Matizamo - Travel Tips

	Passport You require a passport to enter East Africa. Passports must have a sufficient number of unused pages for endorsements abroad and they must also be valid for at least six months past the projected stay in East Africa.
	Visas Visas are not required for visitors from some Commonwealth countries and other specified countries. Visas can be obtained from any Kenyan, Ugandan,Tanzania or Ethiopian Diplomatic Mission or Consulate abroad, and at main entry points including international airports, sea ports and border posts.
	Language English is spoken throughout East Africa. We have driver/guides that also speak French and spanish and can be provided on request.
	Currency " Credit cards may be used in large towns at restaurants and shops with MasterCard and Visa being most accepted. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and non-existent in small retail shops. US Dollars, English Pound, Euros may changed into local currency at forexes and banks. Small bills (US $1, US $5, US $10, and US $20) are best. Our banks and Bureaus they don't accept billing note below year 2006, kindly make sure your billing is above year 2006. Automatic teller machines (ATM's) are situated outside most banks in towns and cities in East Africa, and international credit cards often can be used to withdraw currency. However, as Africa is unpredictable please do not rely on ATM machines for your currency needs."
	Health " Vaccination requirements change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on the latest health precautions. Currently, shots against Yellow fever, Tetanus, Hepaitis and cholera are recommended but not mandatory. As a precaution we usually advise anti-malarial drugs to be taken before, during and after your visit to East Africa. Also, if you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s). "
	Clothing The Evenings can be quite cool. Be ready for this and pack some warm clothing for the evenings. Be ready to meet with an unexpected showers but this doesn't lower the temperatures too much. The guides know how to deal with this and it should be the least of your worries. Always have with you a wide-brim hat, insect repellant, sunscreen and sunglasses.
	Baggage " Safari vehicles and small aircraft provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might not be taken on board. "
	Photography " Bring extra camera and flash batteries and plenty of film - you may find these quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally. At the moment of writing this page it is forbidden to photograph government institutions, military personnel (police, army, border police) Some cultures eg, Masai are very sensitive so be careful when you photograph and to consult the guide on the various circumstances.recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might not be taken on board. "
	Tipping Tipping at Restaurants recommended amount is USD1-2 per person. Tipping for porters recommended amount is USD1-2 per person. TippingTrip leader/ Driver Guides recommended amount is USD7-10 per person per day while on safari. Tipping on Safaris, at lodges and camps is always welcomed but the amount varies greatly.
	Electricity Electricity in East Africa is 220/240 volts. Most safari lodges and camps are not connected to an electrical supply. Solar lighting (backed up by batteries) is common, with many lodges having a generator which runs part of the day (morning and late evening). Lanterns also provide light at night. In most areas you will not be able to use a hairdryer or electric shaver.
	Shopping Shopping while on safari is limited. Often lodges and camps have small curio shops where you can buy postcards, local goods such as carvings or books, clothing (hats, shirts), and film. At airports and in larger towns you will find African curio markets where you can by all sorts of carvings, masks, drums, jewelry etc...in general souvenirs and curios are inexpensive (in US dollar terms) - still, fun spirited bartering is the norm. In most cities there are up market jewelers and art galleries where you can easily spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on African art. Most reputable shops offer shipping of your purchase at extra cost.

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