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Flyga Twiga™

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Flyga Twiga™

  • Flyga Twiga
  • About
  • Safari 사파리
  • Testimonials
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • blog
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#TravelTuesday Top 10 Questions About Going on African Safari!

September 9, 2025 Flyga Twiga

 

1.           When is the best time to go on an African Safari?

This depends on where you go and what you want to see. For example, South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere. During their Winter, Northern Hemisphere Summer, the Elephant Grass is dead. This is the time of year preferred for Photographers. Great Migration in Kenya? Late June, July, August, and September. Want to save money? I had one of the most spectacular Gorilla Treks in Rwanda during November “Rainy Season”. What time of year is part of the discussion when planning!

Here you will find my lists of the Seasons for East and Southern Africa.

Guide on South Africa Bush Walk © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

2.           Is it safe to travel to Africa for a Safari?

Yes – when you know what to do, where to go, and with whom to go. Why my Slogan is “Happy Day! Safe Safari!” You can find out more, here.

CDC Cover © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

3.           What vaccinations or medications are required for an African Safari?

This depends on where you want to go. East Africa requires “Yellow Fever”. To the point Uganda will make you take the Vaccine, at the Airport, if you forget your Center for Disease Control Card (CDC). You can find here the CDC Vaccine Suggestions for Travel.

Photo Credit: Ecca Lodge Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

4.           Can children or families go on an African Safari?

Absolutely! South Africa, outside greater Kruger National Park, is Malaria Free. Places such as Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, in South Africa’s Malaria Free Eastern Cape, have entire an Safari Lodge designed for children. Ecca Lodge is entirely fenced, for your child’s safety. In addition to special programs for children, each Family is given a Private Game Drive Vehicle. The perfect way to introduce budding Conservationists to African Wildlife!

Leopard, Mara North Conservancy, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

5.           Where is the best place to see the “Big Five” on Safari?

The “Big Five” were named by Teddy Roosevelt as the most difficult to hunt. We now “hunt” the Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros with our Cameras. While you can never guarantee which animals will decide to show themselves, there are places where you will have a greater likelihood for specific animals.

While having excellent Gorilla Trekking, Uganda does not have Rhinos in the wild. Kenya does, with Amboseli National Park having the famous Elephants which migrate within the Park. In South Africa, Sabi Sand has the largest density of Leopards on Earth! That said, one of the best Leopard sightings I’ve had on Safari was in Mara North Conservancy in Kenya.

We’ll plan together where your African Safari will be best – for you!

EcoTraining Trackng South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

6.           What should I wear or pack for an African Safari?

Click here to find Flyga Twiga™ ‘s extensive Country specific Pre-Trip Checklists, Gear/Safari Kit Lists, Safari Clothes Guides, & Safari Clothing Lists.

Jomo Kenyatta Airport Nairobi, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

7.           Do I need a Visa to visit African countries for a Safari?

Yes. This is also dependent on your Passport Country. For Americans, some are Visa Upon Arrival (such as South Africa), while others, such as Namibia have a long pre-Arrival application process. Here is the more in-depth.  We see you through the process and make 100% sure you have all the documentation.

Fishing at Malaria Free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

8.           What is the difference between a National Park and a Private Game Reserve?

There are 3 major differences. First is Ownership and Management. National Parks are publicly run and managed by the government (e.g., Kenya Wildlife Service for Amboseli). Private Game Reserves are owned and operated by private individuals, entities, or companies (e.g., Kwandwe in South Africa).

The second is Access and Regulations. National Parks are open to the Public, with Entry Fees, Self-Drive Options (for Residents), and stricter Rules on Activities (e.g., no Off-road Driving). Kruger National Park is a good example. Private Reserves typically restrict access to Guests staying at affiliated Safari Lodges (often called Concessions within the Safari Industry), allowing more flexible activities like Guided Night Drives or Walking Safaris.

The third is Size and Experience. National Parks are often larger and busier, offering diverse Ecosystems, with potentially more crowded viewing. Currently there are numerous Viral Videos regarding this year’s Great Migration. Private Reserves are smaller, more intimate, with lower Game Drive Vehicle densities. They may offer better wildlife sightings, and they may fund Conservation through tourism revenue. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is an excellent example.

Loving Twiga, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

9.           What does a typical day on an African Safari look like?

A sample Safari Day:

05h00  A wake-up knock on your door. Tea, Coffee, and Rusks are served on the Lodge’s Main Deck followed by the Moring Game Drive, departing 05h30. Duration is approximately 3 hours.

Return to Lodge for a hearty African Breakfast. Plan one day for Bush Walk following Breakfast.

Between Game Drives, Relax by the Pool, Go to the Gym, Enjoy the Library & Games Room, Spa Activities, View Wildlife from the Viewing Deck.

