Beers of East Africa

East African beers are delicious and refreshing when you're enjoying a sundowner on safari, or lazing on a beach. As long as it is ice cold, and you're feeling a bit parched, you'll think a Safari or Tusker is nectar from heaven. But return home with a sample and you may be a bit disappointed. Beer connoisseurs will turn their noses up at most brews originating out of East Africa, because the lagers in particular tend to be rather weak. It's the East African bars, landscapes, people and wildlife that add flavor. You'll find beer in every local bar, it's generally the most popular alcoholic drink especially among the growing middle class. Imported beer like Heineken is readily available in hotel bars and supermarkets but more expensive than the local brews. Here's a rundown of beers you're likely to discover when traveling around the region's tourist destinations.

Beer in Kenya
Kenya's most popular brand is Tusker beer, which is widely available throughout the region, a refreshing lager with a great looking logo. Tusker also comes in a "Malt" variety. It got its name after one of the founders of Kenya Breweries, George Hurst, was mauled by an elephant while out big game hunting in the 1920's. Other local lagers in Kenya include the popular Pilsner, White Cap named after the snow capped Mount Kenya, the rather unfortunately named Allsopps and of course the affordable Senator launched when President Barak Obama became a Senator in 2004. All these beers are now brewed by East African Breweries, headquartered in Nairobi.

Beer in Rwanda
With its Belgian past, it's no wonder that Rwanda's local brew packs a punch. Primus is a very enjoyable lager, and comes in one of the largest beer bottles I've drunk in Africa (72cl). Mützig is another popular local lager and very palatable. Rwanda also boasts a newer local brown beer called Turbo King. Rwanda is apparently one of the most affordable places in the world to enjoy a brew, according to this report.

Beer in Uganda
Eagle is the most popular beer brand in Uganda. There's a regular lager, and a stronger Eagle Extra. Bell Lager is Uganda's oldest beer, brewed locally since 1950. Club Pilsner originates in Uganda, as does Chairman's Extra Strong Beer (7 % no less) is brewed in Uganda but mostly drunk in neighboring Sudan and the DRC (guess they could use a stronger brew). Nile Special and Nile Gold are the flagship beers of the Nile brewery, based in Jinja, on the banks of the Nile River in Uganda.

Beer in Tanzania
Beer drinking is taken seriously in Tanzania, it is responsible for a huge amount of tax revenue and the brand names reflect a nationalist zeal, or a tourist brochure. Popular brands of refreshing lagers include -- Safari, Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Ndovu. Less popular but widely available is Balimi Extra Lager, a powerful brew. Want to order a beer in Tanzania? Say “Naomba Kili baridi.”

Beer in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is more famous for coffee than beer, but there are quite a few worthwhile brews, some made from hops grown in the highlands. Popular brands include Addis, Bedele, Meta, St George, Hakim Stout and Harrar. If you're ordering a mug of beer in Ethiopia they're called "jumbos". And if you happen to be in the capital, Addis Ababa, check out the Beer Garden Inn, they do a very good boutique beer called Garden Bräu, that comes in a light ale called "Blondy" and a darker one named "Ebony."