With Covid 19 infection rates having been recorded to have significantly reduced by end of February 2022, the world seems to have turned yet another corner when it comes to tackling the pandemic, and we can only hope that there will be no more outbreaks.

UPDATE ON KENYA: Please note that effective 11^th March 2022, all travelers to Kenya who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to present a Negative PCR test certificate on arrival. https://www.kcaa.or.ke/covid-19/covid-19-travel-requirements They are however still required to upload their vaccination details on the Global Haven website before boarding their flight and also fill the traveler health surveillance  form. This is because there will be no manual validation of vaccination details, only online.

Planning to travel to Kenya in 2022? These are the current Covid 19 requirements.

First of all, all travelers to Kenya aged 18 years and above must provide a Covid 19 vaccination certificate at the point of entry.  The vaccine administered must be among the ones already approved by the World Health Organization. This requirement has been in place since December 2021. The only travelers exempted from this requirement are returning Kenyans. They must however register themselves on the Ministry of Heath Vaccination portal and will be vaccinated upon arrival at the airport, before they are allowed to head home.

All travelers arriving in Kenya are supposed to present a Negative Covid 19 PCR test certificate at the point of arrival. The certificate must be valid for not more than 72 hrs since the test was taken. Travelers are also required to fill in the Ministry of Health’s travelers’ surveillance form at https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/  before boarding their last flight to Kenya.

After receiving a negative PCR test result, travelers to Kenya are required to register and upload their vaccination and test result for validation at the global heaven website before boarding their flight to Kenya.

Children aged below 5 years are exempted from the three requirements above.

To depart Kenya, all travelers travelling to a destination / country that requires prove of a Negative Covid 19 test must show proof of the same at the point of exit of having met that condition, before being allowed to depart Kenya.

There are several clinics and hospitals in Kenya that have been approved by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to administer PCR tests in Nairobi and others cities. In Nairobi, Covid 19 testing prices range from USD 50 to USD 100 depending on the facility where the test is taken. Results are ready after between 6 and 24 hrs, depending on the facility where the test is taken, and the price paid as some clinics can issue results within 3 hrs but at a higher cost.

If you are on safari in Amboseli, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve and other parks within Kenya and will need a PCR certificate before departing in Kenya, we can facilitate for a test to be done at your lodge. This however costs more due to logistical challenges by the testing labs which are mainly based in Nairobi. The current cost of a PCR test in Amboseli and Masai Mara is about USD 120 per person (based on minimum 2 people) while it costs about USD 100 while at Lake Nakuru. Results are ready after 24 hrs so you need to ensure that you register to get your sample collected at least a day before.

While traveling in Kenya, standard Covid-19 protocols (masking, social distancing, and sanitizing) will be adhered to by your guide and those working in the tourism industry, while in public settings, airports/airplanes, and the common areas of accommodations. All full time Essenia Safari Experts guides have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Much of your time while on safari will be socially distanced from other travelers and the general public.

Please note that social distancing and wearing of face masks is a mandatory requirement in all public areas and establishments while in Kenya.

What are the Covid 19 Entry Requirements to Tanzania?

All passengers travelling to Tanzania are supposed to present a Negative Covid 19 PCR test certificate issued within 72 hrs before arrival.

Also, all travelers arriving in Tanzania will be subjected to enhanced screening for Covid 19 through a rapid test. The cost for the rapid test upon arrival in mainland Tanzania is USD 10 per traveler.

All passengers arriving in Tanzania and Zanzibar must truthfully fill a health surveillance form in the link below  https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz/  within 24 hours before arrival. Once completed the traveler will receive a completion notification containing their Unique Health Code (UHC) which they will present upon arriving.

The Rapid test cost of $10 per traveler and can be pre-paid online when you complete your online Traveler’s Health Surveillance Form (strongly recommended to pre-pay to avoid unnecessary queue upon arrival).

While traveling in Tanzania, standard Covid-19 protocols (masking, social distancing, and sanitizing) will be adhered to by your guide and those working in the tourism industry, while in public settings, airports/airplanes, and the common areas of accommodations. All full time Essenia Safari Experts guides have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Please note that wearing of face masks is a recommendation but not a mandatory requirement in Tanzania. Most of your time while on safari will be socially distanced from other travelers and the public. However, if you plan to travel in a more populous area (city or town), we recommend being masked when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Before departing Tanzania, you might need a negative PCR test certificate to be allowed to board the flight to your next destination. The cost of a PCR test in the mainland is USD 50 per person and can be booked in advance at https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz/#/booking . This does not however include a facility fee of USD 20 per person (For safari in the northern circuit- Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti). If you book a safari with us, our staff will book your PCR test in advance (depending on your safari and departure date). You will then pay for the testing and facility fee to our staff in Tanzania.

What are the requirements for arriving passengers to Uganda?

