Ask The Expert

Antonio Marangabassa

Born in Mozambique, Antonio graduated in 1981 magnum cum laude from the United States International University with majors in Sociology and Anthropology.  Antonio was a public school teacher for seven years and has worked as a tour guide in Kenya since 1981.  Tony is especially appreciated by his clients for his quick sense of humor and undying energy. He volunteers for the Bring a Book Foundation, helping coordinate the donations to the schools. He has also started the African Angels Children’s Fund which helps build classrooms and provides scholarships for children to attend school.  Tony speaks Portuguese, English, Spanish and Kiswahili, and his interests include conservation, traveling, soccer, reading, and philanthropic work.

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya?

A: Karibu, rafiki! Welcome, friend. Yes a valid passport for at least 6 months and visa is required. They are easy to obtain. Please contact www.kenyaembassy.com for details.

Q: What's the Best Time to Travel?

A: If possible, I always recommend during the annual migration. It's your chance to see one of nature's greatest spectacles as up to 1.5 million zebra and wildebeest cross the Serengeti in search of fertile grasslands and takes place every year from end of July to end of September. The weather is pleasant in Kenya throughout the year. The long rains generally fall from April through May, and the short rains from October through November usually consist of a short shower and sunshine the rest of the day.

Q: How many shots do I need?

A:  Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before departure. Yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio inoculations are recommended but not mandatory.  A malaria suppressant should be taken a week before you depart, as well as during and after trip. The best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long slacks and long sleeved shirts in the evenings, use mosquito nets, and a repellent with 30% DEET, Skin So Soft, or oil of citronella. I also recommend checking with your physician, local health authority or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or via their web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel for any addi­tional health precautions.

Q: Is the water safe to drink?

A: The best bet is always to drink bottled water. Bottled water is readily available, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. In remote areas water is usually boiled or bottled and is safe to drink but not from the tap. Food, even in remote tented camps, is carefully prepared, and the local produce is refreshing and safe.  

Q: How in shape do I need to be?

A: To enjoy your trip to the fullest, you should be in good physical and mental health. Your safari will not include strenuous activity. It is an easy climb into the safari vehicles and boats and your game drives allow you to sit back and take in the view around you. Rough roads may bounce you around a bit. Walking safaris (when available) are given at a decent pace in order to closely examine the flora and fauna of the area.

Q: I plan on enjoying the shopping, as well. Are credit cards accepted?

A: Some major credit cards are accepted such as MasterCard and Visa, but American Express and Diners Club are often not accepted. Please note that Discover Card is basically unknown in Africa. However, it is advisable to carry some cash or travelers checks in small denominations of US Dollars for purchases outside urban areas, and tipping. Since you will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel, you will not need any local currency before you reach the hotel, where you can easily obtain it.  Exchange of U.S. Dollars can be made at lodges and banks. You should not depend on your ATM card outside of the U.S. unless your bank advises otherwise. Local banks will give you notes in local currency. ATMs can be found in large cities and Victoria Falls but not in camps and game reserves. Keep your traveler's checks on you, along with other valuables, including passport, credit cards, or lock in the safety deposit boxes when provided. Cash works best in the African marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected.

Q: Any packing suggestions?

A: Just a few! Following is my recommended packing list:

• Long-sleeved shirts, slacks, long skirts and socks to protect you from insect bites and sunburn. Please note that bright colors and white are NOT advised while on safari as they tend to attract bugs such as flies and mosquitoes. Camouflage clothes are often illegal.
• Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
• Sun hat with a brim
• Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
• Sandals or rubber flip/flops for poolside
• Swimsuit with light cover-up garment
• Warm winter jersey for cooler mornings or evenings
• Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April)
• If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust
• A small flashlight with extra batteries
• Adapter plugs & converters for electrical appliances
• Packaged wet tissues ("Wash & Dry" "Wet Ones")
• A tiny calculator for estimating cost while shopping
• Plenty of film or tape for your camera + extra batteries or rechargers
• Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras.
• BINOCULARS  (ESSENTIAL) and Newman's bird book if you are keen
• Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments)
• Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion
• Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, Off, etc.
• Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream, etc.)

Q: That should do it for now, Antonio.  Any other suggestions?

A: Just pack a sense of wonder, adventure and humor! I look forward to sharing my  beautiful country with you.

DID YOU KNOW?

The cheetah is the fastest land mammal; running in short bursts chasing prey at up to 60 mph. They can reach this speed from a still position in as little as three seconds, but they can only sustain this speed for a quarter of a mile or so.