FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

All KATO Members are bound by our strict Code of Conduct incorporated by our Ethics & Standards Sub-Committee.
It is common practice to have all costs paid for prior to commencement of the safari, as the Tour Operator has to make certain commitments to secure bookings, accommodation, flights, etc.
The ETA is applied online at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/ at a fee of $30 (plus credit card charges) per person for a single entry.

After one (1) year of operation as a Tour Operator, you may make a formal application in writing requesting to join KATO. Subsequent to this you will be furnished with a Membership Application form, two Questionnaires and a Notice of Categorisation. These documents are to be returned to the Secretariat duly filled and your Categorisation form certified by your Auditors. In addition, you will also be required to attach copies of your current Certificate of Incorporation, Ministry of Tourism License and any promotional materials/brochures that may enable us assess your application.

The cost of a safari vary depending on what kind of safari you wish to undertake e.g. luxury, budget, economy, etc. This could cost anywhere between US$150 to US$500 per person per night.
For general information on tourism in Kenya, please contact the Kenya Tourism Board on info@ktb.go.ke  or log on to their website www.magicalkenya.com.
  1. Information Exchange
  2. Recommendation/references for your company
  3. Bonding scheme
  4. Arbitration/mediation facility
  5. Lobby. KATO is actively involved in lobbying activities specifically with the Government on important issues affecting members.
  6. Access to KTF Safety & Communication Center
  7. Easy access to pre-paid park tickets
  8. Networking
  9. Education and Training
  10. Online directory and database
  11. Use of the KATO logo
  12. Information on and access to overseas trade shows and exhibitions.
  13. Stronger bargaining power

There are three (3) different categories of membership of KATO namely FULL, ASSOCIATE, and PROVISIONAL.

All new members join in as Associate Members for a minimum of one year. The annual fee is Kshs: 11,600 (exclusive of application fees of Kshs: 1000)

After a maximum of two years, you are required to upgrade to Full Membership. This is categorized depending on your annual gross earnings. Annual subscriptions vary as follows:

CATEGORY Annual Subscription Fees

Category A 91,900
Category B 63,300
Category C 49,000
Category D 33,600
Category E 18,200
Associate Category 11,600
Affiliate Category 18,200

Provisional Members 6,600
Corporate Members 100,000

Affiliate Membership is for foreign tour operators or local allied trade companies or individuals whose membership of KATO is of benefit to the Association. The fees are; local; Kshs. 18,200.

We have long rains in April and May and the short rains in November. However these are not confined to the months allocated. We have three (3) distinct tourist seasons: High Season; this is between July-September, December-March. The weather is dry and the roads are accessible to the various Game Parks and National Reserves. Low Season; April-June. Long rains are experienced about this time. Should you wish to travel at this time, please consult your Tour Operator accordingly e.g. what kind of vehicle to use. Shoulder Season; October-November. Short rains can be experienced at this time.

KATO stands for Kenya Association of Tour Operators (formed in 1978), and is one of Kenya’s leading tourism trade Association representing the interests of over 300 of the most experienced tour operators in Kenya. Our membership comprises of both large and small operators.