From 1st January 2024, Kenya replaced the eVisa system with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). All international visitors, including children, must apply online before travelling. Kenyan citizens and East African Community partner state residents are exempt.

How to Apply

Visit www.etakenya.go.ke and complete your application. You can apply up to three months before your planned arrival date. We recommend applying as soon as your flights and accommodation are confirmed. Processing takes approximately three working days.

What You Need

• A valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your arrival date and one blank page
• A recent passport photograph or selfie taken during the application
• Your email address and phone number
• Your travel itinerary including arrival and departure flight details
• Proof of accommodation booking or a letter of invitation if staying with friends
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic country
• A credit or debit card for the application fee of USD 34.09 (USD 32.50 plus USD 1.59 bank fee)

Application Steps

1. Upload the information page of your passport
2. Take a selfie or upload a recent passport photograph
3. Enter your contact details including home address, telephone and email
4. Provide your arrival and departure flight information and accommodation details
5. Complete the general information, customs declaration and health declaration sections
6. Upload your accommodation booking confirmation and flight ticket
7. Provide travel insurance information and any additional required documents
8. Agree to the terms and conditions and complete payment

Important Notes

• Upon approval you will receive an ETA receipt with a reference number by email
• An ETA is not a guaranteed right of entry. Airlines may still require other documents at check-in
• Children under 18 must be applied for by their parent or legal guardian
• If your application is denied, contact support@etakenya.go.ke for assistance
• For Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda, standard visa or entry permit requirements apply. Africa Bed of Roses Safaris will advise on requirements specific to your itinerary

East Africa is a year-round safari destination, but the timing of your visit will shape the wildlife experiences available to you. Understanding the seasonal calendar helps us design the most rewarding itinerary for your travel dates.

Kenya Monthly Weather and Season Guide

January, February and March – High Season

These are excellent months for safari. The short rains have ended, vegetation is not too dense and visibility is strong. Expect large elephant herds and good predator activity. Bird species that winter-migrate from Europe are also present.

April and May – Low Season

The long rains arrive but do not typically last all day. Rain falls in bursts and clears quickly. The landscape is dramatically green, prices are at their lowest and parks are quieter. A good option for couples who want value and solitude over guaranteed dry skies.

June – Shoulder Season

An excellent transition month. The long rains have ended and the landscape is lush. Large zebra herds begin crossing from Tanzania into the Masai Mara ahead of the main migration, building anticipation for what is to come.

July to October – Peak Season

This is the most sought-after period for Kenya safaris. Huge herds of wildebeest pour into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. The Mara River crossings are typically at their most dramatic from late July through September. This is our most popular period for honeymoon packages and advance booking is strongly recommended.

November and December – Shoulder Season

The short rains freshen the grasslands and parks regain their vegetation. Wildlife is active and dispersed, which suits couples who prefer quieter parks.

Tanzania Seasonal Highlights

• January to February: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti. Thousands of wildebeest and zebra give birth with intense predator activity
• June to July: Herds move north. Dramatic Grumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor
• August to September: Peak Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti
• April to May: Long rains. Lush and quiet with significantly reduced rates

Zanzibar Beach Timing

• December to March: Hot, dry and sunny. Ideal for beach honeymoons. Peak demand so book early
• July to October: Warm and dry with calm seas. Excellent diving and snorkelling visibility
• March to May: Long rains. Some operators reduce rates significantly during this period

International Airports

Domestic Bush Flights

Light aircraft connections from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport reach the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Laikipia, Tsavo and the Kenya coast in under an hour. Tanzania is served by Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Safarilink and Air Kenya, connecting Arusha and Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara airstrips.

• Baggage allowance on light aircraft is strictly 15 kg per person including hand luggage and camera equipment
• Soft-sided bags are strongly recommended as hard cases do not fit in aircraft holds
• Excess luggage can be stored at your Nairobi hotel at a charge of approximately USD 5 per kilogram
• Africa Bed of Roses Safaris handles all domestic flight bookings and airstrip transfer coordination as part of your package

Road Distances and Drive Times

All major Kenyan roads are tarmac. Road surfaces vary depending on remoteness, rainfall and maintenance. Times are approximate and may vary with traffic and conditions.

