Kenya, Masai Mara & Serengeti Adventure with Zanzibar Add On - Additional information

Entry into Kenya and Tanzania
Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months' validity from your return date left on it.
Australian passport holders will need (electronic) visas for entry into both countries. Below is a reminder of the official websites to apply, or you may apply through Vina Visas (additional charges will apply).
We offer in-office assistance for a fee.

If you wish to organise your own e-visas, please visit these websites. Please do not apply too early. About 4-6 weeks prior to departure is optimal.

For Australian passport holders:

Kenya – visa required - https://etakenya.go.ke/

Tanzania – visa required - https://visa.immigration.go.tz/. 

Zanzibar - an additional Tanzanian visa required, as you will enter Zanzibar from Kenya

Continue to monitor www.smartraveller.gov.au for the most up-to-date information.

You will need to get the Yellow Fever vaccination before you depart. For information about Yellow Fever, please CLICK HERE

 

Weather
Temperatures reach highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C during this time. Expect warm temperatures with occasional showers

 

What to Pack
Please keep your luggage to a minimum. Do not take what you cannot handle yourself. With the varying weather in April, being prepared is the way to go, and the best way to do this is by layering up. Bring a mix of clothes for warm and cooler weather / early morning game drives, then mix and match your outfits so it’s easy to peel off layers and it’s just as easy to get them back on if needed.
Travel for comfort rather than for style. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Try to stick with neutral colours (avoid army camouflage, dark colours and white) where possible for the game viewing days. 

Pack light! As your luggage will usually be transported in a Land Cruiser, luggage space is extremely limited, so it is mandatory that you only bring a soft-sided suitcase/bag no more than 60-65 cms. The maximum checked-in allowance for domestic flights within Africa is 20kg

 

Currency
Both countries have different currencies:

Kenya – Kenya Shilling (KES). ATMs in Nairobi and major towns accept international credit cards. Take care when paying with credit cards or using ATMs. Card-skimming incidents are increasing. Only use ATMs at the airport. Check the machine for unusual parts before you use it. 
Ask your bank if your cards will work in Kenya and always keep your card in sight during transactions. Avoid relying on ATMs if possible.
Tanzania – Tanzania Shilling (TZS). Credit card fraud can occur in Tanzania. Always keep your credit card in sight during transactions. Avoid using ATMs on the street. Use ATMs in banks, shops, hotels and shopping centres. Avoid relying on ATMs if possible.

The different currencies can generally not be used across borders.

For further information on exchanging cash, using ATMs, etc, please refer to www.smartraveller.gov.au

 

Connectivity
All hotels will have Wi-Fi available so you can stay connected with home, check emails and social media (avoid banking or financial transactions on hotel Wi-Fi as it is not secure). Should you require more connectivity, you could consider purchasing an e-Sim https://www.airalo.com/
or https://simify.com/en-au or a physical SIM card https://simcorner.com

or using your local provider's global roaming service – i.e. Telstra or Optus.

Please check your phone's compatibility before purchasing. 

 

Travel to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago lying off the coast. To travel to Zanzibar, you'll need to complete a mandatory inbound travel form before you depart, at a cost of approximately USD 44. 
Being quite a conservative country, it is important to respect local customs and dress modestly.

 

Tipping
Local tipping is customary in Africa. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all group tours that involve tipping - This system involves passengers contributing to a kitty, which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour, who then distributes it daily to service providers on your behalf.  The estimated amount for your tour is USD200.00

 

Health While Travelling
There is always a risk to your health when travelling and it is better to be prepared. It is recommended to take with you some diarrhoea medication in case you come down with a stomach bug. It is also a good idea to bring along some hydrolyte for dehydration purposes. We also recommend Travelan to help protect your stomach from any nasties (available over the counter at any pharmacy). For any other vaccination/health/medical concerns with regards to travelling, please consult your GP or visit a Travel Doctor.

 

Plastic bags
In both Kenya and Tanzania, it is illegal to use, manufacture or import plastic bags, including garbage bags and shopping bags.

 

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance; please ensure you have provided Sisterhood Womens Travel with a copy of your policy, including a 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.
 

WhatsApp Group
Please make sure you download WhatsApp onto your phone prior to departure. This App will be your communication tool whilst on tour and your tour hostess will contact you prior to departure to set you up in your tour WhatsApp group.  It’s also a lovely way to remain in touch with friends upon your return.

 

Changes to Itinerary
We do our best to give Sisters an enjoyable, trouble-free tour experience, but occasionally, even the best-laid plans can go awry.  We cannot rule out any changes to the itinerary and ask that you maintain a positive, upbeat and flexible attitude.

 

Updated: 1 July 2025