East Africa Destinations

There is no bad time to visit, but there are definite advantages to being there during the dry season when game viewing is at its best, dirt roads are less likely to be rained out, and malaria-carrying mosquitoes are relatively inactive.

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, has the region’s busiest international airport and is the normal point of entry for people visiting several countries in the region, largely because it is easier to get discounted tickets from Europe to Nairobi than elsewhere in East Africa. However, several airlines fly to all the other capital cities in the region, and cheap charter flights are sometimes available to Mombasa and on the Kenya coast. The best place for discounted fares to East Africa in London.

Malaria is an overwhelming concern. Take prophylactic drugs, make every effort to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, and bearing in mind that prophylactic-resistant strains are widespread consider carrying a cure in your medical kit. A travel clinic can advise you about the most effective drugs.

Bilharzia can be caught by swimming in freshwater, particularly lakes or slow-running rivers. You are unlikely to catch bilharzia if you spend less than ten minutes in the water and dry off vigorously immediately afterward.

You may be asked to show an International Vaccination Certificate for yellow fever when you arrive. No other vaccinations are mandatory, but it is wise to have shots for polio, typhoid, tetanus, and arguably hepatitis A, meningitis, and rabies.

Uganda lies at the epicenter of the aids pandemic, and HIV infection rates are high throughout the region. This should not affect visitors, providing they don’t have unprotected sex with new friends.

Crime is only a serious concern in a few specific places, and violent crime against tourists is fairly unusual, though inevitably on the increase. The crime capital of East Africa is undoubtedly Nairobi – liberal use of taxis is advised. Other places with bad reputations include parts of the Kenya coast; Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania; Nkhata Bay in Malawi; and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Elsewhere, there is always a risk of casual theft at markets and bus stations, but this can be countered by keeping valuables hidden.

Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya have all enjoyed a high level of political stability since the 1960s. Most parts of Uganda and Ethiopia have also been stable in recent years. There may be a security risk attached to traveling in the remote northern half of Kenya, parts of Uganda north of the Nile, the Somali border area of eastern Ethiopia, and the Rwandan border areas of Tanzania and Uganda. Few travelers visit these areas, but those who do should seek advice.

Tourist-class hotels or game lodges charging international rates are found in the capitals of all countries and at most major tourist sites in Kenya and Tanzania. Upmarket accommodation in the other countries is limited – there are probably less than ten quality hotels in each of Uganda and Malawi, while Ethiopia’s nominally tourist-class hotels would struggle to get a one-star rating elsewhere – though they’re generally clean and reasonably priced.

Budget travelers are well catered for throughout – even the smallest towns often have fine or six basic lodgings with rooms costing from £1-3. In most East African towns of any size, you can find a mid-range hotel with self-contained rooms for around £10-15.

It’s worth thinking about carrying a tent in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, or northern Tanzania, less so in Ethiopia or southern Tanzania. People on organized camping safaris in any country should be supplied with the equipment.

Nationals of the UK and most Commonwealth and EC countries don’t require visas to spend up to three months in Kenya, Malawi, or Uganda. British nationals must obtain a visa in advance to enter Tanzania or Ethiopia. Other nationals should check visa requirements at the appropriate embassy or high commission.

Africa is vast and varied and home to magnificent wildlife, but, deciding where to go is your first big decision when planning an African safari. The majority of national parks, game reserves, and private concessions are in East Africa. East Africa certainly has a lot of beaches making it impossible to choose the absolute best, though a top pick would be the beaches on the small island of Zanzibar, just off the coast from the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam. This small island boasts clear azure waters, coral white sand, and plenty of diving and snorkeling opportunities, and is the perfect place to relax after completing a safari or trek up Africa’s highest peaks, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.