How much should we tip guides and staff?

Budget $15-25 per couple per day for safari guides, $10-15 total per day for lodge staff, $5-10 for airport/hotel transfers. Tipping in USD is preferred and expected.

What vaccinations do we need?

Yellow fever is required for entry. Get it 10+ days before travel. Recommended: hepatitis A/B, typhoid, meningitis, routine vaccines. Malaria prophylaxis essential for all safari areas. Consult a travel medicine doctor 6-8 weeks before departure.

Should we book a group safari or private vehicle?

Private vehicle costs 2-3x more but offers flexibility for couples - stop when you want, longer at sightings that interest you. Group safaris are fine if you're social and budget-conscious. Avoid vehicles with more than 6-7 people.

When is the Great Migration?

Migration moves year-round between Serengeti and Masai Mara. River crossings in Mara are July-September. Calving season in southern Serengeti is January-March. Both are spectacular but very busy - book 12 months ahead.

How to Plan a Couples Trip to East Africa

Plan 14-21 days minimum for East Africa as a couple. Focus on 2-3 countries max to avoid travel fatigue. Book safari lodges 6-12 months ahead, especially for Tanzania and Kenya during migration season. Budget $400-600 per couple per day including accommodation, meals, and activities.

Choose your countries and timing. Pick 2-3 countries maximum. Kenya-Tanzania works well for wildlife. Rwanda-Uganda for gorillas. Add Zanzibar or Seychelles for beach time. Visit during dry seasons: June-October or December-March. Avoid April-May rainy season except for lower prices.
Book accommodations 6-12 months ahead. Safari lodges fill up fast, especially in Serengeti and Masai Mara. Book romantic safari camps with private terraces or tents. Consider all-inclusive lodges to simplify planning. For gorilla trekking, secure permits immediately - Rwanda allows booking 2 years ahead, Uganda books up 3-6 months out.
Plan your safari routing carefully. Minimize driving time between parks. Fly between distant locations rather than driving 8+ hours. Book connecting flights within East Africa separately from international flights for flexibility. Factor in 1-2 rest days between intensive activities like gorilla trekking.
Handle visas and vaccinations 2 months before. Get yellow fever vaccination - required for entry to most East African countries. Apply for East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) if visiting Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, or individual country visas. Malaria prophylaxis recommended for all safari areas. Carry vaccination certificates.
Pack for romance and practicality. Bring nice dinner clothes for lodge restaurants and sundowner cocktails. Pack layers for early morning game drives (can be 50°F/10°C). Neutral-colored clothing for safari. Good walking boots for gorilla trekking. Don't forget binoculars and camera with extra batteries.

How much should we tip guides and staff?: Budget $15-25 per couple per day for safari guides, $10-15 total per day for lodge staff, $5-10 for airport/hotel transfers. Tipping in USD is preferred and expected.
What vaccinations do we need?: Yellow fever is required for entry. Get it 10+ days before travel. Recommended: hepatitis A/B, typhoid, meningitis, routine vaccines. Malaria prophylaxis essential for all safari areas. Consult a travel medicine doctor 6-8 weeks before departure.
Should we book a group safari or private vehicle?: Private vehicle costs 2-3x more but offers flexibility for couples - stop when you want, longer at sightings that interest you. Group safaris are fine if you're social and budget-conscious. Avoid vehicles with more than 6-7 people.
When is the Great Migration?: Migration moves year-round between Serengeti and Masai Mara. River crossings in Mara are July-September. Calving season in southern Serengeti is January-March. Both are spectacular but very busy - book 12 months ahead.