Kenya Travel Guide

1. Witness the Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in August. More than 2.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes migrate clockwise around the Maasai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems in search of water and green pastures. 
2. Kenya’s parks and reserves boast a high density and great diversity of wildlife species and bird sanctuaries. 
3. Immerse yourself in an authentic cultural experience with the Maasai and Samburu people, two of the major cultural groups in Kenya. 
4. Private conservancies around Maasai Mara and Laikipia (including Ol Pejeta) offer visitors a more exclusive experience for game viewing and activities. 
5. Experience Kenya’s stunning turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and remote islands along the Mombasa coastline and Diani beach. Activities include snorkeling, diving, and kite surfing.
6. Kenya remains a budget-friendly tourist destination in East Africa. Major airports feature multiple daily flights and competitive airfares, as well as a wide range of accommodation options for every budget. It offers opportunities to see iconic wildlife, pristine beaches, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture.

The Best Time to Visit Kenya

Due to its location on the equator, Kenya does not have the traditional four seasons. Instead, it follows a pattern of wet and dry seasons. 

The long dry season runs from July to October, while the short dry season extends from January to March. These dry periods are considered the best time for game viewing, as the weather is clearer and there is less vegetation, making water sources a magnet for wildlife. 

The short-wet season occurs in November and December, while the long-wet season lasts from April to May. During the wet seasons, the landscape becomes lush and green due to high rainfall, marking the calving season for herbivores. It’s an excellent time for bird watching, but wildlife can be harder to spot as water sources are abundant and animals tend to hide from the rain. However, this is the best time to visit Amboseli National Park.

Lower lodge rates may benefit visitors during the wet season, as many establishments lower their prices to attract guests.

Recommended Destinations to Visit in Kenya

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most renowned safari destinations, famous for the “Great Migration” and its diverse wildlife population, including an impressive pride of lions. Additionally, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli National Parks are recognized as premier parks, offering the opportunity to see the “Big Five” and other remarkable wildlife year-round. The stunning shots of elephants with a backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro are taken from Amboseli. 

For those with sufficient time, visiting Samburu National Reserve and Tsavo National Parks is highly rewarding. For a more exclusive safari experience away from the crowds, consider visiting Laikipia and Ol Pejeta conservancies. These conservancies offer activities such as rhino tracking, wild dog encounters, chimpanzee trekking and nature walks.

If you’re interested in meeting local tribes, consider spending time with the Maasai and Samburu people for a unique cultural experience. Adding recreational activities and cultural visits to your safari itinerary can enhance the authenticity of your experience. 

Popular activities in Nairobi include visiting the Giraffe Center and Elephant Orphanage. While waiting for your connecting flight, consider exploring Nairobi National Park for a day trip.

Finally, after your safari, consider unwinding at Diani Beach, known for its pristine white sands, clear blue waters, and picturesque skies. It offers an exceptional beach holiday.

How Far Ahead to Plan a Trip to Kenya

We strongly recommend booking your Kenya safari as early as possible, at least 3 months before your arrival date. Many of the best accommodations tend to get fully booked well in advance, so early planning is essential. Having ample time to plan your trip will also allow our experts to design the most suitable itinerary for your holiday while accommodating as many of your personal preferences as possible.

Travel Documents Needed for Kenya 

You need a valid passport with at least six months before the expiration date and at least two blank pages. You must obtain a visa to Kenya before arrival via Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). A single-entry tourist visa fee is US $50 or its equivalent.

Flights & Airports 

Kenya has several international airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Kisumu International Airport (KIS), Eldoret International Airport (EDL), and Mombasa Moi International Airport (MBA/HKMO). 

NBO is the main entry point for most travellers, with many international flight options offering competitive prices. Depending on your departure point, you can often find direct flights to Kenya or flights with layovers in cities like Amsterdam, Dubai, or Addis Ababa. Major international airlines flying to Kenya include Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Emirates Airlines, Egypt Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM Dutch Royal Airways, and Brussels Airlines. 

When planning a safari to Kenya, you will likely arrive and depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. If you have a beach extension, you may book your departure flight from Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

In addition to these major airports, Kenya has numerous small airfields and landing strips throughout the country, making it convenient to take domestic flights to various safari destinations.

Travel Insurance(s)

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellations, flight cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, or any other incidents that may affect your safari, as well as coverage for damaged property. It is also important to have international medical insurance. While some travel insurance policies also cover medical needs, having insurance that covers all aspects of your trip as well as medical expenses is essential. 

Please note that all guests of Zohar African Safaris are covered for immediate emergency evacuation by Flying Doctors from any location. However, it’s important to understand that this insurance only covers the evacuation and transportation by Flying Doctors from the evacuation point to the hospital door. Therefore, it is essential to have international medical insurance to cover hospital bills. While the likelihood of needing this assistance is low, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Rest assured, our team will be available to assist you in any way we can.

