About HelloEastAfrica.com

HelloEastAfrica.com is your all-in-one East Africa travel platform. We offer safari and beach package comparisons, visa guidance, job listings, and authentic travel stories. We connect travellers with verified tour operators, hotels, and experiences across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zanzibar.

We make safari planning simple and transparent. Unlike traditional agencies, we provide:

  • Real-time price comparisons from verified operators
  • Honest traveller reviews and authentic stories
  • No hidden costs or booking fees
  • 24/7 support throughout your trip
  • Local expertise from people who live in East Africa

You compare packages by budget, experience type, and destination – then book directly with trusted local operators.

No, we’re a platform that connects you with trusted local safari companies, hotels, and travel providers. All bookings are made directly with operators. This ensures you get authentic, locally managed experiences whilst supporting East African communities.

  • Local focus: Built by travellers with East African roots and expertise
  • Verified listings: We work only with trusted tour operators who meet our standards
  • All-in-one tools: Safari scanner, visa hub, jobs board, and community forum
  • Authentic stories: Real guides and insights, not generic travel tips
  • Transparent pricing: No hidden costs or inflated agency fees

Email: info@helloeastafrica.com (replies within 2 hours during UK business hours)

Phone: +256 777 159 540

Emergency support: 24/7 assistance during your trip.

East African Culture & Language

Africa is a vast continent with over 2,000 languages – there isn’t one universal greeting. Each country and culture has its own way of saying hello. In East Africa, most greetings come from Swahili or local languages.

Both are greetings in Swahili, widely spoken across East Africa:

“Jambo” = Hello (friendly, casual greeting)

“Habari?” = How are you? (literally means “What’s the news?”)

“Habari za leo?” = How’s your day? (more formal)

You’ll hear both used throughout Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of Rwanda.

East Africa is multilingual with several widely spoken languages:

Swahili (Kiswahili): Spoken in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, parts of Congo. Most useful for travellers.

English: Official language in many countries, used in schools, business, and tourism. All safari guides speak English.

French: Spoken in Rwanda and parts of eastern Congo.

Local languages: Each country has tribal languages like Luganda (Uganda), Kinyarwanda (Rwanda), and Kikuyu (Kenya).

In Kenya, you’ll commonly hear these Swahili greetings:

  • “Jambo” – Hello (most tourist-friendly)
  • “Habari?” – How are you?
  • “Mambo” – What’s up? (informal, friendly)
  • “Hodi” – May I come in? (when entering someone’s space)

Learning basic Swahili shows respect for local culture and always gets a warm response from Kenyans.

Planning Your East Africa Safari

Safari costs vary significantly based on your choices:

Budget Safaris: $150-300 per person per day

  • Camping or budget lodges
  • Shared group tours (6-8 people)
  • Basic game drives and meals

Mid-Range Safaris: $400-800 per person per day

  • Comfortable lodges or tented camps
  • Small groups (4-6 people)
  • All meals and park fees included

Luxury Safaris: $1,000-3,000+ per person per day

  • Premium lodges and exclusive camps
  • Private guides and vehicles
  • All-inclusive with premium services

Costs include: Accommodation, meals, park fees, game drives, professional guide.

Not included: International flights, visas, tips, drinks, personal expenses.

Kenya works best for beginners:

  • English widely spoken throughout
  • Well-developed tourism infrastructure
  • Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
  • Easy visa process ($32 for eTA)
  • Great combination with beach holidays

Tanzania offers the most iconic experiences:

  • Home to the Great Migration in Serengeti
  • Ngorongoro Crater and diverse landscapes
  • Less crowded than Kenya’s popular parks
  • Higher costs but spectacular wildlife

Uganda provides unique experiences:

  • Mountain gorilla trekking opportunities
  • More affordable safari costs
  • Very friendly local people
  • Less touristy, more authentic feel

5-7 Days: Perfect for one country focus

  • Visit 2-3 national parks
  • Good introduction to safari life
  • Ideal for combining with beach holiday

10-14 Days: Best value for money

  • Explore multiple parks thoroughly
  • Experience different ecosystems
  • Include gorilla trekking or cultural activities
  • Most popular choice for first-timers

