Travel Information

An expedition into the heart of East Africa is more than a holiday; it is a return to the wild. By preparing with these essentials, you ensure that your focus remains exactly where it should be: on the breathtaking landscapes and timeless heritage of Kenya and Tanzania.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Kenya: Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

All travelers to Kenya are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to departure.

  • How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online at etakenya.go.ke.
  • Timing: We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before travel ($34.05 fee).
  • Validity: Your eTA is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
  • Re-entry: If your itinerary includes a visit to Tanzania or other EAC countries followed by a return to Kenya, your original eTA remains valid for re-entry.
  • Passports: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date with at least one blank page.

Tanzania: Entry Visas

Visas are required for most nationalities entering Tanzania and can be obtained through several channels.

  • How to Apply: We strongly recommend applying for an e-Visa prior to departure at visa.immigration.go.tz.
  • Visa on Arrival: Visas can also be obtained at major border posts (such as Namanga) and international airports.
  • Fees: $50 per person for most nationals. USA Nationals are required to purchase a Multiple-entry visa for $100.
  • Passports: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date and contain at least two clean, full pages.

Health & Safety

Mandatory Vaccinations

  • Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever Certificate (ICVP) is mandatory for travelers arriving from, or transiting through, endemic countries. This is strictly enforced when traveling between Kenya and Tanzania.
  • COVID-19: As of 2026, there are no mandatory COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry into Kenya or Tanzania.

Safari Wellness

  • Malaria: Most safari regions are high-risk zones. We strongly advise consulting your doctor regarding a course of prophylaxis (such as Malarone) to begin before your departure.
  • Hydration: To ensure your wellbeing, please drink only bottled or filtered water provided at our lodges.
  • Insurance: It is a condition of booking that all guests have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

The Safari Essentials

Packing for the Wild

  • Colors: Wear neutral tones—khaki, tan, and olive. Avoid bright colors, as well as dark blue or black, which can attract tsetse flies.
  • Layers: Safari mornings are cool (16oC), while afternoons are warm (30oC). Pack a light jacket and a scarf for early game drives.
  • Luggage: If your journey includes domestic bush flights, you must use soft-sided bags. Weight is strictly limited to 15kg (33lbs) per person.

Currency

  • Currency: US Dollars (USD) printed after 2013 are widely accepted for gratuities and extras.

Enhancing Your Expedition

Safari Etiquette

  • Wildlife First: We maintain a respectful distance from all animals; please remain inside the vehicle at all times and follow your guide’s instructions to ensure a harmonious encounter.
  • The Power of Silence: To fully immerse yourself in the heritage of the bush, we kindly ask that voices be kept low during game drives and in communal lodge areas.
  • Photography with Heart: Always seek verbal permission before taking portraits of local community members or staff.
  • Drones: To protect the peace of the wilderness and the privacy of other guests, the use of drones is strictly prohibited within National Parks and at all Elewana properties.

Electricity

  • Powering the Journey: Our lodges use the Type G (UK-style) three-pin plug. Universal charging stations for cameras and devices are available in all guest tents and rooms.
  • Hairdryers: Due to our commitment to sustainable solar power, we ask that you use the hairdryers provided by the lodge rather than personal high-wattage travel versions.

The Spirit of Giving

  • Pack for a Purpose: Many of our guests ask how they can support the communities we call home. We are proud partners of the Land & Life Foundation.
  • High-Impact Donations: If you have space in your luggage, small items like solar lights, reusable hygiene products, or school stationery make a profound difference to local students.
  • Cultural Visits: Authentic visits to local schools or Maasai/Samburu villages can be arranged; these are designed to be mutually respectful and beneficial to the community.

Our Safari Specialists are Here to Help

We understand that planning a safari can raise many questions. This guide is just the beginning; our experienced specialists are here to ensure every detail of your journey is seamless.

Whether you need clarification, advice, or reassurance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Any Questions

+254 730 127 000 reservations@elewana.com

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