Planning a trip to East Africa? Whether you’re dreaming of a Kenyan safari, relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, or trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, this comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know—from visa requirements and health tips to currency exchange, best shopping spots, and safety advice.
At African Breeze Tours, we’ve helped thousands of travelers explore East Africa seamlessly. Below, we’ve compiled essential travel information to ensure your trip is smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
📝 Visa Requirements for Kenya & East Africa (2024 Update)
Do You Need a Visa for Kenya?
✅ Yes, most travelers do—except citizens of visa-exempt countries (see list below).
✅ Visa on Arrival? Some nationalities can get a visa at Kenyan airports, but e-visas are recommended for faster processing.
✅ Processing Time: Standard tourist visas take 2–6 weeks, so apply early!
Visa-Exempt Countries (No Visa Required for Kenya)
If you hold a passport from any of these countries, you do not need a visa for Kenya (up to 90 days):
- Commonwealth Nations: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Fiji, Ghana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Swaziland, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Other Countries: Ethiopia, San Marino, Uruguay
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Visa regulations change frequently—always check with the Kenya e-Visa portal or your nearest Kenyan embassy before traveling.
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from (or transiting through) yellow fever-endemic countries (e.g., Uganda, Ethiopia, Brazil).
- Return Ticket: Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel.
How to Apply for a Kenya e-Visa
- Visit Kenya e-Visa Portal
- Fill out the application (passport details, travel dates, accommodation).
- Pay the fee (~$51 for tourists).
- Wait for approval (usually 3–5 business days).
- Print your e-Visa and present it upon arrival.
💡 Pro Tip: If visiting multiple East African countries, consider the East African Tourist Visa ($100), which allows travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for 90 days.
🌤️ Weather & Best Time to Visit East Africa
East Africa enjoys a tropical climate, but the weather varies by region:
| Region | Climate | Avg. Temp (Day/Night) | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coast (Mombasa, Zanzibar) | Hot & humid | 28–32°C / 22–25°C | Dec–Mar, Jun–Oct (dry season) |
| Nairobi & Highlands | Mild & temperate | 20–26°C / 10–15°C | Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep |
| Masai Mara & Serengeti | Warm days, cool nights | 25–30°C / 12–15°C | Jul–Oct (Great Migration!) |
| Northern Kenya (Samburu, Turkana) | Arid & hot | 30–38°C / 20–25°C | Jun–Sep, Jan–Feb |
| Mountain Regions (Kilimanjaro, Meru) | Cool to cold | 10–20°C / 0–10°C | Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct |
Rainy Seasons (Avoid if Possible)
- Long Rains: April–June (heavy downpours, some lodges close).
- Short Rains: October–December (shorter showers, still good for safaris).
Best Time for Wildlife Safaris
✅ June–October (Dry Season):
- Great Migration (July–Sept) in Masai Mara & Serengeti.
- Best game viewing (animals gather around water sources).
- Clear skies & sunny days.
✅ January–March (Hot & Dry):
- Calving season in Ngorongoro & Serengeti (Feb–Mar).
- Fewer crowds than peak season.
❌ April–May (Wet Season):
- Heavy rains make roads muddy.
- Some camps close in remote areas.
⚕️ Health & Safety Tips for East Africa
💉 Vaccinations & Medications
| Vaccine/Medication | Recommended? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | ✅ Required if coming from risk countries (e.g., Uganda, Ethiopia, Brazil). | Certificate needed at entry. |
| Hepatitis A & B | ✅ Recommended | Food/water-borne diseases. |
| Typhoid | ✅ Recommended | Contaminated food/water. |
| Malaria Prophylaxis | ✅ Highly recommended | Mosquito-borne; take before, during & after trip. |
| Rabies | ⚠️ Optional (if interacting with animals) | Stray dogs/monkeys in rural areas. |
| COVID-19 | ⚠️ Check latest entry rules | Some countries may require tests. |
🚰 Water & Food Safety
- Drink only bottled or filtered water (avoid tap water).
- Eat well-cooked food (avoid raw salads, street food in questionable areas).
- Peel fruits yourself (avoid pre-cut fruits).
🚨 General Safety Tips
✔ Avoid walking alone at night (especially in cities like Nairobi & Mombasa).
✔ Keep valuables hidden (use hotel safes, avoid flashy jewelry).
✔ Use registered taxis (Uber/Bolt in Nairobi, hotel taxis in other areas).
✔ Don’t carry large cash amounts (use ATMs in secure locations).
✔ Beware of scams (fake tour operators, overcharging in markets).
🚑 Emergency Contacts
- Police: 999 (Kenya), 112 (Tanzania, Uganda)
- Ambulance: 999 (Kenya), 112 (Tanzania, Uganda)
- Tourist Police (Kenya): +254 733 333 999
💰 Money & Currency Exchange in East Africa
| Country | Currency | Best Exchange Rate | ATM Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Kenyan Shilling (KES) | Forex bureaus (better than banks) | Widely available (Visa/Mastercard) |
| Tanzania | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) | Banks & forex bureaus | Available in cities (avoid rural ATMs) |
| Uganda | Ugandan Shilling (UGX) | Forex bureaus | Limited outside Kampala |
| Rwanda | Rwandan Franc (RWF) | Banks | Good in Kigali |
💡 Money Tips
✅ Carry small USD bills ($20, $50) for emergencies (must be 2009+ series, no tears).
✅ Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.
✅ Bargain in markets (start at 50% of asking price).
