Practical advice for travellers heading to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Zanzibar — from packing and health to wildlife etiquette and cultural customs.
An East African safari is one of the most rewarding travel experiences on earth — and a little preparation goes a long way. Whether it's your first time in the bush or you're a seasoned returner, these tips will help you travel with confidence, comfort, and respect for the landscapes and communities you'll encounter.
We've drawn on years of on-the-ground experience across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Zanzibar to assemble the guidance that matters most. Your Africa Rebound Safaris consultant will also provide a personalised pre-departure pack tailored to your specific itinerary — but the essentials begin here.
Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral tones — khaki, olive, beige, and sand. Avoid bright white (it reflects and startles wildlife) and dark blue or black (attracts tsetse flies). A wide-brimmed sun hat, quality sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen are essential.
Temperatures drop sharply at dawn and after sunset — especially at altitude in the Mara, Ngorongoro, and the Rwandan highlands. Pack a warm fleece or light jacket, a scarf, and long trousers. Layering is the key to comfort throughout the day.
Binoculars, a good camera with a zoom lens, insect repellent (DEET-based), a headlamp or small torch, a reusable water bottle, and any prescription medications. A soft-sided duffel bag is required for bush flights — no hard suitcases, and a strict 15 kg limit applies.
Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, long-sleeved shirts, gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation), a rain poncho or lightweight waterproof jacket, and gaiters if you have them. The forest floor is muddy year-round.
Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, and for Kenya if arriving from an endemic country. Commonly recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Polio.
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised for most safari destinations in East Africa. Your doctor will recommend the best option based on your itinerary and medical history. In addition to medication, use DEET-based insect repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets (provided at all lodges and camps).
We include AMREF Flying Doctors' emergency evacuation cover in all our packages, providing air evacuation to Nairobi in a medical emergency.
Safari is very safe when conducted with professional guides and reputable operators. Our guides are trained, licensed professionals who understand animal behaviour and maintain safe distances at all times. You'll receive a full camp and wildlife briefing on arrival at each property.
In towns and cities, apply the same common-sense precautions you would anywhere — keep valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive jewellery, and use hotel safes. Most lodges also offer in-room safes for passports and electronics.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost belongings is mandatory for all Africa Rebound Safaris bookings.
Respect the animals' space. Stay in the vehicle, keep voices low, and never use flash photography — the bush rewards patience and stillness.
US dollars are widely accepted across East Africa for tips, optional activities, and curio shopping. Carry small-denomination bills (USD 1, 5, 10, 20) — and ensure they are post-2013 series, as older notes are sometimes refused.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most mid-range and luxury lodges, but remote bush camps may be cash-only. ATMs are available in Nairobi, Arusha, Kigali, Kampala, and Stone Town. Local currencies — the Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan Shilling, and the Rwandan Franc — are useful in markets and towns.
We'll advise on specific cash requirements for your itinerary in your pre-departure pack.
Tipping is customary and appreciated. General guidelines: safari guides USD 15–25 per person per day; camp/lodge staff USD 10–15 per person per day (communal tip box); transfer drivers USD 5–10 per transfer; gorilla trekking porters USD 10–15, rangers USD 10–20 per group.
When visiting Maasai, Samburu, or other local communities, always ask before photographing people and consider contributing to the community visit fund. Dress modestly when visiting villages — shoulders and knees covered. In Zanzibar's Stone Town, conservative dress is expected out of respect for the local Muslim culture.
A warm "Jambo" (hello in Swahili) goes a remarkably long way.
The Maasai Mara is at its most spectacular from July to October during the Great Migration. Amboseli, Samburu, and the Laikipia conservancies offer excellent game viewing year-round with far fewer visitors.
The Serengeti calving season (January–March) is a spectacle of its own. The Ngorongoro Crater is rewarding any month. For Zanzibar, the dry seasons — June to October and December to February — offer the best beach weather.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is the headline experience, but don't overlook Queen Elizabeth for tree-climbing lions, Murchison Falls for the Nile's most dramatic cascade, and Kibale Forest for the world's highest concentration of wild chimpanzees.
Rwanda is Africa's cleanest and most organised country — single-use plastics are banned at the border. Volcanoes National Park offers the most accessible gorilla trekking, and Nyungwe Forest is outstanding for primates and canopy walks. Kigali itself is a compelling city to spend a day.
Ethiopia is unlike anywhere else in Africa — ancient rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, the dramatic Simien Mountains with endemic gelada baboons and Ethiopian wolves, and the Bale Mountains for Africa's rarest canid. Note that Ethiopia uses its own calendar (13 months) and a 12-hour clock starting at dawn, so confirm times carefully.
The perfect post-safari wind-down. Stone Town's spice-scented alleys and UNESCO heritage are worth at least a day, and the north and east coast beaches are pristine. Book dolphin tours from Kizimkazi and snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll for the best marine encounters.
A zoom lens in the 100–400mm range is ideal for wildlife, and a wide-angle (16–35mm) captures landscapes and camp interiors beautifully. Bring extra batteries and memory cards — charging is available at lodges but may be limited in mobile camps or during the day.
A beanbag rested on the vehicle door is the most effective stabiliser for sharp shots from a moving vehicle. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best golden light. Shoot at eye level with the animal wherever possible — it creates a far more intimate and compelling image.
Dust is constant. Carry a lens cloth, a blower brush, and a zip-lock bag for your equipment when not in use. And remember: your camera gear counts towards your 15 kg bush flight luggage limit.
Smartphone photography has come a remarkably long way. Modern phones produce excellent safari images, particularly for landscapes, wide scenes, and short video. Many phones now offer a 5× or 10× optical zoom that works well for larger animals at moderate distances.
Drone restrictions: Drones are prohibited in all national parks and game reserves across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. They disturb wildlife and can result in confiscation and fines. Leave them at home.
Photographing people: Always ask permission before photographing local communities, and respect a refusal. Many cultural visit programmes include a photography component with appropriate protocols — your guide will brief you.
Our team will build a personalised itinerary and provide a complete pre-departure guide tailored to your trip.
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