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How to Conduct Yourself While Traveling in Africa
Friends of Conservation
Welcome to East Africa. We hope that you enjoy your stay in this unique
part of the world. We have set out here some simple “Do’s
and Don’ts” which we hope you will find of interest and assistance.
East Africa is special; these tips compiled from the experience of ‘Old
African Hands’ will help keep it so.While you are in East Africa
we hope you will take the opportunity to learn more about its extraordinary
geography, culture and customs. Listen to the local people and learn about
both locally based and international conservation efforts. Many organizations
are working to protect this wonderful land and people, and they need your
help.
Code of Conduct and Pre – Departure
Information
SAFARI BRIEFING
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Cheetahs are daylight hunters. When surrounded
by vehicles they are unable to hunt and the tracks created by tour
vehicles often expose their cubs to unnecessary danger. Please make
an effort to give cheetahs time to rest and hunt during the day.
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Scenery and habitat are as important as animals,
please respect the land and avoid damaging vegetation.
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Litter can seriously injure and kill animals and
should be kept in your vehicle until you can dispose of it properly.
This applies especially to film cases, cigarette packets, drink cartons
and lunch boxes.
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A lit cigarette carelessly disposed of can cause
huge and uncontrollable fires, leading to the death and suffering
of many animals.
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Please do not collect or remove bones, skins,
horns, teeth, hair feathers, eggs or shells. These all play a part
in the natural ecosystem and should be left where they lie.
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The dietary requirements of these species have
been established through evolution and habitat, and should not be
interfered with by man. Please do not feed the animals as this upsets
a fragile and precious balance leading to unnecessary dependence on
man's handouts.
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The City & General Information
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Do not walk the streets alone after dusk. Change
all money at a bureau de change and not on the street, as this is
illegal. Avoid isolated areas. Do not wear jewelry whilst walking
around the city center.
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You will need insect repellent. Sturdy safari
clothes and sensible shoes or walking boots. Long sleeves and long
trousers for an evening to keep the mosquito’s at bay. And a
light jacket for the cool evenings. (a torch if camping)
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Medical insurance. Anti malarial medication should
be taken before you begin safari.
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Do not drink tap water.
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To tip is usual, up to 10% of your bill. The driver
(and cook on camping safaris) are normally given a tip for good service
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All meals are provided whilst on safari. However
for meals in Nairobi either eat in the hotel or enquire with your
tour leader for advice on where to eat.
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Money should be kept in safety deposit at your
hotel. Only carry a small amount of cash with you. Whilst on safari
you will only need cash for drinks around the campfire.
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Whilst on safari space, in the vehicle, is limited
and there will only be room for a small suitcase or rucksack. Additional
luggage can be stored at the safari office. There is no charge for
this service.
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On Safari
The National Parks and Reserves of East Africa were established
to provide protection for a large diversity of species and habitat. To
make your visit to these areas more enjoyable and to ensure the minimum
of disturbance to the wildlife and environment, we hope that you will
read these guidelines.
- Unnecessary noise can startle and disturb wildlife, therefore radios
and cassette recorders are forbidden in the Parks and Reserves.
- Wild animals always have the right of way.
- These animals are wild, please do not leave your vehicle or expose
yourself to danger by sitting or standing on the roof or roof rack,
or by hanging out of the windows.
- Please respect the privacy of these animals, and discourage your
driver from moving too close. Keep a distance of 20 metres and refrain
from following leopard, cheetah or lion when they move away.
- Only five vehicles should be viewing a cheetah, lion or leopard
at any one time. If there are more than five, each vehicle should
not stay for more than 10 minutes.
On The Beach
- Coral is a living organism and can be easily damaged or destroyed
by even the lightest contact. It can also cause nasty cuts which are
prone to infection.
- Sand can suffocate and kill the coral polyps if kicked up while swimming
or snorkeling.
- The dragging of anchors and anchor chains across the reef causes
untold damage so when taking a boat out to the reef please ensure that
you use established mooring points and do not drop anchor onto the reef.
If you are on a charter boat, please request that they do the same.
- Leaving litter on the beach or in the sea is unsightly and can cause
accidents to both humans and marine life.
- Food waste should not be thrown into the sea - this upsets the balance
off the ecosystem.
- Please do not collect shells, coral, starfish or any other souvenirs
from the beach - these may still be alive, and certainly they all play
an important role in this fragile ecosystem, and should be left in place.
- Please resist buying marine souvenirs such as shells, coral and mounted
fish. Although mostly legal, many species are over-harvested causing
irrecoverable damage to the reefs and marine ecosystems.
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Local People and Customs
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East Africa contains a mixture of races and religions;
it is interesting to take time to learn of the customs of the area
you are visiting and helpful to respect its traditions.
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Mombasa Old Town and Lamu are Muslim Areas. Please
respect the customs and dress code. Women should not wear shorts and
skimpy T-shirts while in the town; this can cause offence and unnecessary
hassle. Knees and shoulders should be covered at all times.
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If wishing to photograph to local people you should
ask their permission. In some instances you may be expected to pay
for the privilege.
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If you are traveling with a guide please ask his
advice if you are not sure about local etiquette. Your guides and
hotel staff are knowledgeable and will know what can cause offence.
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Throwing sweets to children is degrading and embarrassing
both for your selves and them. The people in these countries are not
beggars, and have a right to be treated with the respect they deserve.
Shopping
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All trade in elephant products - ivory trinkets,
leather goods and tusks - is internationally banned.
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This is also the case with sea turtle products
- shells, shell jewelry, leather and stuffed turtles.
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The purchase of cat furs is ill advised, and few
can be legally traded.
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Chimpanzees and gorillas are also protected under
international law. All trade in products from these animals - heads,
hands and other souvenirs - is illegal.
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If you do buy any of the above, it is illegal
to bring them back into many countries and they would be confiscated
at your port of entry.
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Please resist buying marine souvenirs such as
shells, coral and mounted fish. Although mostly legal, many species
are over-harvested causing irrecoverable damage to the reefs and marine
ecosystems.
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There are many locally produced souvenirs which
are attractive and cheaply priced. Throughout East Africa you can
buy attractive kikois and other cotton goods, soapstone and wooden
carvings, jewelry (copper bangles and malachite are popular) baskets
and weaving work.
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The Maasai are particularly renowned for their
beadwork - belts, bangles and necklaces.
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These goods will serve as a wonderful reminder
of your holiday and will not damage or adversely effect the environment
you have been visiting.
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Bartering is accepted in most cases as way of
life. However, please check with your guide or hotel if bartering
is acceptable in any particular area.
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