prepared By: SunAfrika Safaris, Guest Experience Team
• Version: 2026 Edition
• Applies To: All safari guests across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda
• Contact: +254 735 132 143 / info@sunafrikasafaris.com

1. Travel Documents & Identification

All guests must ensure the following documents are valid, complete, and accessible before travelling.

1.1 Passport Requirements

• Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond your return travel date
• At least 2 to 3 blank visa pages available in your passport
• A photocopy or digital scan of your passport bio-data page (stored separately from original)
• Children travelling: full birth certificate may be required, particularly in South Africa

1.2 Visa Requirements

• Kenya: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) available online at evisa.go.ke. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Tanzania: eVisa required for most nationalities; apply at immigration.go.tz
• Rwanda: Visa on arrival available or apply online (some nationalities visa-free)
• Uganda: eVisa available online; gorilla trekking permits must be booked separately

1.3 Other Important Documents

• Return or onward travel tickets
• Proof of accommodation and safari booking confirmation
• Travel insurance certificate (see Section 5)
• Yellow Fever vaccination card (required for entry into several East African countries)
• SunAfrika Safaris guest itinerary and emergency contact card

2. Health Requirements & Vaccinations

Your health and safety are our top priority. Please consult a travel health clinic or your GP at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure.

2.1 Mandatory Vaccination

• Yellow Fever Vaccine: Mandatory for entry into Uganda, Rwanda, and some East African routes. Carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) at all times.

2.2 Recommended Vaccinations

• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus / Diphtheria (up-to-date booster)
• Rabies (recommended for extended stays or remote bush camps)
• Meningococcal Meningitis (for areas with risk)
• COVID-19: Follow current destination entry requirements

2.3 Malaria Prevention

Malaria is present in most safari destinations. Guests must take preventive measures:

• Consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication (Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam)
• Start medication as prescribed. Some require starting 1 to 2 weeks before travel.
• Use DEET-based insect repellent (at least 30 to 50% DEET concentration)
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers at dawn and dusk
• Sleep under mosquito nets where provided
• Our camps and lodges use mosquito coils and treated nets, additional precaution is still advised

2.4 Medical Conditions & Special Needs

• Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to SunAfrika Safaris at the time of booking
• Carry a letter from your doctor describing your condition and treatment if applicable
• Guests with severe allergies must carry an EpiPen and notify our team in advance
• Mobility requirements: Please advise us so we can arrange suitable safari vehicles and accommodations
• Dietary requirements: Notify us at least 2 weeks prior. Most lodges accommodate vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free diets.

3. Packing & Clothing Requirements

Packing the right clothing is essential for comfort and safari etiquette. Please note that light aircraft weight restrictions typically apply, usually 15kg soft bag plus 5kg carry-on.

3.1 Recommended Clothing

• Neutral, earth-tone colours: khaki, olive, beige, brown, tan (avoid bright colours and white)
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (sun and insect protection)
• T-shirts and shorts for downtime at camp
• Fleece or light jacket. Mornings and evenings in the bush can be cool.
• Warm layer or down jacket for winter safaris (June to August) or high-altitude destinations
• Rain jacket or light poncho (essential for wet season safaris)
• Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or light hiking boots
• Sandals for camp use
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap
• Swimwear (most lodges have pools)

3.2 Accessories & Essentials

• Binoculars (7×42 or 8×42 recommended). Vital for game viewing.
• Camera with spare batteries and memory cards (dust protector recommended)
• Power bank / portable charger
• Universal travel adapter
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Personal insect repellent (DEET-based)
• Sunglasses (UV-protective, polarised preferred)
• Small torch or headlamp with spare batteries
• Reusable water bottle

3.3 Luggage Guidance

• Soft-sided duffel bags are required for bush flights. Hard-shell suitcases cannot be accommodated on light aircraft.
• Label all bags clearly with your name and contact information
• Valuables (passport, medication, electronics) should be in your carry-on at all times

4. Safari Rules & Guest Etiquette

Responsible wildlife tourism is at the heart of everything we do at SunAfrika Safaris. Please familiarise yourself with the following rules before your safari begins.

4.1 Wildlife Viewing Rules

• Always remain in the vehicle unless instructed otherwise by your guide
• Do not stand up or lean out of the vehicle when near wildlife
• Maintain a respectful distance from all animals. Our guides will manage this.
• Never feed wildlife. This disrupts natural behaviour and can be dangerous.
• Keep noise levels low during game drives. Speak softly and switch phones to silent.
• Do not use flash photography. This disturbs animals, especially nocturnal species.

4.2 Camp & Lodge Conduct

• Always be escorted by a staff member when walking around camp at night
• Do not wander beyond the camp perimeter unaccompanied
• Secure your tent or room properly. Wild animals may enter if left open.
• Dispose of food and waste in designated areas only
• Respect local cultures, staff, and communities
• No collection of plants, rocks, or wildlife souvenirs from natural areas

4.3 Environmental Responsibility

• SunAfrika Safaris operates a Leave No Trace policy
• Avoid single-use plastics. We encourage reusable water bottles and bags.
• Do not litter in parks, reserves, or camp areas
• Off-road driving is not permitted; our guides strictly follow park regulations

5. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all SunAfrika Safaris guests. Please ensure your policy includes the following:

6. Communication & Connectivity

6.1 Mobile Phones & Data

• Remote safari areas have limited or no mobile coverage. Inform family and friends before departure.
• Purchase a local SIM card on arrival for affordable data in cities (Safaricom in Kenya, Vodacom or Airtel in Tanzania)
• Most luxury lodges offer Wi-Fi, but connectivity may be slow or intermittent
• WhatsApp and email are the primary communication channels with our team

6.2 Emergency Contacts

• Save the SunAfrika Safaris 24-hour emergency number in your phone before travel
• Share your itinerary with a trusted contact at home
• Note the nearest embassy or consulate contact for your nationality in each destination

7. Money, Currency & Payments

• Carry US Dollars (USD) in small denominations, widely accepted across East Africa for tips and purchases
• Kenya Shilling (KES) and Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) are available at airports and banks. Exchange rates are usually better in-country than abroad.
• Major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted at most lodges and airports
• Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks on foreign transactions
• ATMs are available in major cities; limited or unavailable in remote areas
• Budget USD $10 to $20 per day for tipping guides and camp staff (optional but strongly encouraged)

8. Pre-Safari Departure Checklist

Use this checklist to confirm you are fully prepared. Please complete all items at least 2 weeks before your departure date.

1. Passport valid for 6+ months beyond return date
2. Visa obtained / eVisa applied for all destinations
3. Yellow Fever vaccination and certificate obtained
4. All other recommended vaccinations completed
5. Anti-malarial medication prescribed and started
6. Travel insurance confirmed and certificate emailed to us
7. SunAfrika itinerary received and reviewed
8. Soft-sided luggage prepared (max 15kg for bush flights)
9. Neutral-coloured clothing packed
10. Binoculars and camera packed
11. DEET insect repellent and sunscreen packed
12. Emergency contacts saved in phone
13. USD cash in small denominations
14. Bank notified of travel plans
15. Special dietary or medical requirements confirmed with us

9. Contact SunAfrika Safaris

General Enquiries

• Email: info@sunafrikasafaris.com
• Phone: +254 735 132 143
• Web: www.sunafrikasafaris.com

24-Hour Emergency Line

• Emergency: +254 735 132 143
• WhatsApp: +254 735 132 143
• Available 24/7 during your safari

We look forward to welcoming you to the wild heart of Africa.