"ATTENTION! ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION."
If you are planning a safari holiday tour of Kenya and Tanzania, we have compiled a helpful list of travel information for you. If you have any queries or need further details on anything not covered in the list, please get in touch with the team at Blavals Adventure.
VISAS TO ETA SYSTEM.
It will be essential to ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months after you arrive in the country, however, while traveling to Kenya you will not be required to have a visa. Read the following"KENYA IS GOING TO BE VISA-FREE STARTING FROM JANUARY 2024!".
YOU DO NOT REQUIRE VISA TO TRAVEL TO KENYA. INSTEAD, KENYA HAS TRANSITIONED TO ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (ETA).
Please be advised that Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is now operational. All travelers, including infants and children (except citizens of Kenya and East African Community partner states) arriving in Kenya from 4th January 2024, are required to apply for ETA online via http://www.etakenya.go.ke before their arrival.
Please be advised of the below requirements for ETA applications:
REQUIREMENTS - ALL TRAVELLERS
-
Valid passport (6-month validity from the date of arrival in Kenya, with a minimum of one blank page)
-
Passport-style photo.
-
Contact information (home address, email address and phone number)
-
Itinerary details.
-
Accommodation booking confirmation.
-
Credit card, debit card, and Apple Pay for payment of $34 per person.
REQUIREMENTS - DEPENDING ON COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE / TRAVEL HISTORY
- Yellow Fever certificate (if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country)
- Additional vaccinations
Travelers are eligible to apply for ETAs within 3 months of their arrival date in Kenya. Following the application, a confirmation will be sent to the email address submitted in the application. Upon approval, the ETA will be sent to the same email address.
Standard processing time for ETAs is three working days and the status of applications can be checked at any time on the ETA website using the ETA reference number.
All previous visa entry requirements for Kenya are now replaced by the requirement of ETAs. All e-visas currently in process will be issued and travelers with existing e-visas will be granted access to Kenya within the validity period of 90 days, without the additional requirement of an ETA.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for any clarification or assistance
ADDRESS FOR REFERRED ETA COMMUNICATION:
All inquiries, where necessary, shall be made to:
The Director of Immigration Services
Nyayo House
P.O. Box 30191 00100
NAIROBI
Telephone: +25420 222 2022
Telegraphic address: “PRINCIM” Nairobi
Telex: 25396 PRINCIM
Fax: +254202220731
Email: visa@immigration.go.ke, overseasection@gmail.com
Read more about referral visas: https://evisa.go.ke/category-three-visa-regime.html.
RELATED INFORMATION ON ETA APPLICATION:
Approval Time:
The e-visa takes 48 hours to approve but can be issued in a much shorter period.
Availability in different languages will be looked into, but it poses a challenge for local Immigration Officers who may not be familiar with other languages.
Auto Save:
The ability to auto-save applications has been updated to the system. Should the system “hang,” one can refresh the page and then click on the “history” tab to access the information saved.
Payments:
The system 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 credit card owner to confirm. Failure to enter this OTP has been a cause for the decline of card payments.
Communication (in case of a hitch in the process)
Application process assistance is provided promptly
The system flashes two dedicated telephone numbers & an email that can be used to get help:
- General Enquiries: +254 110 922 063 /4
- Payment Issues: +254 110 922 062
System Downtime:
The ETA system has minimal downtime but is occasionally taken offline for system upgrades.
During the downtime, a message shall be displayed indicating the system was offline for upgrade and the time this would take.
Book your Kenya safari today with Blavals Adventure. Feel free to contact us via our website, call +254 725 353 994 or WhatsApp at +254 725 353 994
SAFARI AND ROADS IN KENYA:
Most of the roads in Kenya are paved, but their conditions differ depending on the remoteness of Nairobi city and regular maintenance. Rainy weather can also affect road surfaces. Roads within National Parks and game reserves are generally easy to navigate.