Arriving passengers should hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours from the time of sample collection to boarding of the aircraft leaving the country of origin. https://caa.go.ug/frequesntly-asked-questions-and-procedures-in-relation-to-covid-19-requirements-at-entebbe-international-airport/

What are the other requirements/arrival process for arriving passengers?

All passengers will be required to go through the recommended Port health procedure of identifying body temperature and symptoms.

Please note that the mandatory testing of all incoming passengers at Entebbe International Airport was suspended effective February 16, 2022.

What are the COVID 19 PCR test requirements in relation to children?

Children below six (6) years will be exempted from the requirement for a negative PCR test certificate if they are accompanied by parents holding a negative COVID -19 PCR test certificate.

What are the requirements for departing passengers?

Passengers departing Uganda through Entebbe International Airport (EIA) must have an authentic negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours from the time of sample collection to boarding aircraft. In case the destination country’s PCR test time requirements call for less hours, that takes priority.

Passengers departing Entebbe International Airport are required to know, understand, and interpret COVID-19 requirements of the country they are travelling to.

All COVID-19 PCR test certificates for departing passengers MUST indicate TRAVEL as the intended purpose of test.

DURING YOUR SAFARI WITH US:

While on safari in Uganda with us, standard Covid-19 protocols (masking, social distancing, and sanitizing) will be adhered to by your guide and those working in the tourism industry, while in public settings, airports/airplanes, and the common areas of accommodations. All full time Essenia Safari Experts guides in Uganda have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Much of your time while on safari will be socially distanced from other travelers and the general public.

Please note that social distancing and wearing of face masks is a mandatory requirement in all public areas and establishments while in Uganda.

COVID 19 TESTING IN UGANDA: Our Ugandan team will facilitate pre departure PCR testing for all our clients when they are on safari. An appointment will be made well on time to meet the requirements of your next destination. Cost of PCR testing and facilitation fees will be paid while you are in Uganda.

Between the months of May and July 2021, The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife through the Kenya Wildlife Service embarked on a wildlife census. Under the “Count to Conserve” banner, the exercise resulted in a wildlife census report which was released on 31^st August 2021.

The great news is that the national Elephant population has increased from 32,214 elephants in 2014 to the current population of 36,169 in 2021. This represents a 12% population increase over seven years, which is testament to the productive anti-poaching efforts by government and conservation partners.

Even more encouraging from the report was the fact that the country’s total Rhino population has increased from 1,258 rhinos at the end of 2017 to 1,739 rhinos by mid-2021.

Specifically, Southern white rhinos increased from 510 to 840, and Eastern black rhinos (the only black rhino subspecies found in Kenya) increased from 745 to 897. However, the number of the world’s only remaining Northern white rhinos that live in Kenya, has decreased from THREE to TWO, following the death of Sudan in 2018. This has left only Najin and Fatu who can be visited during one of our safaris to the Ol Pejeta wildlife conservancy.

The increase in Rhino numbers is an important achievement, especially when rhinos remain under huge threat from poaching and habitat loss due to encroachment of their space by humans.

It was also reported that for the first time in 22 years, there was no Rhino which was recorded to have died in Kenya due to poaching. This was the first time since 1999, an incredible and significant milestone, considering that it was at a period when African wildlife had come under more threat because of the Covid 19 pandemic which caused the disappearance of virtually all income from tourism.

We applaud the government through the Kenya Wildlife Service and other Rhino conservators like the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and all wildlife rangers for their concerted efforts to safeguard Rhinos during that tough period, highly contributing to the recent increase in population.

PLANNING A SAFARI TO KENYA AND TANZANIA DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC

You may be one of the many people out there who are wondering how it would be like travelling on a safari to Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda during the Covid 19 pandemic in 2021?

Here, we take you through a guide of what to expect during your safari, and the health and safety measures that the leading tourist destinations in East Africa have put in place to ensure that their guests remain safe during their vacation.

Africa’s wide-open spaces in the Savannah and White Sand Beaches are without doubt some of the best isolation destinations in the world. They offer a fresh and cool breeze inside national parks like Amboseli and Serengeti, and reserves like Masai Mara, away from the crowds, making them the perfect destinations for those who are coming out of lockdowns in Europe, America, the Gulf States and the rest of the world.

It surely hasn’t been an easy time being holed up indoors since the Covid 19 first brought the world to a stand still in 2020.

However, year 2021 offers you a chance to go and explore the world again, and the fact that most people are not yet ready to travel means that there will not be many of you on safari.

This makes year 2021 one of the best to explore East Africa, and to trail the annual wildebeest migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara with less crowds of tourists.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO EAST AFRICA FOR SAFARI?

First thing you will need to know is that just like the rest of the world, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have been affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. Luckily, not many infections or deaths have been recorded in East Africa.  At the moment, the situation seems to have calmed down with only a few daily infections being recorded as of mid-May.

