East Africa Important Travel Information
EAST AFRICA: IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
Here is a list of travel information you may find useful when planning your safari holiday tour of Kenya. If you require any further details or have questions on something not covered by this list, please get in touch with the Fauna Safaris team.
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY (ETA) FOR KENYA
From 01st January 2024, travellers to Kenya will not require a Visa and will instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA system has replaced the eVisa system for Kenya and is currently in effect.
Visit www.etakenya.go.ke to experience this seamless new system, effective from 4th January 2024. This applies to all international travellers, including children. Kenyan citizens and East African Community (EAC) partner states residents are exempted.
Travelers may submit their applications as early as 3 months prior to travel. It is recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have reserved their flight tickets and accommodations / tour packages in Kenya.
Your ETA Application Checklist:
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date in Kenya and has one blank page.
- Photographic Identification: A recent passport-style photo or a clear selfie.
- Contact Essentials: Your email address and phone number.
- Travel Itinerary: Details of your arrival, departure, and where you’ll be staying in Kenya.
- Payment Method: A credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay ready to cover the $34.09 per person fee.
Additional Requirements for Certain Travelers:
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Necessary if you’re arriving from a Yellow Fever-endemic country.
- Additional Vaccinations: Based on your travel history or country of residence.
Application Timeline: You can apply for your ETA up to 3 months before your planned arrival in Kenya.
What Happens After You Apply? Once you’ve submitted your application, look out for an email notification. Upon approval, you’ll receive an ETA receipt with a reference number, which you can use to check your application status on the ETA website.
Processing Time: It typically takes 3 working days to process your ETA.
Application Steps for Your Convenience:
- Upload the information page of your passport.
- Capture a selfie using your webcam.
- Fill in your contact details.
- Provide your arrival, departure, and accommodation details in Kenya.
- Complete the general information section.
- Make a customs declaration.
- Complete the health declaration.
- Provide your travel insurance information.
- Upload your accommodation booking confirmation and flight ticket/confirmation.
- Add any additional documents if required.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
Total Cost: The standard processing fee is $32.50, plus a bank fee of $1.59, Total = $34.09.
Benefits of Kenya’s eTA system:
Kenya eTA enables travellers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their home locations before starting their trip. Travelers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they meet the requirements for travel to Kenya.
Travelers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or at arrival anymore. Kenya’s eTA also benefits airlines by simplifying the check-in process. Transport carriers can easily verify that travellers have been authorized to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and are in possession of an approved eTA. Kenya eTA will improve arrival processes into the Republic of Kenya by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections. Kenya eTA supports the efforts of the Republic of Kenya to digitize its government processes.
What do I do if my eTA is denied: If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment. Contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details
Do Children or Infants also require the Kenya eTA? Yes, all foreign visitors must apply for an eTA. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling in the application. We highly recommend that families apply as a group.
What Information is Required for an eTA Application
Valid Passport
A recent passport picture OR a selfie picture taken during the application process
Contact details (home address, telephone, email).
Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights).
Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted).
Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries (please check the WHO website for the updated list of countries).
Credit/Debit card information for payment, if applicable.
Does an eTA Guarantee Permission to Travel? No. An eTA is permission from the Kenyan Government to travel to the Republic of Kenya and it is mandatory to present a valid eTA during the check-in and boarding process. However, travellers may still be denied boarding by the carrier if other required documents such as passports and/or boarding passes are not presented. In addition, travellers may be subjected to questioning at the point of departure or arrival. This might result in you being denied access to the means of transport.
What to do if my Means of Payment has been declined/refused for all visitors, the system will require a valid Credit or Debit card to make payment and complete the transaction. Cheques and cash are not accepted by the system. If the payment does not work, please wait a few minutes and try again, or check to make sure you have sufficient funds on your means of payment.
SAFARI & ROADS IN KENYA:
All major Kenyan roads are tarred. However, road surfaces vary depending on remoteness from Nairobi city and sometimes due to regular maintenance. Rain may also affect the state of roads. Many roads within the National Parks and game reserves are quite navigable. Driving times on Kenyan roads vary from one safari point to another and are approximate. They vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
CREDIT CARDS:
Credit cards Kenya: Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and American Express) are widely accepted. In addition to credit cards, it is advisable to carry easily convertible currency in cash. USD currency is readily accepted in many local outlets and can also easily be exchanged for Kenya shillings
VACCINATION:
We advise you to contact a medical specialist family doctor or even a licensed vaccination clinic well before traveling to Kenya.
