Pre-Travel Checklist for East Africa

Important Travel Information

Passport Requirements

  • Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
  • Blank Pages: Ensure you have at least two blank pages side by side for each country you visit.
  • Processing Time: Allow enough time to obtain or renew your passport.

Visa Requirements

  • Kenya: Obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport or apply online for an eVisa.
  • Tanzania: Visa can be obtained at the Namanga border entry point.
  • Entry: A single entry visa is sufficient for travel within East Africa.

Health Considerations

  • General Health: No significant health risks in tourist areas, but practice good hygiene (wash hands, drink bottled water).
  • Malaria Prevention: Use repellent, wear long sleeves in the evening, and consult your doctor about prophylaxis.
  • Recommended Vaccinations: Yellow Fever, Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis.

Money & Currency

  • Local Currency: Obtain local currency upon arrival (USD, Euros, GBP are widely accepted).
  • Credit Cards: Accepted at many places, but carry cash for small purchases and tips.
  • ATMs: Available but not always reliable; have backup cash.

Services & Infrastructure

Expect slower infrastructure; English is widely spoken but may not be the first language. Follow your tour guide's advice.

Electricity

Voltage: 220-240V; check for plug adaptors. Most safari vehicles have power supply for charging devices.

Packing List Guidelines

Clothing

  • Casual, Comfortable Attire: Lightweight layers, warm fleece, and jacket for changing temperatures.
  • Neutral Colors: Khaki, green, or beige (avoid white and camouflage).
  • Essential Items:
    • Shorts, T-shirts, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts.
    • Warm jacket, light raincoat, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and gloves for cold mornings.
    • Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
    • Waterproof bags for wet or dusty items.

Toiletries

  • Sunblock/sunscreen, insect repellent, lip balm.
  • Personal first aid kit, including Imodium and rehydration salts.
  • Motion sickness tablets if needed.

Documentation

  • Passport (with photocopies).
  • Air tickets, itinerary, travel insurance documents.
  • Yellow Fever inoculation certificate (if required).

Additional Considerations

  • Packing Tips: Spread important items between bags to avoid loss. Keep essential documents and medications in your hand luggage.
  • Plastic Bags: Prohibited in Kenya; use fabric or waterproof bags instead.
  • Photography Equipment: Bring a good digital camera, lenses (200-400mm for wildlife), binoculars, batteries, and memory cards.