Primate Safari - Epic Tanzania & Rwanda

Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, includes the spice islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia and contains Africa’s highest point—Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). Tanganyika, a British-controlled UN trust territory, gained independence in 1961; and Zanzibar, a British protectorate with an Arab population, became independent in 1963. Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form Tanzania in 1964. Until resigning as president in 1985, independence leader Julius K. Nyerere guided two decades of socialism—adapted to the ujamaa policy of village farming. A multiparty system was established in 1992 after a constitutional amendment. Some 80 percent of Tanzanians farm or fish at subsistence levels; in many areas tse-tse fly infestation hampers successful animal husbandry. Tourism remains important. Dar es Salaam is the administrative capital, but Dodoma is the current home to Tanzania’s legislature.

VISA

It is the responsibility of the client to obtain their own visas.  Please apply for the online visa between 1 – 3 months before departure (not earlier).

Most passport holders require a visa to enter Tanzania.  The cost is USD51.00 for a single tourist visa and USD101.00 for American Passport holders for a multiple entry visa.

Although visas can be obtained on arrival in each port of entry,  we recommend you purchase your Online “E visa” before travel to avoid delays on arrival. Please click on the following link for more information and the online visa - https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/

Please Note:

1. Evidence of Yellow Fever immunization will be requested to gain entry if you are arriving from a Yellow Fever Country (ie.Kenya). Please ensure you have had the inoculation at least 14 days prior to travel and are carrying your Yellow Fever card. 
2. It is a requirement that you have a validity of 6 months on your passport at the time of travel and at least 4 blank pages in order to gain entry.

1. Currency - Tanzania Shilling (abbreviated to TSh or /-), divided into 100 cents.

2. Banks - Banks are open from Monday to Friday 09:00 - 15:30 and some Saturday mornings

3. Bureau de Change - Since currency and financial liberalisation,  Bureau de Change have become the usual means of changing money , travellers are advised to exchange foreign currency at Entry/Exit Airports only.

4. Cash/Traveller’s Cheques - There is no need to bring local currency. Clients should bring US dollars as first preference. Any personal expenses such as purchases from the camps curio shops can be paid for with Visa and MasterCard or cash. US dollars are accepted in markets and for tipping (per the suggested guidelines). It is a good idea to have a quantity of smaller denominations of US$ for distribution of tips.

• Notes dated before 2006 are no longer accepted
• High denomination notes may not accepted
• Change may not be available for high denomination notes

5. Credit Cards - VISA and Mastercard are normally accepted in the better hotels, lodges, restaurants and shops in Tanzania. Note that credit cards are not always accepted, especially away from major centres. However, it should be noted that credit card transactions could take up to a few months to go through, especially from the more remote areas

AIR TRANSFERS

Baggage is limited to 15kg/33 lb per person in soft sided bags including carry-on and camera equipment. PLEASE DO NOT USE HARD SUITCASES OR BAGS WITH WHEELS as bags need to be maneuvered in and out of light aircraft holds.

DRIVING

Tanzania has an extensive network of paved and unpaved roads,  driving in Tanzania is very scenic, however the distances are vast and could take up to six hours a day. Therefore flying is the most popular mode of transport in order to reach your lodge early to start game viewing.  Combining driving and flying can also be arranged in your private vehicle with a driver/guide.

Other Medical requirements:

Please consult your General Practitioner or nearest Traveller’s Medical Centre for advice on medical issues relevant to your destination. For additional information please consult the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

COMMUNICATION

All camps have 24 hour radio contact with their base support headquarters, and each game-drive vehicle has radio contact with camp.

The daily camp tariff includes an amount for emergency evacuation insurance, and in the event of a medical emergency evacuation will be arranged to the nearest town. This is where your own insurance cover will begin.

CELL PHONES

Quad-band cell phones on global roaming generally work from all major urban centres. They do not, however, work from many of the safari camps due to limited reception.

WI-FI / INTERNET

Internet access is limited throughout Africa and varies from camp to camp. Please refer to the camp information for specific details.

TRAVEL ADVICE & WARNINGS

We strongly recommend you review the current travel advice for your country/countries of destination before booking and ensure you remain up to date with this advice before travelling.

Australia: http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/Pages/default.aspx

UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

REGISTER YOUR TRAVEL

We recommend that you register your travel with your local authority. These services are free and help locate you in case of an emergency. Updates to travel advice are also provided through the subscription service.