Afternoon Tea, followed by Evening Game Drive. Sundowners on Safari. Followed by Dinner at the Lodge. Possible Night Game Drive.

Enjoy drinks by the Boma, sharing your day’s adventures with fellow travelers.

Lala Salama – rest well for another early Morning Game Drive tomorrow! #SafariLife

Cheerful Waitstaff South Africa © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

10.        How much should I tip on an African Safari? 

As the Safari approaches, this is the biggest concern for my Clients. As such, we tailor a personalized Tipping Guide for your bespoke Safari. While we can’t anticipate every moment you will want to tip, we arm you with the best knowledge extensive Safari experience can provide.

We can’t wait to start planning your dream African Safari Adventure!
East and Southern Africa Safaris are booking 2 years out -
Let’s start chatting today!

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Mama and Baby Ellies, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

In Africa, Travel Tuesday, Safari, Elephants Tags #TravelTuesday, #Safari, #Africa, #Uganda, #Kenya, #SouthAfrica, #Zimbabwe, #Rwanda, #wildlifeconservation, #travel, #SafariChic, #Namibia, #Botwana, #adventure
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#TravelTuesday New! Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

February 18, 2025 Flyga Twiga

Land of 1000 Hills

Silverback © Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG
Baby Gorilla © Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG
Baby Gorilla Volcanoes National Park Rwanda © Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG
1st Gorilla Pic © Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG
Gorilla Family© Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG
Gorilla Pic 1© Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG
Say what© Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG
Silverback © Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG Baby Gorilla © Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG Baby Gorilla Volcanoes National Park Rwanda © Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG 1st Gorilla Pic © Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG Gorilla Family© Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG Gorilla Pic 1© Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG Say what© Flyga Twiga™ LLC.JPG
In Travel Tuesday, Rwanda, caracal Tags #Rwanda, #GorillaTrekking, #Safari, #Africa, #wildlifeconservation
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#TravelTuesday Gift of a Good Camera #10thAnniversary #FestiveSeason

December 10, 2024 Flyga Twiga

Looking for a good gift for yourself or a loved one before Safari? I would suggest a great Camera and Lens Combo.

While I did initially start doing my own research (Shoutouts to
Rachel Carter Images, Erin Henderson Media and CommuniKait), I quickly realized I was in WAY over my head. Turning to my friends, Avid Photographer Ara Ko Lopez and Professional Photographer Jurate Alasevičienė.

Jurate became my mentor, tutor, and my “camera therapist” through an extremely harsh learning curve. She suggested the Sony a6700 and a second-hand professional lens, both ideal for Safari.

Sony a6700 Camera©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Protip: Sony now Region Locks the Languages on cameras - check to see if English is on yours! Been meaning to learn Korean, or Arabic! ;-)

For my first big trip in October, South Africa and Victoria Falls with my husband, I didn’t have the nerve to carry the professional lens. Our trip included a lot of regional Airlink Flights.

This actually turned out to be a wise decision. On my November Gorilla Trekking, Erin Henderson would be accompanying me. On several occasions she had to reset my camera. Thanks to her, and Jurate’s great encouragement, by the Rwanda Gorilla Trek, I hit my stride.

Beautifully Designed and Made Rift Valley Leather Bag ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

I bookended my Gorilla Trekking with time in Kenya. There, in addition to having a Celebration Dinner, on the rooftop of Nairobi’s Trademark Suites, I celebrated Flyga Twiga’s 10th Anniversary with a Rift Africa Custom Designed, Handmade Camera Bag. Thank yous to brilliant Designer/Leathermaker Isiah and Operations Manager Zadock Langat!

While I have a long way to go with my photography, for the first time I actually have pictures I’d like to print and hang! A final shoutout to Peter Manjagaledze for taking the time to help. Much, much appreciated!

Thank you for everyone!

One and Only Gorilla's Nest Welcome Dancers ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

In Africa, Safari, FestiveSeason Tags #flygatwiga, #Safari, #Africa, #Rwanda, #Kenya, #Uganda, #sony
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7 Epic trips to take to celebrate military retirement

August 14, 2024 Flyga Twiga

Thank you Kait Hanson of CommiKait for including Flyga Twiga™ in your awesome article!

In Tourism, Wildlife Conservation, Africa, Adventure, Flyga Twiga Tags #travel, #Africa, #Safari, #Kenya, South Africa, #Uganda, #Rwanda, #wildlifeconservation
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#TravelTuesday Updated Safari Guides are Now Up!

May 21, 2024 Flyga Twiga

Please find here Pre-Trip Checklists, Gear/Safari Kit Lists, Safari Clothes Guides, and Safari Clothing Lists.