Africa Bed of Roses Safaris works with a carefully selected portfolio of properties across Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda and Uganda. Our accommodation recommendations are matched to your honeymoon budget, travel style and the experience you are looking for.

Accommodation Categories

What is Typically Included

• Full-board accommodation covering breakfast, lunch and dinner at most safari properties
• Twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 vehicles with qualified professional guides
• Park and conservancy entry fees where specified in your itinerary
• Laundry service at most lodges and camps where stays are two nights or more
• Bottled drinking water in vehicles and rooms
• Tea, coffee and soft drinks at most properties

What is Typically Excluded

• Premium spirits, champagne and private cellar wines unless specified in the rate
• Hot air balloon safaris, helicopter excursions and specialist activities unless included in package
• Spa treatments, charged separately at most properties
• Personal shopping, souvenirs and tips
• Travel insurance and medical expenses
• International and domestic airfares unless specified in your package

Vaccinations

We strongly recommend consulting a travel health specialist or licensed vaccination clinic at least six to eight weeks before your departure date. Requirements vary depending on your country of origin and the specific destinations on your itinerary.

Commonly Recommended Vaccinations

• Yellow fever: Required if arriving from an endemic country. Some destinations in Uganda and Rwanda may require proof of vaccination regardless of origin
• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus and diphtheria – ensure these are up to date
• Meningococcal meningitis – particularly relevant for Uganda and Rwanda
• Rabies – recommended for extended stays or remote itineraries

Malaria

Malaria is present in most safari destinations across East Africa. It is a serious disease and precautions are essential. Please consult your doctor for personalised medical advice.

Recommended Precautions

• Take antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor. Common options include Malarone, Doxycycline and Mefloquine
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET to all exposed skin from late afternoon onwards
• Wear long sleeves and long trousers in the evenings
• All safari lodges and camps provide mosquito nets over beds. Use them every night without exception
• Mosquitoes are most active from sunset. Be particularly careful during the first hour after dusk
• Zanzibar requires the same malaria precautions as the mainland

Medical Facilities

Nairobi has excellent international medical facilities including the Aga Khan University Hospital and Nairobi Hospital. In national parks and remote areas, medical facilities are limited and evacuation to Nairobi may be required. Africa Bed of Roses Safaris includes Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover as part of our safaris. We strongly recommend that guests also carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover.

Currencies by Country

Practical Money Tips

• USD notes must be dated 2009 or later. Older notes are frequently refused at exchange bureaus and by vendors
• Bring clean, uncreased and undamaged notes. Torn or written-on notes are commonly rejected
• Best exchange rates are found at Forex bureaus at the airport or in city centres, not at lodges
• Lodges and camps accept most major credit cards, but carry cash for tips, village visits and souvenir markets
• ATMs in Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha and other major towns accept Visa and MasterCard
• Inform your bank before travelling to avoid your card being blocked for unusual international transactions

Tipping Guidelines

• Safari driver and guide: USD 10 to 15 per guest per day is the standard guideline, entirely at your discretion
• Lodge and camp staff: A general tip box allows gratuities to be shared among all staff. USD 5 to 10 per guest per night is appropriate for luxury properties
• Porter: USD 1 to 2 per bag
• Maasai village visit: A donation of USD 20 per person paid directly to the village chief is customary
• Bar gratuity: USD 1 is acceptable
• Gorilla trekking guides: USD 20 to 30 per person per trek is customary

Clothing

Neutral colours are worn on safari for good reason. Khaki, olive, beige, brown and tan tones do not disturb wildlife, do not show the inevitable safari dust and stay comfortable in the heat. Bright colours and white are best left at home for game drives.

