The Map – Nairobi
Published: March 2019!
Mapping Nairobi has been the biggest challenge yet, but the map is done! Expect the most points of interest, tips, recommendations, and information of any map so far because Nairobi is freaking HUGE!
Top Tip: Get a Safaricom SIM card and get used to using mPesa, a mobile payment app used by most people in Kenya.
Recommendations: Sunday buffets are super popular and very fun, especially the boozy ones. The map has over 20 ideas for you to explore.
Suggested Activities: Nairobi has a lot of adventure sport options including high ropes, go karting, paintball, and even an inflatable water park! Check the map for all the details.
The Map – Kampala
Published: November 2017
Kampala is a amazing, vibrant city and it has made for a great map! It has all of the usual information, points of interest, tips, neighbourhood guides, suggestions for what to see and do, plus all of the usual little cartoons and fun extras.
Top Tip: Boda bodas (motorbike taxies) are the quickest, cheapest, and scariest way to get around the city. If you want to minimise the risk, get the Safe Boda app for riders with extra training and safety helmets.
Recommendations: Ugandan food is mostly a meaty affair so if this is your thing, check out the map for 20 suggestions for local restaurants.
Suggested Activities: Get an awesome view and a good idea of the scale of Kampala by taking a tour of the Gaddafi National Mosque. The minaret as a 360 degree of the city.
The Map – Kigali
Published: November 2019
Kigali was home to the first Africa Guide map printed back in 2015. This is the second edition for Kigali and it’s bigger and better than the original, keeping in step as the city continues to grow. Kigali is super safe so put on some sturdy shoes and head out, map in hand, to explore this beautiful city of hills.
Top Tip: Never exchange your money at the banks, their rates are terrible. Forex bureaus are much better and, while most have the same rate, Shahanshah in town has the most reliable supply of foreign currency.
Recommendations: Kigali is blessed with great weather and packed with excellent and affordable swimming pools to enjoy it. The map will steer you to the best pool for your relaxation or lap-swimming needs!
Suggested Activities: A city tour is a great way to get a feel for Kigali right from the start. For the most thorough experience, try Go Kigali, or for a neighbourhood experience check out the tours from the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre.
The Map – Addis
Published: November 2016
Ethiopia is a fascinating place but it can be overwhelming to a new arrival, especially its hectic capital city, Addis Ababa. This map was printed over two years ago so things some might have shifted around or closed, but you can be sure to still find helpful information from minibus routes to tips and advice to neighbourhood info, and more!
Top Tip: If you’re eating with an Ethiopian friend and they thrust a bite of injera and sauce towards your mouth, just open up and eat it! It’s called ‘gursha’ and it’s a friendly way to show hospitality.
Recommendations: Taxis are expensive so learning how to use the minibuses will be key to getting around cheaply. They’re fun and friendly but can be a bit intimidating at first. Use the map’s 15 minibus routes to get from place to place without confusion!
Suggested Activities: Cultural restaurants in Addis are frequented by tourists and locals alike for the dancing and singing along with Ethiopian food. Habesha 2000 and Yod Abyssinia are two of the most popular but the map has other suggestions, too.