East Africa: Important Travel Information

Jun 18, 2025 African Safari Kenya No Comments 4 Views

East Africa: Important Travel Information, Kenya Safari 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 Adventure In The Wild Safaris team.

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Kenya

From 01st January 2024, travelers to Kenya will no longer require a visa. Instead, they must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This system replaces the former eVisa system and is currently in effect.

Visit www.etakenya.go.ke to use the new system. This applies to all international travelers, including children. Kenyan citizens and residents of East African Community (EAC) partner states are exempt.

Travelers can submit their ETA applications up to 3 months in advance. It is recommended to apply as soon as you have confirmed your flight and accommodation or tour package in Kenya.

Your ETA Application Checklist:

Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have at least one blank page.
Photographic Identification: A recent passport-style photo or a clear selfie.
Contact Essentials: Email address and phone number.
Travel Itinerary: Arrival, departure, and accommodation details in Kenya.
Payment Method: Credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay for the $34.09 per person fee.

Additional Requirements for Certain Travelers:

Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from a Yellow Fever-endemic country.
Additional Vaccinations: May be needed based on your travel history or residence.

Application Timeline:

Apply up to 3 months before your planned arrival in Kenya.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an email notification. Once approved, you will get an ETA receipt with a reference number. Use this number to check your application status on the ETA website.

Processing Time:

ETA applications are typically processed within 3 working days.

Application Steps:

Upload the information page of your passport.
Take a selfie using your webcam.
Enter your contact details.
Provide arrival, departure, and accommodation information.
Fill in general information.
Make a customs declaration.
Complete the health declaration.
Provide travel insurance information.
Upload your accommodation and flight confirmations.
Add any additional documents if needed.
Agree to the terms and conditions.

Total Cost:

$32.50 processing fee + $1.59 bank fee = $34.09 total.

Benefits of Kenya’s eTA System:

Submit documents and information from the comfort of your home before your trip.
Peace of mind knowing you meet travel requirements.
No need to fill out forms on the plane or upon arrival.
Simplifies the check-in process for airlines.
Reduces arrival queues for health, customs, and immigration checks.
Supports Kenya’s efforts to digitize government services.

If Your eTA is Denied:

You will not be allowed to travel. Contact support@etakenya.go.ke for assistance and further details.

Do Children or Infants Require the Kenya eTA?

Yes, all foreign visitors must apply. For children under 18, a legal guardian, parent, or accompanying adult must complete the application. We recommend families apply as a group.

Information Required for an eTA Application:

Valid passport.
A recent passport photo or selfie.
Contact details (home address, telephone, email).
Travel and flight itinerary (including arrival flight number and initial departure if connecting).
Hotel booking or, if staying with friends/family, a letter of invitation.
Yellow fever certificate (if coming from endemic regions—check the WHO website).

Kenya Safari Travel Information

Credit/Debit Card for Payment

You will need valid credit or debit card information to complete your ETA payment, if applicable.

Does an eTA Guarantee Permission to Travel?

No. An eTA grants permission from the Government of Kenya to travel to the Republic of Kenya, and it is mandatory to present a valid eTA during check-in and boarding. However, travelers may still be denied boarding if other documents such as passports or boarding passes are not presented. Additionally, travelers may face further questioning at departure or arrival which could result in denial of transport access.

If Your Payment is Declined

The ETA system only accepts credit or debit cards. Cheques and cash are not accepted. If payment fails, wait a few minutes and try again. Ensure your card has sufficient funds before retrying.

Safari & Roads in Kenya

All major roads in Kenya are paved, but conditions vary by remoteness and maintenance. National park roads are generally navigable, though rain can affect some routes. Drive times vary depending on traffic and road conditions.

Credit Cards

Major cards such as MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are widely accepted. USD is also commonly accepted and easily exchanged for Kenyan Shillings. It’s advisable to carry some cash in convertible currency.

Vaccinations

Please consult your doctor or a licensed travel clinic well in advance of your trip for necessary vaccinations.

Accommodation on Safari

Accommodations on your safari are chosen for uniqueness and comfort. Options range from economy to luxury lodges and tented camps, most with en-suite bathrooms and amenities like hot water bottles, early morning drinks, and even swimming pools. Lodging details are outlined in your itinerary.

Drinking Water & Bottled Drinks

Avoid tap water. Complimentary bottled water is provided in your safari vehicle. Drinks like soft drinks and alcohol are available at safari lodges and camps, which also offer cozy lounges and bars.

Suggested Safari Packing Tips

Spread packing between suitcases if traveling with a partner.
Carry important items (passport, visa, insurance, medication, money) in hand luggage.
Pack medication for allergies, malaria, upset stomach, etc.
Plastic bags are banned in Kenya – use cloth or waterproof alternatives.
Light aircraft baggage limit: 15kg. Excess charged at $5/kg and subject to space.
Baggage and personal effects are at owner’s risk – baggage insurance is recommended.

