Is it safe to travel by night bus?

No. Avoid all night-time inter-city travel. Always schedule your bus trips to depart at dawn to ensure you arrive at your destination before sunset.

Do I need to carry cash for transport?

Yes. While ride-hailing apps take cards, local bus conductors and small-town transport often require local currency (KES, UGX, or TZS) in small denominations.

Navigating East Africa as a Couple Without a Rental Car

Use a combination of reliable long-distance bus companies like Mash or Tahmeed for inter-city travel and download the Uber or Bolt apps for navigating capital cities. For rural exploration or remote national parks, hire a private driver through your guesthouse rather than attempting to navigate unpredictable local matatus or boda-bodas yourselves.

Master inter-city bus travel. Avoid 'bus stations' for spontaneous ticket buying. Go to the physical offices of reputable companies (like Mash Poa or Tahmeed) 48 hours in advance to buy VIP or Business class seats. These are safer, have assigned seating, and run on a schedule closer to reality.
Use ride-hailing apps in urban centers. In Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam, use Uber or Bolt. It eliminates the need for haggling over prices and provides a GPS record of your route. Always check that the license plate matches the app before getting in.
Hire private drivers for national parks. Do not attempt to 'bus' to parks like Serengeti or Murchison Falls. Reach out to your accommodation 1 week before arrival and ask them to recommend a trusted driver. Expect to pay a day rate that includes fuel and the driver's accommodation.
Respect the Boda-Boda limit. If you must use motorcycle taxis (boda-bodas), insist on wearing a helmet. As a couple, you will always need two separate bikes; never attempt to ride three people on one motorcycle.

Is it safe to travel by night bus?: No. Avoid all night-time inter-city travel. Always schedule your bus trips to depart at dawn to ensure you arrive at your destination before sunset.
Do I need to carry cash for transport?: Yes. While ride-hailing apps take cards, local bus conductors and small-town transport often require local currency (KES, UGX, or TZS) in small denominations.