Best Travel Apps for Touring East Africa and Beyond

East Africa Region

Exploring Kenya, Tanzania, and the wider East African region offers an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning wildlife, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. So are you planning a safari across Kenya and Tanzania or exploring East Africa’s hidden gems? Technology is your best travel companion. With the right apps, you can book accommodations, find local guides, translate Swahili, or even identify animal tracks during your game drive.

Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or part of a group tour, here are the must-have travel apps to enhance your East African adventure in 2025

1. Maps.me – Offline Navigation at Its Best

When you’re deep in the Masai Mara or Serengeti, where signal can be patchy, Maps.me is a lifesaver. It allows you to download detailed offline maps so you can navigate hiking trails, national parks, and cities without internet access.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Offline maps for remote areas

• Hiking and walking trails are included

• Lightweight and easy to use

2. iOverlander – Find Campsites and Hidden Gems

Perfect for overlanders and backpackers exploring Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda. iOverlander lists campsites, lodges, repair shops, fuel stations, and border crossings based on user contributions.

Best For:

• Road trippers and van-lifers

• Safari-goers venturing off-grid

• Border crossing info for East Africa

3. TripIt – All Your Travel Plans in One Place

If your travel includes multiple flights, hotel bookings, park permits, and activities, TripIt keeps it all in one tidy itinerary. Simply forward confirmation emails and let the app organize your travel schedule.

Top Features:

• Travel organization

• Real-time flight alerts

• Easy sharing with travel companions

4. Google Translate – Break the Language Barrier

While English and Swahili are widely spoken, locals in rural Kenya or Tanzania may speak tribal dialects. Google Translate helps you communicate better with locals, read menus, or understand signposts.

Bonus: Download Swahili for offline use.

5. Uber & Bolt – Urban Transport in Nairobi, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam

For city travel, especially in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, Uber and Bolt are much safer and more reliable than hailing random taxis. You can also estimate fares ahead of time and avoid being overcharged.

Great For:

• Airport pickups

• City tours

• Late-night transport

6. XE Currency – Know the Exchange Rates

Whether you're bargaining in Maasai markets or paying for national park fees, knowing the current exchange rate is essential. XE Currency gives real-time rates and lets you track currencies like the Kenyan Shilling (KES) and Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).

7. M-Pesa & Airtel Money – Mobile Money is King

In East Africa, mobile money is more common than credit cards. Download M-Pesa (Safaricom) or Airtel Money apps if you plan on getting a local SIM card. These apps allow you to pay for nearly anything: groceries, fuel, park entry, or tips for guides.

Travelling package

8. Safari Tracker by HerdTracker – Track Wildlife in Real-Time

Especially helpful if you’re chasing the Great Migration or looking for specific wildlife in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara. HerdTracker gives updates on animal sightings, including wildebeest, elephants, and lions.

9. Instagram – Share the Adventure

It’s not just about filters. Use Instagram to connect with local travel influencers, find hidden locations, and tag your trip for future memories. Follow pages like @silverback_africa_excursions for inspiration and local tips.

10. Windy – Check Weather Before You Trek

The weather in East Africa can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy seasons. Windy provides reliable forecasts if you’re planning hikes up Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro, or around Lake Naivasha.

11. Safeture – Your Personal Safety Companion

When venturing into remote areas or unfamiliar cities, safety is paramount. Safeture provides real-time safety alerts, local news in English, and SOS contacts. Its unique “walk me home” feature lets friends and family track your journey live, offering peace of mind, especially when exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations in Kenya and Tanzania.

12. Africa: Live – Enhance Your Safari Experience

This app is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. Africa: Live allows users to share real-time wildlife sightings, increasing their chances of spotting elusive animals like lions or leopards. It also includes offline maps, essential for areas with patchy network coverage. Plus, the data collected supports conservation efforts, making your safari more meaningful.

13. Magical Kenya – Your Local Tour Guide in Your Pocket

For Kenya-specific travel, Magical Kenya is a comprehensive app that helps you plan your itinerary, discover safari gems, and connect with local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. It also allows you to create and share souvenir videos, making it a great tool for both planning and sharing your journey with friends and family.

14. Packpoint – Smart Packing Made Easy

Packing for East Africa can be tricky due to varying climates and activities. Packpoint helps by generating a customized packing list based on your travel dates, destination, and planned activities. It ensures you pack efficiently without missing essentials, whether you’re heading to the Serengeti or the beaches of Zanzibar.

15. Kingdon Guide: African Mammals – Wildlife Identification

For serious wildlife watchers and photographers, this app is invaluable. It features detailed descriptions, photos, and distribution maps of over 460 African mammal species. You can filter animals by country and region, and keep a personal species list to track your sightings during your trip.

17. Flapp – Flight Booking and Management

For booking flights within Kenya, Tanzania, or to neighbouring countries, Flapp is a handy app that compares prices and allows you to book and check in online. It’s perfect for backpackers and travellers looking for affordable and flexible flight options

Bonus Tips for Your East African Journey

• Consider guided tours that combine Kenya and Tanzania highlights, including the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, for an immersive wildlife and cultural experience.

• Use apps like Magical Kenya and Africa: Live to discover local experiences such as village visits, traditional cooking, and conservation projects.

• For self-drive safaris, offline maps and safety apps like Safeture are essential tools to navigate and stay informed

Here are a few tips to help you travel smarter and lighter

• Download Offline Resources: Before you head into areas with limited signal (like national parks), download maps, language packs, and key documents like travel insurance, flight tickets, and permits.

• Pack a Portable Power Bank: Many East African destinations are rural and off-grid. A reliable power source ensures your travel apps are always accessible.

• Get a Local SIM Card: For better app performance and access to mobile money services like M-Pesa or Airtel Money, consider getting a Safaricom or Airtel SIM upon arrival.

• Use Secure Payment Channels: When topping up mobile wallets or making cross-border payments, consider platforms like Yogupay to avoid hidden fees and delays.

• Stay Connected but Present: Technology enhances travel, but don’t let screens keep you from fully soaking in the experience. Use your apps wisely, but also take time to disconnect and enjoy the beauty of East Africa with your own eyes.

Travelling

Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Travel Light

Touring Kenya, Tanzania, and the wider East African region is a dream for many travellers, with majestic landscapes, vibrant cultures, thrilling wildlife, and unforgettable moments. But to make the most of your trip, the right planning and tools go a long way.

Travel apps are no longer just conveniences they're essentials. From navigating Nairobi’s bustling streets to finding a hidden beach in Zanzibar, these apps can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re uploading your safari snaps to Instagram, tracking the migration in real-time, or paying for local meals with M-Pesa, you’re empowered to travel like a local.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to travel, it’s to experience. With the right digital tools and the expert planning of a tour provider like Silverback Africa Excursions, you can focus less on logistics and more on the magic that makes East Africa one of the most unforgettable places on Earth.

So, ready to explore the wild, the beautiful, and the breathtaking? Let your journey begin with smart apps in your pocket and adventure in your heart. Let Silverback Africa Excursions craft a tailor-made experience for you.