East Africa Grand Safari

Resting in the magnificent Great Rift Valley and presided over by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Kenya is characterised by hauntingly beautiful natural landscapes of forested hills, patchwork farms, wooded savanna and vast forests brimming with an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The nation’s diverse range of traditional African cultures is influenced by over 70 unique ethnic groups, from the Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, and Turkana tribes, to the Arabs and Indians that settled on the coast. Add to this an exquisite tropical coastline fringed with breathtaking golden sand beaches, gorgeous coral gardens providing excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, and a slew of lively beach resorts, and it is easy to see why so many visitors flock here from around the world to experience a truly unique African adventure in one of the world’s most pristine safari destinations.

You must have a passport that is valid for 6 months after your return date and have at least 2 blank visa pages per country to be visited (amendment and endorsement pages or inside back cover cannot be used for visas). Airlines will deny boarding if you fail to have necessary requirements. Proper travel documents are the responsibility of each traveler.

Visas are required for tourist travel to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Kenya and Uganda both offer E-visa’s which need to be applied for before you travel. You will then receive an email confirmation that needs to be printed and brought with you to be presented to the immigration officer.

Current single entry tourist visa costs for US passport holders: (subject to change)
Kenya US$51.00  / Link for E-visa application http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html 
Tanzania US$100.00
Rwanda US$30.00
Uganda US$50.00 / Link for E-visa application https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ 

The East Africa Visa is an option for travelers visiting any combination of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. The current cost is $100USD/person and is purchased upon arrival into one of these countries.

Tanzania and Rwanda visas can be purchased upon arrival, at the airport or border or you can obtain your entry visas in advance via the country Embassy or our preferred visa expediter, Dukes Visa Service in Washington DC. Click on this link for more information on passports and visa services https://www.bortonoverseas.com/traveler-resources/passport-visa-information/ 

NOTE – if you opt to obtain your visas upon arrival at the airport, the visa service forms and photos are not necessary.

Currency

The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh). 1 Kenyan Shilling = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of KSh20, 10 and 5.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at the major banks, bureaux de change or authorised hotels. The banks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport have 24-hour exchange services. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent must be declared.

It has become very important to take bills that are no older than 5 years and are not ripped or torn. You will want to have a supply of small denomination cash notes to use for tipping and small purchases. Cash works best in the African marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 09h00-16h00, Saturday 09h00-12h00. Banks in Mombasa and the coastal areas typically open and close half an hour earlier.

Credits Cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and more upmarket establishments, with the most recognized being Master Card and Visa. American Express and Diners Club cards are occasionally accepted. However, you will need some cash handy because smaller shops will only accept cash.

Almost every bank now has an ATM, and they are increasingly being installed at petrol stations in cities and large towns.

Travellers cheques are no longer accepted in Kenya.

Air: 
Main airlines: Kenya Airways, Airkenya Express, Fly540, JamboJet, African Express Airways, Mombasa Air Safari 
International Airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, Eldoret International Airport 

Road:

Conditions vary greatly.
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: No, unless your national licence is not in English. Third party insurance is needed.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: Yes

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Some, but not generally safe.  
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No
 
Water: 
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

With proper precautions, travel to East Africa is very safe. As in any developing country, you want to be careful of what you eat and drink if you explore beyond the safari lodges. Protect yourself from the equatorial sun, stay well hydrated, and remember to wear mosquito repellent.

We cannot give you specific medical advice regarding what medication to take and you must check with your physician or travel clinic for any specific personal conditions that may require extra attention.

Malaria is present throughout East and Southern Africa and prophylaxis is recommended, either Larium (mefloquine), atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) or doxycycline.

A Yellow Fever vaccine is required for entry to many East African countries if you are arriving from or transiting an endemic country. Check with your travel clinic or CDC for latest yellow fever requirements as these change often. The vaccine must be received at least 10-days prior to entry and is now good for life. Proof of receipt of this vaccine is recorded on a Yellow Fever Certificate, which will you will be required to show to the health officer at immigration upon arrival.

It is a good idea to have a prescription of Cipro along in case of an intestinal or other infection.

As immunization requirements change, you should check with your travel clinic or check with the Center for Disease Control for the most current information. Their website is www.cdc.gov.

If you do become ill after you return home, be sure to tell your physician that you have been traveling in East Africa as this will alert your physician to possibilities that may not otherwise be considered.

Food and water safety:  
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and vegetables: No, unless thoroughly washed and peeled
Ice: No, unless made from bottled or purified water
Meat: Yes, but from reputable establishments
Street food: No, unless from a reputable source and freshly prepared

Local cuisine: Kenyan food is diverse, exhibiting the different tastes and flavours of its different tribes, as well as the spices of early Arab settlers and East Indian railway workers, and the fresh seafood straight from the Swahili coast. Top dishes include Kenyan Stew, made with meat and spices; Mutura, a rich, dark goat sausage; and Mandazi, a kind of donut flavoured with cardamom and sweet coconut milk.