ACCOMMODATION ON SAFARI:
Safari hotels/ lodges/ tented camps are carefully chosen and are named on the safari itinerary/program. The choices are unique and add flavour/ romance to your safari tour. They are comfortable and sufficiently luxurious. They vary from economy, comfort, superior comfort (applies for Masai Mara accommodation), and luxury options. Luxury lodges blend nicely with the landscape and have rooms with all the amenities you would expect from a good hotel. Tented camps are on permanent foundations and have en-suite bathrooms. The amenities can include hot water bottles to warm your bed before you turn in, coffee, tea and hot chocolate served in your tent as part of your early morning wake up call. Except the tree lodges, most other lodges and camps in economy, comfort & luxury options have swimming pools.
DRINKING WATER & BOTTLED DRINKS:
Avoid drinking water straight from the tap. Complimentary bottled drinking water will be provided in the safari vehicle -there shall be a cooler box in your private safari car Soft drinks, beer and other bottled beverages can be purchased at the lodges and camps throughout the safari as they have bars and comfortable lounges with fire places for those cool evenings. Tea or coffee are served after meals.
SUGGESTED PACKING ON A SAFARI:
It is advisable to spread packing between you and your partners suitcases. This is in case of loss of luggage – (in case you are travelling together) All the important items and information should be carried in your hand luggage: passport, visa, airfare, insurance, credit cards, money and prescriptions if necessary. You should carry information about your specific health condition plus malaria pills, any lifesaving medication (diabetics), anything used to treat allergies or a sudden stomach upset (maybe Imodium) and analgesic aspirin should all be kept accessible to you. Any expensive electrical equipment, such as a camera or computer should be well looked after. Please note that all use, import and production of plastic bags, such as those we know from supermarkets, etc., is prohibited in Kenya. We therefore recommend that you avoid using plastic bags when packing your luggage. Use fabric bags instead, or bags made of a waterproof material other than plastic. If, for example, you are visibly carrying hand luggage in plastic bags upon your arrival in Kenya, you will be asked to hand them in. This also includes plastic bags from “Duty Free”, etc. On light aircraft flights in Kenya the baggage allowance is limited to a maximum of 15 Kilograms, including camera and video equipment. Any additional luggage can be stored at the hotel in Nairobi until end of safari. Extra luggage is charged at $ 5 per kilogram and depends on space availability and weight Luggage and personal effects are at owner’s risk throughout the tour. For your peace of mind, baggage insurance is recommended.
PHOTOGRAPHY / EQUIPMENT ON SAFARI
A digital Camera made during the Last several years is good for taking excellent Wildlife and Landscape photographs, it does not need to be the most expensive camera to take good pictures on your Kenya Holiday Safari. Getting good safari photos is more about practice, focus and concentration than having an expensive camera / gadget A (digital Single Lens Reflex) DSLR Camera with interchangeable lenses is a good option during a Safari Tour. Good lenses for African wildlife photos fall in the range of 200-400mm, while those intending to make landscape or animal shots in their wild environment should consider bringing a wider-angle lens in the range of 24-100mm. A video camera if available is a welcome gadget during safari, you may be having it already in your DSLRs as a built in extra. Safari Tours are in remote areas so bring plenty of batteries and a charger in case you run out of power! Bring plenty of cleaning equipment like cleaning cloths and a blower brush as Cameras get dirty quickly on the dusty safari environment. Plenty of memory cards are necessary too – safari adventure is exciting and you may take more shots than you had anticipated A pair of binoculars is essential to view the birds and animals at a distance. Best size is 8/10 x 40 they only need to be of good quality
Suggested equipment List for Safari
- Camera
- Telephoto lenses (ideally covering 24-100mm and 200-400mm range)
- Cleaning equipment for lens
- Extra batteries
- Battery charger
- Memory cards
- Camera bag
- Zip lock bags (dust proof) Not plastic bags as they are banned in Kenya so you may use a cloth alternative
- Beanbag (for Camera stability during photography)
WEATHER & SAFARI IN KENYA:
You can make a safari in Kenya throughout the year.
