Winter escape, January to March
Warm, mostly dry days while Canada is cold, and the season when the herds usually gather in the southern Serengeti for calving.
Plan from Canada
Planning a Kenya and Tanzania safari from Canada
There is no nonstop flight from Canada to East Africa, so a little planning around connections goes a long way. Here is how Canadian travellers usually reach Kenya and Tanzania, and what to arrange first.
At a glance
- Flights
- No nonstop service; one connection via Europe, the Middle East, Addis Ababa or New York
- Time difference
- Nairobi is 8 hours ahead of Toronto and Montreal in winter (7 in summer) and 11 hours ahead of Vancouver (10 in summer)
- Entry
- Kenya eTA plus Kenyan inbound health insurance; Tanzania visa plus inbound insurance
- Power
- 240 volts with UK-style three-pin plugs in Kenya; bring a type G adapter and check your devices are dual voltage
- Money
- Quotes in US dollars; pay by bank transfer or by credit or debit card through a secure link
- Trip length
- 10 to 14 nights is common, often with a night in Nairobi or Arusha to recover from the journey
Getting there
Flights and arrival
Canadian travellers usually connect once: through a European hub, a Middle Eastern hub, Addis Ababa, or New York for Kenya Airways' nonstop JFK to Nairobi flight.
With two long flights, many guests spend their first night in Nairobi or Arusha before the first game drive. We time day one of the itinerary around your arrival.
For a Tanzania-first trip, aim for Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha for the northern parks, or Zanzibar for a beach stay at the end.
International flights are not included in our safari prices. Book them yourself or through your travel agent, or ask us to quote them with your safari. Schedules change, so check the airline before you fix your dates.
Before you fly
Entry and documents
Kenya: Canadians apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Since early October 2026 Kenya also requires a Kenyan inbound travel health insurance policy, bought during the eTA application or on the eCitizen portal.
Tanzania: Canadians need a tourist visa through the official e-visa portal, plus Tanzania's government inbound travel insurance.
Read your government's latest advice before booking: Government of Canada: Kenya travel advice (opens in a new tab) and Government of Canada: Tanzania travel advice (opens in a new tab). Ask a travel health clinic about vaccinations and malaria tablets about six to eight weeks before you travel.
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is your responsibility and is not included in our prices. The government inbound policies for Kenya and Tanzania do not replace it.
When to travel
Fitting a safari around your holidays
Wildlife movements and rains vary from year to year, so treat these as typical patterns rather than promises. We advise on your exact dates when we plan.
Summer, July to September
Dry season and often the best months for the Great Migration in the Mara and northern Serengeti. Book early for these dates.
Shoulder months
June, October and early November can bring good game viewing with fewer vehicles and lower rates.
When to see the Great Migration · Why consider the shoulder season
Itineraries to start from
Trips that suit the journey from Canada
Each can be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget, and reserved for your party alone.
10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari
From $3,200 per person, estimated
7-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari
From $3,075 per person, estimated
12-Day Luxury Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Stay
From $4,147 per person, estimated
Payments
Paying for your safari
Your quote is in US dollars. Pay by bank transfer to our company account or by credit or debit card through a secure payment link; your bank converts from Canadian dollars. We do not accept cash deposits, and every payment receives a receipt.
Travel professionals
Booking through an agent
Canadian travel advisors and tour operators can book us as their ground operator in Kenya and Tanzania. Share any itinerary on this site with your agent using its copy link or print button.
Get in touch
Let’s plan your safari
Tell us your dates and wishes. Our Nairobi office replies Monday to Saturday, 08:30 to 17:30 East Africa Time (UTC+3).
Official links for Canadian travellers
- Kenya eTA (official portal) (opens in a new tab)
- Kenya inbound travel health insurance (eCitizen) (opens in a new tab)
- Tanzania e-visa (official portal) (opens in a new tab)
- Tanzania mainland inbound insurance (NIC) (opens in a new tab)
- Zanzibar inbound insurance (ZIC) (opens in a new tab)
- Government of Canada: Kenya travel advice (opens in a new tab)
- Government of Canada: Tanzania travel advice (opens in a new tab)
Information reviewed on 7 November 2026. Entry rules, fees and flight schedules change; always confirm with the official source before you travel.
