Zimbabwe citizens now exempt from Kenyan entry charges

Kenya has announced that Zimbabwean nationals will be exempt from paying the US$34 Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) fee when applying to visit the country. Zimbabwean citizens already enjoyed visa-free entry into Kenya before the eTA system was put in place. Zimbabwe is the latest southern African country to receive the eTA exemption after Kenya allowed nationals from South Africa, the Comoros, the Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Mozambique to enter the country without paying the fee in February 2024.  These countries are exempt from paying for the eTA on condition that an agreement has been concluded for visa abolition or waivers prior to the introduction of the eTA system. The countries above are still, however, required to apply for the eTA. East African Community member states, including Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, are the only countries not required to apply for the eTA.  The eTA came into effect at the beginning of 2024 as part of a plan to provide visa-free entry to all travellers. The new rules were met with mixed reactions, particularly from previously visa-exempt countries. Kenyans can visit Zimbabwe for a period of 90 days without a visa. Kenya citizens who want to stay beyond the 90-day period are to apply and pay for an extension at the Immigration department in Harare. Prospective visitors are required to have a passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the date in Zimbabwe. # As you plan your travel to Kenya & Zimbabwe, talk to us and enjoy our discounted hotel accommodation & tour rates info@shalomafricadestinations.co.ke ~ Lets Travel, Discover & Share Stories ~

Planning a Kenyan Safari!!

# Please read the two attached documents and plan your trip guided. KARIBU!!

Travelling to Kenya! Login for ETA

https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

WHY YOU MUST DO A SAFARI IN EAST AFRICA

East Africa is a magical place with some of the best safari experiences on the continent that will leave you breathless. The region offers incredible wildlife encounters and scenic landscape views ranging from mountains, and lush tropical forests, to the big five wonders and great apes. Words can’t do justice to the magnificence of the Safari experiences in East Africa. We dedicate this post to giving you the top most popular adventures you can have in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. 1. Big five game viewing safaris The big five animals, lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and hippo, are Africa’s most incredible wildlife and the main reason many tourists come to East Africa for safari holidays. The big five earned their name in the 20th century with wealthy big-game hunters from Europe who found it challenging to gun down these beautiful animals. 2. Wildebeest migration safaris Watching and following the Great Migration is one of East Africa’s safari experiences that no die-hard safari lover should miss. The spectacle is arguably wild Nature’s greatest show, with millions of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra, traversing across the Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya. 3. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Climb to the roof-top of Africa and experience East Africa’s picturesque landscape from the sky on the continent’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Summit (5,895 m)). You do not have to be an experienced mountain climber to conquer Kilimanjaro. You do not need mountain climbing equipment but a good pair of hiking boots and determination to climb to the top. 4. Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda’s rainforests is undoubtedly one of the best safari experiences in East Africa. Mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. As few as 1000 live in a small East African region; being close to these magnificent primates is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. 5. Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is one of the most unmissable safari experiences in East Africa. Chimpanzees have for a long time been known to mimic human cultures and share the highest percentage of our DNA than any other animal. The trekking experience allows tourists to get the closest to these great apes and observe their exciting behaviors and body structures. 6.Zanzibar Island Zanzibar Island was once a bustling trading center and important spice route. Today, it is one of Africa’s most tranquil and idyllic vacation destinations. Zanzibar offers serene safari experiences strolling along the soft, delicate, white sand beaches. 7. Watching The Tree Climbing Lions Driving through the vast plains of Lake Manyara Park in Tanzania or Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda will reward you with scenic landscape views and one of the most unforgettable safari experiences in East Africa; watching the exceptional tree-climbing lions. A Safari in East Africa In Africa, there’s nowhere that you’ll get the most authentic wildlife experience than in East Africa. East Africa is a classic safari destination with seasoned experiences for all types of travelers, including you. However, planning a safari in East Africa can be a daunting experience if you do it on your own. That’s why we are here. Shalom Africa Destinations, specializing in planning and managing safari experiences in East Africa. We will give you the best advice, help you plan your safari, handle the local logistics and manage your confirmed trips. Send us an email at info@shalomafricadestinations.co.ke to ask for a free quote and start planning your experiences in East Africa.

