Find answers to your most common travel questions right here
Kenya has transitioned to a fully digital entry system. Instead of a traditional visa, you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) via the official government website before you fly. We recommend completing this at least two weeks before your departure. Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages and is valid for six months beyond your stay.
Your health is paramount. We suggest visiting a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss Malaria prevention and ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory only if you are arriving from a country where the disease is present.
It depends on your "bucket list." For the Great Migration (millions of wildebeest crossing the Mara River), aim for July through October. If you prefer quiet parks and lush green landscapes (great for photography), the "green season" in November or May offers excellent value.
All in all, everyday around year, there's an adventure to be had.
While travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry into Kenya (it isn't mandatory for your eTA application), we strongly recommend it for every traveler.
Think of it as an essential part of your "safari kit"—just as important as your binoculars or sun hat. Here is why we consider it a must-have:
Medical Emergencies: Most standard health insurance plans from home don’t cover international medical costs. In Kenya, private hospitals often require proof of payment or insurance before starting treatment.
Medical Evacuation: This is the big one. Safaris often take you into beautiful, remote areas. If a serious medical issue arises, the cost of an air ambulance (emergency evacuation) to Nairobi can be thousands of dollars. A good policy will cover this entirely.
Trip Cancellation: Safaris are a significant investment. If you have to cancel at the last minute due to an illness or family emergency, travel insurance helps you recover your non-refundable booking costs.
Flight Delays & Lost Luggage: If your bags take a detour to another continent or a flight delay causes you to miss your safari start, your insurance can cover the cost of essentials and extra transport.
Pro-Tip: Make sure your policy specifically covers "safari activities" or "adventure travel." Some basic plans exclude "hazardous activities," and you want to ensure you're covered while in the bush!
Of course. Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, our partner lodges are world-class at tailoring menus. Just let us know at the time of booking so we can ensure the bush kitchen is fully prepared for you.
We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to be as fair as possible, though it depends on how close to the departure date you cancel as stated in out T&Cs page. We strongly recommend all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) to protect your commitment.
While the wild is unpredictable, our guides are experts at tracking. Kenya is one of the few places on earth where you have a very high statistical chance of seeing the Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino within a single week, especially in premium conservancies and the Maasai Mara.
Absolutely. Tourism is a pillar of our country, and we take guest safety seriously. From the moment we pick you up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NJKIA) to your final drop-off, you are in professional hands. We only use vetted, high-quality lodges and secure transportation.
We primarily use customized 4x4 Land Cruisers. They are designed for the rugged African terrain and feature pop-up roofs for 360-degree wildlife viewing and photography. Every guest is guaranteed a window seat!
The "safari look" isn't just for fashion; it's functional. Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics in earth tones (tan, khaki, or green).
Avoid: Bright white (gets dusty) and dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies).
The Golden Rule: Bring a warm fleece! Early morning drives can be surprisingly chilly, even in the tropics.
The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency, but US Dollars (printed after 2006) are widely accepted. Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for your guide and lodge staff. As a general rule, $10–$15 per guest, per day for your guide is a standard gesture for excellent service.
You might be surprised! Most luxury lodges and permanent camps offer Wi-Fi in common areas. However, connection speeds can vary in remote locations. Consider it a great excuse to "unplug" and connect with nature instead.
Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting.
Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.
Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.
A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important.
Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.