Why use this East Africa travel guide
Most online East Africa travel guides cover a single country or read like a brochure. We're built on the ground in Nairobi and combine editorial reporting with live operator availability, AI-assisted planning and verified reviews — so you can compare Kenya vs Tanzania, decide between Rwanda and Uganda for gorillas, or design a Kenya–Zanzibar–Seychelles bush-and-beach route in one place.
Best time to visit East Africa
The mainland safari high season runs June–October (dry, peak wildlife) with a shorter window in January–February. The Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara peak July–September. Indian Ocean beaches (Zanzibar, Mauritius, Seychelles) are best May–October when humidity drops. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is year-round but easiest June–September and December–February.
Choosing your country (or combining them)
Kenya is the all-rounder: Mara, Amboseli, Laikipia, beaches, easy logistics. Tanzania scales bigger and wilder — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar. Rwanda is the most polished gorilla-trekking experience; Uganda is more adventurous and pairs gorillas with chimps. Mauritius is the luxury beach honeymoon. Seychelles is the most pristine and remote. Most travellers combine two — Kenya + Zanzibar, Rwanda + Kenya, or Tanzania + Seychelles.
Realistic budget for an East Africa trip
Mid-range safaris start around USD 450–650 per person per night all-inclusive; luxury lodges run USD 900–2,500+. Gorilla permits are USD 1,500 (Rwanda) or USD 800 (Uganda). Beach add-ons range from USD 200/night (Zanzibar mid-range) to USD 1,200+/night (Seychelles luxury). Internal flights are USD 150–400. A typical 10-day Kenya safari + Zanzibar beach trip lands at USD 6,500–12,000 per person mid-range.
Visas, vaccines and entry
Most nationalities get an eVisa or visa-on-arrival; Seychelles is visa-free. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda offer the East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100, 90 days, multi-entry across the three). Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow-fever country. Anti-malarials are recommended for the mainland; Mauritius and Seychelles are malaria-free.
How to plan with East Africa Guide™
Use the AI Journey Builder for a personalised itinerary in minutes, browse curated safaris and experiences, and book directly with vetted operators. Every country page below goes deeper on parks, costs, routes and FAQs.