10 Safari Sins In East Africa

An East African safari is a dream come true for many, a chance to witness nature’s grand spectacle. But navigating the wild requires respect, caution, and a good dose of common sense. To ensure a safe and unforgettable experience, Self Drive Kenya lists these 10 common safari faux pas you must avoid:

Disrespecting the Wildlife:

This is the cardinal sin of any safari. Remember, you’re a visitor in their home. Never approach animals too closely, never try to feed them (it disrupts their natural behavior and can be dangerous), and never make loud noises or sudden movements that could startle them. Observe from a respectful distance, and let them be. Your photos will be more special for capturing their natural behavior.

Ignoring Your Guide:

Your safari guide is your lifeline. They possess invaluable knowledge of the local wildlife, terrain, and safety protocols. Listen to their instructions carefully and follow them without question. Wandering off on your own, ignoring warnings about specific areas, or attempting to take shortcuts can have serious consequences. Your guide is there to protect you and maximize your safari experience – trust their expertise.

Treating it Like a Zoo:

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Safaris are not about ticking animals off a list. It’s about immersing yourself in the natural world, appreciating the interconnections of life, and respecting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Don’t pressure your guide to chase after specific animals or demand guaranteed sightings. Wildlife is unpredictable, and the magic of a safari lies in the unexpected encounters and the raw beauty of the wilderness.

Littering:

This should be a no-brainer, but unfortunately, it still happens. Litter not only pollutes the pristine environment but can also be harmful to animals. Carry out everything you carry in, including food wrappers, plastic bottles, and cigarette butts. Leave only footprints, and take only memories.

Being Unprepared:

A self drive safari in Kenya is an adventure, and like any adventure, it requires preparation. Pack appropriate clothing – neutral colors that blend with the environment, layers for varying temperatures, and sturdy walking shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit. If you’re planning on taking photos, invest in a good camera with a zoom lens. Being prepared ensures you’re comfortable and can fully enjoy the experience.

Talking Too Loudly:

The sounds of the African bush are magical – the rustling of leaves, the calls of birds, the distant roar of a lion. Loud conversations disrupt the tranquility of the wilderness and can scare away animals. Keep your voices low and respectful, allowing yourself to be enveloped by the sounds of nature.

Using Flash Photography at Night:

While capturing stunning photos is a highlight of any safari, using flash photography at night can disorient and disturb nocturnal animals. It can also be dangerous, as it may startle predators. If you want to take nighttime photos, consult with your guide about appropriate lighting techniques.

Disclosing Location of Endangered Species:

Protecting endangered species is paramount. Never disclose the location of rare or endangered animals to anyone you don’t trust. Poachers often target these animals, and sharing information can put them at risk.

Ignoring Health Precautions:

Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis before your trip. Drink plenty of bottled water, use sunscreen, and be mindful of food safety. The African sun can be intense, and it’s important to take precautions to protect your health.

Trying to “Save” Animals:

Seeing an injured or orphaned animal can be heartbreaking, but interfering with nature’s course can often do more harm than good. Resist the urge to “rescue” animals unless you are working with a reputable wildlife conservation organization. Contact your guide or a local authority if you encounter an animal in distress, and let the experts handle the situation. Remember, the wild is a complex ecosystem, and interfering can have unintended consequences.

Driving Tips for Self-Drive Travelers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda

Driving in East Africa with Self Drive Kenya offers an unforgettable adventure filled with diverse terrains, incredible wildlife, and stunning landscapes. However, it comes with challenges that require careful preparation and knowledge. Here are detailed driving tips, packing essentials, and safety guidelines for self-drive travelers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

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Driving Tips by Country

Kenya

Road Conditions: Roads in Kenya vary from well-paved highways to rough, unpaved tracks. Expect gravel roads in rural areas and around parks like Maasai Mara and Samburu.

Tips for Wildlife Areas: Always drive slowly in parks and watch for animals crossing. Avoid night driving, especially near wildlife reserves.

Handling Water Crossings: Be cautious during the rainy season (March to May, October to November). Check water depth before crossing and avoid rushing waters.

Essential Gear: A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially for accessing remote areas. Cars with pop-up roofs provide excellent game-viewing opportunities.

Uganda

Road Conditions: Roads leading to major attractions like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park can be muddy and challenging during the rainy season.

Tips for Mountainous Areas: Use lower gears when driving in hilly areas like those leading to gorilla trekking sites.

Wildlife Encounters: Uganda’s parks, such as Murchison Falls, have a diverse array of wildlife. Follow park guidelines for safe driving near animals.

Essential Gear: Vehicles equipped with rooftop tents are convenient for camping near parks. A GPS device is crucial due to limited signage in rural areas.

