I have been in Africa for three weeks co-leading (two) back-to-back photo tours in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. I wanted to share some of the logistical information before sharing some of my favorite images and stories as I know many are anxious to hear how things went since this is my first trip back after Covid became a travel issue.
Our first day started in Nairobi where everyone met up for dinner and a brief orientation before we headed out in the morning for our private charter to the Mara.
When we landed on the small airstrip our guides/drivers were waiting with open arms. It was a nice reunion. After checking-in at our camp and getting our stuff sorted, we headed out for our very first game drive.
Our first group was a wonderful mix of old and new friends. With three vehicles, we each had our own row of seats, and the roofs open so that we have 360 degrees viewing. We were off to a very good start. Some of the stand-out photo opportunities included: Cheetah hunts, Lion cubs, Lioness carrying young cubs, Leopards in trees, Serval Cats with young kittens, Elephant babies, Jackal kits, Hyena cubs and so much more. The second group was also treated to some great photo opportunities. My favorites sightings included very young Cheetah cubs, and an epic crossing.
Now for a bit about the logistics and my airport/travel experiences. I was already fully vaccinated and brought my vaccination card to the airport in Newark. I was flying Luftansa with a short layover in Frankfurt Germany.
I needed to get a Covid PCR test (not a rapid test) 96 hours before traveling and have a negative result and supply proof of the results at the airport. I did that by printing the form the hospital (where I had the test done) sent me via email. My insurance covered it and I didn't pay a co-pay.
Next, I had to fill out a form with the Kenya Heath Ministry (I was directed by my airlines to the link), I did that online, it took only a minute. After submitting the form, I was able to print a QR code that I brought with me to the airport.
Masks, either surgical or N95 were required on the plane. The airlines supplied surgical masks for those that didn't have the proper mask. The flight was not full and there were two seats between me and the lady in my row (I flew coach). The flight attendant gave us hand sanitizer wipes, I also brought Clorox wipes and cleaned my screen (which I never used anyway), my drop-down tray, seatbelt buckles, arm rests, etc.
When the plane landed in Germany there was not a Customs or Covid check. We were in the transit area and directed straight to our gate. There were security guards but no fever checking or paperwork whatsoever.
When we landed in Nairobi, they checked our temperature, took our QR code papers, checked our visas and passports. And looked at our Covid Negative result paper. This was surprisingly easy and efficient.
On the last full day of our safari, we were tested for Covid at our camp. They did a swab test (results in 24 hours), it cost $120.00 usd each. The next morning before leaving the Mara camp we received our results. Everyone got a copy of their test result printed out for them by our camp. Nobody on either group tested positive. Just about everyone in the tourist industry in the Mara has been vaccinated. We also paid for our drivers/guides to be tested before our arrival.
After our adventure ended, we all travelled together from the Mara to Nairobi via private charter to the international airport where everyone caught their flight home. The negative test result paper was checked about 6 times in Nairobi and through our layover location (Frankfurt). At the US entrance it was not checked but they did announce that they would randomly check our test results. I had no issues entering the US, I will be heading back to the Mara again in one month to lead another group -I can't wait!