African Safaris, Welcome to the WILD.

In this context, East Africa refers to the countries where Flash McTours operates: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.  In general terms, East Africa includes a total of 18 sovereign states and 4 territories.

East Africa is located in the equatorial region on the east coast of the African continent.  The coastal areas border the Indian Ocean.  Key geographic features include the East African Rift Valley, Africa’s highest peaks (Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro) and several of Africa’s great lakes, including Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.

For international arrivals, East Africa can be reached on several international airlines from airports around the globe.  Due to its popularity with tourists, there are regular direct and indirect flights to the region.  Most nationalities require a visa to enter East African countries.

The Best Time of the Year to go on an African Safari depends largely on the reason for your visit.  For instance, to view the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya or Tanzania, you should visit from July to October during the Dry Season.  However, if you want to see Wild Gorillas in either Rwanda or Uganda, it is best to visit from June to September or December to February.

Across East Africa, hundreds of different indigenous languages are spoken.  In Kenya, Tanzania and to a lesser extent in Uganda, Swahili is commonly spoken – although the predominant language in Uganda is Luganda.  In Rwanda the most widely spoken language is Kinyarwanda.  English is commonly spoken in the tourist areas of all four countries mentioned, and French is quite common in Rwanda.

East Africa is the home of the last great herds of wild animals to be found anywhere on earth. It is a unique and compelling destination that leaves an indelible mark on the soul of every visitor. Our African safari tours enable you to experience these animals up close in their natural habitat. Depending on the specific safari you can expect to see…

• Lions, leopards and cheetahs
• Hippos
• Elephants
• Black or white rhinos
• Giraffes
• Buffalos
• Hyenas
• Zebras
• Wildebeest
• Nile crocodiles
• Mountain gorillas
• And more…

In the past, most people arriving in Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda on African safari holidays were able to obtain a visa upon arrival. That is no longer the case. All 3 countries have done away with their VOAs and now require visitors to apply for a visa through their respective online systems. Kenya’s can be found here, Uganda’s here, and Tanzania’s here. Each site will tell you exactly which documents you need

Generally speaking, due to tourist-friendly policies and robust tourism infrastructure, East Africa is considered safe to visit.  However, there may be isolated areas where travel should be undertaken with caution or avoided.  It is always best to seek guidance regarding potential travel advisories issued by consulting your travel specialist or diplomatic missions abroad.  As with all travel, follow standard travel precautions like avoiding unseemly areas, not travelling alone (particularly after dark), ensuring your valuables are secure and being careful that food and water is hygienic.

What to pack will depend on the time of the year that you visit and the activities that you plan to undertake.  We have prepared comprehensive packing lists for [going on safari] and [mountain trekking].  For further guidance, feel free to contact Flash McTours.

It is highly recommended that people on African safari package holidays get vaccinated for:

• Hepatitis A
• Yellow fever
• Meningitis
• Typhoid

It is also recommended that travellers take proper precautions to protect themselves from malaria. Talk to your doctor before leaving for Africa.

Common to all visits to East Africa is a warm welcome and the obvious love the locals have for their countries.  As developing nations, each of the countries has different levels of infrastructure.  However, due to the region’s popularity with international tourists, the hospitality industry and allied services are comparable to international standards.  East Africa highly values its natural heritage and conservation efforts are evident throughout.  With hundreds of different ethnic groups, the area is extremely diverse culturally; as is seen in the traditions, architecture, clothing, cuisine, music, dance and art.  The climate is generally pleasant, with warm to hot days cooling overnight.

We offer an array of the best safari holidays for 2022 that range from 2 to 13 days in length, encompass 2 to 10 locations (occasionally more) and focus on different types of wildlife. We also offer breathtaking aerial safaris.

With so much to offer, visitors could easily spend months in the region.  For practical purposes, we suggest at least 5 days per country.  This will give you time to acclimatize, relax, explore and enjoy at least some of the innumerable destinations worth visiting.

Yes.  As most children have an affinity for exploring and nature, there are numerous activities that will appeal to their enquiring minds.  The wildlife is diverse and abundant, with opportunities for encounters.  Children can also participate in cultural activities.  East Africa’s beaches are amongst the most pristine in the world and a playground for all.

Yes.  With the popularity of East Africa as a tourist destination, Flash McTours will assist you in arranging guided tours whatever your interests may be.

Yes.  Generally, WiFi and mobile signals are good in major cities and towns.  In more rural areas it can be weak or non-existent.  We recommend purchasing a local SIM package, with data if you need internet access.

Visitors to East Africa spend between US$50-$75 per person per day.  US dollars are widely accepted for tender in established tourist areas.  Carry some of the local currency for incidental purchases.  Most ATMs dispense the local currency.  Credit card facilities are often available at tourist establishments and retailers in major centres, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted.

• Safari, Gorilla and Mountain Guides – US$20 per person per day
• Trackers and Mountain Porters – $10 per person per day
• General Hotel Staff – $10-20 per room per day
• Restaurants – 10% of total bill
• Hotel Porters – $1 per bag

While tipping is common practice in East Africa, it is not mandatory.

Accommodations ranging from basic campsites to ultra-luxury lodges can be found across East Africa.  Ask Flash McTours to assist in choosing accommodations suitable for your budget and preferences.

• Kenya – Masai Mara National Reserve
• Tanzania – Serengeti National Park and Zanzibar
• Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
• Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Yes, provided you obtain the necessary visas for each country, you can visit both countries in one vacation

Kenya and Tanzania share the reputation of being the best Big 5 safari destinations.

Rwanda and Uganda share the reputation for excellent viewing of gorillas and chimpanzees.<

Yes.  Africa is regarded as the “Cradle of Humankind” and boasts a long and storied past.  There is an abundance of opportunities to learn more about East Africa’s history and Flash McTours will assist you in learning more.

Yes.  East Africa is a photographer’s dream destination with abundant wildlife, colourful cultures and amazing landscapes.

East Africa boasts huge cultural diversity and there are numerous opportunities to interact with various cultures across the region, including village visits, cultural festivals and community upliftment projects.

Yes.  Flash McTours will assist with arranging encounters with local communities.

East Africa is considered the birthplace of modern humans, thought to have emerged over 200,000 years ago.