✅ Tipping Guide:
- Safari guides/drivers: $10–$20/day
- Hotel staff: $1–$5/day
- Restaurants: 5–10% (if service isn’t included)
🛍️ Souvenirs & Shopping in East Africa
Best Kenyan Souvenirs
| Item | Where to Buy | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai beadwork | Maasai Markets (Nairobi, Mombasa) | $5–$50 |
| Soapstone carvings | Kisii Market, Curio shops | $10–$100 |
| Kiondo baskets | Local markets, women’s cooperatives | $15–$80 |
| Kenyan coffee/tea | Supermarkets, duty-free shops | $5–$20 |
| Kikoy fabrics | Coastal markets (Mombasa, Lamu) | $10–$30 |
| Tribal jewelry | Maasai Markets, curio stalls | $5–$50 |
Best Tanzanian Souvenirs
| Item | Where to Buy | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tingatinga paintings | Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar | $20–$200 |
| Zanzibar spices | Stone Town Spice Market | $5–$30 |
| Makonde wood carvings | Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam | $30–$300 |
| Kanga/Kitenge fabrics | Local markets | $5–$20 |
| Swahili sandals | Zanzibar beaches | $10–$40 |
Bargaining Tips
- Start low (offer 30–50% of the asking price).
- Stay polite but firm—vendors expect haggling!
- Walk away if needed—often leads to a better deal.
✈️ Arrivals & Departures: Airports & Ports
Kenya’s Major Entry Points
| Airport/Port | Location | Distance from City | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jomo Kenyatta Int’l (NBO) | Nairobi | 16 km | KLM, Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopian, Kenya Airways |
| Moi Int’l (MBA) | Mombasa | 12 km | Fly540, Jambojet, Qatar, Turkish Airlines |
| Kisumu Int’l (KIS) | Kisumu | 5 km | Jambojet, Fly540 |
| Port of Mombasa | Mombasa | – | Cruise ships, ferries to Zanzibar |
Tanzania’s Major Entry Points
| Airport/Port | Location | Distance from City | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julius Nyerere Int’l (DAR) | Dar es Salaam | 12 km | KLM, Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopian, Precision Air |
| Kilimanjaro Int’l (JRO) | Arusha/Moshi | 50 km | KLM, Qatar, Ethiopian, Precision Air |
| Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ) | Zanzibar | 5 km | FlyDubai, Qatar, Ethiopian, Coastal Aviation |
| Port of Dar es Salaam | Dar es Salaam | – | Ferries to Zanzibar, Pemba |
Uganda’s Major Entry Points
| Airport | Location | Distance from City | Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entebbe Int’l (EBB) | Entebbe | 40 km from Kampala | KLM, Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopian, Uganda Airlines |
🔌 Electricity & Connectivity
| Country | Voltage | Plug Type | Internet Speed | Best SIM Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 240V | Type G (UK plug) | Fast (4G widespread) | Safaricom, Airtel |
| Tanzania | 230V | Type D/G | Moderate (4G in cities) | Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo |
| Uganda | 240V | Type G | Decent (4G in Kampala) | MTN, Airtel |
| Rwanda | 230V | Type C/J | Fast (4G nationwide) | MTN, Airtel |
💡 Pro Tips:
- Bring a universal adapter (if traveling across multiple countries).
- Buy a local SIM (Safaricom in Kenya, Vodacom in Tanzania) for cheap data.
- Wi-Fi is common in hotels/lodges but not reliable in remote areas.
📸 Photography Tips for East Africa
East Africa is a photographer’s paradise, but follow these rules:
✅ Do:
- Ask permission before photographing locals (especially Maasai, Samburu).
- Use a zoom lens for wildlife (never get too close!).
- Capture the Golden Hour (sunrise/sunset for best lighting).
- Respect wildlife (no flash photography at night).
❌ Don’t:
- Photograph military/government buildings (illegal in Kenya & Tanzania).
- Take close-ups of people without consent (can offend).
- Use drones without a permit (strict regulations in national parks).
📌 Best Photography Spots:
- Masai Mara (Kenya) – Great Migration river crossings.
- Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania) – Highest wildlife density.
- Lamu Old Town (Kenya) – Swahili architecture & dhows.
- Zanzibar Beaches – Turquoise waters & white sand.
🌍 Final Travel Checklist for East Africa
✅ Before You Go:
- Check visa requirements (apply for e-visa if needed).
- Get vaccinations (Yellow Fever, Malaria prophylaxis).
- Pack light, breathable clothing (neutral colors for safaris).
- Bring a good camera & binoculars (for wildlife).
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me).
- Notify your bank (to avoid card blocks).
✅ Upon Arrival:
- Get a local SIM card (Safaricom in Kenya, Vodacom in Tanzania).
- Exchange some cash (USD/EUR to local currency).
- Confirm safari pick-up times (if pre-booked).
- Buy bottled water (avoid tap water).
✅ During Your Trip:
- Respect local customs (dress modestly in Muslim areas).
- Stay hydrated (carry a reusable water bottle).
- Tip guides & drivers ($10–$20/day).
- Bargain in markets (but stay fair).
Ready for Your East African Adventure?
East Africa is a land of wonders—from the Great Migration in the Serengeti to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, the snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, and the vibrant cultures of the Maasai and Swahili people.
At African Breeze Tours, we specialise in custom East Africa safaris, ensuring you experience the best of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda—stress-free.
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +254 721 463 393
✉ Email: info@africanbreezetours.com
Let’s plan your dream African safari today! 🦁🌍✈️