Visa & Health
Entry requirements, vaccinations, and health tips for a safe and healthy African safari.
Visa Requirements by Country
Most safari destinations now offer electronic visa or e-authorisation systems. We recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks before travel. Requirements vary by nationality — our team will confirm exactly what you need.
$50 USD
Tanzania
eVisa
Apply online. Single entry, 30 days. Multiple entry also available at $100.
$30 USD
Kenya
eTA
Electronic Travel Authorisation replaced eVisa in 2024. Apply online before travel.
$50 USD
Rwanda
Visa on Arrival / eVisa
30-day single entry. Most nationalities can get visa on arrival or apply online.
$50 USD
Uganda
eVisa
Apply online. Single entry, 90 days. East Africa Tourist Visa also available.
Free - $50
South Africa
Visa Exempt / eVisa
Many nationalities are visa-exempt for 90 days. Others require eVisa application.
$100 USD
East Africa Tourist Visa
Multi-country
Covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda on a single visa. Valid for 90 days. Apply through any of the three countries.
Yellow Fever Certificate
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda if you are arriving from or have transited through an endemic country. Even if not strictly required for your routing, we recommend carrying your certificate as requirements can be enforced at the border officer's discretion.
Recommended Vaccinations
Consult your travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure.
| Vaccination | Importance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Required | |
| Hepatitis A | Highly Recommended | |
| Typhoid | Highly Recommended | |
| Tetanus / Diphtheria | Recommended | |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended | |
| Rabies | Consider |
Malaria Prevention
Most safari destinations are in malaria zones. Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel.
Medication
Common options include Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine. Each has different dosing schedules and side effect profiles. Consult your doctor.
Bite Prevention
Use DEET-based insect repellent (30-50%), sleep under treated mosquito nets, and wear long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn. All our recommended lodges provide mosquito nets.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should be considered essential. Ensure your policy covers:
- Medical expenses (minimum $100,000 coverage)
- Medical evacuation by air ambulance to Nairobi or Johannesburg
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Personal liability
- Adventure activities if applicable (gorilla trekking, diving, balloon flights)
General Health Tips
Drinking Water
Tap water is not safe to drink across East Africa. All safari lodges and camps provide purified or bottled water. Carry a reusable bottle — most camps offer refill stations.
Sun Protection
The equatorial and high-altitude sun is intense, even on overcast game drives. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Altitude
Several destinations sit above 1,500m — the Ngorongoro Crater rim is at 2,300m. Most people adjust easily, but drink plenty of water and take it easy on arrival.
Medical Facilities
Major cities (Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg) have excellent hospitals. In remote areas, lodges have first-aid trained staff and evacuation protocols. Travel insurance with air ambulance cover is essential.
Important Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and may change. Always consult your doctor or travel health clinic for the latest medical advice, and check official government websites for current visa requirements. Our team will provide destination-specific guidance as part of your safari planning.