FAQ's

To travel to Kenya you must apply for a visa and is normally applied here – https://evisa.go.ke/ and is normally valid for 3 months from the date of travel. They charge $ 51 per visa application for anyone of 16yrs and above. Anyone below lóyrs does not need a visa to travel to Kenya but needs to declare by the person accompanying them during application of the adult. Visa process takes approximately 24hrs-72hrs for processing. When travelling to Kenya make sure you only apply for a Single Entry Visa (SEV) not a multicounty visa when here on tourism purposes. Guests who don’t need a visa to travel to Kenya kindly refer to the list here to confirm if you need a visa-https://eviso.go.ke/eligibility

Kenya currently have no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry so need of the COVID Vaccinations to enter either. A yellow fever vaccination is only required to enter Kenya if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa-including East African countries such as Kenya and Uganda, WHO provide a current list of all affected countries here -https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/yellow-fever/yellow-fever-risk-areas. For guests visiting Kenya Only no need of yellow fever as it’s not a MUST but recommended. For guests whose itinerary includes visits to both Kenya & Tanzania safari, vaccination for yellow fever is necessary and you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician: you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination because of your personal medical history, he or she can provide you with the necessary documentation for the country/countries you are visiting. You will be travelling to areas of malaria transmission. We strongly advise that you speak with your doctor or travel clinic regarding your Itinerary, Individual risk assessment and optioris for mosquito bite prevention and antimalarial drugs. We recommend filling any prescriptions before you depart.

ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY (ETA) FOR KENYA

From 01st January 2024, travelers to Kenya will not require a Visa and will instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA system has replaced the eVisa system for Kenya and is currently in effect.

Visit www.etakenya.go.ke to experience this seamless new system, effective from 4th January 2024. This applies to all international travelers, including children .Kenyan citizens and East African Community (EAC) partner states residents are exempted.

Travelers may submit their applications as early as 3 months prior to travel. It is recommended that travellers apply as soon as they have reserved their flight tickets and accommodations / tour packages in Kenya.

Your ETA Application Checklist:

Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date in Kenya and has one blank page.
Photographic Identification: A recent passport-style photo or a clear selfie.
Contact Essentials: Your email address and phone number.
Travel Itinerary: Details of your arrival, departure, and where you’ll be staying in Kenya.
Payment Method: A credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay ready to cover the $34.09 per person fee.

Additional Requirements for Certain Travelers:

Yellow Fever Certificate: Necessary if you’re arriving from a Yellow Fever-endemic country.
Additional Vaccinations: Based on your travel history or country of residence.

Application Timeline: You can apply for your ETA up to 3 months before your planned arrival in Kenya.

What Happens After You Apply? Once you’ve submitted your application, look out for an email notification. Upon approval, you’ll receive an ETA receipt with a reference number, which you can use to check your application status on the ETA website.

Processing Time: It typically takes 3 working days to process your ETA.

Application Steps for Your Convenience:

Upload the information page of your passport.
Capture a selfie using your webcam.
Fill in your contact details.
Provide your arrival, departure, and accommodation details in Kenya.
Complete the general information section.
Make a customs declaration.
Complete the health declaration.
Provide your travel insurance information.
Upload your accommodation booking confirmation and flight ticket/confirmation.
Add any additional documents if required.
Agree to the terms and conditions.

Total Cost: The standard processing fee is $32.50, plus a bank fee of $1.59, Total = $34.09.

Benefits of Kenya’s eTA system:
Kenya eTA enables travelers to submit all relevant information and documentation from the comfort of their home locations before starting their trip. Travelers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they meet the requirements for travel to Kenya.
Travelers do not need to fill out forms on the plane or at arrival anymore. Kenya’s eTA also benefits airlines by simplifying the check-in process. Transport carriers can easily verify that travelers have been authorized to travel by the Government of the Republic of Kenya and are in possession of an approved eTA. Kenya eTA will improve arrival processes into the Republic of Kenya by reducing the queues on arrival for health, customs, and immigration inspections. Kenya eTA supports the efforts of the Republic of Kenya to digitize its government processes.

What do I do if my eTA is denied: If your application has been denied, you will not be allowed to travel at this moment. Contact support@etakenya.go.ke to report your situation and obtain further details

Do Children or Infants also require the Kenya eTA? Yes, all foreign visitors must apply for an eTA. For children under the age of 18, the legal guardian, parent or accompanying adult is responsible for filling in the application. We highly recommend that families apply as a group.

