Do I need malaria pills for East Africa?

Yes, malaria risk is high throughout East Africa below 2500m elevation. Take prophylaxis (Malarone or doxycycline) starting 1-2 days before travel and continuing 4-7 days after return. Combine with insect repellent and long sleeves at dawn/dusk.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

No, stick to bottled water throughout East Africa. Many lodges provide filtered water for refilling bottles. Avoid ice, raw vegetables, and fruit you didn't peel yourself. Brush teeth with bottled water.

Can I do safari and Kilimanjaro in the same trip?

Yes, but plan carefully. Climb Kilimanjaro first, rest 2-3 days, then safari. Your body needs recovery time after the climb. Book both through different operators or find one that specializes in combination trips.

How much should I tip safari guides?

Budget $20-30/day per guide for budget safaris, $30-50/day for mid-range, $50-80/day for luxury. Tip the guide directly, not the company. For Kilimanjaro, budget $200-300 total in tips for the entire crew.

What's the best way to get between Kenya and Tanzania?

Fly between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro/Arusha for speed ($150-250). Driving takes 6+ hours and border crossings can be slow. Some safari packages include the transfer. Flying saves a full day of travel.

How to Plan Your First Trip to East Africa

Plan 14-21 days minimum for East Africa to cover Kenya and Tanzania's highlights without rushing. Book flights 3-4 months ahead, get your yellow fever vaccination 4 weeks before travel, and budget $150-250 per day including safari costs. The dry seasons (June-October and December-March) offer the best wildlife viewing and road conditions.

Choose your countries and route. Start with Kenya and Tanzania for first-timers. The classic Northern Circuit covers Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Masai Mara. Flying between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro airports saves 6+ hours of driving. Add Uganda for gorillas if you have 3+ weeks and extra budget.
Time your visit for dry season. Book for June-October (peak dry season) or December-March (short dry season). Avoid April-May (long rains) and November (short rains). The Great Migration follows a predictable calendar: Serengeti calving (January-March), river crossings (July-October).
Get vaccinations 4-6 weeks early. Yellow fever is required for entry and border crossings. Get typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and meningitis shots. Start malaria prophylaxis 1-2 days before travel. Bring your yellow vaccination card - you'll need it at every border.
Book safari logistics first. Safari camps and lodges fill up 6-8 months ahead for peak season. Budget safaris ($200-300/day) can be booked 2-3 months out. Choose between camping, mid-range lodges ($400-600/day), or luxury camps ($800-1500/day). All prices include game drives and meals.
Plan your Kilimanjaro climb (if applicable). Book Kilimanjaro 4-6 months ahead. Choose 6-7 day routes (Machame or Lemosho) for better acclimatization. Budget $1800-2500 for the climb including tips, gear rental, and park fees. Schedule 2-3 rest days after descent before safari.
Arrange visas and documentation. Most visitors need visas for Kenya ($51) and Tanzania ($100). Apply online 2-4 weeks before travel. East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers both countries if staying 90+ days. Passport must be valid 6+ months with blank pages for stamps.
Book international flights early. Fly into Nairobi (NBO) or Kilimanjaro (JRO). Book 3-4 months ahead for best prices ($900-1400 from US/Europe). Qatar, KLM, and Turkish offer reliable connections. Consider open-jaw tickets if crossing between countries.

Do I need malaria pills for East Africa?: Yes, malaria risk is high throughout East Africa below 2500m elevation. Take prophylaxis (Malarone or doxycycline) starting 1-2 days before travel and continuing 4-7 days after return. Combine with insect repellent and long sleeves at dawn/dusk.
Is it safe to drink tap water?: No, stick to bottled water throughout East Africa. Many lodges provide filtered water for refilling bottles. Avoid ice, raw vegetables, and fruit you didn't peel yourself. Brush teeth with bottled water.
Can I do safari and Kilimanjaro in the same trip?: Yes, but plan carefully. Climb Kilimanjaro first, rest 2-3 days, then safari. Your body needs recovery time after the climb. Book both through different operators or find one that specializes in combination trips.
How much should I tip safari guides?: Budget $20-30/day per guide for budget safaris, $30-50/day for mid-range, $50-80/day for luxury. Tip the guide directly, not the company. For Kilimanjaro, budget $200-300 total in tips for the entire crew.
What's the best way to get between Kenya and Tanzania?: Fly between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro/Arusha for speed ($150-250). Driving takes 6+ hours and border crossings can be slow. Some safari packages include the transfer. Flying saves a full day of travel.