Frequently asked questions
Your Safari Queries Answered
1. Visa Requirements for Tourists Traveling to Kenya
Starting from January 1, 2024, Kenya has replaced its traditional visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This new ETA system has officially taken over from the previous eVisa process and is now in effect for all international visitors, including children. Citizens of Kenya and residents from East African Community (EAC) partner states are exempt from this requirement.
Travelers can apply for their ETA up to three months before their trip, though it’s advisable to do so soon after booking flights and accommodations or tour packages. The application is done online at the official website www.etakenya.go.ke, offering a streamlined and user-friendly process that started on January 4, 2024.
To apply for an ETA, you will need
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining beyond your arrival date and one blank page
- A recent passport-style photo or a clear selfie.
- Your contact details, including email address and phone number.
- Your travel itinerary, including arrival and departure dates and accommodation information.
- A payment method such as a credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay to cover the $34.09 application fee.
Additional requirements may include
- A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling from a country where Yellow Fever is present.
- Other vaccinations, depending on your travel history or country of residence.
After submitting your application, you will receive an email notification. Once approved, an ETA receipt containing a reference number will be sent to you, which can be used to check the status of your application on the ETA website. The processing time usually takes about three working days.
2. What are the tourist visa requirements for Tanzania?
How to Apply for a Tanzania Visa Online
- Go to the official Tanzania Immigration website at immigration.go.tz.
- Click on the “e-Services” section.
- Select “e-Visa Application Form” to begin your application.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
- After submission, you will receive an email with a User Identification Number, which you can use to track your visa application status.
- Complete the form and proceed to pay the applicable visa fee online.
- Once payment is successful, submit your application.
- You will then receive a confirmation message indicating that your application has been received
Additional requirements may include
- A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling from a country where Yellow Fever is present.
- Other vaccinations, depending on your travel history or country of residence.
After submitting your application, you will receive an email notification. Once approved, an ETA receipt containing a reference number will be sent to you, which can be used to check the status of your application on the ETA website. The processing time usually takes about three working days.
3. Safari Tipping Guidelines for Guests
While tipping in Kenya is not mandatory, it is generally expected following good service.
Gratuities for hotels, lodges, and porter services are already included in your safari package price as part of the service charge. However, if individual staff such as waiters, porters, or other hotel employees provide exceptional service, it is up to you whether to give them a tip. Typically, a tip of $1 to $5 per interaction is considered appropriate and appreciated.
It is customary to tip your safari driver or guide at the end of the tour, based on your satisfaction with the service provided. A common guideline is about $10 per guest per day or roughly 5-10% of your safari-only cost. This amount is flexible, and you may choose to tip more for outstanding service. A small tip of around $1 for the bar staff is also acceptable.
Tips can be given in Kenyan Shillings, US Dollars, or Euros, preferably placed in an envelope and handed over at the conclusion of your safari or tour.
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining beyond your arrival date and one blank page
- A recent passport-style photo or a clear selfie.
- Your contact details, including email address and phone number.
- Your travel itinerary, including arrival and departure dates and accommodation information.
- A payment method such as a credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay to cover the $34.09 application fee.
4. What types of safari vehicles do you use on your tours?
For our game drives and safari travel, we use specially designed 4×4 Land Cruiser Jeeps equipped with pop-up roofs, allowing for easy photography and optimal wildlife viewing. Each vehicle accommodates up to 6 guests to ensure everyone has a window seat and access to the pop-up roof.
Our safari vehicles are equipped with long-range radios for seamless communication, cooler boxes to keep refreshments chilled, and first aid kits for safety, in addition to other helpful features.
The 4×4 Land Cruiser offers several advantages on safari, such as higher seating for better views, superior handling on rugged terrain, access to remote areas, increased comfort, and an enhanced overall African safari experience.
5. Are international flights included in your safari tour prices?
No, international airfare is not included in the safari tour prices.
Starting from January 1, 2024, Kenya has replaced its traditional visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This new ETA system has officially taken over from the previous eVisa process and is now in effect for all international visitors, including children. Citizens of Kenya and residents from East African Community (EAC) partner states are exempt from this requirement.
Travelers can apply for their ETA up to three months before their trip, though it’s advisable to do so soon after booking flights and accommodations or tour packages. The application is done online at the official website www.etakenya.go.ke, offering a streamlined and user-friendly process that started on January 4, 2024.
6. Is WiFi available at safari lodges and tented camps during the safari?
Yes, the majority of safari lodges and tented camps across all accommodation, have complimentary WiFi access. However, the connection is typically available only in shared public areas such as the reception, dining room, and lounge, and not in individual guest rooms or tents but some have it in the rooms.
7. Does Abound Africa offer group or shared safari tours?
Our safari tours are conducted on a private basis. Each booking is assigned its own 4×4 pop-up roof Land Cruiser and a dedicated driver-guide, ensuring a personalized experience.
8. Are mosquito nets available in safari lodge rooms and tents?
Yes, all the safari lodges and tented camps we work with ensure a high standard of comfort, relaxation, and authentic safari atmosphere. Each accommodation option is thoughtfully chosen to meet different comfort levels.
We are fully aware of the importance of protecting you from mosquitoes and other insects while on safari.
All rooms and tents included in your itinerary are either equipped with mosquito nets or designed to be insect-proof to ensure your safety.
For additional protection, especially when spending time outdoors in the evenings, we also recommend bringing and using insect repellent.
9. What is the size/weight limit for luggage in a safari Jeep?
The safari land cruiser comes with ample luggage space at the rear and can accommodate up to six suitcases, each weighing approximately 25–30 kg.
You’re welcome to bring a small carry-on bag with essential items to keep inside the vehicle during the journey.
For convenience and better storage, we recommend using soft-sided bags, as they fit more easily into the available space and help reduce wear and tear, especially on rough and bumpy safari roads.
10. What is the baggage allowance on local/domestic flights?
If your safari includes fly-in segments within Kenya or you’re considering taking domestic flights to the national parks or game reserves, please note there are baggage restrictions.
The standard checked baggage allowance for these flights is 15 kg per person, not including hand luggage.
Any extra luggage not needed during your safari can be safely stored at our offices at no additional cost.
Should you prefer to travel with all your luggage, you have the option to pay an excess baggage fee of approximately $5 per kilogram—subject to availability and the airline’s capacity.
11. What is the difference between a safari lodge and a tented camp?
Safari Lodges
A safari lodge is typically situated in a remote wildlife area and consists of several individual cottages or chalets spread across landscaped grounds. At the heart of the lodge is a central building that usually houses the reception, restaurant, bar, gift shop, and administrative offices. Many lodges also feature a swimming pool.
Guest rooms are en-suite and located in separate cottages set around the main building. The overall atmosphere tends to be rustic, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings to give an authentic safari feel.
Lodges vary widely in size, style, location, and comfort level—ranging from budget-friendly to high-end luxury.
Tented Camps
Tented camps offer a similar safari experience in terms of location and purpose but differ in structure. These camps usually have a central area—often a large thatched building or tent—that includes the dining and lounge facilities.
Accommodation is provided in large, walk-in canvas tents that are set up on raised or solid floors and include private bathrooms and small verandas or decks. Although the exterior is canvas, these tents function like regular rooms with en-suite amenities.
Tented camps can also include features like swimming pools and are available in various comfort levels, from standard and superior to luxury and ultra-luxury.