Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly

Kenya Safari Travel Guide

Visas, vaccinations, packing lists, tipping etiquette, currency, and the best time to visit — everything our most-asked questions, answered honestly.

Kenya Visa Requirements

The Kenya e-Visa

Kenya operates a fully digital visa system — most nationalities apply online with no embassy visit required. Apply at evisa.go.ke. Processing takes 2–3 business days; apply a minimum of two weeks before travel.

Single Entry Tourist Visa: $50 USD — valid 90 days from arrival
East Africa Tourist Visa: $100 USD — covers Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda
Tanzania Visa: $50 USD — apply at evisa.immigration.go.tz

East African citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan do not require a visa to visit Kenya.

Health & Medical

Staying Healthy On Safari

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Malaria Prevention

Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for all park areas. Consult your doctor or travel medicine clinic at least 6 weeks before departure — different medications suit different travellers.

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Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country (including Uganda, Tanzania, and much of sub-Saharan Africa). Carry your certificate with your passport at all times in Kenya.

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Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. Your travel clinic will advise on Hepatitis B, meningitis, and rabies based on your specific itinerary and activities.

Safari Packing

Your Kenya Safari Packing List

Clothing — The Rules

✓ Neutral colours only — khaki, tan, olive, brown, grey. No white, no bright colours. Animals react to contrast.
✓ Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers — sun protection and insect barrier
✓ Warm fleece or down jacket — open 4×4 vehicles are very cold at 05:30
✓ Well broken-in walking shoes — new boots cause blisters on bush walks
✓ Wide-brimmed sun hat and wraparound UV sunglasses
✓ Light rain jacket — essential during the long and short rains

✈️ Light aircraft restriction: If your itinerary includes a fly-in component, luggage is strictly limited to 15 kg in a soft-sided bag. No hard suitcases on any light aircraft. We advise on this in your pre-trip briefing.

Essentials & Equipment

✓ SPF 50+ sunscreen — the equatorial sun is significantly more intense than you expect
✓ DEET 50%+ insect repellent — apply at dawn and dusk, not during the heat of the day
✓ Binoculars — minimum 8×42. A game drive without binoculars is a missed opportunity.
✓ Camera: 200mm+ telephoto. Animals rarely come close enough for wide lenses.
✓ UK 3-pin plug adapter, 240V — bring a multi-device charging hub
✓ Rehydration sachets and basic first aid (plasters, antiseptic, antihistamine)
✓ Dust bag for camera gear — Amboseli and Tsavo generate significant dust

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not here, contact our team — we respond within 24 hours and love answering safari questions.

What is the best time to go on safari in Kenya? +

Kenya delivers excellent safari experiences year-round, but the dry seasons (January–March and June–October) are ideal for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources and vegetation is lower. The Mara River crossings peak in July–October. The green season (November–May) offers beautiful landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices — though some roads become challenging.

Is Kenya safe for international tourists? +

Kenya’s major safari destinations — the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, and the coast — are safe, well-established, and welcoming to international visitors. We provide comprehensive pre-trip safety briefings, carry emergency communication equipment on all drives, and have 24/7 emergency support for all active safari guests.

What currency should I bring, and how do I pay? +

All our safari packages are priced in US Dollars (USD). USD is widely accepted at lodges and camps throughout Kenya. For tips and small purchases, bring a supply of $1, $5, $10, and $20 notes. We accept booking deposits and balances via PesaPal — supporting Visa, Mastercard, M-Pesa, and bank transfer, all in USD.

How much should I budget for tips? +

Tipping is an important part of safari culture and a meaningful contribution to your guide’s and camp staff’s livelihoods. Industry standard: $15–$25 USD per day for your guide, $5–$10 per day for camp staff (shared). We will guide you on appropriate amounts for your specific itinerary and group size.

Do I need travel insurance for a Kenya safari? +

Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable for a Kenya safari. Your policy must include medical evacuation cover (minimum $100,000 USD) as emergency medical evacuation by aircraft from remote areas is expensive. Trip cancellation and lost baggage cover are also essential. We can recommend specialist Africa travel insurers.

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