Travel to Kenya

Kenya is a popular destination situated in Eastern Africa bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the north-east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west & Sudan to the north-west. 

Our destination guide aims to give you all the information you need to have an amazing experience in this amazing country. Find affordable travel and backpacking ideas with advice for amazing things to do and how you can be more than just your average traveller. You can also get recommendations for budget travel tips, where to stay and advice how to stay safe.

Get inspired to visit Kenya today!

  • Capital: Nairobi (Population: 3,050,000)
  • Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES) $1 = 87KES / £1 = 137KES 
  • Population: 43,000,000 (approx)
  • Official languages: Swahili and English
  • Area: 580,000 sq km 
  • International Calling Code +254
  • Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
  • Time zone: UTC+03:00

 

Top Reasons to Travel to Kenya

There are so many reasons why you should consider booking a break to Kenya including:

  • Incredible National Parks
  • Exotic wildlife
  • Good infrastructure for international tourists
  • Home of the Masai Mara game reserve famous for lions
  • Ancient culture
  • Spectacular scenery
  • Amazing tourist lodges and accommodation

 

Weather & Best Time to Visit Kenya

Kenya enjoys a warm climate especially on the coast, sunshine is nearly all year round and there is no best time to visit.

 

Visa & Entry Requirements

Most nationalities can gain a tourist visa on arrival. Most international flights arrive into Nairobi which is a bustling city full of activity and noise, this is a good base with good transport links to the rest of the country. You will be granted a 90 day tourist visa on arrival, you will also need to pay a one off fee and have a valid passport to enter the country. Sometimes you might be asked to show a return ticket. 

 

What to Know Before You Go

Kenya is a popular tourist destination located on the East coast of Africa. Kenya is often described as “the cradle of mankind, it is where scientists think life on Earth started but one thing is for sure, this is your opportunity to see a country unlike many in the world, expect friendly locals, exotic wildlife, diverse landscapes, busy cities and some of the best safaris in the world. 

There are so many different things you could do here from checking our relaxing beaches along the coast around Mombasa to watching the annual wilderbeast migration at the Masai Mara National Reserve. For adrenaline junkies you can go trekking at the Mount Kenya National Park.

One of the main reasons people choose to visit Kenya is to see animals in their natural habitat - this is a very unique experience which allows you to travel like a local away from the tourist crowds. You will get to visit places like the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli & see incredible wildlife like lions and elephants. If you are looking for adventure then the magestic Mount Kenya located in the center of the country is a must see destination, just south of the equator is the second highest mountain in Africa standing at 5,199 metres. 

Kenya is a diverse country with many different cultures and customs from the Swahili on the coast to the Masaai with their beautiful beads. You will learn so much about the local people and culture. If you are planning a wildlife safari holiday in Kenya we recommend timing a break to watch the wildedeest migration which is best seen by hot air balloon or from the Samburu game reserve. 

Fishing is popular in Kisumu, Lake Victoria is stunning, especially if you are fortunate enough to get close to the hippopotamus families that pop out of the lake. It will be fantastic to be on a tiny fishing boat and to enjoy the tranquil water. Be warned, if you are with the local fisherman; be prepared for him to make noises to the hippos! They have good conversations and you most definitely will hear some old tales of many moons of work on the water.

 

Best Places to Visit in Kenya

These are some of the best activities, attractions and essential places you should add to your Kenya travel itinerary:

  • Amboseli National Reserve
  • Hell's Gate National Park
  • Lamu Island
  • Lake Naivasha
  • Lake Nakuru National Park
  • Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Malindi
  • Mombasa
  • Mount Kenya National Park
  • Nairobi
  • Nairobi National Park and The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
  • Ol Pejeta Conservancy
  • Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves
  • Tsavo National Park

 

Kenya Travel Tips

Transport:
If you are keen to travel independently we recommend booking private bus transport for Kenya, local services can be unreliable / unsafe.

Budget & Costs:
Kenya is a very cheap country to visit compared to other worldwide destinations but it is expensive compared to other destinations in Africa. How much you spend will really come down to what you do. You can experience Kenya very cheaply but if you want to do some of the best things e.g. see wildlife then you will need to add extra to your budget.

Food:
The local food is very cheap and also surprisingly good, we recommend you try a chapati (like a bread), Mtuzi Wa Samaki (fish and coconut) and githeri (rice and beans).

Cities:
If you are travelling to Kenya and want to be in a city, but maybe not on a grand scale as Nairobi and want to have the choice of going rural communities, to experience both worlds (because there are district inequalities, even in the developing world) then Kisumu is a very wise choice! This city is generally cheaper than Nairobi too.

Shopping:
The street markets in Kenya are a must, but be warned, you will want to grab everything in sight! It would be too hard not to appreciate the skill that goes into the handmade crafts that are available. There are so many fantastic presents for friends and family back home or in your own home environment. Our best advice is not to buy straight away, these markets are usually long and you may spot something else while you are making your way through them all.