Summer holidays, late July and August
Dry season and often prime time for the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara and northern Serengeti. It is the busiest period, so book well ahead and expect peak rates.
Plan from the United Kingdom
Planning a Kenya and Tanzania safari from the UK
Nonstop flights from London, only a few hours of time difference and the same plugs as home make Kenya a straightforward long-haul safari from the UK. Here is what to arrange before you go.
At a glance
- Flights
- Nonstop London Heathrow to Nairobi with British Airways and Kenya Airways, around 8.5 to 9.5 hours
- Time difference
- Nairobi is 3 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 2 hours ahead during British Summer Time
- Entry
- Kenya eTA plus Kenyan inbound health insurance; Tanzania visa plus inbound insurance
- Power
- Kenya uses the same three-pin plug as the UK, so most chargers work without an adapter
- Money
- Quotes in US dollars; bank transfers can be made in pounds sterling, euros or US dollars, or pay by card through a secure link
- Trip length
- A week works well for Kenya alone; 10 to 14 nights for Kenya and Tanzania together or with a beach stay
Getting there
Flights and arrival
British Airways and Kenya Airways both fly nonstop from London Heathrow to Nairobi. Departure times vary by airline and season: an overnight flight arrives in the morning, while a daytime flight arrives in the evening, and we plan your first day to suit whichever you choose.
For the Kenyan coast, you can fly into Nairobi and take a short domestic flight to Mombasa, Diani or Malindi, or add the coast at the end of a road or fly-in safari.
For Tanzania's northern parks, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha is reached with one connection. A combined trip can start in Nairobi and cross into Tanzania by road or by air.
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: apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) once your flights are booked, and allow at least a week for approval.
Since early October 2026 Kenya also requires a Kenyan inbound travel health insurance policy, bought during the eTA application or on the eCitizen portal. Airlines may check it at boarding.
Tanzania: British citizens need a tourist visa, available through the official e-visa portal, plus Tanzania's government inbound travel insurance.
Read your government's latest advice before booking: UK Foreign Office: Kenya travel advice (opens in a new tab) and UK Foreign Office: 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.
October half term
Usually still dry in the Mara, with the migration often lingering. A good week for a first safari with children.
February half term
Warm and largely dry, and the season when the herds usually gather in the southern Serengeti for calving.
Easter
Often during the long rains: green, quiet and good value, with some camps closed. Ideal for a safari and beach combination.
When to see the Great Migration · Why consider the shoulder season
Itineraries to start from
Trips that suit the journey from the United Kingdom
Each can be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget, and reserved for your party alone.
7-Day Amboseli, Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara Safari
From $2,790 per person, estimated
10-Day Luxury Kenya Safari & Diani Beach Stay
From $4,353 per person, estimated
10-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari
From $3,200 per person, estimated
Payments
Paying for your safari
Your quote is in US dollars. Bank transfers can be made in pounds sterling, euros or US dollars, or pay by credit or debit card through a secure payment link we send you. We do not accept cash deposits, and every payment receives a receipt.
Travel professionals
Booking through an agent
UK tour operators and travel agents 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 UK 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)
- UK Foreign Office: Kenya travel advice (opens in a new tab)
- UK Foreign Office: 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.