Staying Healthy and Vaccination

Many travellers have common concerns about their health and safety when travelling to Africa. Is it safe to travel to Africa? What are the major health risks in Africa? Yes, it is safe to travel to Africa and if you follow health protocols, there are no health risks.

The best choice of vaccines for your trip depends on many individual factors, including your precise travel plans. We advise you to consult a travel medicine clinic or personal doctor before travelling to Kenya for any up-to-date information on the latest health precautions and vaccination recommendations. We recommend doing this at least 6 weeks before the intended departure day.

Routine vaccines for African travel include protection against chickenpox, measles, polio, influenza, measles, diphtheria, mumps and rubella, pertussis, and tetanus. Additionally, a “booster-shot” for Meningitis or Rabies is advisable.

The government of Kenya may require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever.

Malaria

Malaria is widespread throughout Kenya with the exception of high-altitude areas. As Malaria medications vary from country to country, make sure your physician knows you will be traveling to Kenya. We recommend taking malaria pills a few days prior to your trip and a few days after you are back home.

HIV/AIDS is no more a problem in Kenya than anywhere else in the world. Provided you are not taking undue risks, you have nothing to worry.

In case of needing any medical attention, Kenya has qualified nurses and doctors. Most camping sites, lodges, and hotels have on site physicians and if your condition is serious, we are in constant contact with the Flying Doctors Service that can evacuate you to a nearby medical facility.

Currency 

The official currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KSh). Banknotes are available in 1,000, 500, 200, and 50 denominations, while coins come in 20, 10, and 5 denominations. 

The most commonly accepted foreign currencies for exchange are US Dollars and Euros. The current exchange rate is approximately US $1 = KSh 129, €1 = KSh 138. Please note that currency conversion rates fluctuate daily. 

You can easily obtain local currency from banks, the airport bureau of change, bureaus of change around town, or authorised hotels. Bureaus of change typically offer better rates than banks. Additionally, ATM machines are conveniently located in all airports and around town, accepting both MasterCard and Visa for withdrawals.

The Kenya shilling is universally accepted, making it unnecessary to carry large amounts of foreign currency. However, US dollars or Euros are widely accepted in hotels, large supermarkets, and shops, so it’s advisable to have some on hand for additional purchases during your trip.

Major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted at most (Westernized) outlets in Kenya, such as large banks, supermarkets, and establishments. Local trade is done in physical cash. Please note that paying through credit card may attract a 3.5%—5% credit card surcharge.

Bank hours are between 0830 and 1600, while on Saturday, they operate half a day between 0830 and 1200.

Food

Most hotels serve beef stews, fried chicken or chicken curry accompanied by rice, chips, boiled or mashed potatoes, chapati bread or ugali. Other common foods in tourist hotels are pasta with minced meat, pilau (fried rice, beef and some spices), and seasonal vegetable curry. Vegetarian meals are generally also available in all hotels and tourist destinations. In general, the more ‘westernised’ hotels will be able to serve ‘a-la-carte’ menus of varied food similar to the Western world.

Kenyans grow fruits such as oranges, plump mangoes, bananas, tree tomatoes, plums, grapes, and passion fruit, amongst others. Most lodgings serve fresh fruit in the morning or as a dessert after dinner.

Kenya has a significant population of immigrants, mainly from Asia, the Arab world, and Europe. Several restaurants serve common dishes like pizzas, biryani, spicy curries, chapati bread, and many other Western cuisines.

On the coast, the Indian Ocean provides a full range of seafood, and the Swahili style of food is delicately flavoured with spices and coconut milk and generally features fragrant rice, grilled fish, and prawn curries.

With prior notice, we can arrange halal/kosher meals or accommodate any dietary restriction. However, please be aware local facilities may not accommodate complicated requests.

Our Safari Guides & Tipping 

Zohar exclusively collaborates with safari guide-drivers with over 5 years of experience. Many of these guides have previously worked on National Geographic documentaries or at high-end luxury lodges, earning them recognition as some of the finest safari guides in East Africa. Our guides possess outstanding communication skills, a friendly and approachable demeanour, and adhere to high professional standards. They are adept in various safety procedures and can promptly address any challenges that may arise while navigating the rugged bush terrain.

It’s important to emphasise that the tour guide significantly influences your safari experience by ensuring it is enjoyable and secure and offering valuable insights. 

In East Africa, it is customary for safari guides to receive part of their compensation through tips and appreciation from the clients. As a general guideline, it’s customary to offer a gift of around $18 to $25 per client per day to your safari guide. For our cultural and activities guides, a gratuity of $10 to $15 per client per activity is typical.

These guidelines are designed to help you navigate the cultural norms and show your appreciation for the exceptional service our guides provide.

For further info check our blog with packing list tips and our FAQs.