Nairobi → Masai Mara → Isebania → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Zanzibar: Our East Africa Route Explained
There are plenty of ways to plan a Kenya and Tanzania safari. You can fly between parks, stay entirely in one country, build a luxury itinerary around private air transfers, or take the slower overland route across the Kenya–Tanzania border. For this route, the idea is simple: Nairobi → Masai Mara → Isebania → Serengeti…
First Safari From America: What Nobody Tells You Before Your First African Safari
Your first African safari is likely to be one of the most memorable trips you ever take. You may already have the picture in your head: waking before sunrise, climbing into a safari vehicle, watching elephants cross the road, seeing lions resting beneath an acacia tree, and ending the day with a sunset over the…
Travel Insurance for an East Africa Trip: What Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Travelers Need to Know
Planning an East Africa trip is exciting. You may already be thinking about safari lodges, the Masai Mara, the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar beaches, and all the places you want to photograph along the way. But before you leave the United States, there is one part of your trip planning that shouldn’t be overlooked: travel…
US Dollars in Kenya & Tanzania: What American Travelers Should Know in 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Kenya and Tanzania, you may be wondering whether you should bring US dollars in Kenya and Tanzania, exchange your money before leaving the United States, or rely on ATMs and credit cards once you arrive. The short answer is: US dollars are useful in East Africa, but they should…
Tanzania Visa for Americans: The Complete 2026 Guide to Cost, Application & Entry Requirements
Planning a trip to Tanzania from the United States? Whether you’re dreaming of a Serengeti safari, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, understanding Tanzania’s visa requirements should be one of the first things on your travel checklist. For American travelers, Tanzania has a specific visa rule that is especially…
Kenya eTA for Americans: Complete 2026 Guide to Requirements, Cost & Application
If you’re an American planning a trip to Kenya, one of the first things you need to take care of is your Kenya eTA. The Electronic Travel Authorisation, commonly called the Kenya eTA, is the travel authorization system Kenya uses for eligible foreign visitors before they travel to the country. For U.S. travelers planning a…
What US Travelers Should Know About Money in Kenya
Planning a trip to Kenya is exciting, but understanding how money works can make your first few days much easier. For travelers from the United States, Kenya has a different currency, different payment habits, and some situations where having cash is still important. At the same time, many hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and other tourist…
How Jet Lag Affects an East Africa Safari: What First-Time Travelers Should Know
A safari in East Africa is often the trip of a lifetime. But for travelers flying from the United States, there is one challenge that is easy to underestimate: jet lag. Flying thousands of miles to Kenya or Tanzania can disrupt your sleep, energy levels, appetite, concentration, and overall mood. When your itinerary also includes…
Los Angeles to Nairobi: Planning Your First Trip
Flying from Los Angeles to Nairobi is the beginning of an unforgettable East African adventure. For travelers on the U.S. West Coast, however, getting to Kenya requires a little more planning than it does for travelers starting on the East Coast. The distance is significant, most itineraries involve a connection, and the total journey can…
New York to Nairobi: Flight & Arrival Guide for First-Time Travelers
Flying from New York to Nairobi is one of the easiest ways for American travelers to begin a Kenya safari. For many first-time visitors, the journey starts at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and ends at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Kenya’s main international gateway. The route is particularly convenient because travelers can find…