Visa & Entry Requirements
Safari Visa Requirements — Africa Entry Guide
Everything you need to enter Africa's top safari destinations. Country-by-country visa types, fees, validity, and vaccination requirements.
Country-by-Country Requirements
| Country | Visa | Fee | Validity | Vaccinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | eVisa required — apply at evisa.go.ke | $51 | 90 days single entry | Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area |
| Tanzania | Visa on arrival or eVisa at immigration.go.tz | $50 | 90 days | Yellow fever certificate required |
| Uganda | eVisa required — apply at visas.immigration.go.ug | $50 | 90 days single entry | Yellow fever vaccination mandatory |
| Rwanda | Visa on arrival (free for most nationalities, 30 days) | Free for most nationalities | 30 days | Yellow fever certificate required |
| Botswana | Visa-free for US/EU/UK passport holders | Free | 90 days | Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area |
| South Africa | Visa-free for US/EU/UK passport holders | Free | 90 days | Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area |
| Namibia | Visa-free for US/EU/UK passport holders | Free | 90 days | None required (yellow fever only if arriving from an endemic area) |
| Zimbabwe | Visa on arrival | $30 single / $45 double entry | Single or double entry | Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area |
| Zambia | eVisa or visa on arrival | $50 | Single entry | Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area |
| Mozambique | Visa on arrival at major entry points | $50 | 30 days | Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area |
| Ethiopia | eVisa required — apply at evisa.gov.et | $82 | 30 or 90 days | Yellow fever vaccination recommended |
| Madagascar | Visa on arrival | Free up to 30 days | 30 days (extendable to 60 days for $35) | Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area |
General Travel Tips
Book accommodations before applying for your visa
Many visa applications require proof of accommodation. Having confirmed bookings speeds up the approval process and strengthens your application.
Keep digital and printed copies of all documents
Store copies of your passport, visa, vaccination certificates, and travel insurance in your email, cloud storage, and as physical printouts in your luggage.
Check COVID-19 requirements before travel
Most African countries have lifted COVID-19 restrictions, but some may still require proof of vaccination or testing. Verify before departure.
Travel insurance is highly recommended
Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is essential for safari travel. Some countries require proof of insurance at entry.
Register with your embassy before traveling
Registering with your home country's embassy ensures you can be contacted in case of emergencies, natural disasters, or political unrest.
Before You Travel
Passport validity
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned travel date
Blank pages
At least 2 blank passport pages required for entry stamps
Check latest requirements
Always check with your embassy or consulate for the latest requirements
Nationality-specific
Requirements vary by nationality — information below is for US/EU passport holders
Bookable with local operators
Popular safari tours
Inspirations Africa
Verified8-Day Luxury Kenya Safari: Nairobi, Ol Pejeta & Masai Mara
Luxury on safari is not about thread counts. It is about where you wake up, who guides you and the moments that take your breath away. This 8-day journey pairs Kenya's finest lodges with its most wildlife-rich destinations. Begin at the Fairmont The Norfolk in Nairobi, then head to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia for three nights at Sanctuary Tambarare Camp, with rhino tracking, the endangered species enclosures and walking safaris with armed Maasai guides that bring you within metres of grazing zebra and giraffe. Fly to the Masai Mara for three nights at andBeyond Kichwa Tembo with a private guide who has tracked the resident lion prides for over a decade, big cat tracking, bush dinners under the Milky Way and an optional hot air balloon safari. Internal flights mean no long road transfers, and all house drinks and laundry are included.
From $9,800 /person
Inspirations Africa
Verified8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Lemosho Route
Widely regarded as the most beautiful approach to Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Route starts on the quiet western side at Londorossi Gate and crosses rainforest, the Shira Plateau and the famous Barranco Wall scramble before summit night to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. The 8-day profile gives one of the strongest acclimatisation schedules on the mountain, with a 95%+ summit success rate and fewer crowds than Machame or Marangu. Your climb is led by a licensed mountain guide with assistant guides at a 1:2 ratio, porters and a cook, with 4-season tents, portable toilet, pulse oximeter checks and all meals on the mountain. Two hotel nights in Moshi before and after the climb, plus airport transfers, are included. Good fitness is recommended; no technical climbing skills are needed.
