Flying From the USA to Kenya: What to Expect on Your First Trip
Flying from the United States to Kenya is the beginning of an unforgettable East African adventure. For many first-time travelers, however, the journey can feel complicated. How long is the flight? Are there nonstop flights? Which U.S. airports offer the best connections? What happens when you arrive in Nairobi? Do you need an eTA? And…
Is Tanzania Safe for American Tourists? What First-Time Visitors Should Know
If you’re planning your first trip to Tanzania, one of the biggest questions you may have is: Is Tanzania safe for American tourists? Tanzania is one of Africa’s most popular destinations for international travelers, offering iconic safari destinations such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beaches of Zanzibar. Thousands of travelers…
Is Kenya Safe for American Tourists? What First-Time Visitors Should Know
If you’re planning your first trip to Kenya, one of the most important questions to answer before booking your flights is simple: Is Kenya safe for American tourists? The short answer is that many Americans visit Kenya safely every year, particularly on well-organized trips to Nairobi, the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and other established tourist destinations.…
What Does a Typical Day on an African Safari Actually Look Like?
If you’ve never been on an African safari before, you may have a lot of questions about what the experience is actually like. What time do you wake up? Do you spend the entire day in a safari vehicle? When do you eat? How many game drives do you do? Do you have time to…
Tipping on Safari: How Much Should You Tip Guides & Drivers?
Tipping on safari can feel confusing, especially if it’s your first trip to Kenya or Tanzania. How much should you tip your safari guide? Should you tip the driver separately? Do you tip lodge staff every day? Should you use US dollars or local currency? And what happens if you’re on a group safari rather…
Do You Need US Dollars in Kenya and Tanzania? What American Travelers Should Know
If you’re traveling from the United States to Kenya or Tanzania, you may be wondering whether you should bring US dollars with you. The short answer is: You do not need to carry large amounts of US dollars in Kenya and Tanzania. However, US dollars can be useful on an East Africa trip, particularly for…
How Much Cash Should You Carry in Kenya? A Practical Guide for Travelers
If you’re visiting Kenya for the first time, one of the most common questions is: How much cash should you carry in Kenya? The good news is that you probably don’t need to travel around Kenya carrying a large amount of cash. Credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and ATMs are widely used in many…
eSIM vs Local SIM in Kenya and Tanzania: Which Is Better for Travelers?
Staying connected while traveling through Kenya and Tanzania is easier than ever, but choosing the right mobile option can be confusing. Should you use your American phone plan? Should you buy a local SIM card in Kenya or Tanzania? Or is an eSIM the easiest option? For most travelers, there isn’t one universal answer. The…
Can You Use Your Phone on Safari in Kenya & Tanzania? What Travelers Need to Know
Yes, you can use your phone on safari in Kenya and Tanzania. In fact, your smartphone can be one of the most useful things you bring. You can use it to take photos and videos, communicate with your safari operator, check travel information, use maps, contact family, access your hotel reservations, and stay connected with…
What to Pack for an East Africa Safari: Complete Checklist
Packing for an East Africa safari is different from packing for an ordinary vacation. You may be traveling through Nairobi, Arusha, the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar, or the Kenyan coast—all in the same trip. You may experience cool mornings, hot afternoons, dusty roads, strong sun, sudden rain, and chilly evenings. The key is to…