Do I need different currencies for Kenya and Tanzania?

Yes. Kenya uses Kenyan shillings (KES) and Tanzania uses Tanzanian shillings (TZS). US dollars are widely accepted for tourist activities but you'll need local currency for small purchases. ATMs are available in major cities.

How much should I tip on safari?

Budget $10-15 per day total for your safari guide and camp staff combined. Tip your guide directly at the end of each safari portion. Camp staff tips go in a communal box, usually $5-8 per day.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

No, stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip. Most safari camps provide safe drinking water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're at an upscale lodge that filters their water.

What vaccinations do I need?

Yellow fever if coming from endemic areas, hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and meningitis are recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is essential. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.

Can I use my phone for internet?

Yes, but roaming is expensive. Buy local SIM cards in each country ($5-10) or rent a portable wifi device. Most safari lodges have wifi but it's often slow or limited to common areas.

How to Plan a First-Time 2-Week East Africa Itinerary

Split your 2 weeks between Kenya and Tanzania, spending 4-5 days on safari in each country and 3-4 days exploring cultural sites and cities. Book flights into Nairobi and out of Kilimanjaro or vice versa to minimize backtracking. Plan for $150-250 per day including accommodation, meals, and activities.

Choose your entry and exit points. Fly into Nairobi (Kenya) and out of Kilimanjaro International Airport (Tanzania) or reverse this route. This open-jaw ticket saves 2 days of driving and costs roughly the same as a round-trip ticket to one city.
Block out your safari time. Reserve 8-9 days total for wildlife viewing. Plan 4-5 days for Kenya (Maasai Mara plus one other park like Amboseli or Samburu) and 4-5 days for Tanzania (Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater). Book these portions through a reputable safari operator 2-3 months ahead.
Add cultural and city experiences. Dedicate 3-4 days to non-safari activities. Include 1 day in Nairobi for museums and markets, 1-2 days visiting Maasai or other local communities, and 1 day in Stone Town, Zanzibar if you have time for the coast.
Plan your ground transportation. Book internal flights for longer distances (Nairobi to Maasai Mara, Serengeti to Zanzibar). Use safari vehicles provided by your tour operator for park transfers. Budget $200-400 for internal flights depending on routes.
Time your visit strategically. Visit during dry season (June-October) for best wildlife viewing and road conditions. If you want to see the Great Migration, plan for July-September in Maasai Mara or December-March in Serengeti.
Book accommodation early. Reserve safari lodges and camps 2-3 months ahead, especially for peak season. Mix lodge stays with tented camps for variety. Budget accommodations in cities can be booked closer to travel dates.

Do I need different currencies for Kenya and Tanzania?: Yes. Kenya uses Kenyan shillings (KES) and Tanzania uses Tanzanian shillings (TZS). US dollars are widely accepted for tourist activities but you'll need local currency for small purchases. ATMs are available in major cities.
How much should I tip on safari?: Budget $10-15 per day total for your safari guide and camp staff combined. Tip your guide directly at the end of each safari portion. Camp staff tips go in a communal box, usually $5-8 per day.
Is it safe to drink tap water?: No, stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip. Most safari camps provide safe drinking water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're at an upscale lodge that filters their water.
What vaccinations do I need?: Yellow fever if coming from endemic areas, hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and meningitis are recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is essential. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Can I use my phone for internet?: Yes, but roaming is expensive. Buy local SIM cards in each country ($5-10) or rent a portable wifi device. Most safari lodges have wifi but it's often slow or limited to common areas.