Travel Information

What to know before you travel.

Practical guidance for East Africa, kept current by our team in Nairobi. We send advice specific to your journey once it is confirmed.

eTA

Kenya entry is by electronic travel authorisation, applied for online before you fly

15 kg

Luggage limit on light aircraft, in soft bags

240 V

Electricity supply at 50 Hz. Bring an adaptor

6 months

Minimum passport validity, with two blank pages

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Documents and entry

A passport valid for more than six months, with two blank pages
For Kenya, an eTA. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke before you travel. Approval can take up to three days
Copies of your passport, insurance and vaccination certificates, kept separately
Visa and entry rules for other countries are sent with your itinerary

We do not handle visa or eTA applications, but we will tell you exactly what you need for your route.

Health

A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country where yellow fever occurs, including when travelling between Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar
Anti-malarial medication is recommended. Speak to your doctor before you travel
Bring prescription medicines with you, with their generic names
Medical insurance is essential. Flying Doctor evacuation cover can be arranged through us

Money

Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in Kenya, often with a 3 to 5 percent charge
Carry some cash in US dollars, pounds or euros. Traveller’s cheques are not accepted
Change money only at banks, forex bureaus and hotels
Banks open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Airport banks are open at all hours

What to pack

Afternoons are warm and evenings cool. Khaki and green are best on safari. Bright colours are fine at the coast. Camouflage clothing is illegal in Kenya.

Clothing

Trainers, flip flops, hat, windbreaker or jacket, sweater, safari trousers and shorts, short and long sleeved shirts, swimwear, and something semi-formal for dinner at certain lodges.

Toiletries and essentials

Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent with DEET, sunglasses, a torch, spare batteries, a plug adaptor and a small day pack.

What to leave at home

Valuable jewellery, camouflage clothing and single-use plastic bags, which are not permitted in Kenya.

Flights and luggage

International flights are not included in our journeys. We can suggest routes
We ticket Kenya Airways and selected domestic airlines
Light aircraft allow 15 kg per person, in soft bags
Extra luggage can be stored, locked, at our Nairobi office

On safari

Vehicles and guides

You travel in a safari Landcruiser or minibus with a roof hatch for game viewing, a radio, a cool box and a first aid kit. Your guide drives, spots and explains. Guides are certified and speak English. Other languages can be arranged.

Roads into the parks are rough. In East Africa we call it the free African massage.

Lodges and camps

Lodges are built to blend into their surroundings, so rooms can be a short walk from the dining area. Meal times are set, drinking water is provided, and some camps run electricity and hot water at fixed hours.

Food and drink

East African cooking is mild and fresh. Lodges serve a wide choice at every meal, with vegetarian dishes always available. Tell us about dietary needs in advance and we will let each property know. Drink bottled water throughout.

Safety

Stay in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise
Do not walk alone outside the areas your lodge has marked
Keep children with you at all times
Mobile coverage is patchy in the parks. Local SIM cards are sold at the airport

Tipping and shopping

Tips are at your discretion. As a guide, travellers give US$5 to 10 per person per day to their guide and US$2 to 5 to porters and waiters.

Nairobi has good markets and shops for carvings, fabric, jewellery and art. We are happy to come with you.