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Kenya Travel Guide

Kenya is a complete sensory overload. From the thundering sounds of wildebeest running across the Maasai Mara to the scent of fragrant Ugali food flowing from local restaurants or the sounds of traffic in Nairobi, this nation is one that beckons with sights, cultural experiences and natural wonders to be explored. It’s time to experience the very best of Africa’s raw landscapes in Kenya. 

The Highlights

  • Practice your photography skills on safari

    Although animal sightings are almost guaranteed (including the Big Five) the real skill is mastering the perfect photo to cement your memories for a lifetime. Photography rules are made to be broken, and a safari in Kenya creates the perfect opportunity to use that new lens that you’ve always dreamt of using (but never had the patience to).

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  • Go whale watching on the coast

    Wildlife sightings in Kenya are not just limited to the land, and while whales might not be the first creatures you think of when dreaming of Kenya, this is a real spectacle to behold. On the Kenyan coast, you can watch humpback whales in the Watamu Protected Area jumping out of the water with their calves for an experience like no other. 

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  • Enjoy world-class coffee

    If you’ve been paying attention to your local cafe, you would know that Kenyan coffee is a popular blend found in the world due to its rich taste and unique flavours influenced by the topography. For an authentic cultural experience, go straight to the source and visit one of the many coffee plantations in Kenya and learn from local masters. 

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  • Lake Nakuru

    If Lake Nakuru could be summarised in one word it would be: flamingoes. And thousands of them. In this national park, you can watch as a sea of pink plumage is created while the flamingos flock to the area to feed on algae. Teeming with rocky escarpments and acacia trees, you’ll also cross paths with giraffes, hippos and rhinos. 

  • Mount Kenya

    Claiming the title as Africa’s second highest mountain (after Mount Kilimanjaro) reaching the summit is no easy feat. There are many ways you can tackle this natural beauty, and how you do so is completely up to you. Consider the Naromoru route, the Sirimon route or the Chogoria route to start. If you want to skip months of arduous preparation, there are many easy trails for you to explore. 

  • Maasai Mara

    Big cats. Herds of zebras. Antelope. The Big Five. We must be talking about the Maasai Mara. As one of the most visited national parks in Kenya, it’s with good reason. Aside from the endless safari opportunities and animal sightings, the Maasai Mara is where you can witness the Great Migration, an annual event where millions of animals travel annual in a clockwise direction. 

  • Nairobi

    Nairobi is the vibrant capital that must not be skipped during your Kenyan adventures. Known as one of the culture capitals of East Africa, Nairobi is the beating heart of Kenya. It’s busy and energetic and filled with high-rise buildings. But that doesn’t mean that it lacks the personality of smaller, rural towns. There are Maasai markets. Local restaurants. Cultural museums. The list goes on. 

  • Amboseli National Park

    During your East African journey, you might be lucky and make it to Tanzania to see Mount Kilimanjaro. If not, you can set your sights on the highest mountain in Africa from Amboseli National Park while you come within close reach of hundreds of elephants. If ever there was a time to flex your photography skills, it would be here. Other creatures, you’re likely to spot include lions and cheetahs.

  • Mombasa

    Your beach escape on the coast of Kenya is calling, and Mombasa is where you need to be. As the biggest port in East Africa, Mombasa is home to plenty of palm tree fringed beaches while accompanied by exceptional weather. Make sure you add Diani beach, Nyali beach and Bamburi beach to your itinerary. 

The Basics

  • The Location

    Kenya is located on the continent of Africa and shared borders with Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania along with the Indian Ocean to the east. A flight from London is 8h 45m non-stop and a flight from Dubai is 5h 10m. 

  • Capital City

    Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and is home to over 3 million people. 

  • Main Airport

    Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the major hub for international and domestic travellers. It is located 15 kilometres from the city centre. 

    Code
    NBO
    Closest City
    Nairobi

  • Language Spoken

    The official language of Kenya is Swahili, and English is widely spoken. While you’re in Kenya, learning a few words of Swahili will be much appreciated by locals. 

  • Currency

    Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling. The currency code is KSH. ATMs are common, however best to carry cash from home to exchange at the bank in case you get stuck. 

  • Visas

    Visas are needed by most visitors and can be applied for online via an E-visa scheme. Visa information can change often and varies from country to country. We recommend checking your country's travel advisories in advance of booking a trip.

  • Electricity

    Electrical current is 240V/50hz using a type G plug. The standard voltage in the US is 110 volts, so you may need a surge adaptor. 

  • Vaccinations

    Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B and antimalarial tablets are advised and you will need proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if travelling from a high-risk area. Consult your doctor 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. 

  • Emergency Calls

    In Kenya, the emergency number is 999 for police, fire or ambulance. 

When to Visit

when to visit

  1. Peak Season

    January to February; June to October

    If you’re after guaranteed animal sightings by the hundreds and thousands, January is your best bet as this is when most animals congregate near watering holes, as the days are dry and warm. The downside? Accommodation prices will be significantly higher, and there will be many more visitors across the country. As long as you’re prepared for this on arrival, you should have no problems if you plan in advance. If your bucket list includes the Great Migration, you’ll want to join travellers during the second tourist peak from the end of June to the start of July. 

  2. Low Season

    March to May

    From March onwards, is when it pours with rain across the country, and at the same time, accommodation prices plummet. Much of the country will become flooded and many roads will be closed. This means wildlife viewings will become more difficult, and animals may be few and far between. The grassy plains will turn a rich share of green thanks to the downpour which means wildlife will be hard to see through most national parks. By the end of May, the rain should be less intense, but of course, this will change every year as Mother Nature is always unpredictable. 

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FAQs about Kenya

  • Do you tip in Kenya?

    In Kenya, there are no hard and fast rules for tipping, but it is recommended to leave a tip of 10% in a restaurant. Safari guides should be tipped at least USD $10-15 per person per day along with a tip to the driver, chefs and porters.

  • What is the internet access like?

    Internet connection can range in quality, but you should have no problem with day-to-day tasks like emailing or surfing the web in Kenya. WiFi is available in many cafes, hostels and hotels for free, but outside urban areas, this is not as common.

  • Is the tap water safe to drink?

    No. Buy bottled water, or you can boil the tap water or use water purification pills.

  • Can I use my credit cards?

    Both Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Kenya. Please check with your bank about any foreign transaction charges.

  • What are the public holidays?

    Along with common public holidays such as New Year’s Day, Christmas and Good Friday, Kenya celebrates Labour Day on May 1, Madaraka Day on June 1, Eid Al Fitr at the end of Ramadan, Moi Day on October 10, Mashujaa Day on October 20 and Jamhuri Day on December 12. 

  • Is it safe to travel solo in Kenya?

    Most people visit Kenya as part of a safari tour or similar which makes for a much safer experience as there will be there the guide with you for most parts. Travelling independently might be a more challenging experience and this depends on your experience and comfort levels. 

  • What are the toilets like?

    Toilets can vary greatly depending on where you are in Kenya. In major cities and tourist hot-spots, you will encounter Western-style toilets. If you are camping or travelling in rural areas, be prepared to squat over a long-drop toilet or straight in the bush when nature calls. 

  • What should I pack for a trip to Kenya?

    You will want to wear comfortable clothes that are preferably of a darker colour due as you will be travelling along dusty roads and camping on safari. The temperature will be warm so it will be best to wear natural fibers such as cotton, but don’t forget layers for when the temperature drops.
A TRAVEL MAGAZINE BY TOURRADAR