Travel Information

Here is a list of travel information you may find useful when planning your safari holiday tour of Kenya and Tanzania.

VISAS

Tourists visiting  Kenya must have a valid visa. Your passport must also be valid for at least six months after the date of your arrival in the country.

Effective Jan 1, 2021, all passengers traveling to Kenya from countries that require visas to enter Kenya shall be required to apply and obtain E-visa before boarding an aircraft as no visas shall be issued on arrival.

Electronic visa application for Kenya:

The visa application process involves uploading your passport picture along with your passport photograph. Your visa shall be issued approximately five days after you register. You shall be required to print a copy of your electronic visa, bring it with you for presentation along with your passport on arrival in Kenya. If you have any problems or enquiries related to applying for an electronic visa, please contact the Kenyan Embassy in your country/region or email evisa@immigration.go.ke.

Kenya Visa Charges as at 5th January, 2021:

  • Single entry visa + service charge: us$51.00
  • Transit entry visa + service charge: us$21.00
  • Courtesy entry visa + service charge: us$0.00
  • East African tourist visa + service charge: us$101.00
  • Multiple entry visa + service charge: us$101.00
  • 5yr multiple entry visa + service charge: us$201.00
  • Fast tracked visa fees: coming soon

Useful Links:

Visa Validity:

An E-visa to Kenya once issued is valid for 3 months before you travel. Once you present yourself to immigration control at the port of entry, you may be issued with a stay period not exceeding 90 days, which may be renewed for a further 90 days at the immigration headquarters. The maximum number of days a visitor may stay in Kenya is 6 months.

Related information on e-visa application:

  1. Approval Time:

The e-Visa takes a maximum of 48hrs to approve but can be issued in a much shorter period. Availability in different languages will be looked into but poses a challenge for local Immigration Officers who may not be familiar with different languages.

  1. Auto Save:

The ability to auto-save applications has been updated to the system. Should the system “hang”, one can refresh the page then click on the “history” tab to access the information saved.

  1. Payments:

The system currently only accepts Visa & Mastercard and arrangements are in progress to include American Express, Union Pay, PayPal & Mpesa.

Critical to note is that when making payments, the system sends a One Time Password (OTP) for the owner of the credit card to confirm. Failure to enter this OTP has been a cause for card payment decline.

  1. Communication (in case of a hitch in process)

Application  process assistance is provided in a timely manner

The system flashes two dedicated telephone numbers & an email that can be used to get help:

Other things you need to bear in mind with regard to your visa:

  • You shall be required to complete a landing card that will be issued to you on the plane, or at the visa desk when you enter Kenya.
  • You shall be required to complete an exit card, which will be provided to you in the departure terminal when leaving Kenya.

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 time 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 to Kenya shillings

VACCINATION:

We advise you to contact a medical specialist or family doctor or even a licensed vaccination clinic well before travelling 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 flavor/ 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 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:

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.

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 lenses 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

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 freshens 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 freshen the pastures and grass start to grow. The national parks and game reserves regain their vegetation.

StatisticsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
Rain (mm)5850922421903918243161150108
Rain days448151353447149
Day Temp262727252423222325262424
Night Temp1111121312109910111312
Sunshine hours288266267204189159130127180226198257

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 colors, 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 artifacts 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, sodas , 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 insects 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

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
  • 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
  • Notebook and pens
  • A good book or something to keep you entertained on the flight