CLIMATE

• Rainy Seasons: Mid-March to June and October-November.
• Dry Season: Ideal for wildlife viewing, particularly during the European summer and winter periods.
• Temperature Variation: Coastal areas are warmer and more humid, while regions near Mount Kenya are cooler due to higher altitudes.
  
  

BEST TIME TO VISIT
The ideal time to explore East Africa depends on your interests: 

• April to May: 
  Long rains bring lush greenery and fewer tourists.
  Stunning scenic views in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
• July to September: 
  Peak dry season with unparalleled wildlife viewing in Serengeti, Masai Mara, and Tarangire.
  Family-friendly coastal retreats in Zanzibar.
• December to March: 
  Warm and pleasant (15°C–28°C).
  Perfect for gorilla trekking, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and visiting the Serengeti or Zanzibar.
  Best for exploring Kenya’s national parks with abundant wildlife and birdlife.
  
  

Pro Travel Tips

• April to May: Ideal for budget travelers, offering discounts and vibrant landscapes despite the rains.
• June, October and November:  A transitional month with minimal rain, great for early wildlife spotting.
• July–October: Book accommodations well in advance during the Great Migration.
  
  

VISAS

• Kenya: Visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance, as visas on arrival are not issued without an approved ETA. Single-entry visa costs USD 50, plus a USD 1 service fee. Apply online 90-30 days before travel via the eCitizen portal (processing takes ~7 days).
• Uganda: Tourist visa costs USD 50, valid for 90 days. Apply online via the eCitizen portal (processing takes ~7 days).
• Tanzania & Rwanda: Visas available on arrival at airports or border points.
• East African Tourist Visa: Costs USD 100, allowing 90-day multiple entry to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda (Tanzania not included).
  
  

HEALTH

• Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory.
• Malaria is prevalent; consult a doctor about prophylaxis.
• Visit your travel doctor for up-to-date health advice.
  
  

LANGUAGE

• Uganda: Luganda (national), English (official).
• Rwanda: Kinyarwanda, French, and English (official).
• Kenya & Tanzania: Kiswahili (national), English (official).
  
  

MONEY

• Currencies:
  
  • Uganda: Uganda Shilling (UGX)
  • Rwanda: Rwandan Franc (RWF)
  • Kenya: Kenya Shilling (KSh)
  • Tanzania: Tanzania Shilling (TSh)
• Accepted Currencies: US dollars (printed post-2003), euros, and British pounds.
  
  

ATM & Credit Cards: Widely available in major towns; international Visa cards accepted. Note: Hotels may charge a 3-5% credit card
surcharge. Here’s the revised and well-organized version with the categories you suggested:

SAFARI CLOTHING

For Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, packing the right items is essential for comfort and protection.

CLOTHING

• Neutral-Coloured
  Light Clothing: Pack beige, khaki, or tan shirts, blouses, pants, and shorts for warm days.
• Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants: Protects from scratches and bug bites during jungle treks.
• Sweaters or Light Jackets: Useful for colder areas and chilly evenings.
• Swimwear: Ideal for lodges with pools or coastal visits like Zanzibar and Mombasa.
• Poncho: Protects against unpredictable tropical rain.

FOOTWEAR

• Waterproof Boots: Essential for primate trekking in parks like Bwindi, Kibale, and Volcanoes.
• Open Shoes/Flip Flops: Comfortable for savannah parks during hot days.
• Hand Gloves: Useful for forest walks to avoid scratches and improve grip.

SUN PROTECTION

• Sunscreen: Essential for skin protection in the tropical climate.
• Sunglasses & Hat: Shield eyes and face from the strong sunlight.
• Lip/Heel Balm: Prevents dryness and cracking caused by sun exposure and dry conditions.

REPELLENT & INSECT PROTECTION

• Insect Repellent: Keeps bugs at bay, especially in forests or during evenings.
• Citronella Soap: Dual-purpose insect repellent.

EXTRAS

• Binoculars: Essential for spotting distant wildlife and birds.
• Camera: Capture and immortalize your safari moments.
• Travel Pouch Bag: Keeps essentials like passports, money, and phones secure.
• Type G UK Electric Adaptors: Necessary for charging devices; many lodges provide them.
• Hand Wipes & First Aid Kit: For hygiene and emergencies.