7 Things to Know Before Traveling to East Africa

Africa is a continent with its own personality that can show us dozens of different facets, but which always makes any trip become a unique and unrepeatable experience. A continent that never leaves you indifferent and where we can find spectacular natural and cultural jewels, and very special cities. From the colorful and exotic Marrakech to the paradisiacal shores of the Mauritius islands, through the pyramids of Egypt or the experience of enjoying an authentic safari in Kenya.

A continent full of contrasts, where you can go scuba diving, 4 × 4 routes through the desert or delve into the most isolated towns to learn about the culture of the tribal groups that continue to be rooted in very primitive, but really curious ways of life.

For this reason, many people, instead of choosing a single country as a destination for their holidays or for a honeymoon, opt for a tour of Africa to discover all the wonders that it houses, while knowing exotic places, landscapes. able to breathless and contemplate the wildest animals in the middle of nature.

Forget about prejudices

A continent full of contrasts, where you can go scuba diving, 4 × 4 routes through the desert or delve into the most isolated towns to learn about the culture of the tribal groups that continue to be rooted in very primitive, but really curious ways of life. For this reason, many people, instead of choosing a single country as a destination for their holidays or for a honeymoon, opt for a tour of Africa to discover all the wonders that it houses, while knowing exotic places, landscapes. able to breathless and contemplate the wildest animals in the middle of nature.

The point is that fear of the unknown often ends up limiting us when traveling to these types of destinations with which we maintain great cultural differences. And the truth is that, although many think that visiting Africa is something similar to what is seen in the movie Blood Diamonds, the truth is that these are prejudices quite far from reality.

Obviously, there are some countries to which it is not advisable to travel, either because access makes it almost impossible or because there are conflicts. But there are also African countries that are safe to travel and you must bear in mind that Africa has been unfolding its full potential in recent years and opening up to the traveler, becoming one of the tourism giants of the future.

So, if you are thinking of traveling to Africa for the first time, you should be more concerned with getting rid of your preconceived ideas than about the clothes you are going to wear or the vaccines you should take.

It is true that you can organize the trip yourself, but you will always take more advantage of it if you contract it with a specialist agency in Africa, where in addition to offering you the best plans based on your preferences, they will be able to advise you on this. Today we will tell you things you should know before traveling to East Africa and best countris to visit in that part of continent.

Tips for traveling to East Africa

Sun protection

Use high sun protection factor, since the sun’s rays reach this continent with more intensity, especially in the areas closest to equator. The continent is considered to be the hottest in the world and there are countries like Somalia or Ethiopia where the annual average temperatures are 40 degrees. For this reason, you should also wear light clothing, a hat and glasses, especially if you are going to take several hours of outdoor excursions.

Warm clothes just in case

Take warm clothes, since not all over the continent it is scorching heat. Both in Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, which are both locatred in East Africa, there are glaciers and desert nights can be extremely cold, as the temperature can drop to 10 degrees below zero.

Languages

The whole continent was under the colonial rule of European states, so various languages are spoken. It would be good if, in addition to English, which is spoken in many places, to also know a few words of French, because it is used in many African countries. As far as local languages are concerned, the most famous and widespread is Swahili language. It is a lingua franca in the African Great Lakes region and according to KL Translations in much of East Africa. Learn a few words, the locals will appreciate it.

Vaccinations

Get vaccinations as necessary to avoid health problems. The most recommended are those of polio, diphtheria and hepatitis. But also important are those of typhoid fever, tetanus, dengue, Hepatitis A and B, rabies and yellow fever.

The latter is really important, since it is transmitted by a mosquito that is present in 34 countries on the continent, especially in the Congo, Guinea and Angola, which se western part of continent, but you should protect yourself anyway. There is no cure and it can be fatal. Check with your doctor several months before traveling to be forewarned, as there are certain destinations where you will need other vaccines or carry medications just in case.

Travel insurance

It is important to have travel insurance on every trip, but when traveling to underdeveloped countries, then it is even more important. Check what insurance covers, including transport to the country where you live in case of medical emergancy. Also, it is good have insurance for your luggage, as it can easily get lost on a safari or if you have multiple flights.

SIM card

Buy a SIM card when you arrive to be connected with your family and friends for less money. In addition, in this way you can send all the beautiful photos that you will be taking.

Bottled water

Drink only bottled water. Contaminated water is one of the main problems in underdeveloped countries, so you should avoid it at all costs, even on ice. But it is not very advisable to bathe in the rivers either, since there are infectious diseases coming from the garbage and the defecations that are dumped into them.

Conclusion:

The whole continent is extremely interesting, but if safari is your priority, then the eastern part is best for you.