Plan your Kenya and Tanzania safari

Most visitors need Kenya's electronic travel authorisation (eTA) or a Tanzanian e-Visa, applied for online before departure. Kenya and Tanzania are separate entry regimes, so a route that crosses the border (Mara to Serengeti, for example) needs both.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months and have blank pages. Rules differ by nationality and change often — always check the official immigration website or your embassy before you book flights.

Yellow Fever vaccination certificates are required if you arrive from, or have transited, a country with Yellow Fever transmission risk. Malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for safari areas.

See a travel-health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly advised for every trip.

Lightweight neutral layers (khaki, olive, tan), a warm jacket for early game drives, closed comfortable shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.

Pack in a soft-sided bag — it's easier to fit in vehicles and, on flying safaris, small aircraft have strict luggage limits. Most camps offer laundry service.

The Kenyan shilling and Tanzanian shilling are the local currencies; US dollars are widely accepted at lodges and camps. Cards work in towns and larger lodges, but carry some cash for tips and small purchases.

Tipping guides, drivers and camp staff is customary. We'll give you a simple guideline in your pre-departure pack.

Road safaris in 4x4 vehicles let you take in the scenery and travel at a relaxed pace, but distances are long — the Nairobi to Masai Mara drive is several hours.

Flying safaris use small scheduled or chartered aircraft between airstrips, saving days of driving and often adding spectacular aerial views. Many guests combine both.