Best Time To Travel To East Africa Guide

Best time to visit East Africa: With the world's most diverse and concentrated population of large mammals, bird species, and colorful insects and reptiles, East Africa is known as the ultimate safari destination. Beyond its extraordinary wildlife, the region features vast lakes enough to engulf a small European country, snow-capped peaks of extinct volcanoes towering above the plains, and an unspoiled Indian Ocean coastline extending over 2,000km from Somalia to Mozambique.

East Africa is additionally renowned for its rich culture and deep historical heritage. The East African interior plains are recognized as the cradle of humanity. At the same time, the ancient coastal cities were once pivotal hubs of maritime trade and the primary source of the world's gold. Traveling to East Africa, visitors will enjoy luxurious lodges and remote jungle campsites, experience vibrant cities and traditional Swahili trading towns, and engage in gorilla tracking in Uganda's rainforests, wild mountain trails, and pristine palm-lined beaches. In the following article, we will provide detailed information regarding the best season to visit East Africa, from which you can arrange a perfect trip to the region.

Travel to East Africa

Overview of East Africa’s Weather: Choose The Perfect Time To Visit East Africa

The Dry season

East Africa has two main seasons – the dry and wet seasons. The dry season typically occurs from June to October, with clear skies, warm temperatures, and ideal conditions for safari adventures. This is a prime time for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.

Depending on your destination, the dry season has advantages and disadvantages. The period from July to September offers the most delightful weather in East Africa, particularly along the coast, with predominantly dry and sunny conditions. Visitors may encounter herds of wildebeest and zebra in the Western Serengeti, going to the west and Grumeti reserves.

Gorilla national park and trekking in Uganda and Rwanda becomes even more inclusive during this period, with enormous animals drawn to the life-giving Tarangire River in the Ngorongoro Crater. Engaging in safari activities is exciting at this optimal time when East Africa showcases its best.

Generally, to witness the river crossings and enjoy the lush, green landscapes of East Africa, you should plan your safari well in advance. This ensures securing the best locations at the right time, aligning with your budget and preferences, regardless of the time of the year.

The dry season in East Africa

The Wet season

Conversely, the wet season spans from November to May, bringing lush landscapes and a burst of greenery. The wet seasons are called the green seasons due to the lush and verdant landscape of the African Crater safari, with trees in full bloom and flowers adorning the surroundings. It brings about a refreshing renewal of nature, with vibrant wildlife, primates, and many birds. Traveling to East Africa during the wet season is also slightly more economical than the dry season, with special offers such as combined camps/lodges.

The East Africa region enjoys warm and pleasant temperatures from late October to March. The average temperature is 24 degrees Celsius, and sometimes a low of 15 degrees Celsius is accompanied by scattered rains. However, early November and March to May often witness heavy rainfall. This time is an excellent opportunity for travelers to explore game reserves and engage in gorilla trekking, particularly in Zanzibar, Uganda, and Rwanda.

January and February are the prime months for climbing Africa's tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite the occasional heavy rains in March, April, and May, these months are less crowded with tourists and more affordable fares, particularly in popular destinations like Lake Manyara and Masai Mara.

The wet season in East Africa

What is the best time to visit East Africa?

Although there is no bad time to explore East Africa, it is advised that visitors begin their adventure during the dry season. During this time, game viewing is at its peak, the chance of rain-damaged dirt roads is reduced, and malaria-carrying insects are less active.

Preparation For A Trip To East Africa

What countries are in East Africa?

East Africa begins from Tanzania in the South. It encompasses the vast grasslands and scrub forests of the savannas in Kenya and Uganda, extending further north through the highlands of Ethiopia, which includes the Great Rift Valley. This region comprises 13 countries: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

East Africa is home to some of the continent's highest peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. If trekking is on your travel itinerary, the dry season is generally recommended, as the clearer skies offer better visibility, and the trails are more stable. Climbing during the wet season can be challenging due to slippery paths and lower temperatures at higher altitudes.

The best time to visit East Africa

How to get there?

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is the busiest international airport in the region and is the primary gateway for visitors to multiple countries in the vicinity. This makes it convenient to obtain discounted airfare from Europe to Nairobi compared to other destinations in East Africa. However, various airlines also operate flights to all the other capital cities in the region.

Languages spoken in East Africa

People in the East Africa region speak numerous languages, with Swahili being the predominant lingua franca in Tanzania, Kenya, and, to a lesser extent, Uganda. 

Swahili, a Bantu language, expanded from the coast to the interior through 19th-century caravan routes. Amharic is widely spoken in Ethiopia, while Chichewa is the equivalent in Malawi. However, English is commonly spoken in all areas except the most remote ones.

Money

It is advisable to carry the majority of your funds in travelers' checks, but having some cash on hand is beneficial for small transactions, for example, at the markets or small restaurants. The recommended currency for cash is US dollars, while travelers' checks can be in any primary currency. Credit cards are widely accepted at upscale hotels or safari companies.

Current exchange rates from US dollars to regional currencies:

• $1 (US Dollar) = 146.50 KES (Kenyan Shilling)

• $1 (US Dollar) = 3,951.89 UGX (Ugandan Shilling)

• $1 (US Dollar) = 1,297.76 RWF (Rwandan Franc)

• $1 (US Dollar) = 56.74 ETB (Ethiopian Birr)

• $1 (US Dollar) = 2,550.00 TZS (Tanzanian Shilling)

Preparing for a trip to East Africa

East Africa E-Visa

Obtaining a visa for East Africa is accessible online and simple. Countries in the East African region including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, etc. implemented the electronic visa program. 

Travelers may acquire an East Africa tourist visa online in a few simple steps. This visa type permits holders to stay up to 90 days and multiple trips to any tourist attractions in the East Africa region. 

Generally, understanding the region's weather patterns and seasonal variations is essential for planning a memorable and fulfilling journey in East Africa. Regardless of the season, East Africa promises every traveler a wealth of natural wonders and cultural gems.