January, February and March (High Season)
The three months are good for safari, the period is just after the short rain season, you may catch some bird species that are winter visitors from Europe. The grass is not so high enough to hinders your view of the animals. There shall be great opportunities to encounter large elephant herds.
April and May (low season)
This is the long rainy season, you can still enjoy your safari during this period. Tropical rain comes in bursts and lasts a few hours, mostly in the mornings and afternoons. The rains freshen up the nature and often enhance the safari experience.
June
The month of June is a good time to experience safari after the long rainy season. The large zebra herds cross from Tanzania to the Masai Mara game reserve ahead of the migration which happens from mid July.
July to October (peak season)
Huge herds of wildebeest enter the Masai Mara from the Serengeti in Tanzania. Due to evolving climatic situations it may be a little difficult to give specific time for the start of migration. It is however safe to state that the great wildebeest migration is active at the Masai Mara by the middle of July. Wildebeest start their return journey to Tanzania around September / October. The return process is devoid of drama.
November and December (shoulder season)
This is the short rainy season in Kenya. The short rain freshens the pastures and grass start to grow. The national parks and game reserves regain their vegetation.
SAFARI CLOTHING:
We recommend that you bring casual summer clothes that are easy to launder and quick to dry. Go for neutral colours that do not reflect the heat and do not show the inevitable safari dust. With cool morning and evening, layering is suggested. Laundry service is available in most safari lodges and tented camps which can help you replenish your supply of clean clothing, as you need it. Much of the time on safari is spent in the vehicle so lightweight and comfortable walking shoes are appropriate. The style is casual – even in the evening. For Dinner in Nairobi and at the Mount Kenya Safari Club, dress is smart casual. You will be in the sun a great deal and at these altitudes it is easy to sunburn very quickly. Pack a swimsuit and cover-up, as most of the safari accommodations have swimming pools.
CURRENCY:
Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan shilling (KSH). Check online for the current rate. You can exchange your convertible foreign currency in to shillings in a forex bureau and shall find the best rates at the airport. Small cash denominations are handy for tipping and minor expenses. You can also withdraw Kenya shillings at the ATM (VISA & MasterCard). Cash USD, Euro, British pounds are readily accepted in many outlets. We recommend that you exchange money only as needed. You will find it easiest to make small purchases in local currencies, and will usually receive a better price and also change when required You may conveniently exchange money at all lodges and hotels at close to the bank rate, but the best exchange rates you get from the Forex Bureaus at the airport or Nairobi city.
CUSTOM DUTY KENYA:
Customs regulations are quite straightforward. The usual one bottle of spirits, 200 cigarettes, a reasonable amount of camera equipment, film and one tape recorder are allowed to enter Kenya duty free.
SAFARI DRIVER / GUIDE:
Your safari Guide / Driver will be an integral part of your safari tour experience. You will spend many days together as he narrates the wonders of Kenya’s geography, history and of course the wildlife. Each safari guide is a local Kenyan, steeped in the traditions and folklore of his country as well as exceptionally knowledgeable in areas such as local flora and fauna, tribal lore and regional geography. Get to know our experienced safari guides.
ELECTRICITY:
The voltage is 220; however, the plugs are different from those in North America or even of Europe. Due to the variations of the outlets, we suggest you travel with a variety of international adapter plugs as well as a voltage converter, which may be purchased as a set. The most commonly used adapter plug has 3 square prongs.
Important Info
note that lodges in the game parks may turn off their generators during the day and late at night (11pm – 6am), this means there will be no electricity at this time. Please recharge your video camera batteries at applicable times of the day, or carry extra batteries.
FEES & TAXES:
The safari tour price includes government taxes and service charges relating to accommodations and meals provided, entrance fees to national parks and game reserves, and game ranger services (where obligatory). We shall go further to itemize all inclusions / exclusions at safari booking / confirmation
GAME TROPHIES:
In Kenya, it is illegal to sell any product made from wild animals, including hides and skins, rhinoceros’ horn, elephant-hair bracelets, crocodile handbags, etc. Please note also that ivory is not legally sold in Kenya. Please note that it is illegal to bring into the U.S. anything made from elephant, rhino or crocodile products.
SAFARI GRATUITIES/TIPPING:
All hotel, lodges and porterage gratuities are included on your safari price – these are referred to as service charge. Individual waiters, porters and other service providers may provide exemplary service and it is your discretion to decide to tip It is however customary to tip the driver / guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $ 10 per guest per day is suggested the amount is however at your discretion, you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staff who have provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travelers should have medical insurance, as they will be responsible for all medical expenses they may incur. We provide as part of our service an offer of a temporary evacuation cover on the flying doctors service
LANGUAGES:
Kenya has many different dialects and local languages. English is the official language while Kiswahili is the national language, these provides a common identity in the vast country. English is the instructional language in all schools A few Swahili phrases learnt in advance shall enhance your local interactions.
LAUNDRY:
Laundry services are available at safari lodges and camps where more than one night is being spent. Dry cleaning is only available in Nairobi and Mombasa.
MEALS:
All meals are included on safari. This is from lunch on day 1 until lunch on last day of safari tour. During your safari all meals shall be provided by your respective lodge or tented camps or at restaurant on safari route. Packed / picnic lunches are provided during full day game viewing drives and on long day drives. The quality of the cuisine in East Africa game lodges and camps is superb, with all meats, vegetables and fruits arriving fresh daily from the surrounding farmland areas. Individual dietary requests are catered for in the respective accommodations
MEDICAL FACILITIES:
Nairobi has excellent international medical facilities. Most camps and lodges have a doctor on call who is experienced with common travel related ailments. We suggest that you make certain your health insurance has adequate coverage, as once you are returned to Nairobi any further medical expenses will need to be covered by you.
SAFETY:
Visitors should exercise the same common sense as one would in any other part of the world. Normal care and sensible precautions should be taken. Please do not leave cash, jewellery or valuables unattended in hotel rooms. Every lodge or hotel has a safe deposit facility for your valuables safe keeping. Do not wear flashy jewellery, or leave handbags and photographic equipment unattended in public places.
SAFARI SOUVENIR SHOPPING:
Affordable and attractive baskets, copper jewellery, batik cloth, beads, carvings, Kenya coffee and tea are all for sale in the shops and markets of Nairobi. Boutiques sell fine art and handicrafts, gemstones and jewellery, including a locally mined semiprecious stone called tanzanite. Most popular are items carved from wood, which range from small trinkets such as animal head salad spoons and letter openers, to world-class ebony sculpture. Carved soapstone from napkin rings and candlesticks to complete chess sets, are also attractive. Bags woven from sisal and baobab are available in myriad colours, sizes, styles and shapes much more artistic and unique than those reaching the US Market. East African artisans have responded to the increasing appreciation of tribal artefacts with a variety of stunning original pieces and faithful reproductions: drums, headrests, stools, shields, and beaded necklaces and belts from various parts of the region. Some of the most prized pieces feature elaborately worked silver, malachite and amber beads. We suggest that you take all goods you purchase with you as shipping and duty cost may easily exceed the cost of the item. When purchasing large pieces, if you must have the items shipped, please note that freight can run into many hundreds of dollars.
TRANSFERS TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT
We provide complimentary airport hotel transfers on arrival. At your time of departure, we shall again transfer you to the Nairobi airport. We shall request that you share with us your arrival & departure flight details for the airport to hotel to airport transfer purposes
SAFARI TRANSPORTATION:
Our experienced and knowledgeable safari driver / guides shall collect you up at Nairobi Airport, Nairobi local hotel or local residence. He will take you on safari and other sightseeing adventures and return you back to the hotel or airport on your last day. Because most of the safari journey includes hours of safari trip, the quality of the safari vehicle is of high importance. As much of the journey is long hours on the trail on wildlife, the quality of the ground vehicle is of the utmost importance. Each comfortable safari vehicle carries a maximum of 6/7 guests, thus providing a guaranteed window seat and access to the po up roof hatch. Our safari Driver/Guides have a mechanical background and are good for simple mechanical calls in case of emergencies.
