Your Essential Guide to Travelling in East Africa

Karibu! Bienvenue! Welcome!

East Africa is a vibrant tapestry of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re here for adventure, business, or relaxation, this guide ensures smooth travels across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and DR Congo.

Essential Travel Documents

✔ Passport (valid for 6+ months)
✔ Visa (for non-EAC citizens; check eVisa options)
✔ East Africans: Certificate of Identity / Interstate Pass
✔ Health: Yellow fever vaccination + COVID-19 proof (full vaccination or negative PCR test)

✈️ By Air: Fast & Convenient

• Major International Airports:

  • Nairobi (JKIA), Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Kigali, Juba

• Regional Flights: Affordable connections between cities via airlines like Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Precision Air.

• Safety: Oversight by CASSOA ensures secure air travel.

Pro Tip: Book early for peak seasons (June–October, December–January).

By Road: Cross-Border Freedom

For Private Vehicles:

• 7-Day Grace Period: Drive freely across EAC borders (no fees).

• Beyond 7 Days: Pay $20/month for a temporary license.

• Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Original/certified copy of car logbook

  • COMESA Yellow Card (cross-border insurance)

Key Border Crossings:

• Kenya-Uganda: Busia, Malaba

• Kenya-Tanzania: Namanga, Holili

• Tanzania-Rwanda: Rusumo

Note: Buses like Modern Coast and Jaguar connect major cities affordably.

⛴️ By Sea: Coastal Adventures

• Major Ports: Mombasa (Kenya), Dar es Salaam/Tanga (Tanzania)

• Ferry Services: Lake Victoria crossings (e.g., Kisumu to Uganda).

️ Best Time to Visit

• Dry Seasons: Ideal for safaris & hiking (June–October, January–February).

• Rainy Seasons: Lush landscapes but fewer crowds (March–May, November).

Time Zones:

• GMT+3: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan

• GMT+2: Rwanda, Burundi, Eastern DR Congo

Public Holidays (Plan Ahead!)

Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr/Adha) vary yearly.

Insider Tips

1. Currency: Carry local cash (USD widely accepted).

2. SIM Cards: Buy local for affordable data (e.g., Safaricom in Kenya).

3. Health: Pack malaria prophylaxis for rural areas.

#EastAfricaTravel #SafariReady #CrossBorderAdventures

 Need airport transfers in Kenya? Kisumu Airport Cabs has you covered! ☎️ *0710 899 460*