Useful Travel Information
What to Wear..?
When travelling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly. It is often warm in the lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are therefore essential. See also our recommended Packing List.
Luggage
Please limit baggage to two items per person and always use soft bags rather than suitcases. In specific cases i.e. for internal flights, luggage may be limited to 15kg per person.
Getting There & Away
World Primate Safaris does not organise or sell flights and clients need to make their own arrangements to arrive and leave their destination of choice. We do have a recommended airline ticketing agent for any international flights. Please ask for further details.
Welcome Service
Upon arrival in your destination, you will be met by a local World Primate Safaris representative. If you have any problems call our 24-hour UK telephone number on +44 (0)7887 637628.
Lodging
A number of our destination countries are only just emerging as tourist destinations and therefore lodging does vary in terms of luxury.
Generally lodging in towns is western style three to five star hotels. On safari it tends to be in lodges or tented camps of varying standards, occasionally without running water or electricity and some camps have long-drop or composting toilets. Other lodging can be of the utmost luxury reflecting extreme standards of comfort. We do however always attempt to use environmentally friendly lodging which helps the local communities.
Food varies from destination to destination. Please bear in mind that we try to use local produce that supports the local communities. Do not be afraid to try local produce it is part of the experience! Please ask your guide for guidance.
Communications
International telephone communication is good from major cities but more difficult from some remote areas. Mobile phones do work in certain destinations; please contact us for further details.
Electricity
Even if your lodging does not have power we can often provide for charging of video/camera batteries. Please ask your guide for advice.
Safety
All of our local operators conform to local safety regulations. If you at any time feel that this is not the case please do not hesitate to contact us.
Security
For latest information please contact us at the UK office or alternatively use the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (www.fco.gov.uk). Please use your common sense and do not draw attention to cameras, video equipment, jewellery, etc. Do not flaunt money and always use safes when provided at hotels/lodges. Do not walk unescorted at night. If in doubt please ask your guide.
Travelling Around
Travel varies form destination to destination. In most destinations light aircraft can be chartered at an extra cost. Roads are often dusty and bumpy due to poor local maintenance and weather conditions. Wherever possible/necessary we use properly equipped 4x4’s. Journeys can on occasions take most of the day however we always try to break these up with refreshment stops and there is always a lot to look at as you travel by!
Weather
Weather patterns vary from destination to destination. The majority of our destinations however can be visited throughout the year dependent on which areas you are visiting. Often rainy seasons may mean the traveller gets slightly wetter than travelling in dry season however conditions for photography are much better as one is left with clear skies. As primate tracking is predominantly in rainforest destinations travellers should come prepared for rain at any time of the year. Even in the rainy season showers tend to be short bursts late in the afternoon which clear the skies for excellent views.
Primate Tracking Equipment
Equipment does vary slightly depending on your destination however in general it is advisable to pack: a small day sack to carry a packed lunch and camera equipment etc, sturdy and comfortable walking boots, trousers, long sleeved shirts, long socks, sunglasses, waterproofs, a hat, sun-cream, gloves and binoculars.
Photography
Please refrain from photography of military personnel, military installations and airports. Always ask for permission when taking photos of local people or alternatively ask your guide for advice.
Prices
Prices include airport transfers; accommodation; meals and drinks as stated; an English speaking driver / guide and a safari vehicle; porterage of two items of baggage per person on the trip; boat trips; park fees; and permits where appropriate. Prices exclude all items of a personal nature: entry visas, international flights, tips, telephone calls, drinks (unless otherwise stated), laundry and airport taxes.
Spending Money
Most meals, park fees, guiding fees etc are covered in the cost of the safari. We generally recommend approximately $25-40 per day spending money.
Please note that torn or scruffy dollar notes are often not accepted. It is preferable to travel with cash rather than travellers cheques or credit cards as it is often only possible to use these in main cities. Never keep all of your cash in the same place, keep it in different pockets and split it up between different bags.
Tips
These are at the discretion of each client. Please ask your guide for advice. We recommend approx $5-10 per day per person per guide. Please take into consideration local standards of economy.
Begging
We recommend as part of our responsible travel policy that you do not give money or gifts directly to local people. We often have links with local projects/schools that would appreciate your support. Please ask your guide for further details. If you would like to contribute to these donations of clothing, pens and pencils are greatly appreciated.
Health / Medical
Always seek medical advice before travelling; your local GP will be able to advise on required vaccinations and anti malarial prophylaxis. A recommended website to visit is also the Fit For Travel website which can be found on the WPS “links” page.
Visas
A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity on arrival is mandatory.
· Ugandan Visas Are required by citizens of the European Union, the USA and Japan; other nationals should check. Visas can be obtained at Ugandan missions overseas or at Entebbe Airport or land borders. A single entry visa to Uganda costs US$ 50, and is good for three months.
In the UK the Ugandan Embassy is located at Uganda House, 58-59 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DX. Telephone: +44 (0)20 7839 5783. In the USA the Uganda Embassy is located at 5811 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20011. Telephone: +1 202 726 7100.
· Rwandan Visas Are NOT required by nationals of Canada, Germany, South Africa, Sweden, UK and USA. Other nationals can obtain them at Rwandan missions overseas or at Kigali Airport or at land borders. A single entry visa to Rwanda costs US$ 60.
In the UK the Rwandan Embassy is located 20 - 122 Seymour Place, London W1H 1NR Telephone: 020 722 49 832. In the USA the Rwandan Embassy is located at 1724 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DE 200091. Telephone: +1 202 232 2882.
· Tanzanian Visas Any citizen travelling on a passport of any of the following Countries MUST obtain visa for Tanzania: Australia, Belgium; Canada; China (Peoples Republic of); Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Holland; Hungary; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Netherlands; Poland; Portugal; South Africa; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom; United States of America. Cost is approx US$ 50.