Australia - Smart Traveller service - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/

USA - Smart Traveller service - https://step.state.gov/step/

MEALS

Meals are best described as wholesome home style cooking at elegantly set dining tables. Meal times are geared around the best game viewing times and activities, and vary from season to season. In most camps you start the day with a continental breakfast of juices, tea or coffee, cereal or porridge and toast – prior to the morning activity. Following this a large brunch is served. Thereafter high tea is served before the afternoon activity. Dinner is served after the evening activity.

The camps can cater to specific dietary requests. Please advise your special requirements (at time of booking) and we will ensure your needs are met.

BEVERAGES

In most camps alcoholic beverages are included in the daily tariff. Bottled water is available at all times. Many people enquire whether they can eat salads (as ingredients have been washed in water), brush their teeth with the tap water and have ice in their drinks. In the camps we use there are no concerns in this regard.

Tap water in Tanzania is generally not safe to drink, and most travellers try to stick to bottled water. The camps, lodges and hotels you visit have bottled water readily available.

Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. Temperatures are moderate throughout the year with average daytime temperatures around 21-26 C / 70-80 F. June is the coolest month as it is mid winter

SUMMER: November to March
• Average Minimum: 17C / 64F
• Average Maximum: 29C / 85F

AUTUMN: April to May
• Average Minimum: 16C / 62F
• Average Maximum: 28C / 82F

WINTER: June to August
• Average Minimum: 10C / 54F
• Average Maximum: 23C / 76F

SPRING: September to October
• Average Minimum: 16C / 61F
• Average Maximum: 30C / 86F

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

As  a  rule,  lightweight,  light  coloured,  sun  protective  clothing is  preferable.    Avoid  dark coloured clothing as the African sun can be hot and dark colours absorb heat and attract biting flies (such as tsetse fly) in the few areas they are prevalent.  Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush are recommended for activities where you will be walking, mokoro/canoeing etc.  When in a boat or a game-drive vehicle, colour is not such an issue. In short, there is no need to refit your entire wardrobe with safari coloured clothing.

BAGGAGE:

Because most safaris use light aircraft to transfer you between camps, there is a weight restriction on luggage. This differs across regions and is either 15 kg/33 lbs or 20 kg/44 lbs including hand luggage. Soft sided bags are mandatory. Bags need to be manoeuvred into the aircraft holds and therefore need to be flexible. Epic normally provides, as part of the safari package, a medium size North Face duffel bag.  These do not have wheels but do not be concerned.   In Africa, you rarely carry your own bag as meet and greet and camp staff will porter all luggage.

Please note we have partnered with Orvis - www.orvis.com (copy the hyperlink onto your browser to get the Orvis Menu), and are pleased to offer direct access to their products as we think their outdoor clothing is great. Below you will see links to some specific items. Please view these as suggestions of good options for you and have a look around for similar items on the Orvis site and from your favourite brands if you prefer.

CLOTHING:

The following list is not exhaustive and will differ somewhat depending on gender:

•   2 or 3 pairs of long trousers. Females may like to substitute skirts or dresses

•   Orvis Jackson lightweight trousers -  Men

•   Orvis Jackson Lightweight trousers - Women

•   Orvis Explorer Dress

•   3 pairs of shorts, (if you like to wear shorts) or an additional pair of long trousers if you don’t wear shorts.

•   Orvis Jackson Shorts - Men

•   Orvis Montana Shorts - Men

•   Orvis Jackson Shorts – Women

•   3 Shirts, preferably at least 1 long sleeved for sun protection and natural coloured for walking etc.

•   Orvis Caster Shirt – Men

•   Sun Defense Outsmart Shirt – Women

•   A fleece and/or puffer

•   Orvis Recycled Drift Gillet – Men

•   Orvis Pro Hoodie – Men

•   Orvis Pro Hoodie – Women

•   Orvis Recycled Drift Gillet – Women

•   A lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably GORETEX or the equivalent) in case of rain

•   Orvis Ultralight Storm Jacket – Men

•   Orvis Ultralight City Storm Jacket –  Women

•   Underwear – note that a few camps do not launder underwear so you may be required to wash your own

•   Socks

•   Swimsuit

•   2 pairs of shoes; one for use on activity and a second pair for casual use around camp/for exercise:

•   Salomon OutPulse Hiking Shoes for men

•   Salomon OutPulse Hiking Shoes for women are good all round and hiking shoes.

