Explore
EAST AFRICA
Nusa Penida, Bali
From R27000
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consect elit sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt.
Nusa Penida, Bali
From R27000
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consect elit sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt.
Nusa Penida, Bali
From R27000
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consect elit sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt.
We give you the scoop on everything you need to know
When to go and weather
High Season (Jun–Aug) in much of the region is cool and dry, hotels in popular areas surge prices. Spotting Animals is easiest, as foliage is sparse and animals congregate around water sources. Mid Season (Sep–Feb) is an ideal travel time, with greener landscapes and fewer crowds. Peak-season prices from mid-December to mid-January. Low Season (March to May) has heavy rains in much of the region, some areas are inaccessible but landscapes are wonderfully green. Possible low season discount apply based on the hotel or resort.
About East Africa
Popular Places to Visit
Tanzania & Zanzibar | Kenya | Rwanda | Uganda
Currency
Kenyan shilling (KSh) | Tanzanian shilling (Tsh) | Ugandan shilling (USh) | Rwandan franc (RFr) | Burundi franc (BFr)
Physical Cash
ATMs are widespread and credit cards widely accepted in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda; ess so in Rwanda (Visa only) and Burundi. Bring a mix of US dollars or euros in cash post-2006 notes in large and small denominations); a credit card (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted) for withdrawing money from ATMs.
Credit Cards
Visa and MasterCard can be used for some top-end hotels and a few tour operators, especially in major towns and in Kenya. However, they’re best viewed as a standby unless you’ve confirmed things in advance with the establishment. Some places, especially in Tanzania, attach a commission of about 5% to 10% to credit card payments.
Bargaining
Bargaining is a norm in tourist areas, markets and many street stalls. Away from tourist areas and for non-tourist items, the price quoted will often be the ‘real’ price, so don’t automatically assume that the quote you’ve been given is too high. It is sometimes possible to negotiate a discount for taxis (especially if chartered for a set period) and ccommodation (depending on the season)
Etiquette
Although West Africa is changing, social customs remain conservative. Most locals don’t expect you to know all of the rules and will forgive any faux pas. Even so, please keep in mind the following guidelines:
Greetings: Greetings are important. Never launch into a conversation, even when just asking for directions, without first greeting the person you’re speaking to. Learning a few words in Swahili helps.
Eating: Never, ever handle food with the left hand! If others are eating with their hands, do the same, even if cutlery is provided. If eating in someone’s home, leave a small amount on your plate to show your hosts that you’ve been satisfied.
Children: Don’t hand out sweets or pens to children on the streets, as it encourages begging.
Patience: Impatience will get you nowhere in East Africa, where nothing is hurried. If in a frustrating situation, be patient, friendly, and considerate. Never lose your temper, as a confrontational attitude won’t go down well.
Photography: Always ask before photographing people. Never photograph someone if they don’t want you to. If you agree to send someone a photo, do so.