Travel tips

Latest Covid Entry Requirements Uganda

Last update: July 2021

Looking for the latest covid entry requirements to Uganda? Shadows of Africa has got you covered. With our team living on the ground, we are always aware of the latest covid entry requirements. For a quick overview, see below. Our safari experts are ready to give you tailored advice.

Latest Covid entry requirement summary:

• Negative Covid-19 Test: All travellers have to present a Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Uganda. Also before departure travellers need to show a negative test no older than 72 hours.
• Test on arrival: Only travellers from the USA, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Tanzania. Any traveller from these countries, including children, will be required to undergo a PCR Covid-19 test (cost of $65) at the points of entry including Entebbe International Airport.

Note: India. All flights from India were suspended and all passengers originating from India are denied entry, effective 1st May 2021.

The Ugandan government is taking the safety and health of our travellers seriously, and has implemented regulations that will help make it possible for everyone to enjoy a safe safari. Uganda has been lucky enough to be a safe destination to visit and these new measures will ensure it will continue to be so.

If you want to plan a safe and responsible trip to Uganda - don’t hesitate to contact us to start planning & dreaming.

For the full document please click this link: Full Ugandan travel advisory

Latest Covid Entry Requirements Kenya

Last update: July 2021

Looking for the latest covid entry requirements to KENYA? Shadows of Africa has got you covered. With our team living on the ground, we are always aware of the latest covid entry requirements For a quick overview, see below. Our safari experts are ready to give you tailored advice.

Latest Covid entry requirement summary:

• All travellers are now required to show a negative Covid-19 PCR certificate not older than 96 hours before departure.
• All travelers who wish to visit Kenya must complete an online registration form before departure. The “Travelers Health Surveillance Form”

Note: Flights from the UK to Kenya are suspended, passengers who have been to or transited through India in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Kenya.

Note: Travellers are to register their negative PCR test before departure. Trusted Travel Initiative. Persons travelling to Kenya from countries not using the Trusted Travel Initiative must use a tool made available through the Global Haven partnership for Covid-19 test result verification available here.

The Kenyan government is taking the safety and health of our travellers seriously, and has implemented regulations that will help make it possible for everyone to enjoy a safe safari. Kenya has been lucky enough to be a safe destination to visit and these new measures will ensure it will continue to be so.

If you want to plan a safe and responsible trip to Kenya - don’t hesitate to contact us to start planning & dreaming.

For the full document please click this link: Kenyan Ministry of Health

Latest Covid Entry Requirements Rwanda

Last update: July 2021

Looking for the latest covid entry requirements to Rwanda? Shadows of Africa has got you covered. With our team living on the ground, we are always aware of the LATEST latest covid entry requirements . For a quick overview, see below. Our safari experts are ready to give you tailored advice.

Latest Covid entry requirement summary:

• Covid-19 negative test: Arriving passengers must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the first departure.
• Health declaration: All travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form online. On completion, travellers will be given a Unique Health Code (UHC) which they must present on arrival.
• Test on arrival: All arrivers will be tested for Covid-19, then taken to a designated hotel for 24 hours, awaiting results (USD 60 per test).

Note: Tourists are required to take a PCR test 72 hours prior to visiting a national park (except for Akagera). Tourists visiting Akagera are required to take a rapid antigen test, available at numerous walk-in clinics in Kigali (RWF 10,000). No tourist will be admitted to any national park without a valid negative test result.

The Rwandan government is taking the safety and health of our travellers seriously, and has implemented regulations that will help make it possible for everyone to enjoy a safe safari, as well as protect the endangered primates. Rwanda has been lucky enough to be a safe destination to visit and these new measures will ensure it will continue to be so.

If you want to plan a safe and responsible trip to Rwanda - don’t hesitate to contact us to start planning & dreaming.

For the full document please click this link: Full Rwandan travel advisory

Latest Covid Entry Requirements Tanzania

Last update: July 2021

Looking for the LATEST COVID ENTRY REQUIREMENTS to TANZANIA? Shadows of Africa has got you covered. With our team living on the ground, we are always aware of the LATEST COVID ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. For a quick overview, see below. Our safari experts are ready to give you tailored advice.

Latest Covid entry requirement summary:

• All travellers are now required to show a negative Covid-19 PCR certificate not older than 72 hours.
• An online health form needs to be filled out by the traveller before travelling via this link: https://afyamsafiri.moh.go.tz/
• Upon arrival, all travellers will be subjected to rapid Covid-19 testing. The cost of this test is 25 USD and will be paid by the traveller on location.

Note: India. All flights from India were suspended and all passengers originating from India are denied entry, effective 1st May 2021.

The Tanzanian government is taking the safety and health of our travellers seriously, and has implemented regulations that will help make it possible for everyone to enjoy a safe safari. Tanzania has been lucky enough to be a safe destination to visit and these new measures will ensure it will continue to be so.

