Tourism Sector in East Africa.
The tourism sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in East Africa. In Uganda the sector has received the highest government support in the last years.
In Kenya the industry has experienced tremendous growth making Kenya today one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. This has been encouraged by good planning and adventurous showcasing by the local tourism stakeholders.

In spite of its natural beauty, the Tanzania tourism sector still remains relatively untapped, receiving approximately 600,000 visitors per annum compared with neighboring Kenya's million + visitors.

In Rwanda the aftermath of the 1994 genocide slowed the sector's growth over the past decade. However, the Mountain Gorilla still remains a great attraction for the country. The population of these rare mammals has increased by a remarkable 10 percent despite a horrific human genocide.

Accommodation.
The privatization of all government hotels and the government's liberal economic policy has greatly encouraged heavy private investments in the hospitality sector.

These coupled with a new spirit of competition has encouraged the opening of global markets to the East African countries. Big names such as the Sheraton Group of Hotels, the Serena Hotels, the Sarova Groups, Inter-Continental Hotels and The Hilton Hotels are some of the key players in the East African accommodation markets.
In addition, there are individually owned hotels or groups of hotels inspired and built to world class standard; in even the remotest areas.

For instance:
Last year Uganda was honored to host the Common Wealth Head of Governments meetings, a delegation led by Her Majesty the Queen of England, the Duke of Edinburg, and the Prince of Wales. "I am proud that all our hotels and their staff stood tall and embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and gusto". In his own words: the Chairman, Uganda Hotel Owners' Association .

Gorilla African Safaris will discuss your accommodation needs and requirements with you and recommend what suits your budget and situation. Health/Medical.

More adventurous activities such as mountaineering and hiking, gorilla and chimp tracking, white-water rafting, canoeing and kayaking may have heath restrictions. Only fit and healthy clients would qualify.

National Park Authorities reserve the right to deny permits for Gorilla and Chimp trekking to individuals who have signs of a communicable disease such as colds, flu and other airborne diseases. Because Chimps and gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases and it is therefore essential that clients declare all illnesses and seek our advice the way forward.

Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellent are essential. Seek advice from your home country on vaccination and inoculation requirements. East Africa is part of the Yellow Fever belt and although not always checked by Immigration authorities on arrival, a Yellow Fever card is required by law.

Please bring all personal medications required. Medical services and facilities are basic. Clients are fully responsible for securing adequate medical insurance which should include evacuation cover.
It is recommended that you drink bottled or boiled water only.

Travel Insurance.
Adequate travel Insurance is vital. It is our policy to insure all clients with an internationally recognized insurance company. We are an IM Global agent (more).

Airlines.
Several airlines service the East African region regularly including Air Tanzania, British Airways, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Kenya Airways - KLM and Brussels Airlines, Air Uganda.
In addition, there are several reputable domestic charter companies offering internal air travel.

Airports.

Airports - Uganda.
-Entebbe International Airport - 45 minutes drive from Kampala city.
-Airfields in all major towns with internal flights at least twice a week.

Airports - Kenya.
-Jomo kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
-Moi international Airport in Mombassa.

There are National airports in the Western Kenyan towns of Eldoret and Kisumu, and at the specific attraction such as at the Mara, Mt Kenya etc.
Airfields are in all the major towns.

Airports - Rwanda.
-Kanombe International Airport in Kigali.
-Kampembe National Airport in the Northern Province of Cyangugu .

Airports - Tanzania.
-Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha.
-Dar-Es Salaam International Airport in Dar-es-salaam.
-Zanzibar International Airport.

Visas.
All visitors holding a valid passport, return tickets, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds are issued a 30-day tourist visa (single entry visa) on arrival at the airports and at the land borders at a fee of US$50.
Uganda follows a policy of reciprocity (if your Country requires a Visa for Ugandans to enter, Uganda will impose the same). Irish Nationals do not require visas.

Roads.
Main roads are generally good and recent road works have much improved the road network in East Africa. Secondary roads vary in quality and may be poorly maintained. Be prepared for long and sometimes bumpy car journeys. We call it 'African Massage'!

Climate.
East Africa is on the Equator which gives it an ideal climate with little variation. Mean temperatures are between 21c and 31c all year round. There are two rainy seasons from March to May and October to November.

Travel is often slower in the rainy season and trekking more difficult. Mountainous areas tend to be much colder than the plains and receive more rain. Temperatures in mountainous areas can go down to 10°c in certain months. Lodges and other facilities are open all year round.

Clothing.
Light summer cotton clothing supplemented by a sweater or jacket should be sufficient all year round for most of East Africa. In the hilly and mountainous areas, waterproof jackets or ponchos, strong waterproof walking boots and warmer fleece or heavy sweaters will be required in the evening.

Informal dressing is usual, although Africans appreciate modest dressing. Cotton slacks and flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari. Don't forget to bring a hat and sun protection, along with your swimsuit.
Request additional details at the time of booking for specific requirements tied to adventure or activities.

Security.
Occasional security issues may arise; however basic precautions should be taken and common sense used as in all countries. Voyager African Safaris maintains up-to-date information on all parts of the region and will advise clients accordingly at the time of booking.
It is not advised to display expensive jewelry, leave bags unattended to or money lying around. Most hotels and lodges have safe deposit boxes available.

We recommend that you leave original travel documents and passports with us in our safe (if you wish) and travel with photocopies. East African residents will need to show a copy of Passports and Work Permits to obtain resident discounts. If in doubt please ask us and we will advise you.

Photography.
Taking photographs of, or near military buildings, diplomatic offices or soldiers is not allowed.
It is only polite to ask people before taking their photographs. Film is available in Uganda. Fast film (400-1600 ASA) is recommended for gorilla tracking and forest walking. For digital photography, we recommended you bring extra batteries and a car charger.

