 If
you're on a guided tour, your chances of encountering problems
are minimal - tour operators make it their business to know
the areas they travel to so you are never at any undue risk.
If
you're travelling alone, keep up-to-date with local news so
you know about potential "hot spots".
Get
a local perspective - ask someone where you're staying to give
you a run-down on any unsafe areas, and codes of dress and
behaviour.
As with anywhere in the world, when you're in a city err on
the side of caution. Don't openly carry valuables. If you must
carry your passport and money, keep them in a buttoned-down
pocket or well-concealed on your person.
Driving
in Africa can often be a pretty adventurous undertaking. In
many countries, and particularly in rural areas, roads are
often poorly maintained and it's not unusual to come across
large domestic animals such as sheep and cattle. The best
advice: stay alert, use your seatbelts and avoid travelling at
night.
Avoid
deserted areas, particularly at night. If you're in a car, try
and park in well-lit populated areas; always keep it locked -
even when you're in it; and don't leave valuables where they
can be seen.
If
you're thinking of hitchhiking, you'll need to understand the
high risks involved. It is often exciting, always potentially
dangerous - particularly in around urban centres or after dark
- and isn't advised if safety is a priority.
The
best advice for security when you travel: simply stay aware of
what's going on around you. If you do this, you have a good
chance of enjoying a problem-free holiday.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Safety
on Safari •
All
reserves have a set of rules that you need to follow to ensure
your safety. Many of the animals you'll come across,
particularly lion, hippo, elephant and buffalo, are dangerous.
Stay in your car and keep a reasonable distance - especially
with elephant - in case you need to beat a hasty retreat!
Africa
has its fair share of poisonous snakes - though they are rarely
encountered and, when they are, will more often than not try to
get away as quickly as possible. However, if you plan on doing
any walking, take along boots, socks and long trousers as a
precautionary measure (which also helps with ticks) - and always
look where you're going.
Avoid
swimming in rivers that have hippos and crocodiles.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Weather
•
Because
the weather in Africa is often upredictable - the rains can
sometimes be heavy one season, sometimes they can fail
altogether - this information is a rough guideline only.
Kenya
- summer from December to March and winter from July to
September, with long rains from March to May and short rains
between November and December
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Malaria
•
If
you're travelling to a malaria area, you'll need to take the
following precautions:
Apply
insect repellent to exposed skin - recommended repellents
contain 20%-35% DEET, and there are a number of brands on the
market.
Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants if you're outdoors at
night.
Use
a mosquito net if your tent or room isn't screened or
air-conditioned; and spray insecticide or burn a mosquito coil
before going to bed.
Take
the malaria tablets recommended for the region you're travelling
to, and keep taking them until the course is complete.
If
you come down with flu-like symptoms either during, or within
four to six weeks after, your visit to a malaria area, seek a
doctor's advice immediately.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Health
Precautions •
Besides
malaria, there are other insect-borne diseases such as dengue
and sleeping sickness. However, these are less common and using
the same precautions as you would against mosquito bites, namely
long-sleeved clothes and trousers, repellents and mosquito nets,
will help prevent them.
In
countries where drinking water isn't properly regulated, stick
to bottled or boiled water and avoid tap water, water fountains
and ice cubes.
Ask
your travel consultant about the safety of drinking water in the
areas you'll be visiting.
Use
common sense when it comes to food and beverages. If you're
unsure of their origin, don't touch them.
If
you're walking, it's best to wear shoes at all times.
AIDS
is rife throughout Africa, so if you're planning to have
intimate contact with the locals always use condoms to reduce
the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Avoid
handling strange animals, especially monkeys, dogs and cats.
Avoid
swimming in stagnant water.
The
Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following
vaccines. See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to
allow time for them to take effect: Hepatitis A or immune
globulin (IG), Hepatitis B if you might be exposed to blood (for
example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the
local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed
through medical treatment, Rabies, if you come into direct
contact with wild or domestic animals, Typhoid, particularly if
you are visiting developing countries, Booster doses for
tetanus-diphtheria, measles and a one-time dose of polio vaccine
for adults, as needed.
A
yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for entry
into certain African countries, particularly if you are coming
from a country in tropical South America or elsewhere in
Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is no risk for of yellow
fever in Southern Africa.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• What
to Bring •
If
you're going on safari, pack comfortable walking shoes and
khaki, brown or beige casual clothes. Long-sleeved shirts and
trousers will help protect you against the sun and insect bites.
Take a warm jacket for game drives; and, if you're going in
summer, make sure it's water-proof.
Smart-casual
clothes for eveningwear, although a few up-market destinations
will expect something more formal - check with your travel
consultant if you're not sure.
Malaria
tablets, insect repellent and (if necessary) a mosquito net (see
Malaria above)
Sunblock,
sunglasses, hat
Prescription
medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip,
as well as a copy of the prescription(s)
Over-the-counter
anti-diarrhoea medicine (just in case!) if you think you'll have
trouble finding a pharmacy on your trip
Visa
or MasterCard credit card and/or travellers cheques - Diners and
American Express are not always accepted. Keep travel documents
in a safe place - many airlines no longer resubmit lost tickets
and require a police affidavit if you want to avoid paying the
full fare for their replacement. |
The evening
game drive starts from 3:00 p.m. and ends at around 6:00 p.m..
If you wish to take a long game drive, i.e. half day game drive,
you will leave the Club before dawn with packed lunch and can go
for a long distance, enjoying seeking many animals. Through its
nature walk, Mpata Safari Club promises an authentic personal
encounter with the Masai Mara's wonderland on foot together with
the ranger. A Balloon safari is another popular option that you
could enjoy viewing game from air.