IS EAST AFRICA SAFE?

While there are significant risks in some areas of East Africa like any other countries in the world, most places are extremely safe. Our itineraries are carefully planned with safety as our greatest concern. We involve you to ensure you are familiar with the trip choices you have and what they entail. We will advise to the best of our knowledge by ensuring you know what to do and where to go. 

Street crime can be an issue in urban areas: carry only what you need with you.

Lock your valuables away if leaving them in your hotel.

Never travel East Africa's roads by night when the region's poor road-safety record gets worse. Don’t walk at night and alone especially in Nairobi or Kampala.

Be wary of scams: the less you look like susceptible, newly arrived tourist, the less likely you'll be targeted.

Uganda

Uganda is generally safe for foreign travellers and Kampala is one of the region’s safer large cities. The main issues used to come from bandits in the Karamoja area of far north-eastern Uganda, but that threat has subsided and is no longer the subject of any travel advisories. We recommend that you put in mind the current safety concerns issued by the Australian government on www.smartraveller.gov.au.

Never take photographs of anything connected with the government or military ( border crossings, barracks, statehouse) – cameras can and will be confiscated by the rather overacting police or security services.

 Rwanda

Although most people think of Rwanda as a highly dangerous place due to its history. Today Rwanda is actually one of the safest countries in East Africa to travel. It is rare for travellers to be faced by hostility, no need to worry like in most other countries. While there are risks in most big cities, Kigali is one of the safest though you should take precaution at night.

Never take photographs of anything connected with the government or military (post offices, banks, bridges, border crossings, barracks, prisons and dams) – cameras can and will be confiscated by the rather overacting police or security services.

KENYA

Security

Nairobi is like any major city in the world be it Sydney, New York, London or Paris.  Take care of your valuables concealing jewellery and watches and hold handbags tightly when walking on the streets.  Gold neck chains can be snatched with ease and it’s inadvisable to wear them.  Keep valuables in the hotel safe.  Do not leave money, passport, jewellery or watches in the rooms or tents; carry them with you at all times.  Be careful late at night in towns or whilst on a lonely beach.

Baggage

Keep track of all belongings especially when your van is being loaded and unloaded.