•   Casual shoes: Olukai Boat Shoes for men

•   Barbour Portree sneakers for women

•   There are lots of great options here for all your safari needs.

•   Exercise gear – some camps have exercise facilities

•   Cap/broad brimmed hat

•   Crush-able felt hat for men

•   Pack-able felt hat for women

•   Additional t-shirt (or two)

SUNDRIES:

•    Sunglasses – A good pair with UV/polarized lens are excellent for the harsh African sun:  Bajio wide lens polarized mens &  Smith Barra polarized womens are both good options.

•   Extra pair of prescription glasses if necessary

•   Camera

•   Binoculars – one pair per 2/4 pax

•   Cash for curios and tips (smaller denomination notes for tipping)

•   Travel Insurance information kept on hand

•   Dry bags or jumbo zip lock bags for dirty or wet clothes or to keep clothes dry

•   Battery recharge's/USB cords for phone, camera etc

•   International power adapter

•   Plenty of max factor sunscreen

•   Lip balm, hand sanitizer or wet wipes and tissues

•   Shampoo - Most camps provide shampoo and conditioner but feel free to bring yours along

•   Moisturiser – again provided in camp but feel free to pack your favourite

•   Insect repellent – the camps do provide these

•   Head torch with spare batteries – for adventure safaris; walking, canoeing etc

•    Small first aid kit – antihistamine cream and tablets, antiseptic cream, band aids, eye drops, paracetamol, rehydrate salts, anti-diarrhoea medication, motion sickness pills, razor, tweezer, and prescribed medications.

Please note:

•   Do not travel with expensive jewellery

•   Some camps do not have hairdryers due to electricity supply

Tanzania has good Internet Service Providers with email and internet services offered by many hotels and lodges (free / paid). In most towns there are plenty of private business centres and cyber cafes offering email and internet access, although the speeds might be somewhat slower than what you are used to. 

Electric Power is 220V - 240V running at 50Hz. The Plug type used in Tanzania is the 3 large flat prong (UK). If your appliances are compatible with 220V-240V electrical output, an adapter is all that you will need, if not a voltage converter will be necessary.

POWER IN CAMPS

Most camps have no access to regular electrical power as they are located in such remote areas. Camps are solar-powered or have generators on site that produce 220V electricity. These run for between 4-6 hours per day, when clients are out on game drives. There is ample electricity for charging batteries for video cameras/iPods etc. and most camps have adaptor plugs.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that clients obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance cover. Please furnish Epic with a copy of your insurance policy prior to travel.
If you require assistance with travel insurance please click on the following link - Travel Insurance.

• Hospitalisation and Repatriation
• Cancellation and Missed flight connections
• Loss of baggage and loss/breakage of valuables en route
• Loss/breakage of valuables such as cameras

PHOTOGRAPHY

Digital cameras are the best for wildlife, with a good zoom up to 300mm or more. If you have an SLR it is a good idea to bring a point and shoot as back up. Remember to bring plenty of memory cards, spare batteries and battery chargers (Please check that you have all your chargers for cell phones, iPods, kindles, camera and video batteries).

If you need to or are interested in hiring a lense to take with you, here are a couple of websites for you to take a look at:

In the USA  - https://www.lensrentals.com

In Australia -  https://rentalens.com.au/index.php or http://www.camerahire.com.au/hire/digital-slr

GRATUITIES

Although tipping is not compulsory, if service expectations are exceeded, we recommend the following:

• Airport/Hotel/ Porters carriers – USD2.00 per porter
• Professional Guides/Tour Leaders – USD20.00 per group per day
• Safari Driver/Guides – USD15.00 per group per day. This should be handed to the guide personally
• General Camp Staff – USD10 .00 per guest per day. This can be placed in a communal tip box or handed to the camp manager
• Kilimanjaro climbers - USD350.00 per person for the duration of the climb. This covers all staff on the climb.

LANGUAGE

The national language is Kiswahili, with English also in everyday use. Phrasebooks are freely available.

POPULATION

The current population is estimated at 59 million.

