Travel Information | Essential Details for Your East African Journey

EAST AFRICA: IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

When planning your safari tour in East Africa with Landplane Adventures, here is a list of essential travel information to consider. If you have any additional questions or require further details not covered here, please feel free to contact our team.

VISAS:

All tourists visiting Kenya must possess a valid visa. Your passport should also be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in the country.

Starting January 1, 2022, passengers traveling to Kenya from countries that require visas must apply for and obtain an E-visa before boarding their flight, as visas will no longer be issued upon arrival.

Here is the procedure for the Kenya E-visa application:

• Visit the official portal at evisa.go.ke and select “Register as a Visitor.”
• After logging in, choose the Department of Immigration services.
• Submit your application and select the type of visa you require, carefully following the instructions provided.
• Fill out the application form and make the payment using Visa card, Mastercard, or other accepted debit cards.
• Wait for the approval notification via email, then download and print your E-visa from your eCitizen account.
• Present your printed E-visa along with your passport to the immigration officer upon arrival in Kenya.
• Please note that the processing time for E-visa is approximately 2 business days.

For more details, eligibility criteria, visa types, and FAQs, you can visit the following links:

Visa Validity:

Once issued, your E-visa for Kenya is valid for 3 months before your travel date. Upon presenting yourself to immigration control at the port of entry, you may be granted a stay period of up to 90 days, which can be extended for another 90 days at the immigration headquarters. The maximum duration of stay in Kenya for a visitor is 6 months.

Please note that nationals of certain countries require a referral visa (Category 3 Visa) or have specific immigration regulations. If applicable, the completed application forms and required documents must be forwarded to the Director of Immigration Services, Nairobi, at least one month before your intended departure to Kenya.

For any inquiries related to referral visas, please contact:

The Director of Immigration Services Nyayo House P.O. Box 30191 00100 NAIROBI Telephone: +25420 222 2022 Email: visa@immigration.go.ke, overseasection@gmail.com

For more information on referral visas, please visit: https://evisa.go.ke/category-three-visa-regime.html

TRAVEL AND SAFARI DETAILS:

SAFARI & ROADS IN KENYA:

Most major roads in Kenya are tarred, although road surfaces may vary in remote areas or due to maintenance and weather conditions. Many roads within national parks and game reserves are navigable. The driving time on Kenyan roads varies based on traffic and road conditions.

CREDIT CARDS:

Major credit cards like Mastercard, Visa, and American Express are widely accepted in Kenya. It is advisable to carry easily convertible cash in addition to credit cards. USD currency is readily accepted in many local outlets and can be exchanged for Kenyan shillings.

VACCINATION:

We recommend contacting a medical specialist, family doctor, or licensed vaccination clinic well in advance of your travel to Kenya to discuss any necessary vaccinations.

ACCOMMODATION ON SAFARI:

Our carefully chosen safari hotels, lodges, and tented camps provide comfortable and luxurious accommodations during your safari tour. Accommodation options range from economy to luxury, with amenities that include swimming pools (excluding tree lodges). Laundry services are available in most lodges and hotels.

DRINKING WATER & BOTTLED DRINKS:

Tap water in Kenya is not advisable for drinking. Complimentary bottled drinking water will be provided in the safari vehicle, and bottled beverages like soft drinks, beer, and other drinks can be purchased at lodges and camps throughout your safari.

SAFARI & PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT:

When it comes to photography, a digital camera (preferably a DSLR) with interchangeable lenses is recommended for capturing the wildlife and landscapes. Good telephoto lenses in the range of 200-400mm are ideal for wildlife photography, while wider-angle lenses in the range of 24-100mm are suitable for landscape shots. Don't forget to bring extra batteries, memory cards, cleaning equipment for your camera, and a pair of binoculars for better wildlife viewing.

WEATHER & SAFARI IN KENYA:

Safaris can be enjoyed throughout the year in Kenya. Different months offer unique experiences, such as wildlife migrations and variations in weather conditions. The high season is from January to March, while the migration period typically occurs from July to October. Please refer to the provided statistics for rainfall, temperature, and sunshine hours in different months.

SAFETY:

Exercise common sense and take necessary precautions while traveling in Kenya. Avoid leaving cash, jewelry, or valuable items unattended in hotel rooms, and do not wear flashy jewelry in public places. Follow safety guidelines provided by your safari guide and lodge staff.

SAFARI GRATUITIES/TIPPING:

Gratuities for hotel, lodge, and porterage services are included in your safari tour price as a service charge. However, it is customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the tour as a token of appreciation for their service. The suggested average tip is $10 per guest per day. Feel free to provide additional compensation to any staff who have provided exceptional service. A bar gratuity of $1 is also acceptable.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

We highly recommend having travel insurance that includes medical coverage, as you will be responsible for any medical expenses incurred during your trip. We provide temporary evacuation cover through the flying doctors service as part of our service.

For further information, please refer to our detailed booking terms and conditions, which form the basis of your package purchased from Landplane Adventures.

Should you have any more queries or require assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us via our website, call us at / +254 742 552406, or reach us via WhatsApp at +254 742 549747

We look forward to welcoming you on your East Africa safari adventure with Landplane Adventures!