Planning a safari! Talk to us

Coming to Nairobi ! Tourist Travel Information

Most major European and African airlines—including Kenya Airways—fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which is Kenya’s main airport. Kenya Airways also flies nonstop from the U.S (New York). The fastest routes to Nairobi are usually two nonstop legs routed through London or another European city such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Paris. Other possible connections are available through the Middle East, Qatar and Dubai; and via Asia, Kenya Airways has flights between Nairobi and Bangkok, Hanoi, Hong Kong and Guangzhou in China. Airports in Kenya: # Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi # Moi International Airport, Mombasa # Wilson Airport, Nairobi. Getting Around!  Domestic Air Travel Domestic air travel within Kenya is easy due to the number of airlines and low cost daily flights. Light aircraft offer the easiest way to travel long distances. The following domestic carriers cover flights to many parts of Kenya from and fly from Wilson airport while Kenya Airways and Jambojet fly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. # Air Kenya: covers Amboseli, Mara, Lewa Downs, Lamu, Malindi, Meru, Mombasa, Nairobi (Wilson), Nanyuki, and Samburu (www.airkenya.com) #Fly 540: Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Malindi, Mara, Lamu, Eldoret, Lodwar and Kitale (www.fly540.com) #JamboJet: Ukunda, Kisumu, Eldoret and Malindi direct from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (www.jambojet.com) #Kenya Airways: Kisumu, Mombasa, Malindi and Nairobi (www.kenya-airways.com) #Safarilink: Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki, Lewa Downs, Naivasha, Samburu, Shaba, Lamu, Kiwayu, Tsavo West, Loisaba and Lewa (www.safarilink-kenya.com) Charter Flights! #African Sky Charters:  www.asc.linkcafe.org#East African Air Charter: www.eaaircharters.co.ke#Phoenix Aviation: www.phoenixavation.co.ke#Safarilink: www.flysafarilink.com Traveling by Road Kenya has excellent road connection to the various local destination. Driving is therefore a great option for those travellers with ample time in the destination as it allows them to explore much more – towns, the landscapes, and the countryside.  Train Transport Kenya has a good rail network to a number of key destinations from Nairobi. The Madaraka Express takes travellers from Nairobi to Mombasa in 4.5 hours. The service is run by Kenya Railways Copration (www.krc.co.ke) with seats available in first & economy classes. # Talk to us & lets plan together # info@shalomafricadestinations.co.ke 

Masai Mara Reserve Park Entry Fees Adjustments

The Narok County Government has officially confirmed upcoming adjustments to the park fees for the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. These changes have been formally documented in a Kenya Gazette Supplement issued on October 13, 2023.   Starting from January 1, 2024, the new park fees will apply to all existing and future bookings with travels from next year. The new park fees for non-residents will be as follows   From 1 January to 30 June, 2024: USD 100 per person per dayFrom 1 July to 31 December, 2024: USD 200 per person per day   For all existing bookings for 2024, our reservations team will promptly make the necessary adjustments to reflect these new fees. You can expect our team to reach out with updated invoices in due course.   Change in Masai Mara Park Fee Ticket Validity Moreover, effective from July 1, 2023, there has been a modification to the validity period of entry fees, where the daily park entry fee for the Masai Mara has been adjusted from 24 hours to 12 hours. As a result, every guest must possess a valid park ticket for each night they spend in any of the Masai Mara Camps. On the day of departure, guests must be at the airstrip or leave the reserve by 11 a.m.   The Narok County government has clarified that this fee adjustment is essential to cover the increasing costs of managing and conserving the reserve. We appreciate your continued support and commitment to the preservation of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Together, we can ensure its long-term protection and sustainability. Should you have any inquiries please don’t hesitate to reach out to us through: Email: info@shalomafricadestinations.co.ke