From $2,650 /person
Inspirations Africa
Verified4-Day Fly-In Serengeti Safari by Bush Plane
This fly-in safari eliminates the long overland drive from Arusha and gets you to the Serengeti in 90 minutes by bush plane. The flight itself is spectacular, soaring over the Ngorongoro highlands, the Great Rift Valley and the Serengeti's endless plains before landing on a grass airstrip. On the ground you enjoy unlimited game drives from a luxury camp positioned in the prime wildlife corridor: lions, leopards, cheetahs and, in season, the Great Migration herds. Three nights of full-board luxury, sundowners over the plains and a farewell bush dinner, then fly back to Arusha on the final morning. Ideal for travellers short on time who want maximum Serengeti with minimum transit.
From $3,450 /person
Inspirations Africa
Verified7-Day Great Migration Safari: Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti
Over two million wildebeest, half a million zebra and hundreds of thousands of gazelle: the Great Migration is the largest overland movement of mammals on Earth, and this 7-day luxury safari puts you at its heart. Begin in Arusha, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for the Big Five in one of the world's most concentrated wildlife arenas. Continue to the Serengeti, where your guide tracks the herds by season: Mara River crossings with crocodile ambushes from June to October, or the southern calving grounds with 8,000 births a day from December to March. Luxury tented camps move with the herds so you are always in the right place, and between the mega-herds the Serengeti delivers Africa's finest predator action: lion prides, cheetah coalitions, leopards in sausage trees and hyena clans. Optional dawn hot air balloon safari available.
From $5,950 /person
VELMARA SAFARIS
Verified8-Day Kenya & Tanzania Mid-Range Big Five Safari
Experience the raw beauty of East Africa on this eight-day journey through Kenya's most iconic wildlife destination. You'll spend your days in Amboseli National Park, where vast plains stretch beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. This is prime territory for encountering Africa's Big Five, and you'll have excellent chances to spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos as they move across the landscape. Your safari combines game drives through diverse habitats with comfortable mid-range accommodation, striking the perfect balance between authentic wilderness experience and practical comfort. This adventure is designed for travelers who want genuine wildlife encounters without compromising on quality rest between days. You'll wake early for morning drives when animals are most active, then return to your lodge for a break before afternoon expeditions.
From $3,450 /person
VELMARA SAFARIS
Verified6-Day Amboseli NP, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Luxury Tour
This six-day journey takes you through Kenya's most iconic landscapes, combining the raw beauty of Amboseli National Park with the birdwatching paradise of Lake Nakuru and the legendary wildlife abundance of Masai Mara. Each destination offers distinct ecosystems and unforgettable encounters with Africa's incredible fauna and flora. You'll experience the full spectrum of what makes Kenya a world-class safari destination, from intimate wildlife viewing to breathtaking scenery. Throughout your tour, you'll enjoy luxury accommodation at carefully selected lodges that blend comfort with authentic safari experiences. Early morning and afternoon game drives put you in prime position to spot the area's diverse wildlife, while expert guides share their deep knowledge of the ecosystems and animal behavior. This carefully crafted itinerary balances adventure with relaxation, ensuring you leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
From $2,700 /person
Where to go
Explore the destinations
3 toursKenyaThe Original Safari
17 tours · 25 lodgesTanzaniaRoof of Africa & Beyond
11 lodgesSerengeti National ParkDiscover Serengeti National Park
2 tours · 7 lodgesNgorongoro CraterDiscover Ngorongoro Crater
2 toursMasai MaraDiscover Masai Mara National Reserve
16 tours · 24 lodgesNorthern CircuitThe Classic Safari RouteGood to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to go on a safari in Africa?
It depends on the country and your nationality. Some popular safari destinations like Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia are visa-free for US/EU/UK passport holders. Others like Kenya and Tanzania require an eVisa or visa on arrival.
What vaccinations do I need for an African safari?
Yellow fever vaccination is the most commonly required. Tanzania and Rwanda require a yellow fever certificate, while most other countries require it only if you are arriving from an endemic area. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended for most safari destinations.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a $100 multi-country visa that allows you to travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa. It is valid for 90 days and is a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple East African countries.
What is the KAZA UniVisa?
The KAZA UniVisa is a $50 joint visa that covers entry to both Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is ideal for travelers visiting Victoria Falls, which borders both countries, allowing unlimited crossings between them during the visa validity period.
How long must my passport be valid for African travel?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel dates. Most African countries also require at least 2 blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.
Plan with local experts
Ready to Plan Your Safari?
Now that you know what documents you need, start exploring Africa's most incredible safari destinations.