RELIGION

Christian, Muslim, indigenous beliefs

RECOMMENDED READING

• Scramble for Africa -Thomas Pakenham
• The Shackled Continent -Robert Guest
• Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone - Martin Dugard
• Being Maasai - Edited by Thomas Spear & Richard Waller
• The Worlds of a Maasai Warrior: An Autobiography - Tepilit Ole Saitoti
• Safari – A Chronicle of Adventure - Bartle Bull
• The Tree Where Man was Born – Peter Matthiessen
• Lunatic Express – Charles Miller
• Barefoot over the Serengeti — David Read
• Africa Adorned - Angela Fisher Elephant
• Memories - Cynthia Moss
• Serengeti Shall not Die - Bernhard Grzimek
• Kingdom of the Lions - Jonathan Scott
• The Hadza - Hunter-Gatherers of Tanzania - Frank Marlowe

Animals - Conservation - Reference:

• Almost Human – Shirley Strom
• Elephant Memories – Cynthia Moss
• Natural Connections – Dr David Western
• Wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – David Hosking
• Mammals of East Africa – Chris Stuart
• Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa – Stevenson & Fanshawe
• Behavior Guide to African Mammals – Richard Despard Estes
• Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa – Stephen Spawls
• Safari Companion, A Guide to Watching African Mammals - Richard Estes

Movies & Documentaries:

• The Ghost & the Darkness, 1966
• Echo and Other Elephants, 1966
• To Walk with Lions, 1999
• Nowhere in Africa, 2001 
• The Constant Gardener, 2005
• Born Wild, 2011
• African Cats, 2011
• Planet Earth Live, 2012

Apps:

• eGuide to Birds of East Africa - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/eguide-to-birds-of-east-africa/id586867795
• Kingdon guide to African Mammals - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-kingdon-guide-to-african-mammals/id336901877
• Tracks of Central Africa - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tracks-of-central-africa/id516140448
• Trees of East Africa - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/useful-trees-of-east-africa/id981531635
• Swahili Phrasebook - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swahili-phrasebook/id980990946
• Skyview - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t11.skyviewfree&hl=en_ZA
•  iTrack Africa - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/itrack-africa/id952350873

The first thing that springs to most people’s minds when thinking of Rwanda is its turbulent political history. But today’s Rwanda is a far cry from the nation it was in the mid-90s: the country has emerged from the shadows and has much to offer visitors, most notably the tracking of endangered mountain gorillas in the lush Virunga National Park, which extends across the peaks and jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Other major tourist attractions include expansive Lake Kivu, ancient Nyungwe Forest with its rich population of primate species, and the game-rich savannah lands of Akagera National Park.

VISA
It is the responsibility of the client to obtain their own visas.  

Most Passport holders require a visa to enter Rwanda. The visa fee is US$50.00 for a single tourist visa, payable in cash on arrival into Rwanda.

Please Note:

1. Evidence of Yellow Fever immunization will be requested to gain entry if you are arriving from a Yellow Fever Country ie Kenya – please ensure you have had the inoculation at least 14 days prior to travel and are carrying your Yellow Fever card. 
2. It is a requirement that you have a validity of 6 months on your passport at the time of travel and at least 4 blank pages in order to gain entry

Currency

Rwanda Franc (RWF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of RWF 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of RWF100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

The import and export of local currency is limited to RWF5000. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but must be declared upon arrival and exchanged within 8 days.

Banking

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1700, Sat 0800-1200.

Credit cards are only accepted at a few hotels in Kigali. MasterCard and Visa are the preferred cards.

International Visa cards are accepted at the ATMs at Ecobank head office in Kigali and at Kigali airport. They can also be used at the ATMs at Access Bank head office in Kigali. However, these ATMs are often affected by power cuts. It is best to travel with US dollars, some banks won’t accept pound sterling.

It may be difficult to change traveller's cheques outside Kigali.

Akagera Aviation provides helicopter flights all over the country. Rwandair flies internally to the southeastern town of Cyangugu.

Baggage is limited to 33 lb / 15 kgs per person in soft sided bags including carry-on and camera equipment. PLEASE DO NOT USE HARD CASES. As laundry is offered in all the lodges there is no need for excess luggage.

There is a lot of work being done to improve the roads, and in some places you will find smooth tarmac, while in others you will be going along pot-holed dirt paths.A 4-wheel drive vehicle is needed for some local roads. There can be landslides on some of the major roads during annual rainfall in spring and autumn.Extra care should be taken at night, as headlight use is erratic. During rainy season some roads can become impassable.

There are no international car hire companies operating in Rwanda, but there are several local companies. You will find these listed in the Eye magazine given away at the airport and in hotels. 

