Travel information for international tourists
Planning a trip to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zanzibar? Before you set off on your safari adventure, it’s important to know the entry requirements, health tips, and practical details that will make your journey stress-free.
From visa rules and vaccinations to the best time to visit, currency tips, and cultural etiquette, we’ve put together everything international travelers need in one place.Whether you’re traveling for the first time or returning for another adventure, this
guide will help you prepare with confidence.
If you are an East African Resident ,We have got a separate guide for you.
Tanzania
Entry & Visa
To enter Tanzania, you’ll need to apply for an e-Visa online before you travel, as the country no longer offers visas on arrival. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay and has at least two blank pages for entry stamps. It’s also a good idea to carry a printed copy of your e-Visa approval, along with proof of your hotel booking, return flight, and enough funds to cover your trip. Having these ready will make your arrival smooth and stress-free.
Health Requirements
Health preparations are just as important as your travel documents. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you’re coming from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk. Even if it’s not mandatory for you, it’s highly recommended to take precautions against malaria, and to consider vaccinations like hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and your routine shots. To stay comfortable during your trip, pack essentials like insect repellent, malaria tablets if prescribed, and a small health kit with basics such as painkillers, band-aids, and your personal medicines.
Money & Payments
The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), though US dollars are widely accepted in lodges, hotels, and for safari park fees. If you bring cash, make sure your bills are clean, crisp, and issued after 2006. ATMs are available in cities but not in safari parks, so it’s smart to carry some cash with you when heading into the bush. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger hotels and lodges, but they usually come with extra fees.
Zanzibar Extra Rule
If your trip includes Zanzibar, there’s an extra requirement. All visitors must pay a mandatory $44 travel insurance fee upon arrival. This fee covers things like medical emergencies, evacuation, and even lost baggage or passports. It’s a small but important step to ensure you’re protected during your stay on the island.
Timing & Weather
Tanzania’s weather changes depending on where and when you travel, so timing matters. The dry season from June to October is considered the best for safaris, as wildlife gathers around water sources and is easier to spot. If you’re planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the ideal windows are January to March and June to October. Zanzibar is warm year-round, but it’s best to avoid the long rains in April and May if you’re looking for perfect beach weather.
Connectivity & Language
Staying connected in Tanzania is simple. You can easily buy a local SIM card from Airtel, Vodacom, or Tigo for affordable data and calls. English is widely spoken in the tourism industry, while Swahili is the national language and a great way to connect with locals if you learn a few phrases. Most hotels and lodges offer Wi-Fi, though it can be slow or patchy in more remote safari areas.
Safety & Local Tips
Tanzania is generally safe for visitors, especially in tourist and safari areas. That said, it’s best to avoid walking alone at night in big cities. Always drink bottled or purified water instead of tap water, and remember that tipping is customary for guides, drivers, and lodge staff who make your trip special. If you’re visiting Zanzibar, be mindful of local culture by dressing modestly in Stone Town and village areas, lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees works well.
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Uganda
Entry & Visa
Most travelers need a visa to enter Uganda, which can be applied for through the official Uganda eVisa system. Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity and a few blank pages. Carrying proof of accommodation, your return ticket, and sufficient funds can help ensure smooth entry.
Health Requirements
Uganda requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all incoming travelers. Malaria is common, so prevention tablets and insect repellent are strongly recommended. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine immunizations are also worth checking before you travel. Packing a small health kit with essentials and any prescription medicine is important, especially for those heading into remote areas.
Money & Payments
The local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US dollars are widely accepted in lodges and for permits (like gorilla trekking), but smaller shops and markets will prefer shillings. ATMs are easy to find in Kampala and larger towns, but less so in rural areas, so bring cash for remote trips. Credit cards are becoming more common in hotels and tour companies, though transaction fees are typical.
Timing & Weather
Uganda has a warm, tropical climate. The dry seasons (December–February and June–August) are best for gorilla trekking and safaris, as the forest trails are easier to manage and wildlife viewing is at its peak. Rainfall is still possible year-round, so pack a light rain jacket if you’re trekking in the forests.
Connectivity & Language
Local SIM cards from MTN or Airtel provide reliable service for calls and internet. English is widely spoken (it’s the official language), and Luganda plus other local languages are used regionally. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and lodges, though connections may be slower in rural safari regions.
Safety & Local Tips
Uganda is welcoming and safe for travelers, particularly in tourist areas. Use bottled or filtered water instead of tap water, and always follow your guide’s advice when trekking or on safari. Tipping is appreciated for guides, porters, and lodge staff. In rural villages and towns, modest dress is respectful, especially when visiting cultural or religious sites
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Kenya
Entry & Visa
All visitors to Kenya must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arrival. Apply at least 3 days before your trip on the official site, and carry a printed copy of your approval. Your passport should be valid for 6+ months with at least two blank pages. Immigration officers may also ask for proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and travel funds.
Health Requirements
If you’re traveling from or transiting through a country with a yellow fever risk, you’ll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Other recommended health measures include malaria prevention tablets, insect repellent, and vaccinations such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and your routine immunizations. A small personal health kit with painkillers, bandages, and any personal medications is always a good idea.
Money & Payments
Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). While many lodges and tourist facilities accept US dollars, it’s wise to carry local currency for smaller purchases and tipping. ATMs are widely available in cities, but not in remote safari areas, so plan your cash needs accordingly. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and higher-end establishments, though small businesses may prefer cash.
Timing & Weather
Kenya is a year-round safari destination, but the dry seasons (June–October and January–February) are best for game viewing. If you’re hoping to catch the Great Migration, aim for July to September, when millions of wildebeest cross into the Maasai Mara. The coast, including Diani and Malindi, is warm and tropical year-round, though April and May bring heavier rains.
Connectivity & Language
Getting connected is easy with local SIM cards from providers like Safaricom or Airtel. English is an official language and widely spoken, while Swahili is the national language, even learning a few phrases can make your trip feel more immersive. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and lodges, though speeds vary outside major towns.
Safety & Local Tips
Kenya is generally safe for tourists, especially in safari parks and popular destinations. Avoid walking alone at night and keep valuables secure. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and budget for tips, it’s customary for guides, drivers, and lodge staff. Respect local traditions, especially in rural areas, by dressing modestly and asking before taking photos of people.
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