Please contact the Tanzanian High Commission on +44(0)207 5691470.
· Gabon Visas Visa are required by all nationals entering Gabon. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Approx cost is US$ 50.
Visas can be purchased on arrival if given prior warning alternatively contact the Gabonese Embassy on: +44(0)207 823 9986.
· Madagascar Visas All foreign nationals require a visa to enter Madagascar. Cost is approx US$ 40.
Please contact the Malagasy Consulate on: +44(0)1944 181 746.
· Malaysian Visas (Northern Borneo) No visa is required for nationals of Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria), Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino, and Liechtenstein. No visa is required for U.S.A. citizens visiting Malaysia for social, business or academic purposes (except for local employment).
· Indonesian Visas (Southern Borneo) Nationals of Great Britain and Ireland, can either get a visa upon arrival in Indonesia, which length of stay may not exceed 30 days (US$ 25) and cannot be extended / transfer, or apply at the Indonesian Embassy to stay longer than thirty days. A visa issued at the Embassy has a maximum length of stay is 60 (sixty) days, and cannot be extended / transferred.
Please contact the Indonesian Embassy on +44(0)207 4997661.
Insurance
· It is a condition of booking that all clients must have, and must demonstrate to the company prior to their departure, adequate insurance for the duration of the tour.
· Proof of the following items of insurance is required on booking; cancellation or curtailment of your trip, medical expenses, repatriation, loss of luggage, personal injury, adventure activities such as white-water rafting, tracking wild animals, theft of personal belongings.
· Please report any theft, trip disruption immediately to your guide during your trip and also in writing to WPS immediately on return to your home country.
Consumer Protection
As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), an association approved by the Department of Trade and Industry, World Primate Safaris has provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. This bond provides security for and is restricted to monies paid by its UK customers and for their repatriation to the UK in the event of World Primate Safaris insolvency. Membership Number 5127.
Terms and Conditions
World Primates’ Safari services are subject to our Terms and Conditions which should be read carefully as they govern the contractual relationship with the company.
A Final Word
World Primate Safaris offers safaris to some of the most pristine and wild destinations in the world but please bear in mind that on occasions service and travel may be slow and that this is all part of the experience!
GORILLA INFORMATION
Gorilla Parks / Families
The mountain gorilla lives in four parks in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC.
· In Uganda they are seen in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Bwindi in Uganda with four habituated families has 32 permits available daily. With steep hillsides and thick foliage tracking can take anything between 2-8hrs. Three of these families (Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura) are accessed from the north via Buhoma. Lodging in this area includes Bwindi Lodge and Gorilla Forest Camp. Other activities are also possible in this area including nature walks, bird watching and visiting local communities and projects. The fourth family, in Southern Bwindi (Nkuringo) can be accessed via the town of Kisoro. This group is accessed via a very steep track. Lodging in this area includes Mt Gahinga Lodge.
Mgahinga, in Uganda, is a great place to appreciate the unique Virunga volcanoes and has one habituated family. On occasions this group moves across the border into Rwanda and in this instance it is possible to track gorillas at Nkuringo in Southern Bwindi (approx a 2hr drive away). There are six permits available. Activities in this area include bird watching, nature walks and a visit to the local caves.
· Parc National Des Volcans (PNV) in Rwanda has five habituated gorilla families (Group 13, Sabinyo, Amahoro A, Amahoro B and Susa). Tracking in this area varies between 2-8hrs. There are 38 permits available daily. Tracking is slightly easier than Bwindi as slopes are not so steep and undergrowth is not as thick. Other activities in this park also include tracking the golden monkeys, climbing one of the volcanic peaks or visiting the remains of the Dian Fossey Research Centre, the grave of Dian Fossey and the gorillas with which she worked.
· Djomba and Kahuzi Biega in the DRC also have a number of habituated gorilla families but World Primates does not currently take clients there. If you would like to receive further information on these areas please do not hesitate to get in contact via our UK office.
Gorilla Tracking and Permits
· Only a specific number of gorilla tracking permits are available each day and therefore they must be booked well in advance. (Gorilla tracking permits are now selling up to a year in advance!).
· Please ensure that you take the appropriate clothing and equipment for tracking the gorillas. Please refer to our packing list or alternatively contact our UK office for further details.
· Gorilla tracking is limited to people aged 15 or above and all trackers must be in good health; please note that if you are ill you may be forbidden to track the gorillas. This is due to illnesses being passed directly from humans to gorillas.
· Tracking is not easy however is possible by most people in a reasonably healthy state.
· A percentage of each permit goes back into the local community and park infrastructure.
· Tracking of gorillas can be denied at short notice due to security in the area or as a result of park authority regulations.
· You are tracking wild animals and therefore the purchase of a gorilla permit does not guarantee seeing them. Please obey your guide at all times, they know what to do and not to do around these animals and it is for your safety and security that they are there. Please keep a minimum distance of 7 metres at all times from the gorillas.
· Flash photography is not allowed. Professional filmmakers must purchase the relevant permits however personal video recorders are permitted.
· You will be designated your guide at the park office. Your guide will explain the rules as to how to behave when around the gorillas.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Travellers will be provided with emergency contact numbers for each destination country with their departure pack.
In case of emergencies please contact Will Bolsover on the 24hr UK emergency mobile number: +44 (0)7887 637628.
UK Office contact details:
World Primate Safaris,
11 Crescent Place,
Kemptown,
Brighton
BN2 1AS
United Kingdom
From UK: 0870 8509092
From Abroad: +44 1273 691642
US Toll Free: 1866 3576569
Emergency Mobile: +44 (0)7887 637628
E Mail: sales@worldprimatesafaris.com
Website: www.worldprimatesafaris.com