Clothing Checklist

• Neutral-coloured safari shirts and trousers in quick-dry fabrics
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for evenings – mosquito protection as much as style
• Light fleece or jacket for early morning and evening game drives, particularly in the Mara and highland areas
• Swimwear for lodge pools and beach extensions
• Comfortable walking shoes or safari boots for bush walks
• Sandals or light shoes for evenings at camp
• Sun hat with good coverage
• Lightweight rain jacket for shoulder season travel
• Smart casual clothing for evenings at upmarket lodges. Formal attire is not required

Important: Kenya Plastic Bag Ban

The importation, manufacture and use of plastic carrier bags is illegal in Kenya. This includes plastic bags from Duty Free. Border officials may confiscate them on arrival. Use fabric bags, waterproof pouches or other alternatives.

Safari Equipment

Camera and Photography

• A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses is ideal. For wildlife, a telephoto lens in the 200 to 400mm range is most useful. A wider 24 to 100mm lens covers landscapes
• Bring at least twice as many memory cards as you think you will need
• Carry spare batteries and a charger. Game drives last several hours and opportunities arise without warning
• A beanbag rested on the vehicle door is more effective than a tripod on safari
• A lens cleaning kit and blower brush are essential. Dust is unavoidable on game drives

Essential Kit

• Binoculars: 8×42 or 10×42 magnification is the ideal safari specification. A good pair makes an enormous difference, particularly for birds and distant predators
• Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm. Altitude and equatorial sun burn quickly
• Insect repellent with DEET. Apply from late afternoon onwards
• Personal medication including antimalarials, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal medication and any prescription drugs in your hand luggage
• A small LED torch or headlamp for navigating between tents at night
• Power adapter for East Africa – three square-pin UK-style plugs, 220 to 240 volts
• Portable power bank for charging devices between game drives

Hand Luggage Essentials

• Passport, ETA approval, flight tickets and booking confirmations
• Travel insurance documents and emergency contact numbers
• All prescription medication and personal health items
• Credit and debit cards and sufficient cash
• Binoculars and camera equipment
• Photocopies of all critical documents kept separately from originals

Electricity

• Voltage: 220 to 240 volts AC, 50 Hz
• Plug type: Three square pins, UK-style Type G. Bring an international adapter
• Most safari lodges run generators which are typically switched off between 11pm and 6am. Recharge all devices during the day and carry a power bank for overnight
• Many eco-camps and remote lodges run entirely on solar power with 24-hour supply. Specific lodge details are confirmed with your booking

Mobile and Internet

• Mobile signal is available in most safari areas though strength varies by location. Remote bush camps may have limited or no signal
• Wi-Fi is available at most lodges and camps, typically in the main common areas. Speed and reliability vary by remoteness
• International roaming rates are high. Consider purchasing a local SIM card in Nairobi if you require reliable data access
• Safaricom is Kenya’s most reliable network. Vodacom and Airtel serve Tanzania

General Safety

East Africa is welcoming and safe for visitors who exercise the same common sense they would apply anywhere in the world. Africa Bed of Roses Safaris partners only with professional, reputable operators and properties. Your guides and lodge staff are trained in guest safety and will brief you on arrival at each property.

Personal Safety Guidelines

• Keep valuables in the in-room safe at all lodges. Never leave cash, jewellery, passports or camera equipment unattended
• Do not display expensive items openly in public areas or markets
• In Nairobi and Mombasa city centres, use hotel-arranged transfers rather than hailing taxis from the street
• After dark at safari camps, always use the escort service to walk between tents. Wildlife moves freely through unfenced camps at night
• Never step out of your vehicle during a game drive unless your guide expressly permits it

Wildlife Protocols

• Your driver guide is a trained professional. Follow their instructions without question in all wildlife encounters
• Do not make sudden movements or loud noises near animals
• Never feed wildlife. This applies to all animals including monkeys, birds and smaller mammals
• Keep arms and heads inside the vehicle at all times unless your guide specifically advises otherwise
• In gorilla trekking, maintain a minimum distance of seven metres from the gorillas at all times
• Flash photography is not permitted during gorilla trekking and at certain other sensitive wildlife encounters

Park Rules

• Off-road driving is prohibited in most national parks and reserves
• Littering carries serious penalties. Pack out all waste
• Collection of plants, rocks, soil, feathers, bones or any natural material from parks is prohibited
• Speed limits within parks are strictly enforced. Your driver will comply with all park regulations

Languages

English and Kiswahili are the official languages of Kenya and Tanzania. English is the language of instruction in schools and is widely spoken in all tourist areas, safari camps and hotels. Kiswahili is the national language and the most widely spoken language across East Africa.