If you want to plan a safe and responsible trip to Tanzania - don’t hesitate to contact us to start planning & dreaming.

For the full document please click this link: Full Tanzanian Travel Advisory

Your guide to visit East Africa this summer

Travelling to East Africa this summer - a great idea and a wise conclusion!

To realize your great idea support your wise conclusion with updated information on pros, cons, and of course the latest Covid regulations. Daily updated and thoroughly checked information will surely help you to get an informed decision.
Pros surely include fewer visitors, curious animals, a higher standard of service for a lower price, easily maintained social distancing, and more profound contact with nature.
Cons may be different Covid protocols when entering each country.

1. Tanzania

The undisputed queen of African safaris, Tanzania, is home to the Wildebeest Migration for ten months of the year, it is where the World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater shows off the unique wildlife, where Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain protrudes from the average, and the gorgeous island paradise of Zanzibar is being caressed by the sea.
One of the advantages is "front row seats" for the great migration spectacle - dare to fight the croc for its bite? Pre-covid times witnessed rows and rows of cars waiting to catch a glimpse of nature's wonders, now great views are on display.

Covid-19 regulations:
All travellers are now required to show a negative PCR Covid-19 test certificate not older than 72 hours. Upon arrival, all travellers will be subjected to rapid Covid-19 testing. The cost of this test is 25 USD and will be paid by the traveller on location. You are required to fill in the health form, available online, before travelling.

2. Rwanda

This green heaven in the heart of Africa invites with its unparalleled treasures. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekkings are always on the top, you can spot all of the big five here, and don't forget the amazing birdlife as well.
Volcanoes national park, Akagera, Nyungwe, or the newest Gishwati Mukura national park all have lots to offer, Lake Kivu shares a different perspective, just as a visit to the sombre Rwanda Genocide Museum in Kigali.

Covid-19 regulations:
All arriving travellers are required to have a negative PCR Covid-19 test certificate conducted within 72 hours before departure. Before arrival, you are required to fill in the Public Health Passenger Locator Form online and attach the PCR certificate. All passengers are required to stay 24 hours in quarantine, while passengers from India are required to complete 7 days in mandatory quarantine upon arrival at a designated quarantine hotel at their own cost.
All travelers departing from Rwanda must test negative for Covid-19. A PCR test must be performed within 72 hours before departure. The Covid-19 test is not mandatory for accompanied children under 5 years.

3. Uganda

No country in Africa can offer quite what Uganda does: world-class gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, terrific game drives, all big five, bustling birdlife, and the majesty of the mighty Nile.
Winston Churchill fondly called Uganda The Pearl of Africa, and we certainly agree with that sentiment, adding our cognition - Uganda's wild charm and variety of activities make it a great place to plan a safari.

Covid-19 regulations:
Arriving passengers will be subject to temperature checks and will be screened for infectious diseases by the Port Health Authorities. If a passenger shows signs or symptoms of any infectious disease they will be taken by ambulance to a local isolation centre to undergo a COVID-19 test at their own cost. Test results will be returned within 24 to 48 hours; passengers will be expected to remain at the isolation centre until the test results are returned. Passengers coming from India or being there less than 14 days ago, are not permitted to enter Uganda. Passengers from certain countries will have to undergo PCR testing on the border /airport at their own costs.
Departing passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, issued no more than 120 hours before travel. The 120 hours begin on the day the sample is collected for testing.

4. Kenya

Often referred to as "Africa's safari capital", home to the world-famous Maasai Mara and hosting the famed Wildebeest Migration in August and September as well as boasting the best views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kenya is also an affordable and well-developed tourism market that is great for families or people traveling on a budget. Many different options to choose from in every rank, for every taste.

Covid-19 regulations:
All arriving passengers must take the PCR test 96 hours before departure from the first embarkation point and present the negative test. You must complete the “Travelers Health Surveillance Form” online before departure.
Currently, flights from the UK and India to Kenya are suspended until June 2021.
Passengers who have been to or transited through India in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Kenya.

Get your PCR & Rapid Covid Test in Arusha, Zanzibar and the Serengeti!

Latest update!

Since 26th of January 2021 KLM requires a Rapid Covid-19 test as an additional obligation to the PCR test. This rapid test must be taken no more than 4 hours before departure. Rapid testing is performed on all airports that KLM flies from and to: Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
The cost for this test is 25 USD per person/test. To be paid in cash at the airport.
Reserve enough time for this test to prevent any issues, and arrive at the airport at least five hours before departure.