Telephone/Internet.
International telephone communication is good throughout the East African countries. There are both landlines, and competent mobile network services. Mobile service providers include: Vodafone, Orange, MTN, Zain, Warid Telecom, Safaricom and Uganda Telecom adequately servicing the areas. Local SIM cards can be purchased right from the airports or from any accessible area throughout the region. International roaming facilities are also available.

Dial up Internet services are widely available in major towns through internet cafes. In addition the mobile networks offer Internet services on special arrangements and would normally require compatible handsets. Wireless connections are also available at major hotels, and hotspots.

All our drivers/guides have cell phones and maintain contact with the Head Office throughout safaris.

Electricity.
Generally electricity supply is stable however there are occasional power black outs due to major faults or load shedding (power rationing). In anticipation of this kind of circumstances, most facilities maintain a stand by generator.

In East Africa, the standard sockets used are the 3-pin (square) sockets of 240 volts. It is recommended that you bring your own adaptor. Most hotels, lodges or camps may make arrangements for recharging batteries. Please ask us during booking if you have specific requirements.

Alcohol.
Several brands of local and international beer are available. However most spirits and wines are imported and are readily available.
Alcoholic sales are restricted but available to all drinking joints, bars, supermarkets and hotels.
Drinking and driving is prohibited.
Purchase of alcohol for persons under the age of 18 years is illegal.

Food.
Each country in the region has staple foods, and unique cultural affiliations.

Money.
All the East African countries operate a cash economy. However it is not safe to carry large sums of money. Travelers are advised to keep minimum cash and instead use travelers' Cheques and credit cards, which are widely accepted.

Currency Exchange.
Money may be changed at banks, authorised dealers and bureaux de change. A receipt should be obtained and kept until departure.

US Dollar bills pre-2000 are often not accepted in Uganda or are exchanged at a less favorable rate. Poor quality foreign currency notes may be rejected. Please ensure you bring with you new or notes in excellent condition with no stains or tears.

Banking.
Several international banks operate in Uganda including Barclays, Standard Chartered, Stanbic, and Citi Bank. Many local banks and forex bureaus also operate across the country. Generally the banking hours are 8.30 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Some institutions are open longer hours and on Saturdays. There are no legal restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and currency is easily convertible.

Cash can be withdrawn from ATM using visa and master cards. ATM machines are available in all banks throughout the country.

Travellers Cheques.
May be cashed with authorised dealers or bureaux de change. They are now accepted by Tanzania National Parks for park entry fees. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Some places may ask to see the traveller's cheques purchasing agreement - in theory the document you are supposed keep separate from your traveller's cheques.

Currencies:

Uganda.
The currency in Uganda is the Uganda Shilling. It is issued in denominations of 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 Uganda Shillings notes. Coins are available for smaller denominations of 50, 100, 200 and 500 cents.

Kenya.
The currency in Kenya is Kenyan Shillings. It is in the denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Kenya shillings notes. Coins are available for smaller denominations 50 cents, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 shillings.

Rwanda.
The currency in Rwanda is Rwandan Francs. It is in the denomination of 5, 10, 50 are in coins. 100 francs comes in both coin and notes. 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 are notes.

Tanzania.
The currency is Tanzania shillings. The notes are in the denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Tshs. And the coins are in the denominations of 50, 100 and 200 Tshs.

Language:

Uganda.
English is the National language in Uganda. And there is a major language in each of the four regions.

Kenya.
In Kenya the national language is Kiswahili and English. Each ethnic group has their own language.

Tanzania.
The national language is Kiswahili and is so widely used including teaching in schools. English language is used sparingly.

Rwanda.
French was the national language until 2009 when Rwanda joined East African Community, in which English is a requirement.
All the nationals speak Kinyarwanda and kiswahili.

Emergency numbers:
Police; 999 landline, mobile 112.
Fire and other emergencies 911.

Hospitals

Uganda.
-Mulago Hospital (main referral hospital).
-Kibuli Muslim Hospital (private).
-Kololo Hospital (private).

Kenya.
-Kenyatta National hospital Nairobi (main referral hospital).
-Nairobi Hospital (private Hospital).
-Aga Khan Hospital (private Hospital).

Rwanda.
-King Faisal Hospital (private) in Kigali (more).
-Sehacas Hospital in Central Kigali, is the biggest referral hospital

Tanzania. -Aga Khan Hospitals Dar-es-salaam (private)

Important Things to Observe!
Public show of affection is frowned upon in all the East African countries.
In Rwanda there is a total ban on plastics (strictly enforced). However, in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania the law was passed but is poorly enforced.

In Kenya smoking in public is prohibited, and offenders are heavily fined.
Poaching is illegal in all the East African countries.
Arms possession is illegal in all the East African countries.

When driving in Uganda, Tanzania, & Kenya you keep left. In Rwanda, drivers keep right.

Donations.
We do not recommend clients giving money to beggars or street children as this only lends to the culture of begging and dependency.
Donations can be made to established international and local charities that work with the homeless, street children or orphans. We can arrange visits to local projects or institutions on request. If personal donations are preferred, we would suggest exercise books, pens or pencils as useful gifts.

Tips.
Tips are not obligatory but it is polite to tip the room boy, and porter upon departure. For meals tips usually depend on the heart of the giver and are in relations to good service.

Our Final Word.
Things work more slowly on the African continent. Unexpected delays and difficulties may be experienced. In such circumstances our advise to you is to be patient and enjoy the more relaxed rhythm of life. You're on holiday after all!