What Information is Required for an eTA Application
Valid Passport
A recent passport picture OR a selfie picture taken during the application process
Contact details (home address, telephone, email).
Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights).
Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted).
Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries (please check the WHO website for the updated list of countries).
Credit/Debit card information for payment, if applicable

Does an eTA Guarantee Permission to Travel? No. An eTA is permission from the Kenyan Government to travel to the Republic of Kenya and it is mandatory to present a valid eTA during the check-in and boarding process. However, travelers may still be denied boarding by the carrier if other required documents such as passports and/or boarding passes are not presented. In addition, travelers may be subjected to questioning at the point of departure or arrival. This might result in you being denied access to the means of transport.

What to do if my Means of Payment has been declined/refused For all visitors, the system will require a valid Credit or Debit card to make payment and complete the transaction. Cheques and cash are not accepted by the system. If the payment does not work, please wait a few minutes and try again, or check to make sure you have sufficient funds on your means of payment.

We don’t rush our guests! Game viewing and our stunning landscapes are best enjoyed with ample time! Hence, we always recommend that you stay for a minimum of 3 nights in one location, allowing you 2 full days to enjoy the area and the various activities offered. Where only one night is adequate, we will advise you.

Once you send us an enquiry, we shall assign one of our experienced Tour Consultants to help design the Safari of your dreams! With our extensive knowledge we’re able to give you best advice and recommendations to suit your interest.
We are dedicated to making your trip a memorable experience in every aspect! We would need to know the number of persons traveling, if there any children in the group and their ages, the number of days you have available, travel dates if known and your budget / interest.

0ur selection of Economy, comfort and luxury accommodation options for lodges and tented camps are sufficiently comfortable and adequate for relaxation , overnights and meals. However standard of facilities ,style and location are varied.

Luxury safari Lodges and Tented Camps

In almost all instances, luxury lodges & Tented camps are located at vantage locations within the national parks and game reserves. They are unique in architecture and design. They also provide easy access to the game viewing areas. The facilities and comfort levels are of higher standard. Rooms/, tents are private and en -suite. There shall most likely be a swimming pool in most of the luxury facilities

View luxury safari lodge / camps

Comfort safari Lodges and Tented Camps

Comfort lodges and camps may be located inside or just at the boundaries of the national parks and game reserves. Others may be slightly further .In all instances ,they are less than 30 minutes from the park entry gate . The facilities’ comfort levels are sufficiently adequate although slightly lower than for luxury accommodation level. The rooms and tents in this comfort level category are also private and en suite. Most comfort lodges / tented camps shall have a swimming pool.

View comfort level safari lodges / tented camps https:/

Economy safari Lodges and Tented Camps

Almost all economy lodges and tented camps (except a few) are located outside of the National park boundaries and just next to the park. They are easy ,comfortable and sufficiently adequate for relaxation , overnight and meals although relatively basic compared to the luxury and comfort options. Rooms and tents are private and have en -suite bathroom facilities. Most of the economy options may also have a swimming pool.

View economy level safari lodges ;

SAFARI LODGES

A safari lodge in Africa is located in a remote Wildlife area and is made up of a number of cottages / chalets spread over a landscaped land .Here shall be a main building which houses a restaurant, bar, gift shop together with the reception and also administration facilities. In most cases, there may be a swimming room,

The lodge’s en-suite guestrooms are spread in smaller separate scattered cottages around the main central building.

The atmosphere is usually rustic and compliments the natural surroundings while bringing in the essence of the wild

Safari lodges vary in size, unique design, location and standards with a nice range in economy , comfort and luxury category.

SAFARI CAMPS

The safari tented camps share some similarities with safari lodges in layout , purpose and location.

A tented camp is composed of the Main building (housing the public areas) usually thatched African style for effect .It may also be made of a large tent .The en-suite guest tents are scattered around the main building providing a private feel.

The tented camp is a composition of large en-suite walk in tents which are built on a solid floor base and are complete with private bathrooms and a small terrace or veranda.

Essentially they are rooms with the exterior being canvas rather than wood or brick.

The tented camp complex may also have a swimming pool.

Tented camps range from the comfort, superior comfort, luxury to the super luxury.

In case you are booked on a Kenya fly -in safari and or you would consider taking local / domestic safari flights to the national parks / game reserves , there is a baggage allowance.

The baggage allowance for local domestic flights commuting between national parks is 15kgs excluding hand luggage

You may store extra luggage not required on safari at our Nairobi or Mombasa offices for free.