21+ Days: Ultimate East Africa experience

  • Visit multiple countries
  • Include Zanzibar or Kenya coast
  • Add mountain climbing or cultural immersion

Dry Season (June-October): Best overall time

  • Easy wildlife spotting near water sources
  • Less vegetation means better animal visibility
  • Ideal weather for game drives
  • Peak tourist season (book early)

Great Migration timing:

  • June-July: River crossings in northern Serengeti
  • August-September: Best time in Maasai Mara, Kenya
  • December-March: Calving season in southern Serengeti

Wet Season (March-May, November): Great value option

  • Lower prices and fewer crowds
  • Lush green landscapes
  • Excellent bird watching
  • Some roads may be challenging

East Africa Visa Requirements

Use our Visa Hub to check current requirements for each country. Here’s the latest breakdown:

Kenya:

  • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): $32
  • Apply online only (no visa on arrival)
  • Processing: 3-5 business days

Tanzania:

  • Single entry visa: $50
  • Multiple entry visa: $100
  • Visa on arrival available but online recommended

Uganda:

  • Single entry visa: $50
  • East Africa tourist visa: $100 (covers Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda)
  • Processing: 2-3 business days

Rwanda:

  • Single entry visa: $50
  • East Africa tourist visa: $100
  • Online application required

Money-saving tip: The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days if visiting multiple countries.

Required if arriving from infected countries: You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination if coming from a country with yellow fever risk.

Recommended for all travellers: Even if not required, yellow fever vaccination is recommended for your protection.

Check latest requirements: Vaccination requirements can change. Consult your travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.

Other recommended vaccinations:

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT)
  • Malaria prevention (tablets essential)

Safari Experiences

Wildlife Safaris:

  • Safari in Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
  • Game drives in Maasai Mara (Kenya)
  • Big Five viewing in multiple parks

Unique Experiences:

  • Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
  • Hot air balloon over the savannah

Adventure Activities:

  • Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
  • Volcano hiking in Rwanda
  • White water rafting on the Nile (Uganda)

Beach & Relaxation:

  • Zanzibar’s pristine beaches
  • Snorkelling and diving
  • Stone Town cultural exploration

Cultural Experiences:

  • Maasai village visits
  • Traditional cooking classes
  • Local market tours

Yes! The Great Migration happens year-round as 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras follow the rains between Tanzania and Kenya.

Best viewing times:

  • July-October: In Kenya’s Maasai Mara
  • November-June: In Tanzania’s Serengeti
  • June-July: River crossings (most dramatic)

Book early: Migration safari packages fill up quickly, especially for river crossing season.

Absolutely! Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Permit costs:

  • Uganda (Bwindi Forest): $800 per person
  • Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park): $1,500 per person

What’s included:

  • One hour with mountain gorilla family
  • Professional guides and park rangers
  • All safety equipment
  • Conservation contribution

Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 15 years (strictly enforced)
  • Good fitness level required
  • Advance booking essential (6+ months)

Family Travel

Yes, but with age restrictions depending on activities:

Game drives:

  • Most lodges accept children 6+ years
  • Some luxury camps allow younger children
  • Private vehicles recommended for families
  • Shorter game drives for young children

Gorilla trekking:

  • Minimum age: 15 years (no exceptions)
  • Alternative: nature walks and cultural visits

Family-friendly destinations:

  • Lake Manyara (tree-climbing lions)
  • Ngorongoro Crater (easy wildlife viewing)
  • Amboseli (elephants with Kilimanjaro backdrop)
  • Cultural village experiences

Yes, East Africa is very family-friendly when you follow basic precautions:

Safety measures:

  • Choose reputable tour operators
  • Stick to established tourist areas
  • Follow guide instructions always
  • Ensure children understand safari rules

Health precautions:

  • Malaria prevention essential
  • Up-to-date vaccinations required
  • Travel insurance with medical cover
  • Pack first aid essentials

Solo & Female Travel

Yes, with proper precautions. East Africa welcomes solo female travellers:

Safety tips:

  • Choose reputable tour operators
  • Join group safaris rather than travelling alone
  • Stay in established accommodations
  • Trust your guide’s local knowledge

Cultural considerations:

