East Africa is the perfect location for an adventure trip as it is home to amazing tourist destinations such as vast safari parks, sandy beaches, glorious mountains, and lush green forests. To have a fun-filled adventure trip, good planning is essential. Here is a handy guide that will help you plan your adventure trip to East Africa!
- Choose the destination
Planning your itinerary is very important so that you can plan your budget and timing accordingly. You should research extensively, and select a destination that suits your interests. Some top adventure trip locations in East Africa include Zanzibar, Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Volcanoes National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Mount Meru, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Many locations offer activities such as water sports, hiking, horse riding, hot air balloon rides, and scuba diving. Different destinations offer different difficulty levels so tourists should get in touch with local tour operators and create an itinerary that suits them best.
- Choose the time
Choose when you take your trip according to the climate and weather conditions of your destination. The suitable time for your visit also depends on your availability, the length of your visit, and your budget. The best time to visit is the dry season, from July to September. This is the best time for safaris, beach vacations, hiking, and witnessing the Great Migration and the weather is ideal. However, as this is the peak travel season, main travel destinations will be crowded, and facilities will have increased prices. For a more secluded experience, you can visit during the short rainy season from October to December when the rains are not frequent and prices tend to be lower. Travelers should avoid the heavier rainy season that occurs from March to May as their visit is likely to be interrupted by harsh weather.
- Plan your budget
According to the destination and expected duration of your travel, you should calculate the cost of accommodation, food, adventures, facilities, and shopping. Check if your credit card will be valid in the country you’re visiting, and keep in mind the legal limit of cash you can carry. You may also tell your bank that you will be traveling, so your transactions abroad do not get blocked or flagged as unusual! You should also look for budget-friendly options. If you make bookings online beforehand, you can avail discounts and avoid last-minute inconveniences. You can fly directly to cities such as Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam, as flights to bigger cities can be cheaper. At your destination, you can choose to walk, rent a bike, or use public transport, such as a Bajaj, a motorized tricycle also known as a Tuk-Tuk, or minibusses called Dalla Dallas. Similarly, you can eat street food, which is cheap and provides an insight into local culture.
- Check travel requirements
Before you travel, you should ensure that you have all the vaccinations you require. You should consult your doctor before you visit so you can have the required fitness level for your adventures, and can carry any medication that you might need. You should also check if you need a visa and apply duly if so. Different documents are required for various destinations so you should ensure that you are carrying everything you need.
- Pack your bags
Check the weather of the area and pack appropriate clothes. Based on your adventure plans, check if you need extra gear, such as hiking boots, tents, or sleeping bags. Make sure you are carrying sunscreen, important medication, sanitizer, and insect repellant. Remember to keep in mind the allowed weight limit of your airline, and keep some extra space for any souvenirs that you might bring back from your trip. Make sure you have all necessary documents such as insurance, proof of booking, passport, tickets, and ID. Other essentials include cash, cards, comfortable shoes, toiletries, electronics, water bottles, camera, batteries, and a flashlight.