Travelling to East Africa
A first-timer's guide to planning a safari in Kenya and neighbouring East Africa — what to arrange before you travel, and what to expect once you land.
Visa & Entry
Requirements differ by nationality and change from time to time — the details below are what each country's immigration authority published most recently, but always confirm before you book flights. Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity and at least one blank page remaining.
Kenya Updated 19 June 2026
All travellers entering Kenya — except Kenyan and East African citizens — need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), including infants and children. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel; applications can be submitted up to 3 months ahead, and standard processing takes 3 working days. You'll receive an ETA receipt with a reference number by email once approved.
You'll need for the application:
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity and one blank page (photographed or scanned during the application)
- A passport-style photo, or a webcam selfie
- Arrival and departure flight details, with your ticket uploaded
- Accommodation booking confirmation(s), uploaded
- A card or digital payment method (credit/debit card, Apple Pay, etc.)
Children under 18 need the official Parent/Guardian Consent Form included with their application. Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country.
Tanzania (incl. Zanzibar) Updated 30 November 2024
Unless exempted, travellers need a visa, applied for online at visa.immigration.go.tz — this takes around 10 working days; present the printed eVisa on arrival. Visa on arrival is also possible: 50 USD for an ordinary visa or 100 USD for multi-entry, payable in cash per person. Children with their own passport need their own visa; children included on a parent's/guardian's passport can travel on that visa.
A passport with at least 6 months' validity is required, and yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country. Travellers heading to Zanzibar also need mandatory travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, arranged in advance via visitzanzibar.go.tz — start this a few days before travel.
Uganda Updated 15 July 2023
Unless exempted, travellers need a visa, applied for online at visas.immigration.go.ug, taking around 3 working days. It's not mandatory but recommended to print the approval letter — the immigration officer scans its barcode to print and paste your visa on arrival. Children with their own passport need their own visa; children on a parent's/guardian's passport can travel on that visa.
A passport with at least 6 months' validity is required, and yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Money can be hard to access — traveller's cheques, credit and debit cards aren't widely accepted, so carry cash.
Rwanda Updated 15 July 2023
Unless exempted (several nationalities get a free visa on arrival, or need no visa at all), travellers apply online or on arrival via irembo.gov.rw (choose "visa application") — around 7 working days, present the printed eVisa on arrival. Children under 16 don't need their own eVisa.
A passport with at least 6 months' validity is required, and yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country. Money can be hard to access — traveller's cheques, credit and debit cards aren't widely accepted, so carry cash.
Travel Between the East African Countries
The East Africa Tourist Visa allows multiple entries to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda — but not Tanzania — on one application. It's valid for 90 days and can't be extended, and must be obtained from whichever of the three countries is your first point of entry (apply online in advance if that country doesn't offer it on arrival). A separate visa is needed for Tanzania.
Health & Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is commonly required for entry if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission — carry your International Certificate of Vaccination if you have one, even if not strictly required for your routing.
Malaria risk exists across most safari areas in East Africa. Speak to a doctor or travel clinic about antimalarial medication several weeks before you travel, and pack a good insect repellent for evenings. Routine vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A/B, typhoid) are also commonly recommended for the region.
This is general orientation, not medical advice — confirm your personal vaccination and medication needs with a registered travel clinic or doctor.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
East Africa's climate is shaped more by altitude than by season in the way many visitors expect — days are often warm and dry along the coast and in the lowlands, and noticeably cooler at altitude in places like the Aberdares or the Rwandan highlands.
Broadly, the driest months (typically June to October, and January to February) are the most popular for wildlife viewing, as animals concentrate around permanent water sources and grass is shorter. The long and short rains bring lush scenery, fewer crowds and lower rates, though some rural roads can be harder going. Your Zenzeni consultant will tailor timing advice to what you most want to see — including the Great Migration's approximate seasonal movement, which varies year to year.
Money & Currency
US Dollars (cash, printed 2013 or newer, in good condition) are widely accepted for park fees, safari balances and tips across the region, alongside local currencies such as the Kenyan Shilling. Credit cards are accepted at many lodges and city hotels but are less reliable in remote areas, so carry some cash.
ATMs are available in major towns and cities but scarce once you're deep into safari country — withdraw what you need before heading out. Tipping guides, drivers and lodge staff is customary; ask your consultant for current guideline amounts, as these are best confirmed at the time of booking rather than fixed here.
What to Pack
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, tan) for game drives; avoid bright white and dark blue/black, which attract insects
- A warm layer for early-morning game drives and higher-altitude destinations — mornings can be surprisingly cold
- Comfortable, closed walking shoes, plus sandals for camp
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellent and any personal medication, including antimalarials if prescribed
- Binoculars and a camera with a spare battery/charger — many camps have limited power access
- A soft-sided bag if any part of your trip involves a light aircraft transfer — most charter airlines enforce strict weight and bag-type limits
Getting Around
Zenzeni itineraries move by road, by light aircraft, or a mix of both, depending on the safari. Road safaris use a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide — see Our Vehicles for what to expect. Fly-in safaris connect parks and reserves by scheduled light aircraft, cutting travel time significantly on longer routes.
Domestic transfers, airstrip pickups and any inter-country border crossings are arranged as part of your itinerary — your consultant will confirm exact routing once your trip is finalised.
Safety & Etiquette
Always follow your guide's instructions on game drives and walking safaris — wildlife is unpredictable, and guides are trained to read animal behaviour and keep a safe distance. Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide confirms it's safe to disembark.
Ask before photographing local people, and dress modestly when visiting towns, markets or cultural sites away from the lodge. Respect park rules on noise, off-road driving and feeding wildlife — these exist to protect the animals and the habitat you've come to see.
Still have questions?
Your Zenzeni consultant can walk you through visa steps, vaccinations and packing specific to your itinerary.