Self-drive through Africa or would you rather be driven?

Two women with light brown and blonde hair stand on the back and side of a white SUV parked on a dirt road. One woman sits on the roof, while the other leans on the open door. Green hills and cloudy sky are in the background.

Going on a self-drive with a 4×4 to the Masai Mara in search of wildlife? Or perhaps you prefer being comfortably driven from A to B by a professional guide? Both options have their pros and cons, which we’ll outline for you in this blog post.

Must-See & Do’s in Nairobi, from Our Charlie’s Angels

A smiling man in a colorful yellow and blue patterned jacket shakes hands with another person on a busy city street, likely in Kenya, filled with pedestrians and traffic. The man, who appears to be travelling, holds a camera and microphone.

Charlie’s Travels is different from other travel agencies because we’re based right here in Nairobi! Our Angels, who organise all of our African trips, know the city like the back of their hand. Ask them about their favourite spots, the best cafes, weekend tips, and must-sees. Only a few days in Nairobi? Read on for this guide from our Charlie’s Angels to an authentic adventure in Nairobi, and plan your days full of discoveries!

The vaccinations you need for Kenya.

A healthcare worker wearing gloves administers a vaccine injection into a person’s upper arm. The person receiving the shot is wearing a floral shirt and a face mask.

You’re browsing the Charlie’s Travels website, have (almost) booked your trip, and just want to double-check which vaccinations you need before heading this way? Look no further! Below, you’ll find the recommended vaccinations for a trip to Kenya, based on advice from the KLM Travel Clinic and the GGD.

Seven Kenyan dishes you must have tried

Een levendige tafel is gevuld met houten planken met gegrild vlees, borden ugali, bladgroenten, salades en flessen frisdrank, omringd door mensen die samen van een maaltijd genieten.

Seven dishes you can’t miss while traveling (or living) in Kenya. Some we love, some.. not so much. But hey, they are still part of our beloved Kenya and who knows, you might love them!

Africa film: Hotel Rwanda

A serious-looking man in a suit stands next to large text that reads HOTEL RWANDA: A TRUE STORY on a light, textured background.

Anyone travelling to the stunning country of Rwanda cannot ignore its harrowing history. Let’s go back to 1990, when civil war broke out in this former Belgian colony. The conflict was between the Hutu-led government (Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa are the ethnic groups in Rwanda) and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which was primarily made up of Tutsi refugees.

Kiswahili for beginners

A man in casual red clothing shakes hands with a Maasai man wearing traditional attire and holding a spear, standing outdoors with a vast landscape and mountains in the background.

In East Africa you can get pretty far with English or French. Still, it is worth putting your language skills to work and learning a few Kiswahili words before you get on the plane.

Vaccinations for a trip to Tanzania

View of a tropical beach and turquoise ocean through a thatched roof, with palm leaves in the foreground and a small sailboat on the water under a partly cloudy sky.

You’re clicking around on the Charlie’s Travels website, have already (almost) booked a trip, and just want to double-check which vaccinations you need before heading this way? Look no further! Below, you’ll find all the jabs you need for a trip to Tanzania (and Zanzibar), based on advice from the KLM Travel Clinic and the GGD.

Cost of a Family Trip to Africa

Three people—two young adults and an older woman—stand smiling at a busy bus stop. Behind them, a colorful bus with luggage on top is parked while other passengers and bystanders are nearby.

Planning to travel to Africa with your family? Amazing! It’s important to have an idea of the costs. In this blog, we’ve put together an overview of the estimated expenses for such a trip. Keep in mind that this is just an indication; the actual costs may vary per group and individual. One family might spend more than another, so see what works best for you!

Tips for a safe family trip to East and Southern Africa

A man stands beside a red pickup truck parked on a city street corner. Tall buildings, traffic lights, and a van are visible in the background on a bright, sunny day.

The stories about ‘Africa’ that reach the Dutch media are often not worth writing home about. Sure, in some countries it’s a mess, but the continent has 54 countries, and many are easily accessible! With proper preparation and a few tips and tricks, you can enjoy a worry-free family trip in East and Southern Africa. Read on for tips on safety in Africa!

The climate in East and Southern Africa

Three people—two in traditional attire with backpacks and one in casual clothing—sit on a rocky cliff overlooking a vast, hilly landscape, accompanied by a goat, under a cloudy sky.

It takes some getting used to for Dutch travellers arriving in Nairobi. Here, there are no four seasons with their typical weather patterns. The climate in East Africa works quite differently from that in South Africa. You’re planning a family trip, but when is the best time to travel, and what kind of weather can you expect in different regions throughout the year?