Taxis can be found in large towns and cities. Look for the official orange stripe. Fares are reasonable, but should be agreed in advance (ask a local if you think you are being overcharged). Tipping is not expected.

Minibus taxis provide links to and from all towns and some villages. Although it is not common for foreigners to travel this way, they are quite safe and efficient. However you will have to wait until they are full before departure if you get on at the start of the route. The Virunga Express (www.virungatravel.com) and Onatracom Express provide more direct intercity links.

Rwandans drive on the right. It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless with a hands-free set. Seat belts must be worn in the front. It is advised not to drive after drinking, breathalisers are in use and if found to have more than 0.8 mg of alcohol per 1 litre of blood, you are likely to face imprisonment. Speed limits are 40km/per hour in the city and 60km outside the city. If the car in front is using the left indicator it often means it is not safe to overtake, the right indicator tells you the road ahead is clear.

An International Driving Permit is required. An entry permit is needed if you have travelled from outside the country, insurance document and driving licence.

Medical requirements:

Please consult your General Practitioner or nearest Traveller’s Medical Centre for advice on medical issues relevant to your destination. For additional information please consult the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

CELL PHONES

Quad-band cell phones on global roaming generally work from all major urban centres. They do not, however, work from many of the lodges due to limited reception.

WI-FI / INTERNET

Most lodges offer WI-FI however it may be limited and varies from lodge to lodge. Please refer to the lodge information for specific details.

TRAVEL ADVICE & WARNINGS

We strongly recommend you review the current travel advice for your country/countries of destination before booking and ensure you remain up to date with this advice before travelling.

Australia: http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/Pages/default.aspx

UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

REGISTER YOUR TRAVEL

We recommend that you register your travel with your local authority. These services are free and help locate you in case of an emergency. Updates to travel advice are also provided through the subscription service.

Australia - Smart Traveller service - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/

USA - Smart Traveller service - https://step.state.gov/step/

MEALS

Food is generally safe to eat if well-cooked and hot. If in doubt, veer towards larger restaurants in cities and those aimed at tourists, which will have undergone government safety checks. Avoid buying food from the side of the road. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

The majority of the population in Rwanda live off subsistence farming and so their meals rely heavily on starchy crops such as potato, maize and cassava. This is generally served with kidney beans and cabbage and where meat can be afforded it is most often goat. However, the restaurants of Kigali and other towns will generally serve grilled meat with french fries and sometimes rice with spicy stews.

Hotels generally serve a reasonable choice of European dishes, and there are Chinese, Greek, Indian, Italian and Middle Eastern restaurants. Some restaurants also serve Franco-Belgian cuisine and African dishes.

You will see brochettes on most menus, these are basically a skewer of your chosen meat or fish served with rice or chips. Other local specialities include: tilapia, a white fish found in Lake Kivu and also farmed locally and appears often on menus; Matoke, cooked plantain  (Banana), which may be served when you are expecting potatoes (and usually tastes a lot like potatoes!)

There is no clear principle on tipping in Rwanda, but most staff in the bigger hotels have come to expect it. A general rule is to tip 10% in restaurants if you feel inclined 

BEVERAGES

A fairly good selection of beers, spirits and wines is available. Beer is also brewed locally. Primus is the local beer of choice. Mutzig is very similar but more expensive and often comes in large 700ml bottles. 

In most lodges alcoholic beverages are included in the daily tariff.  Bottled water is always available. Many people inquire whether they can eat salads (as ingredients have been washed in water), brush their teeth with the tap water and have ice in their drinks. In the lodges, we use there are absolutely no concerns in this regard.   

Despite its proximity to the equator, due to the high altitude of most of the country, Rwanda has a temperate climate with temperatures seldom climbing above 25C.

The long dry season is from June to September and there are two annual rainy seasons, the first from mid-March until the beginning of June and small rains from mid-September to December.

The best time for gorilla and monkey tracking is the dry season - if only to spare you getting drenched (you can still see them in the rain, they just get a bit grumpy).

The dry season is also good if you want to see game in Akagera National Park because thirst will draw the animals to the watering holes. You will also find at this time the roads are less dangerous and the risk of malaria is lower.

The rainy season is the best time to see chimpanzees and is also the time when the place is at its most lush and green.

As a rule lightweight, light coloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing particularly if walking.

