Do I need a visa to visit Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, and Rwanda?

Yes, most international travelers require entry authorization for each country, though processes vary: Kenya: Requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) submitted online at etakenya.go.ke before departure. East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) a joint single-entry multi-country visa ($100 USD) allowing 90 days of travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is available if traveling to multiple countries when applying. Tanzania & Zanzibar: Requires a Single Entry Tourist Visa ($50 USD for most nationalities, $100 USD for US citizens), available via eVisa or on arrival. Uganda: Requires an eVisa applied for online in advance via the official immigration portal. East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) a joint single-entry multi-country visa ($100 USD) allowing 90 days of travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is available if traveling to multiple countries when applying. Rwanda: Offers an eVisa or Visa on Arrival ($50 USD) for most nationalities. East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) a joint single-entry multi-country visa ($100 USD) allowing 90 days of travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda is available if traveling to multiple countries when applying.

Is East Africa safe for tourists and solo travelers?

East Africa is generally safe for tourists, particularly within wildlife reserves, safari circuits, and beach resorts. Standard safety practices apply in urban hubs (Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala): Avoid walking alone at night in major cities. Secure valuables in hotel safes and keep cameras/phones discreet in crowded areas. Use trusted transfers, registered taxis, or tour operator vehicles rather than unmarked street transport.

What currency should I bring on safari?

US Dollars ($ USD), Euros, and Sterling Pounds: Are widely accepted for safaris, park fees, mid-to-luxury lodges, and tips across all five destinations. USD bills must be crisp and printed in 2013 or later (older bills are rejected by banks and businesses due to forgery concerns). Local Currencies: Recommended for small purchases, local markets, tipping drivers, and street cafes: Kenya: Kenyan Shilling (KES) Tanzania & Zanzibar: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) Uganda: Ugandan Shilling (UGX) Rwanda: Rwandan Franc (RWF)

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at main lodges, safari camps, and city hotels (often carrying a 3–5% processing surcharge). ATMs are readily available in major towns, but cash (USD and local currency) is essential once out on safari routes.

What are the luggage restrictions on bush flights?

If your safari itinerary includes domestic internal flights on light aircraft. Weight Limit: Strictly 15 kg to 20 kg (33–44 lbs) total per person, including hand luggage. Bag Type: Soft-sided duffel bags only (no rigid hard-shell suitcases, as they cannot squeeze into small aircraft baggage pods). Luggage storage facilities are available on request with prior arrangements.

What clothes should I pack for safari?

Neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive green); avoid bright colors. Avoid Dark Blue & Black: These colors attract tsetse flies in rural park regions. Layered clothing: Mornings and evenings in high-altitude zones (Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Bwindi) can drop to 10°C (50°F), while afternoons get hot. Gorilla/Chimp Trekking (Uganda & Rwanda): Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and garden/leather gloves to protect against thistles and nettles. Zanzibar and the East African coast have a predominantly Muslim culture. While swimwear is standard on private beach resort grounds, travelers should dress modestly when walking through Stone Town, local villages, or public areas (shoulders and knees covered for both men and women).

Are night game drives allowed in the Maasai Mara?

Night game drives are strictly prohibited inside the main reserve, but are offered on Day 1 and 2 inside the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

5-Day Luxury Fly-In Kenya Safari

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Indulge in the ultimate high-end wilderness experience where luxury meets untouched nature.

The 5-Day Luxury Fly-In Kenya Safari removes long road transfers entirely by using private bush flights between Kenya’s most exclusive wildlife destinations.

Soar above the Great Rift Valley, step onto private airstrips, and check into 5-star wilderness sanctuaries.

Meet the world’s last remaining Northern White Rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy before flying into the Maasai Mara for private 4×4 game drives, gourmet dining, and personal butler service.

Best Time to Travel

Peak Migration Season (July to October): Best time for river crossings, hot-air balloon flights, and sunny weather.
Dry Season (December to March): Ideal clear weather for fly-in flights and excellent rhino tracking in Ol Pejeta.
Green Season (April to May & November): Highly exclusive experience with private camp feel, lush landscapes, and great photographic light.

Experience Unmatched Wilderness Luxury!

Book your 5-Day Luxury Fly-In Kenya Safari today to secure private airstrip seats and exclusive camp suites!

Trip Highlights

100% Fly-In Convenience: Private bush flights between Nairobi, Ol Pejeta, and the Maasai Mara.
World’s Last Northern White Rhinos: Exclusive visit to the strictly guarded sanctuary holding the last two Northern White Rhinos on Earth.
Open-Sided 4x4 Safari Vehicles: Unobstructed 360-degree views for wildlife photography with expert personal naturalists.
5-Star Luxury Tented Sanctuaries: Stay in world-renowned eco-lodges featuring private plunge pools, fine wines, and personal butler service.

Day 1 :

Fly from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Day Highlight: Meeting the world's last two Northern White Rhinos under private guard.

Board a scheduled flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport directly to Nanyuki. Arrive at your luxury camp in Ol Pejeta for a gourmet lunch. Enjoy an afternoon open-sided 4x4 game drive and visit the protected Northern White Rhino sanctuary.

Suggested Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp (Luxury Wing) or Sanctuary Ol Pejeta Safari Camp.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Fine Dining Dinner.

Day 2 :

Full Day in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Day Highlight: Guided lion tracking and visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Spend a full day inside this private conservation sanctuary. Track lions with radio telemetry, visit rescued chimpanzees, and enjoy night game drives looking for nocturnal wildlife like aardvarks and leopards.

Suggested Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp (Luxury Wing) or Sanctuary Ol Pejeta Safari Camp.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Gourmet Lunch, Fine Dining Dinner.

Day 3 :

Fly from Ol Pejeta to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Day Highlight: Soaring above the Great Rift Valley on a scenic fly-in flight.

After a gourmet bush breakfast, board your direct flight across the Great Rift Valley to a private Mara airstrip. Check into your 5-star luxury camp. Head out on a late-afternoon game drive followed by sunset champagne drinks in the wild.

Suggested Accommodation: Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, Governor’s Camp, or Sanctuary Olonana.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Gourmet Lunch, Fine Dining Dinner.

Day 4 :

Full Day in the Maasai Mara

Day Highlight: Optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight with a champagne bush breakfast.

Take an optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight floating silently over migrating herds. Spend the rest of the day on private 4x4 game drives exploring predator territory. Return to camp for a relaxing spa treatment or plunge pool swim.

Suggested Accommodation: Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, Governor’s Camp, or Sanctuary Olonana.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Bush Lunch, Fine Dining Dinner.

Day 5 :

Morning Bush Drive & Fly Back to Nairobi

Day Highlight: Final sunrise game drive and morning bush breakfast.

Enjoy a final morning game drive followed by a warm breakfast overlooking the river. Board your return flight to Nairobi, where a private driver transfers you to your hotel or international flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast.