East Africa
The true home of the African safari. Wildlife roams freely across landscapes like the Serengeti, where the savannah is in its natural state. This is the land of the Masai Mara, Mount Kilimanjaro and captivating cultures, with countless chances to experience the daily beauty of East African life. It's also a region of warmth and hospitality, with an Indian Ocean coastline of white-sand beaches and vibrant marine life.
Popular places to visit
- Tanzania & Zanzibar
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Uganda
Travelling to East Africa?
We arrange flights, accommodation, visa assistance, travel insurance and car hire.
When to go
- High season
- Mid season
- Low season
High season
Cool and dry across much of the region, and hotels in popular areas raise their prices. Spotting animals is easiest, as foliage is sparse and animals gather around water.
Mid season
An ideal time to travel, with greener landscapes and fewer crowds. Expect peak-season prices from mid-December to mid-January.
Low season
Heavy rains in much of the region and some areas become inaccessible, but the landscapes are wonderfully green. Some hotels and resorts offer low-season discounts.
Money matters
- Money
- ATMs are widespread and credit cards widely accepted in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda; less so in Rwanda and Burundi. Bring a mix of US dollars or euros in cash (recent-series US notes, as older ones are often refused, in large and small denominations) and a Visa or MasterCard for ATM withdrawals.
- Currency
- Kenyan shilling (KSh), Tanzanian shilling (TSh), Ugandan shilling (USh), Rwandan franc (RFr) and Burundian franc (BFr).
- Bargaining
- Bargaining is the norm in tourist areas, markets and many street stalls. Away from tourist areas, and for everyday items, the price quoted is often the real price, so don't assume it's too high. You can sometimes negotiate a discount on taxis (especially when hired for a set period) and on accommodation, depending on the season.
- Credit cards
- Visa and MasterCard are accepted at some top-end hotels and tour operators, especially in major towns and in Kenya. Treat them as a back-up unless you've confirmed in advance. Some places, especially in Tanzania, add a 5% to 10% commission to card payments.
Etiquette
Although East Africa is changing, social customs remain conservative. Most locals don't expect you to know all the rules and will forgive a faux pas, but keep these guidelines in mind.
- Greetings
- Greetings are important. Never launch into a conversation, even to ask for directions, without first greeting the person. Learning a few words of Swahili helps.
- Eating
- Never handle food with your left hand. If others are eating with their hands, do the same, even if cutlery is provided. In someone's home, leave a little food on your plate to show you've been satisfied.
- Children
- Don't hand out sweets or pens to children in the street, as it encourages begging.
- Patience
- Nothing is hurried in East Africa. In a frustrating situation, stay patient, friendly and considerate; a confrontational attitude won't go down well.
- Photography
- Always ask before photographing people, and never photograph someone who doesn't want you to. If you promise to send someone a photo, do so.
Plan a trip to East Africa
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you'd like to see, and a consultant will put together an itinerary for you.