  • Dress modestly, especially in Muslim areas
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Learn basic Swahili greetings
  • Be aware of photography restrictions

Support available:

  • 24/7 emergency assistance
  • Strong expat communities in major cities
  • Tourist police in popular areas

Health & Safety

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Your policy should cover:

Medical emergencies:

  • Hospital treatment and medications
  • Medical evacuation to suitable facilities
  • Repatriation if necessary

Activity coverage:

  • Safari game drives
  • Gorilla trekking
  • Mountain climbing
  • Water sports

Trip protection:

  • Cancellation and interruption
  • Lost baggage and delays
  • Personal liability

Yes, malaria is present throughout East Africa. Prevention is essential:

Prevention methods:

  • Antimalarial tablets (consult travel clinic)
  • Insect repellent with DEET
  • Long sleeves during evening hours
  • Sleep under treated mosquito nets

High-risk areas:

  • All safari parks and reserves
  • Lake regions
  • Coastal areas including Zanzibar

Lower risk areas:

  • High altitude locations (above 2,500m)
  • Urban centres during dry season

Practical Information

Essential clothing:

  • Neutral colours (khaki, brown, olive)
  • Long-sleeved shirts for morning/evening
  • Lightweight trousers
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

Technical equipment:

  • Binoculars (8×32 recommended)
  • Camera with extra batteries
  • Power bank for charging
  • Universal power adapter
  • Head torch/flashlight

Don’t pack:

  • Bright colours (disturb animals)
  • Camouflage clothing (illegal in some areas)
  • Heavy cotton fabrics
  • Single-use plastics (banned in some countries)

Local currencies:

  • Kenya: Kenyan Shillings (KES)
  • Tanzania: Tanzanian Shillings (TZS)
  • Uganda: Ugandan Shillings (UGX)
  • Rwanda: Rwandan Francs (RWF)

US Dollars widely accepted:

  • Safari lodges and tour operators
  • International hotels
  • Visa payments
  • Tips for guides and staff

ATM availability:

  • Major towns and cities have ATMs
  • Limited in remote safari areas
  • Withdraw cash before heading to parks
  • Inform your bank of travel plans

Tipping guidelines:

  • Safari guide: $15-25 per day per vehicle
  • Lodge staff: $5-10 per day per person
  • Porters: $2-5 per bag
  • Restaurant servers: 10-15% of bill

Group tipping:

  • Often organised as group fund
  • $25-30 per person per day covers all staff
  • Distributed by lodge management
  • Individual tips also welcomed

Booking & Support

Yes! Our Jobs & Opportunities Hub connects locals, expats, and travellers with employment across East Africa:

Job categories:

  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Conservation and wildlife
  • Teaching and education
  • Development and NGO work
  • Remote work opportunities

Who we help:

  • Expats seeking East Africa positions
  • Locals looking for tourism jobs
  • Gap year students and volunteers
  • Career changers seeking adventure

Pre-trip support:

  • Free safari planning consultation
  • Visa application guidance
  • Travel insurance recommendations
  • Detailed packing lists
  • Health and safety briefings

During your trip:

  • 24/7 emergency contact line
  • Real-time trip monitoring
  • Issue resolution with operators
  • Emergency assistance coordination
  • Local expert advice

After your trip:

  • Feedback collection and reviews
  • Photo sharing community
  • Future trip planning discounts
  • Travel story submissions

Response times:

  • Email: Within 2 hours during UK business hours
  • Phone/WhatsApp: Immediate during East Africa hours
  • Emergency support: 24/7 response guarantee
  • General enquiries: Maximum 24 hours

Office hours:

  • Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm East Africa Time
  • Weekend support: Emergency assistance only
  • UK holidays: Limited service with emergency cover

Ready to plan your East Africa adventure?

Whether you’re dreaming of your first safari, planning gorilla trekking, or combining wildlife with Zanzibar beaches – we’re here to make it happen.

Get started today:

  • Browse safari packages on our platform
  • Download our free planning guide
  • Contact our experts for personalised advice

Email: info@helloeastafrica.com
Phone: +256 777 159 540

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This FAQ covers the most common questions about East Africa travel. For specific queries about your trip, our expert team is always ready to help.