Tanzania

Road Conditions: Tanzania’s roads vary, with excellent highways around cities but rough tracks in remote safari circuits like Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Driving in Parks: Stick to designated tracks and follow park rules to avoid disturbing wildlife. Watch out for herds of animals, especially elephants.

Tips for Gravel Roads: Maintain moderate speeds and watch for potholes.

Essential Gear: A car with a pop-up roof is ideal for safaris, and a fuel can is essential for long drives in remote areas.

Rwanda

Road Conditions: Rwanda’s roads are among the best in East Africa. Paved roads connect major towns, but expect gravel roads around Volcanoes National Park.

Tips for Driving in Hilly Terrain: Rwanda’s terrain is mountainous, so practice caution on steep and winding roads.

Wildlife Safety: Be mindful of smaller animals and birds on rural roads.

Essential Gear: A 4×4 is recommended for accessing remote areas, especially during the rainy season.

Packing Essentials for a Self-Drive Safari

1. Clothing:

o Lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime.

o Warm layers for early mornings and evenings, especially in high-altitude areas.

o Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.

o A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

o Waterproof jacket for unexpected rain.

2. Tech Gear:

o A reliable GPS device or offline maps.

o Charging cables and power banks.

o Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.

o Binoculars for wildlife viewing.

3. Camping Essentials (if applicable):

o Rooftop tent or ground tent.
o Sleeping bags and mats.
o Portable stove and cooking utensils.
o Foldable chairs and tables.

4. Food and Water:

o Sufficient drinking water (at least 5 liters per person per day).
o Non-perishable snacks and meals.
5. Health and Safety:
o Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and tsetse flies.
o First-aid kit with essential medications.
o Sunscreen with high SPF.

6. Miscellaneous:

o Travel documents (passports, visas, permits).
o Emergency numbers for local authorities and park services.
o Fuel can for long distances between gas stations.

Gorilla Trekking: Essentials and Tips

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience available in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park). Here’s what you need to know:

1. Permits:

o Gorilla trekking permits are required and should be booked well in advance. In Rwanda, permits cost $1,500 per person, while in Uganda, they are $700 per person (as of 2025).

2. Clothing:

o Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against insect bites and thorny plants.
o Waterproof hiking boots for muddy trails.
o Gaiters to prevent mud and insects from getting into your boots.
o Gloves for grabbing onto vegetation while trekking.

3. Gear:

o A lightweight rain jacket.
o A sturdy walking stick (provided by park authorities).
o A small waterproof backpack for essentials like water, snacks, and cameras.
4. Fitness and Preparation:
o Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense forests, so moderate fitness is required.
o Follow your guide’s instructions and maintain a safe distance from gorillas.

5. Other Tips:

o Carry insect repellent.
o Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment.
o Be prepared to trek for several hours depending on the gorilla family’s location.

Safety Guidelines for Self-Drive Travelers

1. Vehicle Breakdown:

o Carry a basic tool kit, spare tire, and jumper cables.
o Know how to change a tire and perform minor repairs.
o Call your car rental company for assistance if needed.

2. Wildlife Encounters:

o Stay inside your vehicle and keep windows rolled up near large animals.
o Avoid honking or revving the engine near wildlife.
o Maintain a safe distance from elephants, lions, and other potentially dangerous animals.

3. Emergency Numbers:

o Kenya: 999 or 112.
o Uganda: 999 or 112.
o Tanzania: 112.
o Rwanda: 112.

4. General Safety Tips:

o Avoid driving at night due to poor visibility and the risk of accidents.

o Lock your doors and keep valuables out of sight.

o Always inform someone of your travel plans and expected arrival times.

Visas, Permits, and Regulations

1. Kenya:

o Visas: E-visas are available for most nationalities. Citizens of Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania do not require a visa. Single-entry visas cost $51 and allow entry to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda under the East African Tourist Visa.
o Yellow Fever Certificate: Required for travelers arriving from yellow fever-endemic areas. The certificate is valid 10 days after vaccination.

2. Uganda:

o Visas: E-visas cost $50 for single entry. East African Tourist Visas allow access to Kenya and Rwanda as well.
o Yellow Fever Certificate: Mandatory for all travelers.

3. Tanzania:

o Visas: Single-entry visas cost $50 and are available on arrival for most nationalities. Check if your nationality requires a visa in advance.
o Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country.

4. Rwanda:

o Visas: E-visas cost $50. Citizens of East African countries do not require a visa. The East African Tourist Visa also applies.
o Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if traveling from a yellow fever-endemic country.