Suggested packing list:

The following is a guide to clothing and personal items:

• 2/3 pairs of long trousers or shorts, 3 shirts, preferably long sleeved and collared. Clothing should preferably be khaki or neutral colour’s.
• At least four neat casual clothes for evening wear.  Long-sleeved shirt and trousers (and the female equivalent) are recommended for keeping mosquitoes at bay in the evenings
• A light fleece for morning and evening game drives.
• 3 pairs of socks (cotton)
• A lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably GORETEX or the equivalent) in case of rain
• Comfortable closed footwear plus a pair of runners/strapped sandals (in case your regular footwear gets wet).
• 1 pair of flip flops/sandals for the afternoons and evening
• A wide brimmed hat or cap
• 2 Pairs of light pants/jeans
• 2 T-shirts
• Underwear (sports bras recommended)
• Swimsuit
• Fleece and Tracksuit pants for the morning and evening game drives
• Belt
• Scarf & beanie
• A pair of gardening gloves for gorilla tracking. You will walk through some areas of stinging nettles hence wear gloves and long shirts and trousers.
• Sunglasses and an extra pair of prescription glasses
• Binoculars and Camera
• Cash for curios and tips (smaller denomination notes for tipping)
• Travel Insurance information kept on hand

Toiletries as appropriate - soaps, shampoos and body lotion are provided in the camps however some guests like to bring their own.

• Plenty of max factor sunscreen
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Moisturiser or Vaseline as the air is very dry
• Shampoo, conditioner and liquid soap of your choice (smaller bottles recommended)
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Wash cloth
• Gloves/Hand warmers (optional)
• Razor and Tweezers
• Hairbrush
• Hand/body - face lotion
• Small insect repellent (the camps do have these, but if you want your own)
• Antihistamine cream and tablets
• Paracetamol in case of a headache
• Rehydrate salts
• Hairbrush
• Hand/body - face lotion
• Small insect repellent (the camps do have these, but if you want your own)
• Antihistamine cream and tablets
• Paracetamol in case of a headache
• Rehydrate salts

As a final comment a daily laundry service is provided in most camps (except smalls), and is included in the tariff, so there is no need to pack too much.

Wireless internet is now available throughout the country, either by using a dongle, which can be purchased in Kigali and other major towns, or by using WiFi hotspots. MTN hotspots are widespread and you can access them using your mobile phone credit if you have bought an MTN SIM card. There are also many internet cafes in Kigali and other large towns.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Rwanda are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko.

Type C plug is commonly known as the Europlug and is technically known as the CEE 7/16 (Europlug 2.5 A/250 V unearthed). Type F plug is also known as the “Schuko” plug in German. Type E is primarily used in France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Tunisia and Morocco.

Such adaptors are generally available at all major airports.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Epic highly recommends that clients obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance cover. Please furnish Epic with a copy of your insurance policy prior to travel.  

• Hospitalisation and Repatriation
• Cancellation and Missed flight connections
• Loss of baggage and loss/breakage of valuables en route
• Loss/breakage of valuables such as cameras

PHOTOGRAPHY/BINOCULARS

Digital cameras are the best for wildlife, with a good zoom up to 300mm or more. If you have an SLR it is a good idea to bring a point and shoot as back up. Remember to bring plenty of memory cards, spare batteries and battery chargers (Please check that you have all your chargers for cell phones, iPods, kindles, camera and video batteries).

Binoculars are very useful when looking at wildlife in the distance. We recommend 7 x 35mm or 8 x 32mm as these are a good size with great magnification. If size is an issue then 7 x 25mm or 8 x 25mm are compact and can be put into your pocket. Nikon & Canon are great options. Have a look at the following website for further ideas - www.consumersearch.com/binoculars

GRATUITIES

Although tipping is not compulsory, if service expectations are exceeded, we recommend the following:

• Airport/Hotel/ Porters carriers – USD2.00 per porter
• Professional Guides/Tour Leaders – USD20.00 per group per day
• Safari Driver/Guides – USD15.00 per group per day. This should be handed to the guide personally
• Gorilla & trekking guide(s) – USD30.00 per person per trek (usually they will be 2 guides and trackers the tip is shared amongst the team)
• Porters on Gorilla trekking – USD10.00 per porter per day (optional)
• General Camp Staff – USD10 .00 per guest per day. This can be placed in a communal tip box or handed to the camp manager.
• Community excursions USD10.00 per guest, to be handed to the village leader for distribution

US dollars are generally the most widely accepted tipping currency.  It is best to have a range of denominations to enable tips to be broken out.