City guides

Most safaris start and end in a city. These guides cover the gateways: how long to stay, where to sleep, what is worth your time and what to skip.

East Africa's biggest hub: a city with a national park at its edge and enough to fill a spare day or two.

KenyaJomo Kenyatta International (NBO), about 18 km from the centre; Wilson Airport for domestic flights

A loud, hilly, friendly capital that most people pass through. A day here pays back.

UgandaEntebbe International (EBB), about 40 km from Kampala on the Entebbe Expressway

Clean, calm and hilly, and the easiest capital in East Africa to explore on foot and by moto.

RwandaKigali International (KGL), about 10 km from the centre

Tanzania's hot, hectic commercial capital, useful as a gateway to Zanzibar and the southern parks and better than its reputation.

TanzaniaJulius Nyerere International (DAR), about 12 km from the centre

The starting point for northern circuit safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs, at the foot of Mount Meru.

TanzaniaKilimanjaro International (JRO), about 50 km east; Arusha Airport (ARK) for domestic flights

Swahili history in Stone Town and white beaches on the coast, an easy finish after a safari.

TanzaniaAbeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ), about 6 km from Stone Town

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