COVID Policy

The need and want for travel is as much as it has been before, but with the never-ending COVID-19 global pandemic, that may feel almost impossible. Is a wildlife safari even possible without a vaccine?

Whilst scientists continue their noble efforts to develop vaccines against the virus, life still goes on here in East Africa. African safaris are still possible and travel is indeed possible.

PCR Certificates & Vaccination Status

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has certified Kenya as one of 80 travel destinations with a “Safe Travel Stamp”. This means that the hygiene and safety protocols in place in the country have been viewed as safe and effective. And now Kenya has joined Botswana in NOT requiring fully vaccinated guests to provide a PCR before travel. Unvaccinated travellers can now enter and do not need to provide a PCR and do a Rapid Antigen on arrival before proceeding with their safari. 

Wearing Face Mask

In Kenya

The government requires all occupants of vehicles to wear masks at all times when driving in cities and towns (though not mandatory). Masks are required when participating in seat in vehicle safaris where you are sharing with other people outside of your family group.
If on a private safari where you are only in the vehicle with other members of your family group (including friends), masks are optional on game drives and drives between parks where the roof hatch or windows are open (except when passing through a city or town).

In Tanzania

Masks are required when participating in seat in vehicle safaris where you are sharing with other people outside of your family group.
If on a private safari where you are only in the vehicle with other members of your family group (including friends), masks are optional on game drives and drives between parks where the roof hatch or windows are open.
However, masks are required at all times when arriving and departing hotels, lodges, and camps and at park gates and other stops.

Are masks provided?

No.  Travellers should bring their own masks.  Hotels, lodges and camps may have these available at an additional cost.  

Is hand sanitiser provided?

Hand sanitiser will be available in the vehicles.  Travellers are encouraged to bring their own.

Visa Requirements

If travellers are travelling under passports that have allowed visas on arrival in the past, it is still possible to get visas on arrival now.  However, we highly recommend that travellers get visas in advance to reduce the amount of time they are in the airport on arrival.

COVID STATUS

What happens if a traveller is suspected of having COVID-19 on arrival?

We hope that this will not happen.  However, should you show symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival, you will be required to quarantine at a local hotel at your expense.  You may also be subject to testing. If you are found to have COVID-19 and need medical treatment, you will have to pay for this treatment and any hospitalisation.  We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance that will cover medical treatment and evacuation before you travel.

 

Kenya and Tanzania by land

The road border at Namanga is open and travellers can enter Tanzania from Kenya with the appropriate visa. Travellers entering Kenya from Tanzania have to produce a COVID-19 Negative Certificate that has been issued in the last 96 hours.  Please see below regarding testing.

Will I need to be tested in Tanzania and if so, how is that done?

Some airlines are requiring a certificate before boarding the return flight or your home country may require a certificate on return.  Further, if travelling to Kenya from Tanzania, you need to have a current certificate. Testing can be done in the following locations – Arusha, Karatu, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.  It takes 72 hours for the certificate to be issued and this is sent via email.