Where to get a PCR test in Arusha

A PCR test can be taken in Mount Meru Regional Hospital

and in Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre

Where to get a PCR test on Zanzibar

The Ministry of Health Zanzibar has currently designated three locations for Covid PCR tests:
• Emergency Operation Centre in Lumumba
• Global Hospital in Vuga and
• North Valley Hospital in Nungwi

What's the cost

The cost of the test is 100 USD.
In Zanzibar private hospitals charge 150 USD.
In the Serengeti the cost are $100 for the test and $17 for the handling fee

Where to get a PCR test in the Serengeti

To be able to get the PCR test in the Serengeti you also have the register via the normal website: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz
After registering, a control number will be generated. Pay the test fee, which is equivalent to 100$ in TZS, following the instructions provided when the control is generated.
For taking a test in the Serengeti there is a small extra handling fee covering the extra cost with taking a test in the Serengeti. Pay the handling fee via Mpesa, through Vodacom pay ‘Number 5106362 Tanzania Association of Tour Operators’. Shadows of Africa can assist with this. The handling fee is 40,000 TZS or roughly $17
Go to the Testing Center in Seronera between 8AM and 12AM. No appointment needed.
The test will travel to Dar es Salaam for the physical testing. The results take 48 hours to be delivered to you via email, WhatsApp - like with tests taken in Arusha & Zanzibar.

How to take a PCR test in Arusha or on Zanzibar

Since 4th of January 2021 new rules have been implemented by the Tanzanian government.
You need to register on the official test site: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz, with your passport and telephone number. You should do this 5 days before you plan to take your test.

Choose a hospital, pay and get tested.
Roughly, this is the procedure on arrival in the hospital:
Get in a line to pay for the test. Cash is preferred, although cards are accepted. Using cards to pay might cause some trouble or delay. After paying, you'll receive a receipt, which is also a necessary document when leaving the country, so don't lose it!
You'll then proceed to another line. You'll present your paid receipt and submit your personal information and flight details. In the third line, you will then declare how you want to get the results, on-line via WhatsApp or email or a printed copy. We suggest the latter since you will need a printed result to present at the airport.
You will then receive a control number, and when it's your turn, you get tested. The samples are taken from your throat and nose.

How long does it take to get the result?

It will take up to 48 hours to get the results since the samples are sent to Dar es Salaam for testing. If your airline has strict regulations regarding the validity time of the certificate make sure you perform your sample taking in the morning - so it can be sent to Dar es Salaam the same day of the sample taking.

Will I get the results on time to comply with the requirements of the airline or the country I'm travelling to?

The date stated on your certificate is the date the test was performed in Dar es Salaam, not the date the sample was taken. So in short, yes you can meet all requirements

Travelling to Tanzania during Covid-19 pandemic – all you need to know

Travelling in the times of the pandemic can be tricky. The key to successful travel is good preparation, which starts with credible information. Let's start with some facts:
The Government of Tanzania is collecting tracking information for all international passengers arriving in Tanzania. Temperature scanning for all international passengers arriving in Tanzania is implemented. If you show symptoms of Covid-19 upon arrival, you may be required to take a test. And, of course, you should comply with any additional screening measures instituted by the authorities.

There are some sanitary regulations and restrictions, like recommended wearing of face masks, disinfecting your hands and keeping social distance, just as almost everywhere else in the world. They are strictly obeyed, and most accommodations have their own Corona coordinator, to keep you and the Tanzanians safe and healthy. You may also like the fact, that there are no significant numbers of sick people, that the average age of the population is 18 years, and they are generally very healthy.

Life in Tanzania is (close to) normal, public transportation is operating, restaurants, cafes and bars are open, as well as non-essential businesses and attractions. And once again, this pure piece of Africa has everything to offer and the Tanzanians are overjoyed to be able to show you their beautiful country again.

The natural parks currently host much fewer visitors, thus the animals are being very curious. Our guides report of doubled spottings and much longer observing time for the visitors, so your experience can be really unique and also quite intimate. And remember, the visitors protect the animals from poachers! Equally unique and intimate can be any trekking experience; imagine Kilimanjaro or Ngorongoro with your group only. Or a long sandy beach caressing you while resting alone…

As for the cherry on the top, all these jewels can be enjoyed for a very, very reasonable price. A slow flow of tourists because of the pandemic pushed the prices low, but don't rely on them staying there.

So, to summarize: Tanzania implemented precautions due to Covid-19 situation, people understand and obey them, lodges and hotels take special care of hygiene and sanitation, wildlife and nature are even more amazing and the prices are historically low. A great melange for the best travel ever. Experience it with us!

Source on travel restrictions: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/entry-requirements
Last update: 1 day ago.

Money Tips for Travel to Tanzania

Below are few good to know insider money tips for travel to Tanzania that can turn out useful knowing them prior to arrival to the country.

Crossing the Border on Safari: What You Need to Know

Crossing the Border on Safari

If you're taking part in one of Shadows of Africa's many fantastic multi-country safaris, your trip is likely to include a border crossing.

