International Traveller Updates

Please find information below pertaining to the Covid-19 protocols and regulations concerning our international guests for both Kenya and Rwanda.

Whilst we make every effort to ensure our information is accurate, please ensure that you check the latest travel requirements on the Kenya and/or Rwanda government websites and also contact your Foreign Office prior to departure for the latest up-to-date advice.

 

UPDATE ON KENYA

  • NEW Kenya is back OPEN for tourism subject to international travel rules. The lockdown announced on 26th March 2021 has now been lifted and domestic flights into and out of Nairobi can resume.
  • NEW All travellers arriving into Kenya MUST have an approved e-visa. Visas are no longer available on arrival. You can purchase your visa on http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
  • Here is a detailed list on Kenya’s Covid-19 protocols that you should read regarding your trip to Kenya. This information is provided by ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association), and we have found it to be very consolidated, useful and up-to-date, but we strongly recommend that you always double check the latest travel requirements with the Kenyan government and your Foreign Office.

Additional information for Governors’ guests:

  • Passengers arriving on flights outside of the curfew hours (which are currently 8pm to 4am), with a valid Air Ticket and Boarding Pass shall be allowed to proceed to their hotels and/or residences. Please send us a copy of your ticket so that our drivers are able to collect you from the airport out of curfew hours.
  • Onwards travel: For itineraries requiring a second test whilst in Kenya for onwards travel to Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda or Uganda, it is possible to have the PCR test whilst in Kenya. Please contact your DMC (Destination Management Company) or accommodation supplier to make the necessary arrangements to fit the timings of the itinerary.
  • Governors’ is very pleased to offer PCR Covid-19 testing in our Masai Mara properties and we’re pleased to facilitate testing in Nairobi. You can find out more about this service HERE.
  • After your trip to Kenya, if your destination country requires a COVID-19 PCR to depart Kenya, we’ll be pleased to work with you to obtain a test with an authorised laboratory which will present you with a test certificate that is Trusted Travel (TT) verified. You will be required to present this to authorities on check-in at the international airport.
  • KLM passengers: There are new regulations for passengers flying out of Nairobi, to or via the Netherlands. Passengers must arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport 4 hours prior to departure and have an additional Covid-19 test done at the airport. Please click HERE for more information on this.

Travel Requirements for Kenya in-country:

  • Physical distancing must be observed where possible.
  • The wearing of masks is mandatory.
  • Temperature screening before entering buildings is mandatory.
  • All hospitality staff in Kenya, including those working in national parks plus drivers and guides, will be tested for COVID-19 every two weeks. Only staff that have tested negative are allowed to work in these spheres. At our Kenya properties, the staff will be tested every two weeks and once they have tested negative will be stationed in the lodge area, with no travelling to surrounding areas in the country during these two weeks.

 

UPDATE ON RWANDA:

  • Here is a detailed list on Rwanda’s Covid-19 protocols that you should read regarding your trip to Rwanda. This information is provided by ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association), and we have found it to be very consolidated, useful and up-to-date, but we strongly recommend that you always double check the latest travel requirements with the Rwanda government and your Foreign Office.
  • Rwanda has entered reduced levels of lockdown, in order to curb the spread of Covid, however, these measures will not affect tourism in any way.

Additional information for Governors’ guests:

  • Rwanda has been added to the UK Travel Corridor list. With direct flights  from London to Kigali with RwandAir (not daily), it is possible to travel freely between the UK and Rwanda. There is a fuel stop in Brussels, but as travellers remain on the plane, there will be no need to quarantine on return to the UK, should Brussels not have an air bridge at time of travel.
  • Governors’ is very pleased to offer PCR Covid-19 testing at Sabyinyo Silverback Loge, meaning that extra nights in the capital may not be necessary. You can find out more about this service HERE.

Travel Requirements for Rwanda in-country:

  • Physical distancing must be observed where possible.
  • The wearing of masks is mandatory.
  • Temperature screening before entering buildings is mandatory.
  • All hospitality staff in Rwanda, including those working in national parks plus drivers and guides, will be tested for COVID-19 every two weeks. Only staff that have tested negative are allowed to work in these spheres. At Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, the staff will be tested every two weeks and once they have tested negative will be stationed in the lodge area, with no travelling to surrounding areas in the country during these two weeks.

Gorilla trekking protocols:

  • Wearing a mask while gorilla trekking is mandatory.
  • The maximum number of people on a gorilla trek has been reduced to 6 (used to be 8). It is also possible to book a sole-use trek for US$ 15,000.
  • Whilst at Volcanoes National Park HQ, visitors will be briefed on the safety and health measures that are to be followed in order to ensure the wellbeing of oneself and the endangered mountain gorillas.
  • Temperatures will also be tested prior to the trek to ensure all visitors are in the recommended temperature range advised by the ministry of health.
  • To date, if visitors are turned back by park authorities for ‘medical’ reasons, their permits will be refunded.

 

Please also see our TRAVEL PLANNING page which offers further advice, on preparation for your trip to Kenya and Rwanda.

For information on our Covid-safety procedures at each of the Governors’ properties in both Kenya and Rwanda, please click HERE.