Summer vacation, June to August
Dry season in both countries and often the time the herds are in the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara. It is also the busiest and most expensive period, so plan six to nine months ahead.
Plan from the United States
Planning a Kenya and Tanzania safari from the United States
Practical planning for American travellers: how to fly in, what to arrange before you leave, how many days to allow, and how our Nairobi team shapes the trip around your dates.
At a glance
- Flights
- Nonstop New York (JFK) to Nairobi with Kenya Airways, or one connection via Europe, the Middle East or Addis Ababa
- Time difference
- Nairobi is 8 hours ahead of New York in winter and 7 in summer; 11 and 10 hours ahead of the West Coast
- 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
- Most American guests choose 8 to 14 nights so the long flights are worth it
Getting there
Flights and arrival
Kenya Airways flies nonstop between New York JFK and Nairobi, a flight of around 14 to 15 hours. The number of weekly departures changes with the season, so check the current schedule before you fix your dates.
If the nonstop days do not suit you, one-stop routings through a European hub, a Middle Eastern hub or Addis Ababa are common and often give more choice of days and fares.
For a Tanzania-first safari, northern circuit trips usually fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha, with one connection. Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are also reachable with one connection.
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 confirmed, and allow at least a week. US citizens can choose a single trip eTA or a longer multiple-entry option; the official portal lists the current fees.
Since early October 2026 Kenya also requires a Kenyan inbound travel health insurance policy, bought during the eTA application or beforehand on the eCitizen portal. Airlines may check it at boarding.
Tanzania: US passport holders are issued a multiple-entry tourist visa. Apply through the official e-visa portal and buy Tanzania's government inbound travel insurance (mainland or Zanzibar, depending on where you first arrive).
Read your government's latest advice before booking: US State Department: Kenya travel advisory (opens in a new tab) and US State Department: Tanzania travel advisory (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.
Thanksgiving and the holidays
Late November is usually the tail of the short rains, with greener landscapes and quieter parks. Christmas and New Year are a peak period at lodges and on the coast, so book early.
Winter escape, January to March
Warm and largely dry, and the season when the herds usually gather in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro area for calving.
Spring, April and May
The long rains bring lush scenery and lower rates. Some camps close and some roads become slow, so we plan routes with that in mind.
When to see the Great Migration · Why consider the shoulder season
Itineraries to start from
Trips that suit the journey from the United States
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
12-Day Luxury Kenya & Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar
From $8,099 per person, estimated
9-Day Grand Kenya Safari
From $2,834 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 we send you. We do not accept cash deposits, and every payment receives a receipt.
Travel professionals
Booking through an agent
US travel advisors can book us as their ground operator in Kenya and Tanzania, with the itinerary presented under their own brand. 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 US 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)
- US State Department: Kenya travel advisory (opens in a new tab)
- US State Department: Tanzania travel advisory (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.