Cross-Border Travel:

• The East African Tourist Visa simplifies travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Once issued, it remains valid for multiple entries within these countries for 90 days.

• At border crossings, expect to present your yellow fever certificate, passport, and car rental documents.

By following these tips and guidelines, self-drive travelers can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable adventure through East Africa’s stunning landscapes and wildlife-rich destinations.

Foods to boost the immune system and improve general health

March 17, 2022 By Health News Comments Off

What we eat will directly affect our health. The body needs vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and other nutrients essential for the body and well-being.

At the same time, our body is constantly plagued by several bacteria and viruses. And, if the immune system is weakened, we get sick.

A weakened immune system can have several causes: stress, undernourishment, chronic diseases, etc. Here in this article, we will look at 11 foods that can boost your immune system – and also improve your general health and well-being.

And it is precisely this component that is beneficial to your health. Indeed, it has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. (allicin also gives garlic its characteristic pungent odor.) So, even if the smell is not to everyone’s taste, you can easily enjoy the benefits of garlic by adding it to garnish your sauce, etc.

1. Beef
BeefYes quite! If we talk about it, it’s because of its high zinc content. In fact, zinc deficiency is one of the most frequent nutritional deficiencies. However, in recent years, more and more people have changed their eating habits. For example, they become vegetarians. Or they decide to stop eating beef (or other red meats, by the way).

It is not surprising that zinc deficiency is one of the main reasons why you get sick. Zinc is a metal that strengthens our immune system, but it’s not only found in red meat. Although in smaller quantities, these other foods also contain zinc: oysters, milk and yogurt, poultry, and pork.

2. Mushrooms
Some varieties of mushrooms strengthen the immune system. They act on the body by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Fungi increase the production of cytokines – molecules that fight infections. They also contain polysaccharides essential to the immune system.

But beware: not all mushrooms have the same content of cytokines and polysaccharides! Choose oyster mushrooms with oyster mushrooms.

But the best is to consume Asian mushrooms such as shiitake, maïtake or reishi. These three fungi of Asian origin are easily found in many countries. You can find it in France, fresh or dried, in organic stores or stores selling Asian products.

3. Sweet potato
The immune system is not just limited to the different components of the blood. It also includes the organs and in particular, the skin.

If we consider the size, the skin is the most important organ of the human body. This means that it is also the biggest defense between the body and bacteria/viruses.

Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin. For your vitamin A intake, we recommend sweet potato. Sweet potato has a high beta-carotene content.

This pigment is transformed into vitamin A and contributes to the formation of the connective tissue of the skin. You can vary your vitamin A intake by eating other foods with considerable beta-carotene content: melon, carrot, pumpkin, etc.

4. Cauliflower Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower:
Most notably, they all contain glutathione, a natural remedy for viruses. Basically, these 3 foods are beneficial to the general health of the body. But, they are also a great source of choline. This essential nutrient repels bacteria from the body, keeps cells functioning, and improves the health of the digestive system.
5. Fish
We cannot stress enough about the nutritional importance of this food. Fish, like oysters, lobster, crab, and clams, can help the body produce cytokine. Do you remember the cytokine? It has been talked about as one of the benefits of mushrooms.

6. Garlic
It is one of the foods most recognized for its beneficial properties, including for fighting bacteria and viruses. Garlic is part of the Allium genus – there are also leeks, onions, cultivated garlic, shallots, spring onions, and chives. But, what sets garlic apart from these other foods is its high allicin content.

7. Tea
The secret of the immune benefits of tea is its high amino acid content. Green tea and black tea both have an abundance of theanine (not to be confused with theine ).

This substance is important to the body because it will supply it with interferon. And it’s this protein that will fight viruses (especially the flu virus) – even in teas that do not contain caffeine/theine!

These proteins are of great help in eradicating the flu virus. And let’s not forget that fish and shellfish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Are you looking for recipes to prepare fish? We suggest our hake filet with lemon sauce in the oven or our cod crumble.
8. Grapefruit
The benefits of citrus fruits have been known for a long time. No need to detail the virtues of vitamin C, which is found in grapefruits, oranges, lemons, etc.

However, it should be noted that red grapefruit has a particularly high content of flavonoids. These pigments are an excellent source of antioxidants and play an important role in strengthening the immune system.

9. Honey
Honey has several benefits. It can relieve your sore throat by coating it with a protective layer. Besides, it is packed with antioxidants and can provide effective antimicrobial protection. The benefits of honey are many. You can discover some of them in our article: 12 Honey-Based Grandmother Remedies.

10. Yogurt
Did you know that there is a difference between a yogurt that helps digestion and yogurt that strengthens your immune system? The difference lies in a lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus reuteri.