Do You Need Multiple Visas for East Africa and Zimbabwe?
Yes – an East Africa and Zimbabwe combined trip requires three separate visa applications. Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe each have their own entry requirements, and no single regional visa covers all three countries. Budget USD 110-135 for all three visas combined and apply online before departure.
Many travelers mistakenly believe the KAZA Univisa (Zimbabwe-Zambia) covers Kenya and Tanzania. It does not. Each country must be applied to independently.
Kenya eTA – Requirements 2026
Kenya replaced its old visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in 2024. The Kenya eTA is available to most nationalities including US, UK, EU, and Australian citizens.
- Cost: USD 30 per person
- Processing: 72 hours (3 business days) typically
- Validity: 90 days single entry, 90 days stay
- Application: Online via the official Kenya eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke)
- Requirements: Valid passport, passport photo, return ticket details, accommodation proof
Tanzania eVisa – Requirements 2026
Tanzania offers an online eVisa for tourists visiting the Serengeti, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, and other destinations.
- Cost: USD 50 per person
- Processing: 5-10 business days
- Validity: 90 days single entry, 30-90 days stay
- Application: Online via Tanzania immigration portal (immigration.go.tz)
- Requirements: Valid passport (6 months validity), passport photo, itinerary, yellow fever vaccination certificate
Zimbabwe eVisa – Requirements 2026
Zimbabwe’s eVisa is the most flexible option for the circuit, offering both single entry and KAZA (Zimbabwe-Zambia) options.
- Single entry: USD 30 per person, 30 days stay
- KAZA Univisa (Zimbabwe + Zambia): USD 55 per person, covers both countries
- Processing: 5-10 business days
- Application: Online via evisazimbabwe.org or official portal
Full Zimbabwe eVisa details: Zimbabwe eVisa application guide.
The KAZA Univisa – What It Covers and What It Does Not
The KAZA Univisa is a joint visa covering Zimbabwe and Zambia only. It is ideal if you plan to visit both sides of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwean and Zambian). At USD 55, it replaces the need for two separate visas for these two countries.
Important: The KAZA Univisa does NOT cover Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana (separate arrangements), or any other East African country. Do not confuse it with a regional pass.
Popular East Africa and Zimbabwe Circuit Routes
Most travelers combine East Africa and Zimbabwe in a 10-21 day circuit, flying between countries. Nairobi is the standard starting or ending hub for the East Africa portion.
14-Day Nairobi to Victoria Falls Itinerary
- Days 1-3: Nairobi, Kenya – City exploration, Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre
- Days 4-6: Masai Mara, Kenya – Game drives, Big Five wildlife
- Days 7-9: Serengeti, Tanzania – Fly or drive into Tanzania, Serengeti safari
- Days 10-11: Zanzibar, Tanzania – Beach and Stone Town (optional)
- Days 12-14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Fly Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar to Harare or direct to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)
21-Day Grand East Africa and Zimbabwe Circuit
A fuller circuit adds Kilimanjaro trekking (5 days), more Zimbabwe safari time in Hwange or Mana Pools, and potentially Botswana’s Okavango Delta as an extension. Budget for additional flights between Tanzania and Zimbabwe (typically routing through Johannesburg or Nairobi).
Nairobi as Your Gateway to East Africa and Zimbabwe
Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is the main hub for East Africa travel. Most international flights from Europe, North America, and Asia arrive here first. From Nairobi, you can:
- Fly direct to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) on Kenya Airways or connecting via Johannesburg
- Fly to Harare (HRE) with Kenya Airways or Ethiopian Airlines
- Connect to Arusha/Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) in 1 hour
- Connect to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Mombasa
Budget approximately USD 200-350 for flights between Nairobi and Victoria Falls depending on timing and airline.
How to Apply for All Three Visas
The good news: all three visas (Kenya eTA, Tanzania eVisa, Zimbabwe eVisa) are applied for online. Apply simultaneously once your travel dates are confirmed – there is no reason to apply sequentially.
Kenya eTA Application
- Visit etakenya.go.ke (official Kenya government portal)
- Create an account with email address
- Complete application: personal details, passport info, travel plans
- Pay USD 30 online by card
- Receive approval (typically within 72 hours)
Tanzania eVisa Application
- Visit immigration.go.tz (Tanzania Immigration Services Department)
- Select Tourist Visa and complete online form
- Upload passport photo and yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Pay USD 50 online
- Receive eVisa approval in 5-10 business days
Zimbabwe eVisa Application
- Apply through the official Zimbabwe eVisa portal
- Choose single entry (USD 30) or KAZA Univisa (USD 55)
- Upload passport photo and bio page
- Pay online and await approval (5-10 business days)
- Print and carry approved eVisa document
Budget Planning – Visas and Flights for East Africa and Zimbabwe
Here is a realistic budget breakdown for the visa and transport portion of an East Africa + Zimbabwe trip:
- Kenya eTA: USD 30 per person
- Tanzania eVisa: USD 50 per person
- Zimbabwe eVisa (single): USD 30 per person (or USD 55 for KAZA)
- Total visas (single entry): USD 110 per person
- International flights (Europe to Nairobi return): USD 600-1,200
- Nairobi to Victoria Falls (in-region flight): USD 200-400
Best Time for an East Africa and Zimbabwe Combined Trip
The ideal timing combines Kenya/Tanzania wildlife peaks with Zimbabwe dry season safari:
- July-October: Best overall – Kenya wildebeest migration (Aug-Oct in Masai Mara), Zimbabwe dry season peak, Hwange elephants
- June-July: Excellent value – Serengeti migration active, Zimbabwe peak season beginning
- January-February: Serengeti calving season (Tanzania) + Zimbabwe rainy season (Victoria Falls peak but harder safari)
See our detailed guide to Zimbabwe dry season safari planning.
Frequently Asked Questions – East Africa and Zimbabwe Trip
Do I need separate visas for Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe?
Yes – Kenya requires an eTA (USD 30), Tanzania requires an eVisa (USD 50), and Zimbabwe requires an eVisa (USD 30-55). No single regional visa covers all three countries.
Does the KAZA Univisa cover Kenya and Tanzania?
No. The KAZA Univisa covers only Zimbabwe and Zambia. It does not include Kenya, Tanzania, or any other East African country.
How do I get from Kenya or Tanzania to Zimbabwe?
Most travelers fly from Nairobi (JKIA) to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) or Harare. Kenya Airways and connections via Johannesburg are the main options.
How much do all three visas cost?
Total: USD 110-135 per person. Kenya eTA USD 30 + Tanzania eVisa USD 50 + Zimbabwe eVisa USD 30-55.
Can I combine Kenya safari with Zimbabwe safari?
Yes – a 14-21 day circuit covering Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Victoria Falls/Hwange is a popular route. Apply all three visas online before departure.
What is the best time for East Africa and Zimbabwe combined trip?
July to October is ideal – Kenya wildebeest migration (August-October in Masai Mara) aligns perfectly with Zimbabwe’s peak dry season safari.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination for East Africa?
Tanzania requires a yellow fever certificate from travelers arriving from endemic countries. Carry your vaccination certificate throughout East Africa and Zimbabwe travel.
