The best times to visit Kenya are December through March (when the climate is mild, mostly dry and the game viewing is at its finest) or during the dry season from late June to October (when the Great Migration is at its peak in the Masai Mara). The main rainy season typically lasts from April to May with a shorter wet season during November. These rainy seasons draw fewer crowds while fostering abundant vegetation for grazing species. February marks the calving season for mammals such as antelope, affording a front row seat to the newborns’ first steps and interactions.

The Great Migration is the largest animal migration in the world. Each year, more than two million animals (wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle) migrate in a clockwise direction across the ecosystems of the Serengeti (Tanzania) and the Masai Mara (Kenya). While this cycle continues throughout the year, August and September are the best times to see the Great Migration in Kenya and your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. Come early October, the rainy season in Tanzania will commence, and the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.

Kenya offers world-class wildlife viewing in legendary game reserves such as the Masai Mara National Reserve. Kenya’s most popular safari destination, the Mara boasts the country’s highest concentrations of lions, wildebeest and elephants. Kenya’s Samburu Game Reserve is home to several rare northern species, such as Somali ostrich and Besia oryx. Renowned for its prolific elephant herds, Amboseli National Park also harbors an abundance of giraffes, zebras and cheetahs. Chyulu Hills National Park is known for its distinctive volcanic terrain, boasting one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Private conservancies like Oj Pejeta and Lewa Wildlife afford exclusive safari experiences, such as tracking lions with a research expert and after-dark game drives.

The term “Big Five” refers to the five African animals on the must-see list of every safari adventure throughout Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa. They include the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo. The Big Five aren’t simply Africa’s topmost predators, but rather the continent’s five most challenging animals to track.

Choose comfortable and casual clothing in natural, breathable fabrics that can be layered as the temperature fluctuates. For game viewing, wear neutral colors (but not camouflage, which is outlawed in game parks). Black, navy blue and other dark colors tend to attract insects. Smart casual attire is appropriate for evenings. Formal clothing is not necessary.

Yes, an Electronic Tourist Visa (eVisa) is required . To apply online, visit evisa.go.ke.

• Bright summer clothes for safari trips (Strong colors can attract unwanted attention from flies found in certain areas of the parks). It is cheap to get clothes washed, so do not bring much with you
• Nicer clothes for evenings at the hotel and lodge, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect you against mosquitoes after sunset and, if necessary, against the sun
• A good jacket, as it can be cool in the morning and evening
• Summer Footwear (e.g. sports shoes and cotton socks). Avoid bare feet and legs at night due to mosquitoes
• Power adaptor with 3-4 sockets – this enables a shaver, trimmer, electric toothbrush and any batteries to be charged via a single adapter
• Small flashlight and extra batteries
• Hat that shields against the sun
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• A mosquito repellent
• Nail clippers and file

• 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 get to see the leopard way out there in the tree!)
• Camera and memory cards more than you expect to use, including 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 card, international debit cards, (Master Card, Visa credit cards etc.) driving license
• Telephone list for immediate blocking of lost debit card and insurance
• Mail addresses of those you wish to send postcards or send messages too.
• Notebook and pens
• A good book or something to keep you entertained on the flight

Visitors should exercise the same common sense as one would in any other part of the world. Normal care and sensible precautions should be taken. Please do not leave cash, jewellery or valuables unattended in hotel rooms. Every lodge or hotel has a safe deposit facility for your valuables safe keeping. Do not wear flashy jewellery, or leave handbags and photographic equipment unattended in public places.

• All travelers above the age of 12 years arriving into the country through any point of entry will be required to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted not more than 72 hours before departure.

NB: Vaccination means having received the prescribed doses of specific vaccine latest shot at least fourteen (14) days before arrival (not including the day of vaccination).

• Travelers below the age of twelve (12) years shall be exempt from the requirements of a vaccination certificate or Pre departure PCR test.
• Any traveler above the age of twelve (12) arriving at any point of entry with no proof of vaccination or a PCR test or those with flu-like symptoms shall be subjected to a rapid antigen test at their own cost of 30 USD. Any person who tests positive on antigen RDT will be subjected to entry PCR test at their own further cost of 50 USD and self-isolate as per MOH guidance on isolation.
• Any traveler arriving at any port of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be required to fill the passenger locator form on the ‘jitenge’ platform: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/ and to undergo rapid antigen test at own cost regardless of age or vaccination status. If positive on antigen test they will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test own cost.
• Passengers traveling out of the country, will be required to abide by the particular travel, health and COVID-19 related requirements of the transit and destination country
• Pre-departure RDT or PCR testing may be considered at the discretion of any of the airlines departing from or terminating in Kenya.
• All travellers must obtain their visa in advance, online via: www.evisa.go.ke

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Link for Jitenge Platform: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/
• KCAA travel protocols: https://kcaa.or.ke/covid-19/covid-19-travel-requirements
• Global Haven: https://globalhaven.org/
• Kenya E-visa official site: https://evisa.go.ke/
• Approved PCR Test Labs: https://kcaa.or.ke/covid-19/approved-pcr-testing-labs

PRE-DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS

• All travellers (incl. children) must complete a Travellers Surveillance Form, to be submitted within 24 hrs before arrival. Upon submission you will receive a Unique Health Code which will be requested during primary screening.
• Fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to take a PCR test and must show a vaccination certificate with QR code upon arrival. Vaccines must have been approved for use by the Republic of Tanzania and the WHO.
• Unvaccinated traveller travellers (5yrs and above) are required to take a PCR test taken 72 hrs before arrival into Tanzania.
• Travellers who were infected and recovered from COVID 19 shall be required to submit a proof of recovering from the disease obtained from Authorised Medical personnel upon arrival to Tanzania.

• ON DEPARTURE

• • All departing travelers must adhere to COVID-19 requirements of their country of destination or conveyance to be used.

• List of countries for mandatory rapid test on arrival: https://www.moh.go.tz/storage/app/uploads/public/624/dd0/f91/624dd0f917910528170335.pdf 
• Travel Surveillance Form: https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz/