Kill two birds with one stone is what an excited couple about to travel for safari to Africa decided to do. Having met at a European University, one decided to bring the fiancée to East Africa to introduce them to the folks but also go on a tour to unearth Africa’s wild secrets.

Here is the glitch; her fiancée rushing to embrace his future in-laws out of excitement of being able to see them face to face after years of speaking to them via technology.

You see, in certain cultures of East Africa hugging let alone being physically too close or unnecessary contact with in-laws always is a straight up taboo.

Therefore, as much as Africans in this part of the world are hospitable with warm genuine smiles, there are things one should know before they get there to avoid awkward situations. 

 

What to expect or not do when in East Africa

Africans are not generally huggers so therefore verbally greeting folks you meet maybe enough unless you are already acquainted with the person you are meeting and they are comfortable with hugs. Physical contact in East Africa maybe interpreted as lack of respect or familiarity and respect is a big thing here.

Speaking of greeting, it is advisable you greet first if the person you are meeting is visibly older than you. This is expected even from travelers especially when touring sightseeing locations that have communities of people in them for example, the Maasai in Maasai Mara and the Batwa (pygmies) in Western Uganda.

Shorts and other revealing clothes when in the tropics maybe a necessity especially due the heat and ease movements when hiking. However one has to discern when to wear them and when not to. For example, whereas such are a perfect fit when in game parks, nature walks, hiking and gorilla trekking, visiting places with lots of locals maybe a different scenario as this will attract to much attention because very revealing clothes are at times looked at as a sign of immorality or indecency. And definitely do not go skinny dipping as this may get you arrested.

Game parks, lodgings and hotels do have excellent and clean bathroom facilities but one may want to know that in remote areas this is a luxury and therefore tiny rooms with a pit in the middle of the floor are constructed for when nature calls!

You may not want to wear your expensive jewelry or pick your calls in busy and crowded areas because although the people are friendly, the latter may at times be a ploy to rob you. So saying no to polite gestures may save you a lot sometimes. This includes; using the phone, cameras, tablets or laptops next to open windows, laying your bag down at restaurants.

Hire tour car and guide service providers for a better experience because then you will not have to worry or spend lots of time on planning for trips and finding out every piece of information. Looking out for a professional service providers will let you make memories of the birds animals and beautiful scenery in peace.

Speaking of cars, in case you are to drive yourself around then do not insist on pumping gas yourself as this is part of the pump attendants’ job description in all East African countries.
If possible one shouldn’t indulge too much in Political debates due to the tension and sensitivity of such. Most East African governments are growing and a simple discussion may be reported as a threat to the current people in power thus ruining ones touring experience by getting behind bars.

Taking random pictures without permission from the subjects of the picture may cause chaos or suspicion among locals and therefore asking for permission before such photos are taken is crucial. This especially when not in game parks or forest reserves.

Hiring an interpreter may be a good idea especially one familiar with the local languages or the languages in common of the places and people you are touring. This will give you a glimpse of firsthand information as the interpreter gives you the message as being delivered by the locals. It should be noted that there are over 1000 languages in Africa with 200 in East Africa alone. The common languages spoken in East Africa include;

•    English
•    Swahili
•    Luganda
•    Arabic
•    Dinka
•    French
•    Kinyarwanda
•    Kirundi

 

Oh and however cool it sounds, people do not actually live in trees nor have lions and cheetahs for pets in East Africa.