Monday, November 16, 2015
When leading a trip to Kenya and Rwanda, the majority of my ecotour guests are making their first trip to the African continent. For many it is the fulfillment of a life-long dream; the experience of seeing Sub-Saharan animals in their natural habitat. And often with travel to Africa comes the justified expectation that many complicated, expensive logistical steps --such as visas and vaccinations-- must precede take-off. Indeed, these purchases and arrangements are often the case with travel to many countries within Africa.
Which makes travel to Kenya and Rwanda so surprisingly different. Kenya's tourist visa process is a quick online registry. Simply complete the form, pay the fee with a credit card, and print off the emailed eVisa for your passport. Rwanda customs officials just sell the tourist visa at the airport. As for vaccinations, yellow fever is the only inoculation required for both countries and the single-shot treatment can be obtained up to 10 days prior to travel.
I hear time and time again, 'That's it?! Are you sure there isn't more I need to do? Do I need special gear?'
Granted, sometimes shopping for adventure-specific attire before a much-anticipated trip is half the fun. But I would be remiss if I did not point out that nearly all of my guests already own everything they need for a Terra Incognita ecotour to Kenya and Rwanda. A pair of comfortable hiking boots, a hat that keeps the sun out of your eyes, long pants, and some long-sleeved shirts for protection from the sun and/or stinging plants are the cornerstones. Special packing items for this ecotour include a pair of gardening gloves and an old pair of denim jeans; both will protect from nettles and thorns while trekking to see the gorillas. (And the jeans won't get ripped up like those light weight zip-off Safari pants!)
In other words, traveling to Kenya and Rwanda is surprisingly uncomplicated. But don't just take my word for it. Join us next fall!
-Ged
Ged Caddick, Owner/Founder
Terra Incognita Ecotours