Ultimate Kenya Travel Guide
The Kenya Travel Guide highlights the most important tips to consider when choosing and traveling to Kenya. Kenya is one of the most ideal travel destinations in Africa. With stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage Kenya offers a variety of travel options. Whether you’re planning a safari adventure, a beach getaway, or an exploration of vibrant cities, Kenya offers something for every traveler. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your perfect trip to this beautiful East African nation.
How to travel to Kenya
By Air
The Major Airports in Kenya are Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi and Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa and they are the main entry points into Kenya
Jomo Kenyatta Airport is located in the Capital city of Kenya, Nairobi which is almost at the central point of Kenya. You can connect to major Kenya Safari Destinations by road from Nairobi. Some of the Kenya best Safari destinations you can visit from Nairobi include; Masai Mara National reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Aberdare National Park, Meru National Park, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National parks and Nairobi Nairobi National Park. In your short stays in Nairobi you can explore various Nairobi city travel destinations like: the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi Giraffe centre, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, Nairobi National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi Gallery and Nairobi National park.
Mombasa International Airport is the ideal entry point for travelers visiting the Kenya Coast. You can visit various Kenya Safari destinations from Kenyan coast including: Masai Mara, Tsavo National Park, Amboseli National Park, Ngutuni Wildlife Sanctuary, Lumo Wildlife Sanctuary and Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kenya Beach Holiday destinations include: Mombasa, Diani Beach, Malindi, Watamu and Lamu. Kenya Beach holidays are characterised by warm, white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. There a variety of Luxury, Mid-luxury and Standard beach hotels that offers amazing hospitality that will make your holiday memorable.
Airlines that Fly to Kenya:
Kenya Airways, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Airlines, Neos Air, Fly Dubai, KLM, Air France, Eurowings, Condor, Air Tanzania, Egypt Air and many other international carriers serve these airports.
Kenya Visa Requirements
– As of 1 January 2024, foreign nationals, regardless of nationality, can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business travel for stays up to 90 days. Travelers must, however, obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Requirements and Documentation for Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Valid passport
- Recent passport picture
- Contact details (home address, telephone, email)
- Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights)
- Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries (please check the WHO website for the updated list of countries)
Kenya Customs and Entry Points Requirements
Visitors visiting Kenya for up to 3 months, are entitled to duty exemptions of up to $500 worth of non-consumable and consumable goods for personal use that they will take back at the end of the visit. These include non-alcoholic beverages and tobacco in quantities consistent with their visit intentions. You may click here for details.
Kenya Visa on Arrival:
Kenya no longer offer Visa on arrival and travellers have to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization before visiting Kenya.
Kenya Visa Extension
If a visitor to Kenya wishes to extend the period of stay beyond that given on entry, they are advised to make an application for extension at the nearest Immigration Offices. The maximum period that the Visitor’s pass can be extended is up-to a further 90 days.
Best Time to Visit Kenya
Dry Season June to October is usually the ideal time to visit Kenya for wildlife viewing. It is also the ideal time to see the Wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National reserve where thousands of wildebeest and Zebras migrate into Kenya from Serengeti National Park Tanzania.
Wet Season: November to May, characterized by lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
March to May is the heaviest rainy period and there are very few visitors in-to Kenya.
Top Kenya Travel Destinations
Nairobi
–Nairobi National Park: The only National Park with the city and is ideal for Wildlife. Home to animals like: lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and lots of bird species.
-Giraffe Centre: Located in Nairobi and is home to Rothschild giraffes.
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: It’s an Elephant orphanage and rehabilitation center located in Nairobi.
- Karen Blixen Museum: Former home of the famous “Out of Africa” author.
Masai Mara National Reserve
- Great Migration: Witness millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes cross the Mara River (July to October) crossing over from Serengeti National Park Tanzania.
- Big Five: Excellent chances to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
- Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Experience the Mara from above at sunrise with a champagne breakfast and early morning game drive.
Amboseli National Park
- Amboseli offers Mount Kilimanjaro Views: Stunning backdrop for wildlife photography.
- Elephant Herds: Known for its large elephant populations.
- Observation Hill: Offers panoramic views of the park.
-Amboseli Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Enjoy a panoramic view of the park and Mt. Kilimanjaro from the sky
Diani Beach
- Pristine Beaches: Diani Beach offers White sands and turquoise waters ideal for relaxation.
- Water Sports: Snorkelling, Scuba diving, kite surfing, and more.
- Marine National Park: Explore coral reefs and marine life at Kisite Marine Park
Lamu Island
- Historic Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow streets and Swahili architecture.
- Donkey Rides: Traditional mode of transport on the island.
- Cultural Festivals: Lamu Cultural Festival, Maulidi Festival.
Tsavo National Parks
-Game Safari: One of the Largest Park in Kenya and is home to Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Leopards, Cheetahs, and other wild animals and bird species. Easily accessible from Both Mombasa and Nairobi. Tsavo is divided into Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National park. We also have wildlife sanctuaries and conservancies like Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Lumo Wildlife Conservancy and Ngutuni Wildlife Conservancy all within Tsavo National Parks.
Kenya Safari and Wildlife Experiences
Kenya Safari Tips
- Kenya Best Safari Parks Include: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru.
-Guided Tours: Opt for reputable tour operators like…. for a safe and informative experience. - Packing: Bring binoculars, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and neutral-coloured clothing.
Kenya Conservation and Responsible Travel
- Support Local: Choose eco-friendly lodges and community-based tourism initiatives.
- Wildlife Etiquette: Respect wildlife and follow guidelines provided by guides.
Kenya Cultural Insights
- Languages: Swahili and English are official languages.
- Local Communities: Visit Maasai villages, Samburu tribes, and coastal Swahili communities.
- Cuisine: Try Ugali, NyamaChoma, Sukuma Wiki, and coastal dishes like Swahili fish curry.
Practical Information
Health and Safety
- Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers from certain countries. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
- Travel Insurance: Essential for medical coverage and trip cancellations.
- Safety Tips: Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas, and follow local advice.
Money and Costs
-Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES).
- ATMs: Widely available in cities and major towns.
- Tipping: Common in restaurants and for guides; usually 10% of the bill.
Transportation
- Domestic Flights: Efficient for long distances; airlines include Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Skyward Express, Fly Als, Mombasa Air,andSafarilink.
- Road Travel: Car rentals, private taxis, and matatus (shared minibuses) are common and easily accessible. Online taxis like Bolt, Uber and Taxify operate in major cities at reasonable pricing
- Rail: The Madaraka Express connects Nairobi and Mombasa with daily Morning, Afternoon and Night train schedules which take about 6 hours travelling time.
Final Kenya Travel tips
- Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
- Photography: Ask permission before taking photos of people.
- Stay Connected: SIM cards and data plans are affordable and widely available.
Kenya is a destination that captivates with its natural beauty, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. Whether you’re exploring the savannahs on a safari, lounging on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in local traditions, Kenya promises an unforgettable adventure.
