From New Zealand the journey to East Africa takes two connections or more, so most guests plan a longer trip and an easy first day. Here is what to arrange and when to go.
Getting there
Kiwi travellers have three main ways to reach East Africa. Qantas links Auckland with Perth and Perth with Johannesburg, where flights continue to Nairobi; Middle Eastern carriers connect from Auckland through their Gulf hubs; and Asian carriers connect through hubs such as Singapore.
Whichever route you choose, it usually means two flights or more and a long day, so we suggest arriving in Nairobi or Arusha a day before the safari begins and keeping the first afternoon free.
If you would like to end on the beach, Zanzibar and the Kenyan coast both fit naturally at the end of the trip before the long flight home.
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
Kenya: New Zealanders apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) once flights are booked. Allow at least a week.
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: New Zealanders 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: SafeTravel: Kenya (opens in a new tab) and SafeTravel: Tanzania (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
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.
The short rains usually ease by late December, leaving green, mostly dry parks. Early in the year the herds usually gather in the southern Serengeti for calving. Lodges and beaches are busy over Christmas, so book early.
East Africa's dry season, and often the months when the migration reaches the Maasai Mara and northern Serengeti. A popular escape from the New Zealand winter.
Often good game viewing as the dry season ends, with fewer vehicles and better rates before the short rains arrive.
When to see the Great Migration · Why consider the shoulder season
Itineraries to start from
Each can be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget, and reserved for your party alone.
Payments
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 New Zealand dollars. We do not accept cash deposits, and every payment receives a receipt.
Travel professionals
New Zealand travel agents 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
Tell us your dates and wishes. Our Nairobi office replies Monday to Saturday, 08:30 to 17:30 East Africa Time (UTC+3).
Information reviewed on 7 November 2026. Entry rules, fees and flight schedules change; always confirm with the official source before you travel.
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