Due to limited space available for storage in safari vehicles, we strongly recommend the use of soft duffle bags.

The climate is hot and sometimes humid. From December to March, when the north-east monsoon blows, it is hot and humid. In April and May heavy rains occur with June to October being the coolest and driest period. The lesser rains fall in November. Temperatures sway between 25 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius and annual rainfall is about 20mm.

A sweater/windbreaker is essential for the morning and evenings. Intermittent light rains or an evening thunderstorm are possible so you could carry a lightweight waterproof coat.

Passport – Must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the trip’s return date. Separate passports for children are recommended but they may also travel on their parent’s passports. Please check directly with the consulates regarding children’s passports. A copy of each passport should be carried separately.

All nationals will require visas for East Africa. Tanzania: cost of which is USD: 100.00 per person per entry for USA nationals and USD 50.00 for all other nationals. We recommend that where possible you attain visas in advance, although they are available upon arrival at the port of entry and queues are longer.

• Visitors on special medication should always carry ample supplies. It is also advisable to carry wrist tags, physician’s instructions and address, and prescription details for emergencies.
• Health Certificates – all visitors part taking in walking, trekking, climbing, rafting or other physically demanding activities require their physician’s letter that they are fit for the planned activities. Visitors should also be aware that African roads can be dusty, bumpy, and physically demanding. 
• Eyewear – because of the dust, contact lenses are uncomfortable during game drives. For visitors wearing prescription glasses, we recommend clip-on Polaroid lenses or prescription sunglasses. Also carry extra pairs of glasses.
• Other necessities – Carry sun block, lip balm, moisturizers, diet-based insect repellents, sting spray, contact lens solutions, small tissue packs, hand-wipes, water purifying tablets and sanitary products. Emergency dental kit is optional.
• To protect yourselves from mosquitoes in the evenings, apply diet-based repellent to all exposed areas of your body and wear light-coloured trousers and shirts. In addition, talk to your doctor about taking malaria prophylactics. Some prophylactics are known to have side-effects so please discuss the issue carefully with the doctor. On your return from your holiday, if you feel feverish and weak, then it would be advisable to take a test immediately for malaria at a clinic specializing in tropical diseases.
• Yellow-fever certificates are necessary. Object to inoculations at the airport as unclean injections used. Several other types of inoculations are recommended but it is best to get advice from you doctor. Be prepared well in advance.

• Currencies – It is best to carry some cash. US Dollars (widely accepted), Euro, and Pound sterling notes.
• Valuables – Expensive and heavy jewellery is not recommended as it attracts unnecessary attention.
• Credit Cards – Major credit cards are widely accepted by shops, restaurants, and hotels. American Express is less accepted than others. A few shops may charge a surcharge for accepting cards. Credit cards are not accepted by market traders or government institutions so visitors should always keep some local and foreign currencies with them. Have appropriate addresses ready for replacement cards. Credit card fraud is widespread some parts of East Africa so only use the credit cards at ‘reputable’ places and hotels and always recheck your credit card statements when back at home.

• General Pack lightly in soft bags with strong zippers and leave ample space for the shopping. A day backpack is also useful. Pack plenty of cotton T-shirts, short and long- sleeved shirts, socks and under garments. Also pack linen or drill shorts, trousers, a light jacket, jumper, bathing suit and a light shower-proof anorak. Light hats, scarf, handkerchiefs that protect your head, neck and nose are useful.
• Keep one set of lightweight smart casual dress for evenings. A pair of lightweight sandals + walking boots or shoes + smart casual shoes is recommended. There is no colour code but keep to earthy colours, especially on walking safaris.
• Delicate and expensive fabrics – Try not to bring clothes made from delicate or expensive fabrics because of dust and basic laundry facilities
• Beach holiday – snorkelling equipment, plastic beach sandals, and swimming aids and toys for little children are recommended.

