Top 11 Things To Know Before Traveling To East Africa : East Africa is the ideal travel destination because of its stunning cities, breathtaking cultures, picture-perfect beaches, and diverse wildlife. Tourists can enjoy awesome holiday while away on the Swahili coast, in the Serengeti savannahs, and atop volcanoes. The area offers some of the best cuisine, art, and culture on the continent. From Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, to mountain gorillas, the Big Five Safari, the wildebeest migration, and the stunning white and clear beaches of Zanzibar, East Africa truly has something for everyone.
A safari in East Africa is far superior to one in any other African safari region because it is home to so many fascinating tourist attractions and activities. Despite the fact that it is home to numerous attractions and activities, there are a few things you should know before going there in order to ensure that your safari is enjoyable. Here are a few things to look into before making a reservation for your East Africa safari tour for the best experience possible:
Get ready to explore one of the world’s most gorgeous regions.
Prepare yourself for the trip of a lifetime if you’re going to East Africa. The area is dotted with panoramic views, waterfalls, white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, rolling green hills, volcanic summits, and gleaming city centers. This location is exceptional and one of the most magnificent places on earth.
Find those hidden gems.
Many visitors arrive in the area with the goal of participating in only the most popular activities. Get off the beaten (and frequently expensive) tourist path and look for East Africa’s most exciting hidden gems for a better travel experience. Consider kayaking the shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda, swimming with whale sharks on Mafia Island in Tanzania, and exploring the historic streets of Lamu in Kenya instead of (or in addition to) going on a Big 5 safari in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara in Tanzania and Kenya, relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, and hiking with mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda.
You’ll need to practice photography etiquette.
Every photographer’s dream location is East Africa. However, try your best to avoid upsetting the locals. Take pictures of the safari animals and the stunning sunsets, but refrain from taking pictures of the locals unless they give you permission to. In your hometown, you wouldn’t approach arbitrary kids and begin taking their pictures, so don’t do it here.
It’s not all about safaris.
There is more to East Africa than just the Big 5, even though the safari parks of Tanzania and Kenya are at the top of many people’s worldwide bucket lists. Spend some time lounging on Kenyan beaches, climbing Rwandan volcanoes, and discovering Kampala’s hippest coffee shops.
There’s a lively arts and music scene.
Some of the most talented musicians and artists on the continent can be found in East Africa. One of Kenya’s hottest bands, Sauti Sol, puts on some of the region’s most electrifying performances, and Zanzibar’s artistic tradition is unmatched. Rwanda’s art and photography scenes are also flourishing. While there, try to catch a live performance, and don’t be afraid to check out as many art galleries and museums as you can.
Avoid the rainy season.
The general breakdown is as follows, though it varies from nation to nation: The rainy season in Rwanda lasts from March to May and from October to mid-December; in Kenya, it lasts from April to June and for a few weeks in November and December; in Tanzania, it lasts from March to May and from October to November; in Uganda, it lasts from March to May and from October to November; and in Burundi, it lasts from February to May and from September to November. Even though lodging and entertainment are significantly less expensive in the rainy season, the inconvenience is not really worth it. It’s frequently continuous and challenging to manage, so paying more to travel during the dry season is necessary.
It’s really easy to get around.
East Africa is one of the best regions for diverse travel due to the abundance of flights and buses, as well as the simplicity of crossing borders and obtaining visas for the majority of nations. Travel through Tanzania for a couple of weeks before crossing the border into Kenya, scurrying to Uganda, and then continuing south to Rwanda and Burundi. Benefit from the convenience of travel and take in all that East Africa has to offer.
Yes, the wildlife is insane.
Large mammals can be found in the greatest variety in East Africa. The Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes) freely roam here, making it the ideal safari location. Additionally, the Great Migration, when tens of thousands of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras charge across the Maasai Mara plains, is the most iconic wildlife experience there is.
Less well-known locations include Tanzania’s lush Gombe Stream National Park, where you can go chimpanzee trekking, and Kenya’s Lake Nakuru, where millions of flamingos gather to create a stunning rose-hued haze. Visit the Nairobi Giraffe Center for up-close (and responsible) encounters if you want to get really close.
The cities are some of the most buzzing in the world.
When it’s time to take off the safari khakis, you can explore Nairobi, Kenya, or Kampala, Uganda, which both have exciting sights and sounds to offer. A very cool arts and culture scene, as well as oddball cafes and bars, can be found among the skyscrapers.
Tanzania’s hip beach city of Dar es Salaam is only a 15-minute motorboat ride from historical museums and marine reserve islands. Kigali, Rwanda, has a fascinating and eerie past. You can pay your respects at the Genocide Memorial here or take a look at the vibrant street murals.
The culture is rich, to say the least.
Six nations make up East Africa: South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. As a result, there is an amazing diversity of histories, customs, and languages, with Kiswahili being one of the most widely used. Download a translation app and learn a few words and phrases. Try to learn a little about each country before or while you’re traveling because people frequently paint the region with an inaccurately broad brush.
Stay savvy with your health.
Check what shots and prescriptions you need before travelling to East Africa. The majority of nations demand documentation of your Yellow Fever vaccination. Don’t forget high-factor insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing for safaris, and sunscreen lotion. It’s a good idea to have some water purification tablets with you when you’re on the go!
