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Kenya Travel Guide

Everything you need to know before your adventure, from wildlife safaris to pristine beaches, cultural encounters to mountain treks.

50+ National Parks
14+ Tribal Cultures
536km Indian Ocean Coast
5,199m Mt. Kenya Peak
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Kenya

Kenya is a year-round destination, but timing your visit right can make all the difference.

Dry Season

Jul — Oct

The Great Migration is in full force in the Masai Mara. Clear skies, cooler mornings, and excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources.

Short Rains

Nov — Dec

Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. Light afternoon showers rarely last long. Great for birdwatching with migratory species arriving from Europe.

Hot & Dry

Jan — Feb

Warmest months with calving season in the savannahs. Baby animals everywhere and predator activity peaks. Perfect for photography with golden light.

Long Rains

Mar — Jun

Heavier rainfall but lower prices and fewer crowds. Roads may be challenging. The green season brings spectacular birdlife and dramatic skies.

Climate

Weather & Climate Zones

Kenya's varied geography creates diverse microclimates across the country.

Highland Regions

Nairobi, Mt. Kenya, Rift Valley

Temperature 15°C — 25°C
Rainfall 800 — 1,200mm/yr
Best For City & adventure
Humidity Moderate

Safari Plains

Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu

Temperature 18°C — 30°C
Rainfall 500 — 800mm/yr
Best For Game drives
Humidity Low

Coastal Belt

Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Lamu

Temperature 24°C — 32°C
Rainfall 1,000 — 1,500mm/yr
Best For Beach & water sports
Humidity High
Safari

Wildlife Guide

The Big Five and beyond — where and when to spot Africa's iconic animals.

Lion

Lion

Masai Mara & Amboseli, Jul-Oct. Dawn & dusk drives.

Commonly Seen
Elephant

Elephant

Amboseli with Mt. Kenya backdrop. Year-round sightings.

Commonly Seen
Leopard

Leopard

Samburu & Masai Mara. Best at dawn near riverine areas.

Elusive
Buffalo

Cape Buffalo

Large herds across all parks. Lake Nakuru is excellent.

Commonly Seen
Rhino

Rhino

Black rhino: Lewa & Ol Pejeta. White: Lake Nakuru.

Rare
Early Mornings

Animals are most active at dawn. Be in the park by 6:30 AM for best sightings.

Binoculars

Bring 8x42 or 10x42 binoculars. Many animals are viewed from a distance.

Patience

Great sightings often require waiting. Situations change quickly on the savannah.

Money

Currency & Payments

Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Cash is king outside major cities.

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Exchange rate fluctuates around KES 150€“160 per 1 USD. Always check current rates.

KES 50 KES 100 KES 200 KES 500 KES 1,000

Payment Tips

Carry cash for markets, matatus, and rural areas
ATMs widely available in cities — Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu
Credit cards accepted at hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants
Tipping: 10% at restaurants, KES 500€“1,000/day for safari guides

M-Pesa Mobile Money

Kenya's revolutionary mobile payment system used by over 50 million people. You can set up an M-Pesa account with a local Safaricom SIM card.

  1. 1 Buy a Safaricom SIM card at the airport or any shop
  2. 2 Register for M-Pesa at any Safaricom outlet
  3. 3 Load cash at an M-Pesa agent (there are thousands)
  4. 4 Pay for anything — transport, food, shopping, tours
  5. 5 Transfer money to other M-Pesa users instantly
Entry

Visa & Entry Guide

Most nationalities need a visa. The eVisa system makes it simple.

How to Get Your eVisa

1

Visit eVisa Portal

Go to evisa.go.ke and create an account. Select your visa type.

2

Fill Application

Complete the online form with personal details, travel info, and accommodation.

3

Upload Documents

Passport bio page (6+ months validity), passport photo, return ticket, hotel booking.

4

Pay & Wait

Pay USD 50 for eTA or USD 100 for single-entry visa. Processing takes 2€“7 days.

5

Receive eVisa

Download your eVisa. Print it and carry a copy. Present it at immigration on arrival.

Requirements Checklist

Valid passport (6+ months from entry date)
Return or onward flight ticket
Proof of accommodation
Sufficient funds for your stay
Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic zone)
eVisa printout or electronic copy
Passport-size photo for immigration

Visa on Arrival is available for most nationalities at USD 50, but the eVisa is recommended to avoid queues.

Essentials

Packing Lists

What to bring for every type of Kenyan adventure.

Safari Essentials

Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, brown)
Wide-brim hat & sunglasses
Binoculars (8x42 recommended)
Camera with zoom lens
Warm fleece for early mornings
Dust-proof camera bag
Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent (DEET-based)

Beach & Coastal

Swimwear (modest for local areas)
Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
Light cover-up for villages
Snorkeling gear (optional, rentable)
Waterproof phone case
Water shoes for rocky beaches
Beach towel (quick-dry)
Light cotton clothing

General & Health

Antimalarials (consult doctor)
Basic first-aid kit
Power adapter (Type G plug)
Portable charger
Copies of passport & visa
Daypack for day trips
Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
Sturdy walking shoes
Getting Around

Transport in Kenya

Multiple options for navigating the country from cities to the wild.

Domestic Flights

Fastest way between cities and parks. Airlines: Kenya Airways, Safarilink, Fly540. Book early for best fares.