• Keep your distance from animals and be quite to avoid distressing the wildlife.
• Throwing foods to animals or feeding animals in any way is prohibited. If caught heavy penalties will be charged.
• Walking Safaris – Best to wear light jacket and trousers for protection from tall grass and prickly plants. However, these can get uncomfortable later in the day so always ask the guide what sort of terrain will be covered on the walk before deciding on the dress. Thick cotton tracksuits are sometimes better. Light walking boots are recommended. A small backpack, shower-proof anorak, first-aid kit, and bottled mineral water are useful. Walking safaris are exhilarating but please note that when walking in wilderness areas you are taking a risk even with an armed guide and therefore you will be made to sign a disclaimer.
• Mountains and Highlands – Temperatures in the mountains and highlands can fall below 10 Centigrade from late evening to early morning so a warm jumper is recommended. Many lodges have log fires in the dining/main sitting areas, and some provide hot water bottles. If you are hiking or climbing mountains then you will require specialized guides, clothing, and equipment. We will gladly provide you with a list on booking a climb with us.
• Early Morning – Early morning game drives start around 6.30am and the weather is cool and crisp, so a jumper or jacket and trousers are recommended. It warms up by 8.30am.
• Mid-morning/afternoon – Whether on a game drive or not, it is best to be in light shirt and shorts. Adequate protection, however, is required from the strong sun. Apply sun block regularly all over and use a hat, scarf, and sunglasses.
• Late afternoon/evening – It usually starts at 3.30/4.00pm when it is still warm but by 5.00pm it starts to get chilly so take a jumper or a wind breaker along on a game drive. For dinner, a long-sleeve shirt, sweater, trousers, and thick socks help protect against insects and cooler temperatures. Always apply insect repellents all over, especially around ankles, ears, knees, and knuckles.
• Laundry – Clothes can be laundered and ironed at most lodges and hotels, mostly at extra cost. Undergarments may not be washed at several places due to local customs.
• Luggage – pack lightly in soft bags with strong zips and a place for a sturdy combination lock. Only 15kgs are allowed in domestic flights to game reserves. If you have any excess luggage, then keep it in a separate bag and Green Turtle Safaris or your city hotel will make every effort to store it for you while you are on safari. We recommend that you carry a daypack to store the medical kit and other bits and bobs. Before you leave a base check that all your valuable contents are intact – if not then report to base manager immediately.

• Camera – A snapshot camera is recommended together with a zoom camera with full lens and filter kit. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for wildlife photos. Standard digital cameras are not recommended for action photography. For wildlife photography you should have top of the range digital cameras which let you take multiple multi-second shots. Bring extra flash memory and rechargeable batteries for digital cameras. Beanbags will help when the light is low. Keep the equipment as light as possible on walking safaris.
• Video Camera – A small, light video camera is better, especially on walking safaris. Bring extra batteries. Batteries can be charged in lodges with the right adapter.
• Binoculars – Light, powerful binoculars are necessary on any safari for every person or at least 2 per family. Our vehicle will usually carry a pair. The best specs for birding and low-level light are 10 or 12 (zoom) x 42 or higher (aperture). Anything larger than 12 x zoom will suffer from ‘shake’ unless a tripod or beanbag is utilized. 8 x 30 or 10 x 30 is sufficient for general viewing.

• Small, powerful Flashlight – smaller ones travel better. Carry an extra battery set. Lights go out in most camps and lodges after dinner as the generator is switched off for the night. Lanterns or large flashlights are provided.
• International adapter – carry an international adapter. Electricity supply is usually from 220V to 240V 3-pin (square or round).
• Hairdryer – Not all lodges provide a hairdryer so bring one along with an international adapter
• Food accessories – Decaf coffee/tea, herbal tea and sweeteners are not always available so carry small quantities with you.
• Mobile phones – mobile networks are spreading quickly throughout Africa so you can bring your mobile along.
• Our Policy – All visitors must have adequate accident, baggage, trip cancellation, medical, medical evacuation and interruption insurance before the tour can begin. For dangerous activities such as rafting, canoeing, climbing, balloon safaris, gliding, walking, and horseback safaris consult your insurers directly. Always carry all insurance documents and emergency numbers on the trip.
•  Light, powerful binoculars are necessary on any safari for every person or at least 2 per family. Our vehicle will usually carry a pair. The best specs for birding and low-level light are 10 or 12 (zoom) x 42 or higher (aperture). Anything larger than 12 x zoom will suffer from ‘shake’ unless a tripod or beanbag is utilized. 8 x 30 or 10 x 30 is sufficient for general viewing.

The food that is served in restaurants, hotels, lodges, and camps is usually well prepared and safe to eat. The luxury properties serve superb cuisine that is of a very high standard. We would, however, recommend that you drink mineral bottled water only, peel your fruit and avoid street food.