DRIVING DISTANCE & TIME ON SAFARI:
- Nairobi – Amboseli: 240 km, approx. 4 hours
- Amboseli – Lake Naivasha: 350 km, approx. 6-7 hours
- Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara: 250 km, approx. 4-5 hours
- Masai Mara – Nairobi: 265 km, approx. 6 hours
- Nairobi – Samburu: 320 km, approx. 6-7 hours
- Samburu – Lake Naivasha: 340 km, approx. 6-7 hours
- Nairobi – OlPejeta: 220 km approx., 4 hours
- Nairobi – Lake Nakuru: 160 kms approx., 3 hours
- Nairobi – Lake Naivasha: 100 kms, approx., 2 hours
- Mombasa – Tsavo East: 120Km, approx., 3 hours
- Mombasa – Tsavo West: 240Km, approx. 4 hours
- Tsavo West – Amboseli: 100Km, approx. 2 hours
- Amboseli – Masai Mara: 520 Km, approx. 9 hours
- Tsavo East – Amboseli: 300 Km, approx. 5 hours
Note that all driving times are approximate and may vary depending on weather, condition of road and density of traffic.
MASAI VILLAGE VISIT AT MASAI MARA
If your dream is to visit a Masai village (manyatta), please discuss this with your safari guide. A donation of 20 USD per person payable directly to the village chief is suggested. Despite the introduction of money and some touch of modern influence, the Masai culture still retains much of its original authenticity
LUNCH AND DRINKS DURING SAFARI
All meals including picnic lunches are included in the tour price. Bottled drinks including beers, colas, wines and spirits are settled for directly by you
TIME DIFFERENCE:
Kenya is 2 hours ahead of GMT.
MOSQUITO NET:
Mosquitoes appear when the sunsets, temperatures drop and the evening night sets in. This is when most bites happen. We advise that you wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. It is also important to make sure any exposed parts of the body are protected with insect’s repellent. All safari lodges and camps are fitted with mosquito nets over the bed.
CHARGING OF MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRICAL ITEMS
Most hotels and lodges generally have their electricity from generators switched off after 11pm. You are reminded to take a small flashlight with you. The sockets are 240 volts and use 3 flat pin plugs as in the West
CHECK IN / OUT OF THE HOTELS
At hotel / lodge check in always fill out one of registration cards at the front desk before key collection. Check in after 11am and check out before 10am. When checking out you pay the extra bills for drinks from the restaurant and bar. There shall be an induction / instruction talk at all hotel / lodge / camp at check -in
LUGGAGE WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO BRING
- Bright summer clothes for safari trips (Strong colours can attract unwanted attention from flies found in certain areas of the parks). It is cheap to get clothes washed, so do not bring much with you
- Nicer clothes for evenings at the hotel and lodge, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect you against mosquitoes after sunset and, if necessary, against the sun
- A good jacket, as it can be cool in the morning and evening
- Summer Footwear (e.g. sports shoes and cotton socks). Avoid bare feet and legs at night due to mosquitoes
- Power adaptor with 3-4 sockets – this enables a shaver, trimmer, electric toothbrush and any batteries to be charged via a single adapter
- Small flashlight and extra batteries
- Hat that shields against the sun
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- A mosquito repellent for example
- Nail clippers and file
IMPORTANT ITEMS TO HAVE IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE
- Passports, money, tickets
- Sunglasses
- Medication you use at home (always in your hand luggage, just in case you lose your suitcase!)
- Hand Medicine: analgesic, allergy pills, remedy for diarrhea (maybe Imodium), malaria pills, plasters and disinfectant wipes
- Binoculars (so you get to see the leopard way out there in the tree!)
- Camera and memory cards more than you expect to use, including battery charger and a bag to protect the camera from Africa’s fine, red dust
- Shoulder bag with sturdy strap and zip. A money belt or good inside pockets that can be zipped up
- A few photocopies of all personal documents such as passports, visas, flights, travel insurance, vaccination card, international debit cards, (Master Card, Visa credit cards etc.) driving license
- Telephone list for immediate blocking of lost debit card and insurance
- Mail addresses of those you wish to send postcards or send messages too.
- Notebook and pens
- A good book or something to keep you entertained on the flight
SAFARI BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please read our booking terms and conditions carefully. These terms and conditions constitute the basis of your package purchased from Natural World Kenya Safaris.
Click here to read our terms and conditions.