Whether you're flying from Kenya's Maasai Mara to Tanzania's Serengeti or crossing into Uganda from Rwanda for your gorilla trekking, you'll have to go through immigration.

While this can be a stressful experience, your Shadows of Africa driver will be on hand to offer help and guidance.

You'll also find plenty of helpful information on crossing the various borders that stand between you and your safari adventure.

Namanga Border Crossing: Kenya and Tanzania

The most commonly crossed border between Tanzania and Kenya, Namanga lies between Arusha and Amboseli National Park.

Crossing the border at Namanga can be a slow process, as it is a popular border crossing for tourists and locals alike.

With immigration needing to check and issue visas as well as check baggage, you can expect anywhere from 1 - 2 hours at the Namanga border crossing.

Thankfully, you'll have your Shadows of Africa drivers on hand to help you out. No matter what direction you're crossing the border, one driver will wait for you to cross before you meet with your new driver.

As local law forbids Kenyan drivers from driving in Tanzania and vice versa, you'll switch cars here for your onward travel.

Isebania Border Crossing: Kenya and Tanzania

If you look at a map, the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti look close together, but it's not as simple as all that.

Crossing from the Maasai Mara to the Serengeti requires either two flights or the long, dusty drive via the Isebania border crossing.

Weighing in at anywhere between 10 and 12 hours, the Isebania crossing is not one we recommend unless you're on a tight budget. It is not only a long, boring day of driving, but it also eats up an entire day. You won't be seeing much (if any) wildlife during your drive.

Like Namanga, you'll need to go through immigration and customers when crossing the border. You'll also need to switch drivers.

Migori-Tarime Border Crossing: Kenya and Tanzania

For those wanting to experience both the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti, flying between the two is the best way to avoid a wasted day in the car.

Crossing the border when there are no international airports on either side means landing and making a land transfer, but the process is much the same as other border crossings.

You'll land, transfer via shuttle to the border crossing for immigration, and then continue onwards to your second flight.

While flights between the two parks can be quite expensive, we always recommend it for those who can afford it. The Isebania drive is an unpleasant one.

Rwanda - Uganda Border Crossing

Due to the higher prices in Rwanda, more and more people are choosing to fly into Kigali and do their gorilla trekking in Uganda.

While there are a number of different border crossings between Rwanda and Uganda depending on where you are trekking, the process is the same at each.

Unlike Tanzania & Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda do not forbid drivers crossing the border, so you'll have your guide on hand at all times to help if you run into any snags.

Just make sure you have an East African Visa if you are planning to cross back into Rwanda after you've finished your trekking, or you'll need to pay for a second Rwandan tourist visa!

How to Speed Up Crossing the Border

While some things are beyond our control when crossing a border, there are certainly ways to make the process as quick and painless as possible.

1. Have your visa already

While Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya can all process visas on arrival at border crossings, this can be a major time drain. Get your visas in advance either online or through your local consulate to avoid the long visa on arrival queues.

2. Have Your Vaccination Card Ready

When crossing into Tanzania after having spent time in Rwanda, Uganda, or Kenya, you will be required to present your Yellow Fever vaccination card.

It is possible to get this vaccination done at the border for an additional fee, but this can be time-consuming (and a tad painful). Have your Yellow Fever vaccination card ready and you'll breeze straight through!

3. Pack Smart

The Isebania and Namanga border crossings both have extensive customs and security checks for your luggage, so you'll need to carry everything with you and wait for staff to search it.

If your bag is a jumbled mess, this may take the security staff longer to check.

Be careful not to travel with plastic bags, animal products, or any other forbidden products. Local laws can be very strict and tourists are not exempt!

4. Don't panic!

It can be nerve-wracking dealing with the crowds and the bureaucracy at a border crossing, especially on your own.

Just remember, you've got Shadows of Africa drivers waiting for you on both sides of the border and our head office is just a phone call away!

You're perfectly safe at border crossings, so it's just a matter of following the signs and you'll be on your way in no time!

5. Avoid scammers

A number of enterprising locals have made a cottage industry out of helping tourists carry their bags from security to their safari cars.

While these people are not likely to steal from you, their charges can be a tad high. Don't be afraid to give a firm but polite "no" if you don't want to tip $10 USD for their services.

Food available at the border is also similarly high-priced, so we would advise skipping those bags of cashew nuts or dried peas unless you've got a powerful hunger.

We've Got You Covered

Regardless of where you're crossing the border, the Shadows of Africa team is on hand to help out.

While you may not be able to immediately grab your driver's attention during immigration, you'll have the contact number for our head office as well as your booking agent.

Don't hesitate to give us a call if you are confused or held up at immigration. We're not going to leave you high and dry!