$50€“$300

Matatus & Buses

Kenya's iconic shared minibuses. Cheap and adventurous. Use modern buses (Easy Coach, Modern Coast) for intercity.

$1€“$20

Car Hire

Best for self-drive safaris and flexibility. 4x4 recommended for parks. International license required. Drive on the left.

$40€“$100/day

Boda Bodas

Motorcycle taxis for quick trips. Ubiquitous in towns. Always wear a helmet and agree on price before departure.

$0.50€“$3

Safari Vehicles

Included in most safari packages. Pop-up roof Land Cruisers offer the best game viewing experience.

Included in packages

Ferries

Likoni Ferry in Mombasa connects the island to the south coast. Free for pedestrians, small fee for vehicles.

Free — $5
Calendar

Events & Festivals

Cultural celebrations and sporting events throughout the year.

Marathon
October

Nairobi City Marathon

Run through Kenya's capital alongside world-class athletes.

Nairobi
Lamu Cultural
February

Lamu Cultural Festival

Celebrate Swahili heritage with dhow races, poetry, and traditional food.

Lamu Island
Rally
March

Safari Rally Kenya

WRC championship event through the Ngong Hills and surrounding terrain.

Naivasha
Music Festival
April

Koroga Festival

Kenya's biggest outdoor food and music festival with local and international acts.

Nairobi
Maasai
January

Maasai Olympics

Traditional warrior competitions reimagined as a modern sporting event.

Amboseli
Lewa Marathon
June

Lewa Wildlife Marathon

Run through a wildlife conservancy with giraffes and zebras cheering you on.

Lewa Conservancy
Wildlife
August — October

The Great Migration

Witness 2 million wildebeest cross the Mara River — nature's greatest spectacle.

Masai Mara
Cycling
December

Kilimanjaro Marathon

International marathon with stunning views of Africa's highest peak.

Namanga Border
Routes

Popular Itineraries

Curated routes to help you make the most of your Kenyan adventure.

7-day Safari
7 Days

Classic Safari Circuit

The quintessential Kenya experience — Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli.

  • Masai Mara game drives & balloon ride
  • Lake Nakuru flamingos & rhinos
  • Amboseli elephants with Mt. Kilimanjaro
  • Maasai village cultural visit
From $1,800
10-day Adventure
10 Days

Safari & Coast Combo

Wildlife encounters followed by tropical beach relaxation on the Indian Ocean.

  • 5 days of safari in the bush
  • Diani Beach luxury resort stay
  • Snorkeling at Kisite Marine Park
  • Old Town Mombasa walking tour
From $2,950
14-day Grand Tour
14 Days

Grand Kenya Explorer

The complete Kenya experience — safari, culture, mountains, and coast.

  • Masai Mara, Samburu & Lewa
  • Mt. Kenya trek to Point Lenana
  • Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate
  • Lamu Island dhow safari
From $4,500
Costs

Budget Breakdown

Estimated daily costs for a mid-range 10-day Kenya trip.

Sample 10-Day Budget (Per Person)

Accommodation $1,200
Safari & Tours $1,500
Food & Drinks $400
Domestic Flights $300
Local Transport $150
Park Fees $350
Shopping & Souvenirs $200
Travel Insurance $80
Total $4,180

Where Your Money Goes

Safari & Tours 36%
Accommodation 29%
Food & Drinks 10%
Domestic Flights 7%
Park Fees 8%
Transport & Other 10%

Budget tip: Travel in the green season (Mar€“Jun) for 20€“40% savings on lodges and park fees.

Testimonials

Traveler Reviews

What our fellow adventurers say about their Kenya experiences.

"The Great Migration was beyond anything I'd ever witnessed. Seeing wildebeest cross the Mara River while crocodiles waited — absolutely surreal. Our guide from Kenya Yetu made every moment count."

SM
Sarah Mitchell
7-Day Safari, August 2025

"Diani Beach was paradise after our safari. The water is crystal clear and the coral reefs are thriving. Our kids loved the glass-bottom boat ride. We're already planning our return trip!"

JK
James Kariuki
Family Holiday, December 2025

"Climbing Mt. Kenya was the hardest and most rewarding thing I've ever done. The sunrise at Point Lenana at 4,985m — standing above the clouds — is a memory I'll carry forever."

ER
Emily Rodriguez
Mt. Kenya Trek, October 2025
Blog

Traveler Stories

Real adventures from real travelers exploring Kenya.

Safari story
Safari

How a Leopard Changed My Perspective on Patience

We waited three hours by a riverbed in Samburu. Then she appeared — a mother leopard teaching her cub to climb. Worth every second.

8 min read June 2025
Mountain story
Adventure

Summiting Mt. Kenya at Sunrise: A Guide for First-Timers

The climb is tough but the sunrise above the clouds makes every blister disappear. Here's everything I wish I knew before going.

12 min read April 2025
Coast story
Coastal

Lamu Island: Where Time Stands Still

No cars, no clocks, just dhow sails against golden sunsets. Lamu is Kenya's best-kept secret for those who crave authenticity.

6 min read March 2025
Culture story
Culture

Living with the Maasai: A Homestay Experience

Sharing meals, learning to milk cattle, and hearing ancestral stories around a fire. The Maasai taught me what community really means.

10 min read January 2025

Plan Your Perfect Kenya Trip

Our travel experts have explored every corner of Kenya and can craft your ideal itinerary — from safari to coast.

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