Kenya Travel Guide

Everything you need to know before your safari – from visas and vaccinations to what to pack and when to visit. Prepared by our local team for a seamless, unforgettable experience.

🌍 Best Time to Visit Kenya

Jan – Feb

Dry, warm. Great for calving season in Mara. Excellent visibility.

Mar – May

Long rains. Green landscapes, fewer tourists, lower rates. Birding paradise.

Jun – Oct

Peak season. Great Migration (Jul–Oct). Dry, cool mornings.

Nov – Dec

Short rains. Lush scenery, good for photography. Migration returns south.

Follow Migration Updates →

🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements

  • Most nationalities require an e-Visa – apply online at eCitizen Kenya at least 7 days before travel.
  • Single entry visa fee: US$ 51 (subject to change). East African Tourist Visa (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) available.
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date.
  • Transit visa not required for layovers < 72 hours if you stay airside.

💉 Health & Vaccinations

  • Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country (including transit). Recommended for all travellers.
  • Malaria prophylaxis recommended (consult your doctor). Use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets (provided in most lodges).
  • COVID-19: no restrictions currently, but check latest rules.
  • Other recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus.

🎒 What to Pack for a Safari

Clothing
Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige). Avoid bright colours & camouflage. Layers for cool mornings.

Footwear
Sturdy walking shoes, sandals for lodge.

Camera & Binoculars
Zoom lens (200-400mm), spare batteries, beanbag for stability.

Sun protection
Sunscreen, wide‑brim hat, sunglasses.

Medical kit
Antihistamines, painkillers, insect repellent, hand sanitiser.

💰 Practical Information

  • Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES). US dollars widely accepted for park fees and larger payments. Carry small denominations for tips.
  • Tipping: Customary. Safari guides/drivers: US$ 10–20 per day. Camp staff: US$ 5–10 per day.
  • Internet & SIM: Safaricom offers best coverage. Buy a tourist SIM at the airport (eSIM available). Most lodges have Wi‑Fi (can be slow).
  • Language: English and Swahili widely spoken. Basic Swahili: "Jambo" (hello), "Asante" (thank you).

🛡️ Safety & Safari Etiquette

  • Kenya is generally safe for tourists. Use common sense: avoid walking alone at night in cities, keep valuables in hotel safe.
  • On game drives: never stand up or lean out of the vehicle. Stay inside unless told otherwise.
  • Do not feed or provoke animals. Keep noise levels low to not disturb wildlife.
  • Respect the Maasai culture: ask before taking photos of people.

Emergency contacts →

✈️ Getting to Kenya & Internal Travel

  • Main airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Also Mombasa (MBA) and Kisumu (KIS).
  • Direct flights from Europe, USA, Asia, Middle East (e.g., KLM, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar, Ethiopian).
  • Internal flights: Safarilink, AirKenya, Fly540 connect Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo.
  • Road transfers: We use comfortable 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop‑up roofs for game drives and long transfers.

Book a Fly‑in Safari →