Do I need special vaccinations for East Africa?

Yellow fever vaccination is required for most countries if arriving from infected areas. Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A/B, typhoid, meningitis, and routine boosters. Consult a travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for current recommendations.

How much cash should I carry?

Bring $200-300 USD in small bills for visas, tips, and places that don't accept cards. USD is widely accepted. Local currencies (Kenyan shilling, Ugandan shilling, Tanzanian shilling) can be obtained from ATMs in major cities.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

No, avoid tap water throughout the region. Stick to sealed bottled water, or treat water with purification tablets/UV sterilizer. Ice in tourist areas is usually safe, but when in doubt, skip it.

What's the best way to stay connected?

Buy local SIM cards in each country for the best rates. Major carriers: Safaricom (Kenya), MTN (Uganda), and Vodacom (Tanzania). Data packages are cheap and coverage is good in cities, spotty in remote areas.

How to Pack for Solo Travel in East Africa

Pack light but comprehensive for East Africa solo travel: focus on quick-dry clothing, malaria protection, and backup everything. Bring a quality daypack, water purification, and copies of all documents. Weight limit is 20kg for most regional flights.

Choose the right luggage. Pack in a 65-75L backpack or soft-shell duffel. East Africa has rough roads and small aircraft weight limits (20kg typical). Avoid hard-shell suitcases. Bring a quality 25L daypack as your personal item for daily use and valuables.
Pack for climate extremes. Bring layers for 10°C nights at altitude and 35°C+ days at sea level. Pack 4-5 quick-dry t-shirts, 2 long-sleeve shirts (sun/mosquito protection), 1 fleece or light jacket, 1 rain jacket, and convertible pants. Avoid cotton except for underwear.
Prioritize health protection. Pack DEET 30%+ repellent, permethrin-treated clothing, antimalarial medication (prescribed), water purification tablets, broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 50+, and a comprehensive first aid kit. Bring extra prescription medications in original packaging.
Prepare safety essentials. Carry photocopies of passport/visa/insurance stored separately from originals. Bring a portable door lock, dummy wallet with small bills, and emergency cash hidden in multiple locations. Download offline maps and keep important contacts written down.
Pack electronics strategically. Bring universal adapter with USB ports, portable battery bank 20000mAh+, headlamp with extra batteries, unlocked smartphone, and external hard drive for photo backup. Keep electronics in waterproof pouches during rainy season.

Do I need special vaccinations for East Africa?: Yellow fever vaccination is required for most countries if arriving from infected areas. Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A/B, typhoid, meningitis, and routine boosters. Consult a travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for current recommendations.
How much cash should I carry?: Bring $200-300 USD in small bills for visas, tips, and places that don't accept cards. USD is widely accepted. Local currencies (Kenyan shilling, Ugandan shilling, Tanzanian shilling) can be obtained from ATMs in major cities.
Is it safe to drink tap water?: No, avoid tap water throughout the region. Stick to sealed bottled water, or treat water with purification tablets/UV sterilizer. Ice in tourist areas is usually safe, but when in doubt, skip it.
What's the best way to stay connected?: Buy local SIM cards in each country for the best rates. Major carriers: Safaricom (Kenya), MTN (Uganda), and Vodacom (Tanzania). Data packages are cheap and coverage is good in cities, spotty in remote areas.