However, driving times from one safari point to another may vary, and they are approximate because they depend on traffic and road conditions.
CREDIT CARDS:
Major credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are widely accepted in Kenya. It is also recommended to carry cash in easily convertible currency. USD is accepted in many local stores and can be exchanged for Kenyan shillings without hassle.
VACCINATION:
We recommend contacting a medical professional or licensed vaccination clinic before traveling to Kenya.
ACCOMMODATION ON SAFARI:
The safari hotels, lodges, and tented camps we have carefully selected for your safari itinerary are unique and will add flavor and romance to your tour. They are comfortable and offer a sufficient level of luxury.
Our options cater to various budgets, economy, superior comfort (applicable only to Masai Mara accommodation), and luxury. Our luxury lodges blend seamlessly with the landscape and feature rooms with all the amenities you would expect from a good hotel.
Our tented camps are built on permanent foundations and have en-suite bathrooms. We offer hot water bottles to warm your bed before you turn in and coffee, tea, and hot chocolate served in your tent as part of your early morning wake-up call.
Except for tree lodges, most of our accommodations in economy, comfort, and luxury options offer swimming pools.
DRINKING WATER AND BOTTLED DRINKS:
It is recommended to avoid drinking tap water. You will be provided complimentary bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle during the safari.
A larger box of water bottles will also be open in your private safari car. If you prefer other beverages, such as soft drinks or beer, they can be purchased at the lodges and camps throughout the safari.
These places also have comfortable lounges with fireplaces for chilly evenings. After meals, you will be served tea or coffee.
SUGGESTED PACKING ON A SAFARI:
Distributing the packing items between your and your partner's luggage while traveling together is recommended. This ensures you both still have some essential items if one suitcase is lost.
Keep all the necessary documents such as passport, visa, airfare, insurance, credit cards, cash, and prescriptions in your hand luggage. In addition, carry information related to your specific health condition, malaria pills, lifesaving medications for diabetics, medicines for allergies or sudden stomach upsets, and analgesic aspirin with you.
Make sure to safeguard expensive electronic gadgets such as cameras and computers. Using, importing, and producing plastic bags is prohibited in Kenya. Therefore, avoiding plastic bags when packing your luggage is recommended.
Instead, use fabric or waterproof bags made of materials other than plastic. If you are found carrying plastic bags during your arrival in Kenya, you may be asked to surrender them.
This includes plastic bags from "Duty-Free" shops and supermarkets. On light aircraft flights in Kenya, the baggage allowance is limited to 15 kilograms, including camera and video equipment. Any extra luggage can be stored at the hotel in Nairobi until the end of the safari.
Additional luggage is charged $5 per kilogram, depending on the space and weight availability. Remember that luggage and personal belongings are solely at your own risk throughout the tour.
It is recommended to have baggage insurance for your peace of mind.
PHOTOGRAPHY / EQUIPMENT ON SAFARI.
When going on a Kenya Holiday Safari, you don't necessarily need the most expensive camera to take good photos of wildlife and landscapes.
Instead, it's more about practicing, focusing, and staying concentrated. However, a DSLR Camera with interchangeable lenses is a good option for a Safari Tour.
If you're planning on taking pictures of African wildlife, lenses in the 200-400mm range are ideal, while a wider-angle lens in the 24-100mm range is preferable for landscape and animal shots in the wild environment.
It's also helpful to bring a video camera, which may already be built into your DSLR. Since safaris occur in remote areas, get plenty of batteries and a charger if your camera runs out of power.
Additionally, you'll need cleaning equipment like cleaning cloths and a blower brush as cameras tend to get dirty quickly in the dusty safari environment.