Drinks: 

Tusker Beer
Kenyan Coffee
Chai (Kenyan Tea)
Madafu (Fresh Coconut Water)
Maziwa Lala (Fermented Milk)

*In addition to these beverages, there are also a variety of everyday drinks available, such as fruit juices, sodas, and bottled water.

Tipping: 10%  

Annual rainfall: 680 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C - 29°C 
 
Summer: December-March
Average in highs: 26°C 
Average in lows: 16°C 
 
Winter: July-October
Average in highs: 21°C 
Average in lows: 12°C 

* Kenya, due to its equatorial location, does not experience traditional summer and winter seasons. Instead, it has periods that are cooler and drier. The climate is generally characterized by wet and dry seasons.

Best time to visit: Visiting between June and September, during the long dry season, will allow you to experience a milder climate and witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The short dry season, from January to March, provides excellent opportunities for beach visits and outdoor activities. During the rainy seasons, you’ll find fewer tourists and stunning, lush landscapes. The long rainy season runs from March to May, and the short rainy season runs from October to December.

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to December)
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes, for early morning and evening game drives, especially in higher altitudes or cooler months (June to August).
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in cities. 

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go! 

You must have a passport that is valid for 6 months after your return date and have at least 2 blank visa pages per country to be visited (amendment, endorsement pages or inside back cover cannot be used for visas or immigration stamps). Airlines will deny boarding if you fail to have necessary requirements. Proper travel documents are the responsibility of each traveler.

Tourist visas are required for tourist travel to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda offer E-visa’s which need to be applied for, online, before you travel. After completing the form and uploading required scans of your passport etc., you will then receive an email confirmation a few days later that needs to be printed and brought with you to present to immigration.

Current single entry tourist visa costs for US passport holders: (subject to change)
Kenya US$50.00
Tanzania US$100.00
Rwanda US$50.00
Uganda US$50.00

The East Africa Visa is an option for travelers visiting any combination of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. The current cost is $100USD/person and is purchased upon arrival into one of these countries.

Rwanda visas can be easily purchased upon arrival, at the airport or border or you can obtain them in advance via the country Embassy or our preferred visa expediter, Duke’s Visa Service. You can view requirements from the following link: http://www.dukesvisa.com/ It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to have correct travel documents for your journey.

COVID requirements change frequently. Your Borton Overseas' dedicated specialist will review the requirements for your specific itinerary closer to your departure date.  It is recommended that all international travelers be fully vaccinated and boosted for your journey. 

Currency

In Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100 and 200 Shillings.

Banking

Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24 hour ATM machines.

Credit cards and travellers checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted, high service fees and poor exchange rates be expected.

Major foreign currencies - particularly US $ - are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US $, please make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage and are not older than 2006. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $ 100 / US $ 50 bank notes compared to US $ 20 / US $ 10 or US $ 5 bank notes. You will want to have a supply of small denomination cash notes to use for tipping and small purchases. Cash works best in the African marketplaces and with vendors along the road, where bargaining is expected.

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Tanzania, Precision Air 
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Zanzibar International Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

With proper precautions, travel to East Africa is very safe. As in any developing country, you want to be careful of what you eat and drink if you explore beyond the safari lodges. Protect yourself from the equatorial sun, stay well hydrated, and remember to wear mosquito repellent.

We cannot give you specific medical advice regarding what medication to take and you must check with your physician or travel clinic for any specific personal conditions that may require extra attention.

Malaria is present throughout East and Southern Africa and prophylaxis is recommended, either Larium (mefloquine), atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) or doxycycline.

A Yellow Fever vaccine is required for entry to many East African countries if you are arriving from or transiting an endemic country. Check with your travel clinic or CDC for latest yellow fever requirements as these change often. The vaccine must be received at least 10-days prior to entry and is now good for life. Proof of receipt of this vaccine is recorded on a Yellow Fever Certificate, which will you will be required to show to the health officer at immigration upon arrival.

It is a good idea to have a prescription of Cipro along in case of an intestinal or other infection.

As immunization requirements change, you should check with your travel clinic or check with the Center for Disease Control for the most current information. Their website is www.cdc.gov.

If you do become ill after you return home, be sure to tell your physician that you have been traveling in East Africa as this will alert your physician to possibilities that may not otherwise be considered.

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), nyamachoma (grilled meat), pilau (spiced rice), and chapati. Traditional dishes like mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and samosas are popular street foods. Don't miss trying the Swahili cuisine with its rich seafood dishes. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tangawizi (ginger soda), Tembo (local beer), and Konyagi (a spirit). 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1,000 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing in national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro is optimal. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes