1. Entry Requirements & Visas

Tanzania
– Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
– Visa on arrival (USD 50–100) or eVisa via https://immigration.go.tz.
– Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country.

Kenya
– Apply for eTA prior to arrival via https://www.etakenya.go.ke.
– Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
– Yellow fever vaccination required from endemic regions.

Uganda
– Apply for an eVisa via https://visas.immigration.go.ug.
– Yellow fever certificate required.

Rwanda
– Visa on arrival available for most nationalities.
– eVisa available via https://irembo.gov.rw.
– East Africa Tourist Visa also accepted.

East Africa Tourist Visa
– One visa valid for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
– USD 100, valid for 90 days, multiple entries.

2. Best Time to Visit

Tanzania
– June to October: Best for safaris and wildlife viewing.
– March to May: Long rains; some parks may be difficult to access.

Kenya
– July to October: Great Migration and dry season.
– March to May: Long rains.

Uganda & Rwanda
– June to September and December to February: Ideal for gorilla trekking.
– March to May and October to November: Wet seasons.

3. Health, Vaccinations & Safety

– Yellow fever vaccine required for entry into all four countries (if coming from an endemic region).
– Recommended: Malaria prophylaxis, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid.
– Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and basic medical supplies.
– Travel insurance is highly recommended, including emergency evacuation.
– Avoid drinking tap water; use bottled or filtered water.

4. Currency & Money Matters

Tanzania: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Kenya: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Uganda: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Rwanda: Rwandan Franc (RWF)

– USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.
– Credit cards accepted in major hotels and lodges.
– Carry small USD denominations (issued after 2009).
– ATMs available in major towns and cities.

5. Local Transportation

– Airports: Jomo Kenyatta (Nairobi), Kilimanjaro, Entebbe, Kigali.
– Domestic flights available via local airlines (SafariLink, Air Tanzania, RwandAir).
– Taxis and private transfers are common for short distances.
– Buses and shuttles available between major towns and border crossings.

6. Culture & Etiquette

– Dress modestly, especially in rural and religious areas.
– Greeting customs are important; handshakes are common.
– Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
– Tipping is appreciated in tourism: 5–10%.
– Learn basic Swahili or Kinyarwanda greetings for a friendlier reception.

7. Connectivity & SIM Cards

– Local SIM cards available at airports and shops.
– Providers: Safaricom, Airtel, MTN, Vodacom.
– Mobile money (like M-Pesa) is widely used in Kenya and Tanzania, consider activating your local SIM card for mobile money, especially if you are considering long stay/extensive travel.
– Internet is reliable in cities and towns; maybe limited in some remote areas.

8. Packing Essentials

– Passport, visa(s), yellow fever certificate
– Lightweight and modest clothing
– Hiking boots or comfortable shoes
– Binoculars and camera
– Sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medication
– Power bank and universal adapter
– Reusable water bottle (plastic bags banned in Rwanda)

9. Emergency Contacts

Kenya: 999 / 112
Tanzania: 111 / 112
Uganda: 999
Rwanda: 112

10. Quick Links

– Tanzania Immigration: https://immigration.go.tz
– Kenya eTA Portal: https://www.etakenya.go.ke
– Uganda eVisa: https://visas.immigration.go.ug
– Rwanda eVisa: https://irembo.gov.rw
– East Africa Visa Info: https://www.eac.int/travelling-within-the-eac

Plan your trip with Adept Travel Africa, experts in East Africa safaris, gorilla trekking, and cultural experiences!