Bring enough memory cards to take as many shots as you want
Finally, a pair of good quality binoculars of 8/10 x 40 is essential for viewing birds and animals from a distance.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST FOR SAFARI
-
Camera
-
Telephoto lenses (ideally covering 24-100mm and 200-400mm range)
-
Cleaning equipment for lens
-
Extra batteries
-
Battery charger
-
Memory cards
-
Camera bag
-
Zip lock bags (dust proof) Not plastic bags as they are banned in Kenya, so you may use a cloth alternative
-
Beanbag (for Camera stability during photography)
WEATHER & SAFARI IN KENYA:
Kenya offers year-round safari opportunities. The best time to go on safari is between January and March, the high season. During this period, the short rainy season has just ended, and the grass is not tall enough to obstruct your view of the animals.
You can also catch sight of specific bird species that migrate from Europe during winter. You can still go on safari between April and May, the low season. Although this is the long rainy season, the tropical rain mostly comes in short bursts and helps freshen nature, making it an excellent time to enjoy your safari.
June is an excellent time to go on safari after the long rainy season. The large zebra herds cross from Tanzania to the Masai Mara game reserve before migrating in mid-July. From July to October, the peak season, vast herds of wildebeest enter the Masai Mara from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Migration times can vary due to evolving climatic situations, but the great wildebeest migration is typically active at the Masai Mara by the middle of July. Wildebeest start their return journey to Tanzania around September/October, a less dramatic process.
November and December, the shoulder seasons, are the short rainy seasons in Kenya. The brief rain freshens up the pastures, and the grass grows. The national parks and game reserves regained their vegetation during this period.
| Statistics |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
| Rain (mm) | 58 | 50 | 92 | 242 | 190 | 39 | 18 | 24 | 31 | 61 | 150 | 108 |
| Rain days | 4 | 4 | 8 | 15 | 13 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 14 | 9 |
| Day Temp | 26 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 24 |
| Night Temp | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 |
| Sunshine hours | 288 | 266 | 267 | 204 | 189 | 159 | 130 | 127 | 180 | 226 | 198 | 257 |
SAFARI CLOTHING:
When packing for your safari trip, it is recommended to bring casual summer clothes that are easy to launder and quick to dry. Opt for neutral colors that don't reflect heat and don't show dust.
Since the mornings and evenings can be cool, layering is suggested. Most safari lodges and tented camps offer laundry services to help you refresh your clothing supply as needed. As much of the time on safari is spent in the vehicle, wearing lightweight and comfortable walking shoes is appropriate.
The dress code is casual, even in the evening. Bright and straightforward attire is proper for dinner in Nairobi and at the Mount Kenya Safari Club. Due to the high altitudes, you will be exposed to the sun a great deal, so it's easy to sunburn quickly.
Packaging a swimsuit and cover-up is advised, as most safari accommodations offer swimming pools.
CURRENCY:
Kenya's official currency is the Kenyan shilling (KSH). You can check the current exchange rate online. If you have foreign currency, you can exchange it for shillings at a forex bureau, and the best rates are available at the airport.
It's recommended to keep small cash denominations for tipping and minor expenses. ATMs accept VISA & MasterCard; you can withdraw Kenya shillings using them. USD, Euro, and British pounds are widely accepted in many outlets.
It's advisable to exchange money only as needed. For small purchases, it's best to use local currencies, and you'll usually receive a better price and change when required. You can exchange money at all lodges and hotels, but the best exchange rates are available at the Forex Bureaus at the airport or in Nairobi city.
CUSTOM DUTY KENYA:
Kenya's customs regulations allow one duty-free bottle of spirits, 200 cigarettes, a reasonable amount of camera equipment, film, and one tape recorder.
SAFARI DRIVER / GUIDE:
Your safari guide or driver is critical to your safari tour experience. You'll spend several days together, during which they'll share the marvels of Kenya's geography, history, and wildlife. Every safari guide is a local Kenyan, well-versed in their country's traditions and cultural heritage.
They possess exceptional knowledge of local flora and fauna, tribal lore, and regional geography.