Although different countries may have taken different approach to the pandemic, it is worth mentioning that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have since 2020 come up with Tourism Health and Safety Protocols which were approved by the Ministries of Health and Tourism in each country. The protocols are being followed by all professional hoteliers and tour operators.

Tour Operators, hotels and lodges staffs were trained on these protocols to ensure that guests and staff remain safe during their interactions. To name but a few, some of the key safety measures include mandatory wearing of face masks by all staff and guests (in public areas for guests), thorough disinfection of hotel rooms, all public areas and safari vehicles after every stay or safari, regular temperature checks, doing away with buffet style meals in restaurants and provision of a dedicated waiter for each group of guests. Each Hotel is also supposed to have a dedicated health, safety and hygiene officer or team to ensure strict adherence to Covid 19 safety protocols at the establishment.

COVID 19 REQUIREMENTS FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO KENYA

As of 18 May 2021, Kenya had recorded a total of 165, 537 Covid 19 cases, with 3,013 of them succumbing to the Virus. A total of 933, 826 people had also received their first dose of the AstraZeneca Vaccine. This includes health workers, elderly people aged above 50 years, and tourism front line staff.

 All travelers arriving in Kenya must be in possession of a Negative PCR based COVID 19 test conducted within 96 hours before travel and should not display any flu like symptoms on arrival.

Before arriving in Kenya, all travelers must fill the International Travelers Health surveillance form in the link below: https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/

The link below has a list of travelers from countries that are exempted from mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Kenya: https://www.kcaa.or.ke/quarantine-exempted-states

COVID 19 TESTING LABORATORIES IN KENYA

For tourists who have visited Kenya, a Covid 19 test is required before boarding your international flight back home. The following link has a list of approved Covid 19 testing laboratories in Kenya.

https://www.kcaa.or.ke/sites/default/files/docs/covid_19/MOH_approved_testing_labs.pdf

COVID 19 TESTING IN MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Currently, it is possible for you to take a Covid 19 testing during your safari in Masai Mara. Cost for the service is USD 140 per person (minimum 2 pax) and the company will collect the samples at your camp, with results sent to your email within 48 hrs.

Some camps and lodges in Masai Mara and other parks in Kenya are also facilitating for in house Covid 19 testing although it is at a higher cost because of the transport logistics for the testing staff from Nairobi.

When you book a safari with Essenia Safari Experts, we shall advise you during your holiday on the best time and place to take your Covid 19 test before departing Kenya. We shall also facilitate the logistics to ensure that you enjoy your holiday stress free.

COVID 19 REQUIREMENTS FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR

Effective 4^th May 2021, all passengers arriving in Tanzania and Zanzibar will be required to present a negative Covid 19 test certificate upon arrival. The sample must be collected within 72 hours before arrival in Tanzania.

Effective 4^th May 2021, all travelers arriving in Tanzania will be subjected to enhanced screening for Covid 19 through a rapid test. The cost for the rapid test upon arrival in Tanzania is USD 25 per traveler.

Due to the current situation of COVID-19 in India, all flights to and from India are banned until further notice.

All travelers arriving from India, or those who have travelled through India in the last 14 days regardless of the route taken, shall be subjected to a Rapid Test upon arrival in Tanzania at a cost of USD 25 per person per test, followed by stringent contact tracing and 14 days mandatory quarantine at their own cost. The mandatory quarantine location can be selected by the traveler, from the list provided at www.moh.go.tz/en 

All passengers arriving in Tanzania and Zanzibar must truthfully fill a health surveillance form in the link below  https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz/  within 24 hours before arrival.

COVID 19 TESTING IN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

All passengers flying out of Tanzania are required to present a negative Covid 19 certificate before boarding their departure flight. One might therefore wonder if it easy to access Covid 19 testing centers during your holiday safari in Tanzania.

Currently, there is one Covid 19 testing center in Seronera in central Serengeti National Park. If you are staying at a camp or lodge near central Serengeti, it will cost you USD 120 per person to get a Covid 19 test. If you are staying further away, the cost might be higher due to logistical costs. Results are sent to you via email between 48 and 72 hours after sample collection.

We usually assist all guests who are on safari with us with Covid 19 testing logistics and we shall advise you on the best place and time to get the test done during your safari with us.

Besides Serengeti, Covid 19 testing centers while on safari in Tanzania are also available in Arusha city and Karatu town.  In Zanzibar, approved testing laboratories include:

Emergency Operation Centre in Lumumba

Global Hospital in Vuga

North Valley Hospital in Nungwi

Mnazi Mmoja Hospital

The cost of Covid 19 testing in Zanzibar ranges from USD 100 to USD 150 depending on whether the test is taken in a government of private hospital.

We hope that the information above makes it easier for you to make a decision on visiting Kenya and Tanzania to experience the GREAT MIGRATION and other awe-inspiring safari experiences that await you in 2021.

Feel free to contact us in case you need any professional advice from our team of safari experts: holiday@esseniasafaris.co.ke