Traveling to the Masai Mara, Kenya during these tumultuous times can be quite intimidating and confusing. One might often not know where to even begin with paperwork and things you need to know. Luckily the Wild Eye team have their finger on the pulse and have simplified all of the nasty paperwork missions and made it a very manageable process. This takes a massive weight off your shoulders when preparing to head to the Masai Mara. In this blog we are going to look at some of the more frequently asked questions and 'need to knows'.
We will be looking at visas, travel from Nairobi, Malaria, vaccinations, safety, communication with locals and currency.
VISAS?
Kenya will most likely require a visa for entry. Most visas nowadays are very easy to obtain and most can be done online. A great way to start would be to follow this link to find out more about what is required as every country will have different requirements.
If you are still lost or concerned about visas and which country you are coming from then please feel free to drop us an email or give us a call and we can help you along with the process and requirements.
HOW TO GET THERE FROM NAIROBI?
You will normally fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and due to the times and logistics you would spend a night in Nairobi and then travel on to the Masai Mara early the next day.
The beauty of traveling with Wild Eye in Kenya is that we have an amazing local Kenyan team that looks after you from start to finish. When you land in Nairobi you will be met by one of our Wild Eye team members at the arrivals terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The staff member will escort you to your transfer vehicle and travel with you to your chosen hotel in Nairobi where they will make sure you are checked in and all is well. The next morning our team of guides and ground-handling staff will transfer you from your hotel to Wilson Airport in Nairobi where we will all ensure that you are checked in and all sorted for your flight to the Masai Mara.
From Wilson airport we will fly into the Masai Mara and land at an airstrip not too far from camp. Upon landing your guides and Dickson Sakaya (Camp Manager) will be there to meet you and help you with luggage and getting you into the overland safari vehicle. From here the safari begins where you will be transferred to the camp through the Masai Mara reserve while looking out for any sightings and swinging past the famous Mara river to see if there is any action there before heading to camp to meet our amazing team and enjoy a lunch on the banks of the Mara River in the Camp.
MALARIA?
Although the Masai Mara is considered a "low risk malaria area" we do suggest that you consult with your travel doctor about anti-malarials as you may travel through areas where malaria (all be it low risk) may be present. We often say that taking your anti-malarials is for peace of mind and allows you to then enjoy your holiday without worry. Please check with your travel doctor with which medications are available and all the required dosages.
VACCINATIONS?
All travelers entering Kenya are now required to have a vaccination certificate that shows a double Covid-19 vaccination. In fact Kenya now have a web link where you upload all documents to and will no longer require paper proof of vaccinations however I strongly suggest that printed vaccination certificates, PCR tests and health forms are printed as a back up.
I have copied and pasted the most recent communication from the Kenyan authorities which includes the requirements, rule changes and links to use for entering the country.
THIS NOTICE IS ISSUED WITH EFFECT FROM 28st DECEMBER 2021. A. GENERAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENT
- All passengers arriving into Kenya through any point of entry must have a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination. Travelers below the age of eighteen (18) years are exempt from this requirement.
- All passengers coming to Kenya must be in possession of a valid COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate conducted within 72 hours before departure regardless of the route of entry. Children below the age of five (5) years are exempt from this requirement.
- There will be no paper verification of COVID-19 test results and vaccination certificates upon arrival into Kenya. Airlines should ensure that all travelers have uploaded both documents into global haven before boarding via www.globalhaven.org
- Effective 28th December 2021, there exists a temporary variation on proof of vaccination for all Kenyans arriving into the country for the next 7 days on condition that the individuals register for vaccination on the Chanjo –Ke platform (https:portal.health.go.ke/home) and a valid negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate taken within 72 hours of flight and presented at the port of entry. The individuals will receive inoculations on arrival.
- Operating crew are exempt from COVID-19 test when on a layover between flights. They must adhere to COVID-19 protocols from airport to hotel/residence and back to airport.
- All travelers will be expected to fill the travelers’ locator form and submit before travel tohttp://bit.ly/covid19moh and thereafter submit daily health information to “jitenge” platformfor 14 consecutive days.
SAFETY?
Is it safe to travel in Kenya? In short, absolutely yes!
At any given time we have a Wild Eye representative close at hand guiding you through your travels. The hotels and lodges where we book and stay are very reputable and safe. The beauty of having local Wild Eye guides around you is that they also know the areas incredibly well and should any problems arise they will be able to help in an instant.
COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE?
English is a very widely and well spoken language in Kenya and majority of the locals you meet will have a very good handle of it. If for some reason you come across a situation where only a local language is being spoken then there will always be a local guide close at hand to navigate the conversation on your behalf.
CURRENCY
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). American Dollars (USD) are also widely accepted throughout Kenya.
If you have any other questions or concerns regarding your travel to Kenya, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
Until then, happy travels!
Matt
