The most important information for East Africa
What you need to know in 2026
Planning a safari comes with a lot of questions — from when to travel, to how it all works on the ground.
This guide is designed to give you clear, practical answers, so you can plan with confidence and focus on the experience ahead.
General Information
Language: Swahili and English
Sunrise and sunset: around 6:30 am and 6:30 to 6:45 pm, all year round
Currency: Tanzania - Tanzanian shilling, Kenya: Kenyan shilling, the US dollar is widely accepted in the tourism industry. Bring clean, undamaged notes printed in 2006 or later.
Food: Expect far better than you might imagine. Camps and lodges serve fresh, seasonal menus, often with an on-site chef, and bush breakfasts and dinners under the stars are part of the experience. Tell me about any allergies or dietary needs and I will arrange them with every lodge before you arrive.
Water: Do not drink the tap water. Filtered and bottled water is provided at your lodges and in your safari vehicle.
Money: Your lodges, guides, transfers, park fees and flights are arranged and paid for in advance, so you rarely need cash. Bring small, clean US dollar notes for tips and a few personal purchases. Cards work at most lodges, though some add a fee.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in East Africa. As a guide, I suggest US$10 to US$20 per person per day for your guide, US$5 to US$10 for your transfer driver, and US$5 to US$10 per shared room per night in the general staff tip box. I will send you a simple tipping guide for your trip.
Electricity: East Africa uses the 3 pin British plug. The voltage is 220-240V, 50Hz. If your devices use less voltage than 220 then you will need to check if it work on dual voltage, if not you will need a voltage converter. Lodges have charging points in your room or tent, and most run on solar power.
When to travel
Africa is a year-round destination, with each season offering something slightly different.
In general, you can expect warm days and cooler mornings and evenings, particularly in higher-altitude areas such as Kenya’s highlands — where early game drives often call for a light jacket.
The dry seasons are typically best for wildlife viewing, while the greener months offer fewer crowds and beautiful landscapes.
The right time to travel ultimately depends on what you want to experience — something I guide each client through when designing their safari.
The best camps are small and fill early, so book 9 to 12 months ahead for July to September and December.
Weather and Seasons: What to Expect in East Africa
So, we’ve covered wet and dry seasons, but what else can you expect from the weather in East Africa? East Africa's weather varies depending on the region, but in general, the climate is tropical, with temperatures averaging between 21°C to 29°C (70°F to 85°F) throughout the year.
However, don't be fooled into thinking Africa is always hot. Higher elevations, such as those found in the Kenyan highlands, can experience cooler temperatures. When I lived in Lewa I would go on safari in the mornings and evenings with a woolly hat and down jacket and also have a shuka (blanket) wrapped around me.
By the time the sun came out, it was warm and I would be down to shorts and a t-shirt.
The dry season typically brings sunny days and cooler nights, while the wet season sees short, intense bursts of rain, often in the afternoons.
Getting There & Getting Around
International flights arrive into key hubs such as Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, and Entebbe, with direct connections from many major cities.
From there, your journey becomes seamless.
Most safaris include:
airport meet and greet
private transfers
internal flights or guided drives between lodges
For a more efficient and comfortable experience, many itineraries include light aircraft flights between camps — maximising your time in the bush.
Safari vehicles are typically custom Land Cruisers with open roofs, designed specifically for wildlife viewing and comfort.
Itineraries typically include a step-by-step breakdown of each step of the trip, whether you will be driving, flying or even getting the train.
If part of your journey is with a domestic flight your plane will look something like this:
Or even this if you are on a chartered flight:
As a result, your luggage will be restricted to 15/20kg in a soft-sided luggage bag. Read the post What to pack for an African safari for recommendations on luggage.
Documents & Entry Requirements
Before travelling, you’ll need:
A passport valid for at least 6 months
Relevant visas or entry permits
Proof of any required vaccinations
Health insurance for Kenya (new, see below)
If you are going to Tanzania, check out this article about How to apply for a Visa to Tanzania. It provides detailed information on visa requirements and application procedures.
For Kenya, there is no visa requirement anymore but you do need to apply for an ETA. Read this post for more information on how to apply for your eTA:
No visa for Kenya, how to apply for an eTA
Most people get their eTA within 3 business days.
Kenya health insurance (new, compulsory)
Since early October 2026, visitors to Kenya must have health insurance as part of the eTA application. You buy it online during the eTA application, or beforehand through Kenya’s eCitizen portal. It costs about US$52 per person, and I recommend keeping a screenshot or reference number of your policy.
The rules set minimum cover of US$50,000, including US$20,000 for medical expenses and US$25,000 for emergency evacuation. Some travellers may be asked to show proof when they arrive in Kenya.
This is a new rule and the details are still changing, including whether insurance bought outside Kenya is accepted. I’ll check the latest before your trip and tell you exactly what to do as part of your planning.
Your eTA remains valid for more than one entry if:
- You visit one of the following EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, AND;
- You don't visit any other country, AND;
- Your eTA has not expired (90 days from issuance)
*This information is correct as of the time of writing but it's worth checking prior to your trip to see if anything has changed.
Zanzibar
As of 1st October 2024 it is now compulsory for you to buy travel insurance before you arrive on the island. The insurance has to be purchased from this website, the cost is $44.
Requirements vary depending on your itinerary, and I guide you through exactly what’s needed based on your route.
Travel with Confidence
East Africa is an incredibly welcoming and rewarding destination to explore.
Like any international travel, it’s important to:
use trusted operators
follow local guidance
stay informed
I also recommend travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation, which fits Kenya’s new health insurance rule (see above).
When your safari is planned correctly, every detail — from logistics to safety — is handled seamlessly behind the scenes.
For a detailed guide on staying safe while on safari, check out Your Ultimate Guide to Safe Safari Planning in East Africa.
Safeguard Your Health: Essential Vaccinations for East Africa
Ensuring you're up to date on vaccinations is a must for a safe and healthy trip to East Africa. Depending on your itinerary and personal health history, you may need vaccinations for diseases such as yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and meningitis.
Yellow fever is only required if you are travelling from a destination which is deemed as high risk for yellow fever. If your safari involves travelling from Tanzania to Kenya then you will require a yellow fever certificate, this will be checked at the border.
It's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or visit a travel clinic well in advance of your departure to receive personalised advice on which vaccinations are necessary. For more information on vaccinations needed for an East African safari, take a look at this article, Vaccinations Needed for a Safari in East Africa.
Explore East Africa Safaris
A safari with me is private and unhurried: your own guide and vehicle, handpicked lodges and time to sit with the animals. If you would like to know what a day looks like or how to prepare, these posts are a good place to start:
A More Considered Way to Travel
A safari is not a typical holiday.
It’s a complex journey with many moving parts — and when planned well, it feels effortless.
This is where experience matters.