Samburu Jackal ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

In Adventure, Travel Tuesday, Africa Tags #Safari, #TravelTuesday, #Africa, #GorillaTrekking, #Kenya, #Uganda, #SouthAfrica, #Rwanda, #SustainableTourism
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Happy First #TravelTuesday of 2024! Pleased to announce my New Uganda and Rwanda DMC Ellington Safaris!

January 2, 2024 Flyga Twiga

Last November, during our time in Kenya, I met Jenny and Shaun of Ellington Safaris to solidify our Partnership. Ellington Safaris is now Flyga Twiga’s Destination Management Company for Uganda and Rwanda.

They join my strong team of DMCs including Nikki and Collin of Southern Africa 360, and Diana and Richard of Adventure Expeditions Kenya.

2024 is quickly booking up - but there is still room & we can work with you to make your dream Safari a reality!

As always, Happy Day! Safe Safari!

In Africa, Adventure, Gorilla Trekking, Tourism, Wildlife Conservation Tags #Safari, #Uganda, #Rwanda, #TravelTuesday, #GorillaTrekking
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Travel Advisory - East Africa Tourist Visa

August 4, 2017 Flyga Twiga
EATV © Flyga Twiga LLC

EATV © Flyga Twiga LLC

As Flyga Twiga has been covering, there seems to be quite a bit of change going on within the tourism regulations and procedures in the Republic of Rwanda. Earlier this year, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced the doubling of Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees. This was discussed widely within the East African Tourism Industry (our reporting on this discussion). And, sparked a response from neighboring Uganda, who share the border and the few remaining Mountain Gorillas with Rwanda (Uganda Tourism Board Statement).

Now, Rwanda appears to be reinterpreting the much touted “East Africa Tourist Visa” (EATV).  In a “Travel Tips Press Release” dated 2 August 2017, Coastal Aviation, one of the leading East African Safari Aviation providers, stated:

Visa Issues in Kigali
We have recently had a case where guests arrived in Kigali and were deemed to not have a valid visa. This caused us to be fined $3,000 by the Rwandan authorities. It transpired that the guests had an East African Univisa. They had applied through Uganda for this. The Rwandan authorities deemed this visa to be invalid as the guests should have applied to Rwanda, their first arrival point, rather than Uganda. Please ask you guests to double check this should it apply to them. We will no longer be responsible for any fines, should this recur. On Application for a Visa, the applicant is given a tracking number. It is important that we receive this tracking number, in order to be able to verify the visa, before flight.

This interpretation of the EATV was not a “one off” fluke, or misinterpretation by a rogue Rwanda Customs & Immigration Agent. Julian Edmunds, Managing Director of Coastal Aviation, only two days after the initial Press Release, sent out an email, subject, “Rwanda Visa Issues.” He stated in his 4 August 2017 email:

The Rwandese seem to interpret the multiple entry as that you may cross the borders between Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya...but that as soon as you leave these countries (ie to Tanzania) then the visa is deemed to have expired and a second visa is then required. 

Yesterday we had another such incident. Guests had the East Africa Tourist Visa and used it to enter Kenya. They then left Kenya and then went to Tanzania; we then flew them from Tanzania to Rwanda. The immigration officers in Rwanda would not accept their East African Tourist Visa as they deemed it expired. Luckily the guests were American and therefore eligible to purchase a visa on arrival...had that not been the case, we would have been forced to repatriate them to Tanzania and fined $3000!

Nowhere in the documentation, in English and Korean, does it state that this should be the case. Rather, the document, titled, “Take advantage of the new East African Community Visa” states:

“The holder shall also be allowed to move out of the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Republic of Uganda and return without having to pay for another visa. This will only be applicable for 90 days.”

What all this means for those traveling on the EATV is unclear. Hopefully the respective Tourism and Development Boards will issue clarifications on this matter. When they do, we will immediately provide the information here.

Until then, have a Happy Day! And, a Safe Safari!

In Tourism, Safari Tags #Rwanda, #Uganda, #Kenya, #Travel
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Excellent analysis of the RDB increase in Gorilla Trekking Permits

May 10, 2017 Flyga Twiga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda © Flyga Twiga LLC

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda © Flyga Twiga LLC

The below has been reprinted with kind permission from Great Lakes Safaris & Uganda Lodges Ltd. The thoughtful analysis of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) substantial increase in charges for the Gorilla Trekking Permits has sent shockwaves through the Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Communities. My sincere thank you to Sheila for her thoughts and analysis. 

Sheila Kogo Malinga
Marketing Manager

Great Lakes Safaris & Uganda Lodges Ltd - Where the journey into the wild begins…!

Differences in Gorilla Tracking : Rwanda vs Uganda

Gorilla Tracking in Uganda and Rwanda is pretty much the same experience although the factors that accompany the tracking are different.

One of the principle tracking difference in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda – is that Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is in a thicker rain forest, with steeper slopes and ridges, compared to Rwanda where the Volcanoes National Park, mountain forest is open and the hiking gradient more evenly spread, making it relatively easier to track the Gorillas in VNP Rwanda compared in BWNP.

The similarity is the Mountain Gorilla, all in rain forest- accessible by a mountain hike. It also the case that Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is closer to Kigali, the Capital of Rwanda, compared to Uganda whose capital city Kampala is 495km away.

Our experience in tracking Gorillas both is Uganda and Rwanda is that different persons arrive at different conclusions in comparing the Gorillas- whereby the younger, stronger and more fit person experience a preference for Uganda where they feel they have worked for the eventual coming to the Gorillas experience as opposed to Rwanda, where they find it easier and more ‘zoo-like’ in their opinion although we do not share that opinion.

For the more elderly person- I would say above 50, whose principal interest is to see the Gorillas and do not necessarily have massive doses of energy to extend in that quest, they tend to have a preference for Rwanda. Also persons who desire to do multiple Gorilla treks also have a preference for the easier option but there is a general tendency for some people to believe that the Gorilla Tracking in Uganda is a more authentic quest in search of these ‘gentle giants’ of the forest.

Also for persons with very limited time, obviously Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda being so close to Kigali, within 2.5 hours drive is a big advantage. However for persons with more time, gorilla tracking in Uganda tends to be more appealing as they have many options of extending their tour in Uganda with her hugely more diverse tourism product as opposed to Rwanda where gorilla tracking seems to be the thing and there is nothing much else- meaning

Rwanda has failed to deliver as a standalone tourist destination.

For the budget sensitive person the lower price of gorilla permits $600 in Uganda versus $1500 in Rwanda, coupled with the hugely attractive low season rate in Uganda of $450 (April-May and November) and not available in Rwanda is a huge appeal.

All the gorilla habituated families in Rwanda are accessible from one starting point , although the distances to the various trail heads differ- while in Uganda the Gorilla families are divided between the Northern section of Bwindi

Impenetrable National Park called Buhoma and the Southern Section called Nkuringo and therefore the difference between the North and the South prohibiting and necessitate persons tracking gorillas in the North to also choose accommodation in the Northern section and vice-versa for the southern section.

This also gives the impression that tracking in Uganda has an added tendency to seem un-crowded.

In the end, Rwanda is Rwanda and Uganda is Uganda – two distinctively different countries. It is hard to really say which is better or not better rather that different persons comparing tend to arrive at different conclusions making it more an issue of personal choice/preferences.

In Tourism, Safari, Gorilla Trekking Tags #Gorilla, #Rwanda, #Uganda
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#TravelTuesday What are the High and Low Seasons? I've added a new section to my FAQs!

November 28, 2016 Flyga Twiga
WindsorMorning_KE©FlygaTwigaLLC

WindsorMorning_KE©FlygaTwigaLLC

What are the high and low seasons?

Each country has its own “High and Low Seasons” which are dependent on weather, the movement of animals, and tourist vacation time preferences. Why this is important information is that, as might be expected, the seasons offer different rates for Safari.

As with all aspects of a great journey:

Planning + knowledge = an awesome Safari!

Kenya: 
High Season:

            July 1st through October 31st and December 1st through March 31st

Low Season:

            April 1st through June 30th and November 1st through November 30th

Kenya has clear, distinct high and low seasons, based primarily on “The Great Migration” as well as vacation season preferences of Europeans, Asians and the Kenyan Citizens themselves.

What does this mean for you and your Kenyan Safari? The Low Season offers exceptional bargains in Kenya. Without an intense “Monsoon” or rainy season, Kenyan Safaris, as well as other outdoor activities, such as golfing and fishing, can be enjoyed year round.

Tanzania:

High Season:

            December 1st through March 31st and June 1st through October 31st

Mid-Low Season:

            All of November

Low Season:

            All of April and May

Much like Kenya, Tanzania has its high season partly during “The Great Migration.” If you look closely at the two country’s dates, you can see how the migration moves from one country to the other, shifting the High Season dates.

In Tanzania, the weather plays a key role in tourism and Safaris. The rains make roads muddy and boggy. If you are interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, the low season is extremely uncomfortable for climbing.

Uganda & Rwanda:

High Season:

January through February, and all the months of June, July, August, September and October

Low Season:

The entire months of March, April, May, October, November and December as low seasons for both Uganda and Rwanda

Click here for more FAQs!

In Safari, Travel Tags #TravelTuesday, #Kenya, #Uganda, #Tanzania, #Rwanda
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