Before you travel
Travel information, clearly held.
The practical layer beneath a beautifully designed journey: honest answers, official sources and the details worth resolving before you fly.
Entry, health and supplier rules can change. This page is a planning aid, not immigration, legal or medical advice.
01
Planning with Sail
What does tailor-made mean?
Your route is built around your dates, interests, pace and preferred style of stay. We do not simply place your name on a fixed departure. A Sail specialist tests geography, transfer logic, seasonal conditions and the experience you want from each day.
How far ahead should we begin?
For gorilla trekking, the Great Migration, festive travel and small exclusive camps, earlier is better. Twelve months is comfortable; more may help for highly specific dates. We can also design excellent journeys at shorter notice when permits, flights and the right rooms align.
Can you arrange a private journey?
Yes. Private, tailor-made travel is our core work. We also support families, honeymooners, small groups and travel-advisor partners, with private guiding and vehicles where the itinerary calls for them.
Do you support us while we travel?
Yes. Sail operates from within East Africa and provides 24-hour in-destination support during your journey. Your final documents include the relevant operations contacts.
02
Payments, changes & protection
What deposit is required?
A 50% deposit confirms the trip and is payable within seven days of confirmation. The final balance is due no later than 60 days before departure. A booking confirmed within 60 days requires full payment at confirmation. The deposit is not automatically non-refundable: if you cancel, the published cancellation schedule determines the amount retained and any refund due. Your accepted proposal and invoice control if journey-specific supplier conditions expressly differ.
How can we pay?
Bank transfer is normally available. Card payment may be accepted and can carry a processing surcharge of up to 3.5%; the exact method, currency and cost are confirmed on your invoice before payment.
What happens if we need to cancel?
Our general cancellation schedule forfeits 30% of the total trip cost more than 90 days before departure, 50% from 60–89 days, 75% from 31–59 days and 100% at 30 days or fewer. Cancellation must be sent in writing. Non-refundable permits, flights, lodges or other supplier charges identified in your accepted proposal or invoice also apply, and those booking-specific documents control where they expressly differ.
Should we buy travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend comprehensive cover from confirmation, including cancellation, medical treatment, evacuation, interruption, baggage and any activities in your itinerary. Sail cannot advise whether a specific policy is adequate; your insurer should confirm that in writing.
03
Passports, visas & health
Do I need a visa or travel authorisation?
Requirements depend on nationality, passport, residence and route. Kenya uses an electronic travel authorisation for most visitors; Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania maintain official immigration portals. Rules can change, so use the official links below and verify again before departure.
Is there one visa for all four countries?
No. The East African Tourist Visa covers eligible travel between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda; it does not include Tanzania. Apply through the country of first entry and check eligibility on the relevant official portal.
Can Sail give medical or vaccination advice?
We can share operational reminders, but not personal medical advice. Speak with a qualified travel-health professional well before departure and check current government guidance for every country on your route.
What passport validity should I have?
Entry rules vary and may change. Many East African journeys require at least six months' validity and sufficient blank pages, but travellers must confirm the exact rules for their passport and route with official immigration authorities.
04
On safari
Is East Africa suitable for children?
Often, yes. The right answer depends on ages, interests, transfer tolerance, room configurations and each camp's policy. We design family routes around rhythm and safety, rather than squeezing children into an adult itinerary.
Are gorilla treks guaranteed?
No wildlife encounter can be guaranteed. Permit availability, age rules, health requirements and park decisions apply. Sail secures and coordinates permits only after the relevant funds and traveller details are received.
What luggage should we bring?
Soft-sided luggage is usually best, particularly for light-aircraft sectors with strict limits. Your confirmed journey documents state the allowance for each flight and provide a route-specific packing guide.
Can dietary and accessibility needs be accommodated?
Many can, with advance notice. Tell us before confirmation so we can check each property, vehicle, flight and activity honestly. Remote safari settings vary significantly in accessibility and medical support.
Official sources
Check the authority, not a copied rule.
Use these government portals for the latest requirements. Be cautious with lookalike visa websites and applications that do not use the official domain.
Ready to begin?
Bring us the questions behind the trip.
We will turn your dates, interests and comfort preferences into a route with the operational detail already thought through.
Plan your safari