ELECTRICITY:
The voltage in the place you are traveling to is 220. However, the plugs there differ from those in North America or Europe. We recommend carrying a set of international adapter plugs and a voltage converter to avoid any inconvenience.
The most commonly used adapter plugin that region 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 (11 pm – 6 am). This means that there will be no electricity during this time.
Please recharge your video camera batteries when the electricity is available or bring extra batteries.
FEES & TAXES:
The price of the safari tour includes government taxes and service charges for accommodations and meals, entrance fees to national parks and game reserves, and game ranger services (where required).
We will provide a detailed breakdown of all inclusions and exclusions upon safari booking/confirmation.
GAME TROPHIES:
It is important to note that in Kenya, selling any products made from wild animals, such as hides and skins, rhino horns, elephant-hair bracelets, crocodile handbags, and other similar items, is illegal.
Additionally, ivory is not legally sold in Kenya. Bringing any items made from elephant, rhino, or crocodile products into the United States is also illegal.
SAFARI GRATUITIES/TIPPING:
All gratuities for hotel, lodges, and porterage services are included in the price of your safari. These are known as service charges. It is up to your discretion to tip individual servers, porters, and other service providers who provide exemplary service.
However, it is customary to tip the driver/guide at the end of your safari tour. The amount you choose to give depends on your evaluation of the quality of service provided. We suggest an average of $10 per guest per day. However, the amount is entirely up to you, and you are welcome to give extra compensation to any staff who have gone above and beyond their duties.
A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
It is highly recommended for travelers to have medical insurance, as they will be personally responsible for any medical expenses that may arise during their trip. We provide temporary evacuation coverage for the flying doctor's service as part of our service.
LANGUAGES:
Kenya is a country with a rich variety of dialects and local languages. While English is the official language, Kiswahili is the national language. These two languages provide a common identity for the people of Kenya.
English is also the primary language of instruction in all schools. Learning a few Swahili phrases in advance would be wise to make the most out of your interactions with the locals.
LAUNDRY:
Laundry services are available at safari lodges and camps where more than one night is spent. Dry cleaning is only available in Nairobi and Mombasa.
MEALS:
You won't have to worry about meals during your safari as they are all included. From lunch on day one until lunch on the last day of your safari tour, your respective lodge or tented camp will provide all meals. In the case of full-day game viewing and long-day drives, packed or picnic lunches will be provided.
The quality of the cuisine in East Africa game lodges and camps is excellent as all ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and fruits, are freshly sourced from the surrounding farmland areas. Additionally, your respective accommodations are happy to cater to individual dietary requests.
MEDICAL FACILITIES:
Nairobi offers top-notch international medical facilities, and most camps and lodges have a doctor available who is experienced in treating common travel-related ailments. We recommend that you verify your health insurance policy to ensure sufficient coverage, as any additional medical expenses incurred after returning to Nairobi will be your responsibility to cover.
SAFETY:
When visiting any place, it is essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. The same goes for your visit here. Please be cautious and exercise common sense. We recommend not leaving cash, jewelry, or valuables unattended in your hotel room. Each lodge or hotel provides a deposit facility where you can safeguard your valuables. It is also advisable to avoid wearing flashy jewelry and leaving handbags and photographic equipment unattended in public places.
SAFARI SOUVENIR SHOPPING:
Nairobi has a wide variety of shops and markets where you can purchase beautiful and affordable items such as baskets, copper jewelry, batik cloth, beads, carvings, Kenya coffee, and tea. You can also find boutiques selling fine art, handicrafts, gemstones, and jewelry, including tanzanite, a semiprecious stone mined locally.
Wooden items are the most popular, from small trinkets like animal head salad spoons and letter openers to world-class ebony sculptures. You will also find carved soapstone items like napkin rings, candlesticks, and chess sets. Sisal and baobab bags come in various sizes, styles, shapes, and colors, which are much more artistic and unique than those available in the US market.