Useful Swahili Phrases

Cultural Etiquette

• Greet people before launching into requests or questions. A simple Jambo or Good morning goes a long way
• Ask permission before photographing local people. Most are happy to be photographed but some communities consider it invasive without consent
• Dress modestly when visiting villages, markets or towns. Revealing clothing can cause offence in both Muslim coastal communities and inland rural areas
• The left hand is considered impolite in many East African cultures. Use your right hand for greetings and when handling items
• Bargaining is expected and enjoyed at markets and curio stalls. Approach it as a friendly exchange
• Maasai village visits are a genuine cultural experience at their best. Engage with curiosity and respect

East Africa produces some of the most beautiful and distinctive handmade crafts in the world. The most meaningful souvenirs are those that directly benefit the artisans who made them. Africa Bed of Roses Safaris encourages guests to purchase from community cooperatives and fair-trade outlets wherever possible.

What to Look For

• Maasai beadwork: Intricate and colourful jewellery, belts and bracelets. Each colour carries traditional meaning
• Carved wooden items: Animal figures, bowls, salad spoons and world-class ebony sculpture. Quality varies widely so take your time
• Soapstone carvings: Particularly from the Kisii region of western Kenya
• Sisal and baobab bags: Woven in myriad colours, sizes and styles
• Tanzanite: Found only near Arusha. Verify you are purchasing from a legitimate registered dealer and get a certificate of authenticity
• Kenya coffee and tea: Excellent quality and lightweight to carry home
• Kitenge fabric: Bold, colourful printed cotton fabric used for clothing and home textiles across East Africa

Practical Notes

• Bargaining is expected in markets and from street vendors
• We recommend taking all purchases with you rather than arranging shipping. Freight costs frequently exceed the value of the item
• Ivory, rhinoceros horn products, sea turtle products and items made from protected species are strictly illegal to purchase and to import into most countries

Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most profoundly moving wildlife experiences on earth. Africa Bed of Roses Safaris regularly incorporates gorilla trekking into Uganda and Rwanda honeymoon itineraries.

Permit Requirements and Costs

• Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park): Gorilla trekking permits cost USD 1,500 per person per trek. Low-season discounts of approximately 25 per cent apply during certain months
• Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest): Gorilla trekking permits cost USD 800 per person per trek
• Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Africa Bed of Roses Safaris handles all permit bookings as part of your gorilla honeymoon package

What to Expect

• Treks range from one to eight hours depending on where the gorilla family has moved overnight. The average is three to four hours of walking
• Terrain is steep, dense jungle. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Walking poles and gaiters are recommended
• Once the gorilla family is located, you have exactly one hour with them. This is strictly enforced by park rangers
• Groups are limited to eight trekkers per gorilla family per day
• Maintain a minimum distance of seven metres from the gorillas at all times
• If you show any signs of illness, particularly respiratory symptoms, you will not be permitted to trek
• Flash photography is strictly prohibited

Packing for a Gorilla Trek

• Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
• Long trousers, long-sleeved shirt and a light waterproof jacket
• Garden or heavy-duty gloves for gripping vegetation
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• A small daypack with water, snacks and your camera
• Gaiters to prevent safari ants entering your boots – highly recommended

Africa Bed of Roses Safaris specialises in romantic travel across East Africa. Whether you are planning a Masai Mara honeymoon, a Tanzania wildlife circuit, a Zanzibar beach escape, gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, or a combination of all of the above, our team is dedicated to designing a journey that is personal, seamless and genuinely unforgettable.

Every honeymoon package we design is built around the couple, not a template. We work with the finest lodges and camps in the region and our relationships with property teams allow us to secure the romantic touches that make a honeymoon feel different from any other trip.

Get in touch with us to begin planning your East Africa honeymoon.