• Tipping is not obligatory, but a tip for exceptional service.
• If you suffer from severe back problems, then you may be uncomfortable travelling by road, and we recommend that you use more of air transport for the safari. A blow-up or a cheap soft pillow is always a worthwhile companion in the vehicle.
• Rains can affect game drives occasionally and vehicles may get stuck in the mud. In these circumstances we request you to be patient and help the driver if you can.
• You will have to get inoculations and medication from your doctor – recommended are yellow fever (no longer compulsory in Kenya unless you are arriving from a yellow-fever zone), Hepatitis, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio. Protection against Malaria is also recommended (Malaria is the most effective but consult your doctor for the correct medication for the region you will be visiting).

• It is strictly forbidden to feed any form of wildlife as it encourages them to abandon their natural feeding habits. Some lodges are guilty of being lax with their guests on this issue. It is also dangerous to feed little animals as they can get aggressive and bite.
• It is important that conversation is in hushed tones near wildlife. Loud voices disturb animals and fellow travellers. Loud music is frowned upon.
• It is forbidden to touch or tease any wildlife. All animals are wild and dangerous. Driver’s or guide’s instructions must be always obeyed.
• Walking within game parks and private reserves is forbidden without a qualified guide(s). Some lodges may have no fencing so lodge rules on walking must be strictly observed.
• Conservation – It is illegal to buy wildlife products in many parts of Africa. To support conservation of wildlife and marine life, please avoid purchasing all wildlife and sea products.
• Occasionally lodges and hotels will require you to sign an indemnity form for walking, horse-back and camel and other similar types of adventures.
• Africans are polite and respect travelers. Please return the complement. Do not humiliate them if they do not know how to deal with a request that may appear too complicated or foreign to them. Always feel free to talk to a senior manager.
• It is always polite to ask before taking a picture of a person. Sometimes money may be requested by the subject – if this happens, negotiate the amount before taking the picture.
• Tip generously – the pay and the people are extremely poor by western standards.
• It is illegal to deface local currency or the president’s picture in many African countries
• Dress sensibly and in an inoffensive manner. Skimpy dressing is frowned upon. Nude bathing is illegal in most African countries.

East Africa is generally safe continent but use common sense. Keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t walk in the towns or cities at night – take a taxi instead. Don’t carry cameras or large amounts of cash and beware of pickpockets. Use hotel safety deposits boxes to safeguard valuables and obtain a receipt. Where possible ask your hotel to arrange for local transport/taxi.

Canned baby food, powered milk and disposable nappies may not be available outside major towns and advise to always carry.

• Julius Nyerere International (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha & Moshi, Tanzania)
• Amani Abeid Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
• Jomo Kenyetta International Airport (Nairobi, Kenya)
• Moi International Airport (Mombasa, Kenya)
• Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe, Uganda)
• Kigali International Airport (Kigali, Rwanda)

East Africa is generally safe continent but use common sense. Keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t walk in the towns or cities at night – take a taxi instead. Don’t carry cameras or large amounts of cash and beware of pickpockets. Use hotel safety deposits boxes to safeguard valuables and obtain a receipt. Where possible ask your hotel to arrange for local transport/taxi.

The Wildebeest Migration is a dramatic display of an unstoppable drive to survive and the power of instinct. Consequently, the animals produce an iconic and remarkable show, witness this spectacular marvel for yourself! Use the Migration Route Map & the Month-by-Month guide to the Wildebeest Migration.

In addition to coordinating with nature’s schedule, the right time to travel should base on what you want to see! Get amazing shots of the largest concentration of land animals in the world! Witness the beautifully emotional calving season! Or watch the herds make the cross through the mighty Mara River. The timing of the migration depends entirely on rainfall. Luckily, the wildebeest are on a continuous journey creating endless opportunities to see to this stunning natural event.

Month by Month Guide to the Wildebeest Migration

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve

August – October:  After reaching the border of Tanzania & Kenya, the herds congregate in the northern area of the Serengeti. Then the big moment…The herds begin making the dangerous cross through the Mara River into the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

October – November:  Once across the river, the herds will spend time grazing in the southern region of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Then they will continue south towards the eastern plains of the Serengeti… Back to where it all began.

November – December:  When the short rains arrive, the herds will start their migration journey over again. They will begin heading farther south in the Serengeti towards fresher green grasses.

Green Turtle Safaris – Our most passionate goal is to provide you with a memorable & authentic wildlife safari and beach holiday experience made of once-in-a-lifetime moments

We promise… Africa won’t disappoint.