FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions )

East Africa combined receives well over 1.3 million tourists every year from all parts of the world mainly Europe and North America. Kenya alone receives close to 1 million visitors every year. Thankfully, cases of terrorism or crime against tourists are extremely rare. Incidents of minor crime such as theft of valuables are more common in the main urban centers and visitors most affected are those who may be walking in certain parts of these towns or cities.

The last major terrorist incident in Kenya or Tanzania[ and the only one to date] was in 1998 when the targets were the US embassy buildings. Cases of violent crime against tourists are very rare and one of the factors involved is the fact that safari parks tend to be the safest locations one could be at as the parks are often in isolated, rural places, often secured and well patrolled and with the biggest "threat" coming only from the rather innocent wildlife !

While in urban areas in Kenya and the rest of East Africa, standard precautions are necessary as they may be in other parts of the world. In towns and cities it is suggested that tourists take the following precautions.
While in urban centers avoid walking out of your hotel unless within the immediate vicinity of the hotel. Taking a walk within most parts of the central business districts in Nairobi, Arusha, Dar, or Kampala is entirely safe, however , it qought to be done sensibly, during daylight hours and within well populated streets where there is little danger. Walking out at night is not recommended.

Keep your valubles in a safe place and do not wear , "display" or carry expensive items to full view. Cameras and the like are fine, but should always be stowed away safely - wearing excessive jewellery openly is unwise.

Limit amount of cash carried to what you need only for cash purchases - most hotels, safari lodges and tour operators accept major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard.

Follow the general instructions of your tour driver guide and stick to the set itinerary.

For the political situation in Kenya post 2007 elections please click here

Wildlife by its very nature, including as it does carnivorous and powerful animals ranging from the Lion to the elephant, can be dangerous. However, virtually all reported incidents of injury due to wild animals happens when a human is on foot, closer than they should be to the animal. It should be pointed out that animals are usually acting defensively when they attack humans - so keep your distance, respect the animal's space, and avoid being on foot where you should not be, especially without an experienced and porfessional guide, and you should be fine.

It should be pointed out that special care should be taken with femal animals nurturing their young - these animals are easily provoked by what they perceive as a threat so as to protect their young. e At certain camps and lodges, it is not uncommon for wildlife to wander through the property but the bigger animals only do so rarely and often at night, without the intention of harming people.
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Follow your field guide or tour leader's guidelines strictly, never venture outside your camping site at night without your guide, and don't feed the animals, however lovely they may seem !

Kenya and Tanzania generally have a temperate tropical climate with 2 rainy seasons, and generally warm temperatures, free from winter, and with the majority of days in a year being sunny and warm with cool evenings. Two rainy seasons occur - March to May and October to November. Even in the rainy season, certain locations in the region experience bright sunny days, and rain clouds are as quick to disappear as they are to appear. Please see the type of clothing you should wear while in different parts of the country below.
Uganda has a more equatorial type of climate and tends to be wetter during the rainy seasons.