20 questions about visiting Kenya.

Most international visitors need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling, although some nationalities and categories are exempt. Check your eligibility and apply through the etakenya.go.ke before departure. Check on Inbound Travel Health Insurance requirements as imposed on 5th Oct 2026

Kenya can be visited throughout the year. July to October is considered Peak Season and is popular for the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, although migration timing varies. April to June is considered low season due the long rains to many regions, which can affect road conditions.

Kenya is safer than most countries in Africa. International visitors and guests who look visibly distinct 👨 from locals 👨🏾 enjoy Kenya safely when they take sensible precautions: Use reputable transport(Uber is recommended for taxi) and tour operators, avoid wearing shiny jewelry or displaying high-end gadgets in public spaces, avoid waking at night unless with a trusted host, Avoiding using your phone near busy roads, footpaths, or motorcycle traffic 🏍, ️ignore beggars or say a firm, decisive 'No', do not easily trust and follow your guide’s instructions.

The cost depends on your travel dates, accommodation, transport, activitie and safari style. Budget travel can be considerably cheaper than a private luxury safari. Request a quotation showing whether park fees, accommodation, meals, transport and guide services are included. It should cost approximately $6,000 for 10 days stay with 7 days safari with mid-range accomodation for 2 persons

Popular destinations include Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Parks, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Diani Beach and Lamu. The best combination depends on whether you prefer wildlife, beaches, culture, city experiences or adventure.

Yes. Kenya is home to lions 🦁, leopards 🐆, elephants 🐘, buffaloes 🐃, and rhinos 🦏. However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and seeing all five depends on the park and luck.

The migration is an annual movement of wildebeest and other grazing 🦓 🦌 animals through the Serengeti–Maasai Mara ecosystem. Large herds commonly reach the Maasai Mara around July to October, but dates vary each year. River crossings are unpredictable, so no operator can guarantee one.

5-7 🗓️ days can provide a city visit and a short safari. 10 - 14 days allows more time for multiple wildlife destinations, cultural activities, or a beach extension. Longer stays can accommodate a more relaxed itinerary.

Nairobi offers city walking tours, museums, historical landmarks, markets and visits to Nairobi National Park. Avoid 🚫 tasting random street food or local restaurants due to cooking oil used and hygiene unless with a trusted guide

Yes. Nairobi National Park lies close to the city and offers opportunities to see wildlife against the city's sky-scrappers 🌇 and buildings backdrop. Sightings vary and it is best to allow enough time for a game drive (4 hours minimum). Early morning or evening is recommended.

A private tour offers greater flexibility over departure times, stops and interests. A group safari can reduce the cost per person and provide a shared experience. Compare group size, vehicle type, itinerary, park fees and accommodation before booking. When in a group tour/safari be tolerant and patient due to the diversity of cultures. Avoid entitlement and acting superior. Respect everyone and pass any issue or concern to your guide before confrontation.🙏🏾

Road travel is flexible and suitable for many safari routes. Domestic flights 🛩️ save time on longer journeys(Nairobi to Maasai Mara, Maasai Mara to Amboseli, Nairobi to Mombasa. The Madaraka Express train 🚇 connects Nairobi with Mombasa (Ask for help with payment) The best option depends on your itinerary, budget and travel time.

Options range from budget guesthouses and hotels to beach resorts, safari lodges, luxury tented camps and campsites. Availability and prices vary by destination and season. The following are the safe and comfortable areas: Westlands, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Gigiri, Upperhill, South C

Yes. Families can enjoy wildlife viewing, beaches, nature activities and cultural experiences. Check minimum age requirements for particular safari experiences and confirm family-room availability and child policies before booking. Cross-check your itinerary on time spent on activities to avoid boredom especially for children 🥱

Requirements depend on your travel history, origin, destinations within Kenya and planned activities. Yellow fever documentation may be required in certain circumstances especially when travelling to South-Africa 🇿🇦 or Tanzania 🇹🇿 after Kenya. Malaria is not common in Nairobi. Prevention may be advisable for areas such as the Mombasa, Kisumu, nears water bodies or animal habitats. Do not over-do on repellants especially when sharing car or room with other persons.

Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (KES). Cards 🪪 are accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants and established businesses. Cash remains useful for some smaller purchases, tips and local markets. Mobile payments (M-Pesa) are also widely used. Confirm accepted payment methods before travelling to remote areas.

Tipping in Kenya is welcome. It is deeply customary and forms a significant part of the hospitality culture—especially within the tourism sector. Tips are appreciated as a way to acknowledge personal effort, attention to detail and excellent hospitality. Kindly do not reward mediocrity or below-per service. Remember that a tip is an out-of-heart gesture and you should not be forced to do it. Ignore ❌ tour operators instruction on tipping such "$20 per guest per day". Wait till end of a multi-day safari to tip if you want to. A tip does not have to be rounded per day. Do not feel guilty of not tipping especially mediocre service however failure to appreciate excellence leaves guide's self doubt.

Swahili and English are the official languages. English is widely used in tourism, while Swahili and many local languages are spoken across the country. Learning a few Swahili words can make cultural interactions more rewarding.Note that "Jambo", "Hakuna Matata" only see you out as tourist 🤣

Pack comfortable clothing, closed walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and any personal medication. Conditions vary considerably between coastal areas, highlands and wildlife parks. Africa is NOT ⛔️ as HOT ♨ as the stereotype. Nights, mornings and evenings can be chilly due to the cold winds. AVOID clothes that are too revealing or showing too much skin. Kenyans are very reserved. Pack long pants 👖 and long sleeed tops, shirts. The fact that your do not speak Swahili makes you stand out - you don't have to under dress to be noticed.

Yes. International roaming may work. Consider buying a local sim if in Kenya for more than 7 days for internet connections away from Wi-Fi Hotspots🛜. Coverage is generally better in major towns than in remote safari areas, where internet access may be limited or intermittent. Check your phone’s compatibility and current registration requirements before purchasing a local SIM. Unpack all devices 📱 before coming to Kenya otherwise you might be deemed to be selling if still unpacked. Drones are not allowed unless with flying license.

A knowledgeable local guide can explain Kenya’s history, culture, wildlife and everyday life, help coordinate logistics and adapt the experience to your interests. A guide can also provide context that a self-guided itinerary or an AI travel assistant may miss. Choose a reputable operator and confirm what the guiding service includes. Do not be switched to another guide or vehicle without tour operator office confirmation. Good guides will always usher you to pay for activities/fees yourself and will not cash from you unless instructed by office. Ask for receipts where necessary. Do not be too trusting - Investigate silently.

Restaurants: Java · CJs · Artcaffe · Carnivore · Fogo Gaucho · Thai-Chi · Slate · Crave · Cultiva · For You(Chinese) · Furusato(Japanese) · Habesha(Ethiopian) · Pot of Jollof(Nigerian) · Mbuzi Munch(Kenyan) · K'Osewe Ranalo(Kenyan) · City Market Food Court(For Nyama Choma and Ugali Combo) · Ankole Grill. Bars & Clubs Cavalli@The Manor · K1 Club House · Gemini · Bar Next Door · Habanos · Quiver Kilimani · Gemini · SOHO · The Alchemist · Milan · 213 Lavington