Photography & Safari Equipment

Any recent digital camera can yield great safari photos. DSLR cameras with 200–400mm telephoto lenses and 24–100mm wide lenses are ideal. Bring extra batteries, chargers, cleaning tools, memory cards, and a beanbag for camera stability. Binoculars (8/10×40) are essential for wildlife viewing.

Suggested Equipment List:

Camera
Telephoto lenses (24–100mm and 200–400mm)
Lens cleaning kit
Extra batteries & charger
Memory cards
Camera bag
Zip lock or cloth dust-proof bags
Beanbag for stability

Kenya Weather & Safari Seasons

January to March (High Season)

Ideal safari conditions after short rains. Short grass and increased wildlife visibility. Good for birdwatching and elephant herds.

April to May (Low Season)

Long rainy season. Rain mostly falls in bursts and enhances natural beauty. Safari still enjoyable.

June

Great time for safari after rains. Zebra herds begin migrating to Masai Mara ahead of the great migration.

July to October (Peak Season)

Witness the great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara from mid-July. Dramatic crossings and predator action. Herds return around September/October.

November to December (Shoulder Season)

Short rains refresh vegetation. Parks regain greenery. Good time to spot wildlife amid fresh pastures.

Climate Statistics (Nairobi Average)

Month	Rain (mm)	Rain Days	Day Temp (°C)	Night Temp (°C)	Sunshine (hrs)
JAN	58	4	26	11	288
FEB	50	4	27	11	266
MAR	92	8	27	12	267
APR	242	15	25	13	204
MAY	190	13	24	12	189
JUN	39	5	23	10	159
JUL	18	3	22	9	130
AUG	24	4	23	9	127
SEP	31	4	25	10	180
OCT	61	7	26	11	226
NOV	150	14	24	13	198
DEC	108	9	24	12	257

If you need further details or help planning your safari, don’t hesitate to contact the Adventure In The Wild Safaris team.

SAFARI CLOTHING

We recommend that you bring casual summer clothes that are easy to launder and quick to dry. Go for neutral colors 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 into 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 provide 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 the last day of the safari tour. During your safari all meals shall be provided by your respective lodge or tented camps or at restaurants 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 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 at Nairobi Airport, a Nairobi hotel, or local residence. He will accompany you on your safari and sightseeing adventures and return you to your hotel or the airport on your last day. Because much of the safari involves long hours on the road, the quality of the safari vehicle is of high importance. Each comfortable safari vehicle carries a maximum of 6/7 guests, providing a guaranteed window seat and access to the pop-up roof hatch. Our safari driver/guides have a mechanical background and are capable of handling simple mechanical issues 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 – Ol Pejeta: 220 km, approx. 4 hours
Nairobi – Lake Nakuru: 160 km, approx. 3 hours
Nairobi – Lake Naivasha: 100 km, approx. 2 hours
Mombasa – Tsavo East: 120 km, approx. 3 hours
Mombasa – Tsavo West: 240 km, approx. 4 hours
Tsavo West – Amboseli: 100 km, approx. 2 hours
Amboseli – Masai Mara: 520 km, approx. 9 hours
Tsavo East – Amboseli: 300 km, approx. 5 hours

Note: All driving times are approximate and may vary depending on weather, road conditions, and 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 USD 20 per person, payable directly to the village chief, is suggested. Despite some modern influences, the Masai culture 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 by you directly.

TIME DIFFERENCE

Kenya is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

MOSQUITO NET

Mosquitoes appear at sunset when temperatures drop. Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent on exposed skin. All safari lodges and camps are equipped with mosquito nets over the beds.

CHARGING OF MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRICAL ITEMS

Electricity in most hotels and lodges comes from generators, which are often switched off after 11 PM. Bring a small flashlight. Sockets are 240 volts and use 3 flat pin plugs (UK style).

CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT OF HOTELS

At check-in, complete a registration card at the front desk before collecting your key. Check-in is after 11 AM and check-out is before 10 AM. Extra charges for drinks from the restaurant or bar are paid during check-out. Each hotel or lodge provides a brief induction upon check-in.

LUGGAGE TO BRING

Bright summer clothes for safari trips (avoid strong colors)
Evening wear such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts
A warm jacket for cool mornings and evenings
Summer footwear like sports shoes and cotton socks
Power adapter with 3–4 sockets
Small flashlight with extra batteries
Sun hat, sunscreen, lip balm
Mosquito repellent
Nail clippers and file

IMPORTANT ITEMS FOR HAND LUGGAGE

Passports, money, tickets
Sunglasses
Essential medications
Hand medicine (analgesics, allergy pills, Imodium, malaria pills, disinfectant wipes, plasters)
Binoculars
Camera with memory cards and protective bag
Shoulder bag with a sturdy strap and zipper
Money belt or secure inner pockets
Photocopies of important documents
Telephone list for blocking lost cards
Email and postal addresses of contacts
Notebook and pens
Reading material for flights

Adventure In The Wild Safaris is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and memorable safari experience across Kenya’s magnificent landscapes. Please review this information thoroughly to prepare for your journey.