Kenya & Tanzania have been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Safe Travel Stamp’ in recognition of the standardised global health and hygiene protocols that the governments and private sectors have put in place. You can rest assured that the respective Tourism Sectors is taking every necessary precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and give guests a warm but safe welcome.
To put your mind at ease we’d like to let you know what to expect every step of the way as you embark on your journey to Kenya or Tanzania.
Prior to Departure
Negative PCR based COVID-19 test
All incoming visitors over 5 years of age are required to present a negative PCR based Covid-19 test certificate issued within 72 hours of departure from the country of origin. Children under 5 years old are exempt. Direct transit time to Kenya/Tanzania is not counted as part of the 72 hours. It is our recommendation to get the test done as close to departure time as possible (allowing time to receive results before the flight departs) in case of flight delays from your home country.
In addition to the negative PCR certificate, it is necessary to digitally verify your test through the Trusted Travel Initiative
Please check your airline’s specific COVID-19 certification requirements and follow their guidelines for outbound and return flights.
Once your safari is booked, we urge you to take every necessary precaution to avoid contracting COVID-19. Please be socially responsible for your actions and health prior to travel.
COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate(Kenya)
From 21st December 2021, all incoming visitors over 18 years of age are required to present a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination. This requirement will apply at all points of entry into Kenya. Travellers below the age of eighteen (18) years are exempt from this requirement.
Traveller’s Health Surveillance Form
All arriving passengers are required to complete an online Traveller’s Health Surveillance Form from the Ministry of Health in Kenya https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/ and Ministry of Health Tanzania https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz/#/home for Passengers will receive a QR code after completing the form which they must display to the Port Health Official before proceeding through immigration.
Travel insurance
Please ensure you have travel insurance for your safari and check that your health provider covers you for any health-related hospital admission, including COVID-19, whilst in Kenya/Tanzania.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends, and should have a minimum of four (4) blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps.
KENYA
A tourist visa is required for entry into Kenya.
Electronic Visa (eVisa): To apply for an eVisa, visit. https://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html The current fee for a single-entry* visa is USD $51 (subject to change without notice). A tourist visa is only valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, so do not apply for your Kenya visa more than 90 days prior to departure. If the visa application asks you to provide an email address for your host tour operator in Kenya, please use sales@africanadventure.co.ke Read and follow all instructions carefully to ensure a smooth arrival in Kenya. You may be required to upload documents (e.g. passport photo or copy of your passport information page) to complete the eVisa process. If you experience technical problems with the eVisa website, try again a few hours later or the following day.
*A single-entry eVisa for Kenya allows you to enter, exit and re-enter the country after visiting either Tanzania or Uganda, without having to purchase a multiple-entry visa.
Note: Kenya is currently waiving visa requirements for children age 15 or younger. Children in this age group need only present a valid passport upon arrival.
TANZANIA
A tourist visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into Tanzania.
Electronic Visa (eVisa): To apply for an eVisa, https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ visit The current fee for a multiple-entry visa is USD $100 (subject to change without notice). In the section that asks for “Port Type” you can list either Airport or Road based upon the type of entry/exit in your specific itinerary. The specific ports of entry are not required fields and can be left blank. In the section asking for your “Host” you can choose Company/Organization. Read and follow all instructions carefully to ensure a smooth arrival in Tanzania. Please be aware that the eVisa system is still in its early stages and reports of technical problems and confusing instructions with the eVisa website are common.
YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION
A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Kenya and Tanzania if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa–including East African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries. As your itinerary includes visits to both Kenya and Tanzania, vaccination for yellow fever is necessary and you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting.
CASH & CREDIT CARDS
Both Kenya and Tanzania have cash-based economies. Cash transactions can be made in either U.S. dollars or the local currency in each country. U.S. dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis, mainly in the largest shops, hotels and lodges. Access to ATM machines is available in large cities such as Nairobi, Arusha and Dar es Salaam, but limited in rural areas.
OF SPECIAL NOTE: PLASTIC BAGS IN KENYA AND TANZANIA
The governments of Kenya and Tanzania have implemented a ban on plastic bags. The ban applies to “carrier and flat bags,” primarily targeting bags from shops and grocery stores, but also extending to Ziploc bags, duty-free bags and bubble wrap. If tourists have those types of bags visible while in the airport, they are likely to be confiscated. Bags designed for multiple use, such as zippered cosmetic bags, are not included in the ban.
BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
On flights within East Africa, each passenger is limited to a maximum baggage weight of 33 pounds (15 kilograms). This includes the weight of purses and camera equipment in addition to regular luggage. Luggage restrictions are adhered to very strictly and passengers should pack their bags accordingly. Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable to hard luggage for storage on safari vehicles and also on aircraft used throughout East Africa. Dimensions should not exceed 23 inches (58 centimetres) long x 13 inches (33 centimetres) high x 10 inches (25 centimetres) wide.
PACKING LIST
Choose comfortable and casual clothing in natural, “breathable” fabrics and versatile styles that can be layered, as temperatures may vary considerably in the course of the day. For game viewing, wear neutral colours (though not camouflage, which is illegal in most national parks and reserves). Black, navy or other dark colours tend to attract insects. Smart casual attire is appropriate for evenings. Formal clothing is not necessary.
Clothing
- Casual slacks
- Polo shirts, casual short-sleeve shirts or blouses
- Comfortable walking shoes with traction
- A pair of rubber beach sandals to use as slippers.
- Walking shorts
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- If you are travelling during Africa’s winter months of mid-May through early September, bring warm clothing — heavy sweater, hat, gloves, lined jacket — to protect against chilly early morning and evening temperatures. A lined jacket is needed year-round when visiting the Ngorongoro Crater
- Brimmed hat for sun protection
- Swimwear/cover-up
- Personal garments
- Sports bra for women for bumpy roads
- Sleepwear
- Socks
Other Recommended Items
- Sunglasses / Sun block
- Prescriptions and medications (in their original bottles and/or packaging)
- Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
- Charging cables for electronics
*Note: many properties provide insect repellent in rooms/tents. However you may wish to bring your own preferred brand.
Laundry Service is available at most hotels, lodges and camps. Because some laundries in Africa do not accept any underclothing, be prepared to wash your own smalls. Laundry techniques may not be suitable for delicate and/or synthetic fabrics. Check costs and return times before using these services.
While decisions regarding tipping rest entirely with you, we suggest the following gratuities (noted in U.S. dollars) depending on the type of journey.
| | | | |
| | Tailor Made and Signature Journeys | |
| | All Small Group Journeys and Pre/Post Tour Group Extensions | |
| | | |
Resident Tour Director or | $15 per person, per day | Not applicable | |
Group Extension Guide | |
| | | |
Safari Driver-Guides | $10 per person, per day | $15 per person, per day | |
| | | | |
Local Safari or City | Not applicable | $20 per person, per day | |
Guides | (full day) | |
| | |
Hot Air Balloon Pilots | $10 per person | $10 per person | |
(if applicable) | |
| | | |
Airport Transfer Drivers | Included | $5 per person, per transfer | |
| | | | |
Hotel Porters | Included | $2 per bag | |
| | | | |
Bush Lodges and | | $10 per person, per day – | |
| | Gratuities are accepted at each | |
Permanent Tented | Included | |
property and shared among the | |
Camps | | |
| | staff. | |
| | | |
Housekeepers | Included | $2 per person, per night | |
| | | | |
Included Meals | Included | Included | |
| | | | |
Restaurants or Room | 10-15% unless already | 10-15% unless already added | |
Service on Own | added | |
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