Mara and Serengeti Combination: Practical Guide to Visas, Health, Luggage and Money

The practicalities are not difficult, but they are different in Kenya and Tanzania, and mistakes at a border are inconvenient. Use this page as a checklist alongside the route and border guide.

It belongs to a set that begins with the pillar guide.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Visas and Entry

Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda accept the East Africa Tourist Visa, but Tanzania requires its own visa. Check the official immigration sites for current requirements, fees and processing times, since rules change. Carry printed copies of approvals, and be sure your passport has enough validity and blank pages. Our East Africa visa guide, Kenya entry information and Tanzania visa guide explain the details.

Health and Vaccinations

Consult a travel clinic well before departure. Malaria is present in safari areas, so ask about prophylaxis and bring repellent. Yellow fever certificates may be requested depending on where you have travelled recently. The health and vaccinations guide and malaria prevention guide offer general information, but personal medical advice belongs with a qualified professional.

Luggage on Light Aircraft

Flights between and within the parks use small aircraft with strict baggage limits, usually requiring soft-sided bags. Keep clothing neutral and light, wear layers rather than packing bulky items, and leave surplus luggage at a hotel in the gateway city if your operator offers storage. Read the Kenya rules and Tanzania rules, and use the packing list.

Money and Tipping

Kenya and Tanzania use different currencies, though US dollars and cards are widely accepted at lodges. Carry some small local notes for tips, drinks and craft purchases. Tipping norms are explained in the tipping guide, and the money guide covers cards and cash. Your operator will explain what the quoted price includes; park and conservancy fees follow official tariffs.

Insurance and Booking

Travel insurance should cover medical care, evacuation and cancellation, and many policies exclude certain activities such as ballooning, so read the terms. Booking early matters for July to October and the festive season. See the travel insurance guide and booking timeline.

Safety, Comfort and Common Sense

Safaris are well organised, but a few habits make them safer and more pleasant. Stay in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise, never approach animals on foot, and keep valuables out of sight in towns and at border posts. Drink bottled or treated water and use sunscreen and a hat, since the equatorial sun is strong even on cool mornings. Bring any medication in its original packaging with a doctor's note, and see the travelling with medication guide. If you have special dietary needs, tell your operator at booking so lodges can plan ahead. Lodges can usually arrange laundry, which means you can pack lighter for flights.

Cameras, Phones and Etiquette

Bring spare batteries and memory, a dust cover and a bean bag if you like to photograph from the vehicle. Phone signal is patchy in remote areas. Follow your guide's instructions on distance and noise, and read the safari etiquette and safety rules. For timing, see the best-time page, and for quick answers, the FAQs.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team