East African artisans have created stunning original pieces and faithful reproductions in response to the growing appreciation of tribal artifacts. You can find drums, headrests, stools, shields, 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 recommend taking all items you purchase because shipping and duty costs can exceed the item's cost. If you must have large items shipped, please note that freight costs can be hundreds of dollars.
TRANSFERS TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT
We offer free transfers from the airport to the hotel upon your arrival, and we'll also transfer you back to the Nairobi airport when it's time for you to depart. To ensure a smooth transfer experience, we kindly request that you share your flight details with us for your arrival and departure.
SAFARI TRANSPORTATION:
Our experienced and knowledgeable safari driver guides will pick you up from Nairobi Airport, a local hotel, or a local residence and take you on a safari adventure.
They will also guide you on other sightseeing tours and return you to the hotel or airport on your last day. A critical factor in ensuring an enjoyable safari trip is the quality of the safari vehicle. As much of the journey involves long hours on the trail with wildlife, the quality of the ground vehicle is of the utmost importance.
Each comfortable safari vehicle can accommodate a maximum of 6-7 guests, guaranteeing a window seat and access to the pop-up roof hatch. Our safari driver guides have a mechanical background and can handle simple automated calls in case of emergencies.
DRIVING DISTANCE AND 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: 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
All driving times are approximate and may vary depending on weather, road conditions, and traffic density.
MASAI VILLAGE VISIT AT MASAI MARA
If you want to visit a Masai village (manyatta), kindly discuss this with your safari guide. It is suggested that a donation of 20 USD per person be made directly to the village chief. Despite the introduction of money and some modern influence, the Masai culture has retained 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 directly by you.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
Kenya is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).
MOSQUITO NET:
Mosquitoes usually come out in the evening when the sun sets and the temperature drops. This is when most mosquito bites happen. We recommend wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to avoid being bitten. Protecting any exposed parts of your body with insect repellent is also essential. All safari lodges and camps have mosquito nets over the beds to ensure you have a peaceful and safe sleep.
CHARGING OF MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRICAL ITEMS
Please note that most hotels and lodges switch off their generators after 11 pm. Therefore, carrying a small flashlight with you during your stay is advisable. The electrical sockets in this area use three flat pin plugs similar to those in the West and are rated at 240 volts.
CHECK-IN / OUT OF THE HOTELS
When checking into a hotel or lodge, you must fill out a registration card at the front desk before receiving your room key. Check-in is usually after 11 am, while check-out is generally before 10 am. During check-out, you must settle any outstanding bills for drinks or meals from the hotel's restaurant or bar. Additionally, an instructional talk will introduce you to the hotel's amenities and policies upon check-in.
IMPORTANT ITEMS TO BRING ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU
- Bring bright summer clothes for safari trips, but avoid intense colors that can attract flies.
- Pack nicer clothes for evenings at the hotel or lodge.
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended for protection against mosquitoes and the sun.
- Bring a good jacket for the cool mornings and evenings.
- Wear summer footwear and cotton socks, and avoid bare feet and legs at night due to mosquitoes.
- Bring a power adaptor with 3-4 sockets to charge your electronics.
- Other essential items include a small flashlight, extra batteries, a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, mosquito repellent, nail clippers, and a file.
HERE ARE SOME ESSENTIAL ITEMS THAT YOU SHOULD CARRY 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 can see the leopard way out there in the tree!)
-
Camera and memory cards more than you expect to use, including a 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
-
A few photocopies of all personal documents such as passports, visas, flights, travel insurance, vaccination cards, international debit cards (Master Card, Visa credit cards, etc.), driving license
-
Telephone list for immediate blocking of lost debit cards and insurance
-
Mail addresses of those you wish to send postcards or messages to.
-
Notebook and pens
-
A good book or something to keep you entertained on the flight
SAFARI BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS.
Please carefully review our booking terms and conditions, which form the basis of your package purchased from Blavals Adventure. Click here to read our terms and conditions.