You may also choose to pay an extra $ 5 per kilogram for any extra baggage if you decide to carry all your baggage around with you (this is subject to flight / carrier capacity

As an extension of our safari tour services , Tuje Africa Safaris provides free return airport / hotel transfers for our guests booked a 3 days plus safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even when you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start / end

In all cases , you shall share with us your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and timings ,we shall in return provide transfer driver name and telephone contact in advance of your arrival / departure

Your safari tour Jeep has a generous luggage compartment at the rear and can comfortably carry 6 suitcases with an average 25 -30kgs each

You may carry hand luggage with your vital stuff inside the safari jeep.

We suggest that you pack / carry your luggage in soft sided suitcases for ease of storage in safari vehicle and also to minimize on friction and damage during the sometimes bumpy road safari trips.

The maximum number of persons allowed in one room / tent are 3 , these can be accommodated in a double bed and a single bed or in 3 single beds.

Where 4 persons or more are travelling together and prefer stay in one room / tent , we may book them in 2 rooms with interconnecting doors

For those that may prefer to stay close as family or friends , we may book them in adjacent tents / rooms

Some safari lodges / camps have family units for maximum of 4 persons only. This however includes an extra cost.

All safari rooms / tents are private with own bathroom / toilet

On our overnight group sharing safari ,it is not possible to request for an extra day safari extension

This is because you share your safari Jeep with the other travelers on a seat in car basis .It also means that you leave and return to Nairobi as a group

It would thus require a unanimous decision to extend safari from all tour participants for this to happen . It would also be subject to the availability of extended accommodation in the respective tented camp / lodge.

An extra day on safari shall also require extra payment.

Almost all safari lodges / tented camp accommodations during your safari do provide free Wifi . These is in the three accommodation levels of economy , comfort and luxury

Wifi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges / tented camps including the reception, dining areas and lounge . It is not provided in the individual rooms/ tents.

We provide free Wifi in our 4×4 Safari jeeps with connectivity being at approximately 70% due to local Kenyan network coverage

The SGR train travel between Mombasa and Nairobi and now being extended to Near Lake Naivasha is the most recent and safest way to travel in Kenya.

It is also the most exotic means of travel between the Kenya interior and Kenya coast.

The train coaches are air conditioned and with wide windows for best scenic views.

From Nairobi to Mombasa and vise versa , the train meanders through the Tsavo West & Tsavo East.

It is absolutely safe for both passengers and luggage. . .

Best 360 degrees landscape views can be experienced from the restaurant car of the train.

Tipping in Kenya although not mandatory is expected after a good service.

All hotels, lodges and porterage gratuities are included on your safari price – this are collectively referred to as service charge.

Individual waiters, porters and other hotel service employees may provide exemplary service and it is your discretion to decide to tip .Usually $ 1 -$ 5 per move or sitting is appropriate and appreciated.

It is however customary to tip your safari driver / guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $ 10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your (safari only cost ) is suggested . The amount is however at your discretion, you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staff who have provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.

You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD or in Euro at the end of your safari / tour and preferably in an envelope.

We wholeheartedly recommend that our guests have a policy that covers their trip, as travel insurance offers major advantages. Whether you purchase travel insurance for your Micato journey, as well as from whom, is entirely up to you.

We encourage our overseas guests to investigate travel insurance providers. To our U.S.-based travellers we highly recommend Trip Mate.

Light cotton clothing during the day such as T-Shirts & shorts.

Long sleeved shirts and long cotton trousers (or jeans), sweaters for the evening

Windbreaker / rain jacket for the early morning and evening game drives

Sun Hat / cap

Swimming outfit

The perfect countries to take children on Safari is Kenya being “more child friendly” and the best destination to have a “first time safari”. Children of any age can “join” a safari whereby we do recommend that your child is at least 3 years of age as it is harder to travel with infants. Many properties offer family rooms or family suites which are either one larger room / tent or simply inter-connecting rooms / tents. We do recommend that you check driving distances with your consultant. We offer specific “FAMILY SAFARIS” which are tried and tested and each location offers unique activities to choose from.

Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include Nairobi hotel stay

In case you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after safari finish ,you require a Nairobi hotel.

Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in economy ,comfort and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.

As part of your safari tour ,Natural world safari shall pick you up and drop you off at your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes areas around Nairobi

We suggest that you look up and book online your favorite Nairobi hotel .In case you do require advise, suggestions or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel ,we shall be happy to assist.