Kenya Travel Guide

Continent: Africa
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Kenya Travel Essentials

Ideal Duration: 7-10 days for safaris and major national parks; 2 weeks for a broader experience

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Best Time: July to October Read More

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD): Dorm bed: $10-20
Budget: $30-60
Mid-range: $80-150
Luxury: $200 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD): Budget: $10-20
Mid-range: $30-50

Visa Policy for Indians: E-visa or Visa on Arrival

Visa Policy for Other Nationals: E-visa or Visa on Arrival for many countries

Getting In Kenya: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa Read More

Getting Around Kenya: Matatus (minibuses), buses, taxis, and domestic flights for longer distances Read More

"The Country That'll Leave You With Memories For a Lifetime"

Kenya Tourism

In East Africa, Kenya is a prominent tourist destination renowned for its wildlife safaris, heritage sites, highlands and valleys. From witnessing the renowned Great Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara to encountering the Big Five against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, the country offers remarkable wildlife experiences. Nairobi combines history and modern life, and the appeal of Mount Kenya adds to its charm.

Kenya's charm goes beyond its famous attractions. Meeting local cultures, enjoying traditional and modern food, and exploring places like Diani Beach and the Great Rift Valley's lakes show how diverse Kenya is. Kenya's commitment to conservation is evident in private conservancies like Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Visitors to Kenya can expect to engage with diverse cultures, explore wildlife and stunning landscapes, embark on thrilling adventures, relax on serene beaches, and participate in conservation-focused experiences.

Must Know Before You Travel to Kenya

  • Book in advance: If you are planning to go for a safari in high season, make sure you book 12 months in advance
  • Health Precautions: Consult a doctor for vaccinations and take anti-malarial medication if needed.
  • Packing Tip: Pack appropriate clothing for varying climates, including warm days and cooler nights.
  • Currency: Use Kenyan Shillings (KES) for small expenses; major establishments accept credit cards.
  • Travel Insurance: Get comprehensive coverage, including for adventure activities or safaris.
  • Pollution: In congested areas, Nairobi experiences high air pollution; check air quality indices if you have allergies.

Kenya Travel Packages

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Best time to visit Kenya

We should note that there isn't a specific best time to visit Kenya based solely on dry and wet seasons. However, July to October is the best time to see the Great Migration. The wilde (Read More)beest usually reaches the Masai Mara between July and August and stays in Kenya till September.

For excellent safari conditions with mild, mostly dry weather and great wildlife sightings, January to late March is ideal. If you're okay with a little rain, visiting from mid-March to June or November to December means fewer crowds and lower lodge rates.

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Kenya

What's Great?

Beautiful landscape. Plenty of wildlife safaris. Helpful locals. Great tropical weather.

What's Not So Great?

Traffic jams on the roads. Beggars on streets. Electricity blackouts at times.

For Whom?

Animal lovers. Adventure lovers. Photographers. Large family groups.

Read More on Kenya Travel

Exchanging Money in Kenya

There are various currency exchange agencies in Kenya such as the Sky Forex Bureau, which is the most popular one. You will also find several banks here. ATMs also exist, so it is not very difficult to get your currency exchanged. In terms of exchange, the KES to USD conversion rate is the most popular and most frequently used one.

Nightlife in Kenya

Kenyan nightlife is pretty good. Mombasa and Nairobi are the areas to visit if you'd like to dance the night away. Clubs remain open for a decent amount of time, with some shutting down just as the sun rises. However, small neighbourhood bars are also quite popular and a must-visit if you'd like to interact with the locals. Beer is usually the drink of choice, although other types of alcohol are available.

Shopping in Kenya

Kenya is a lovely shopping destination. If you love art and craft, beautiful textiles, prints, and beads, you will fall in love with this country's markets. Masai beadwork is very popular here, with designs ranging from the traditional to the modern. Apart from that, you can also purchase wooden carvings, footwear, utensils and more souvenirs. Maasai Market, KCB Village Market, and Makola Market are some of the popular ones.

Festivals of Kenya

There are a couple of cultural events that are celebrated in Kenya. Some of them are Lamu Cultural Festival, the Mombasa Carnival which is always great fun, the International Camel Derby Festival and the Safari Rally. The communities come together as one during this period, and there is a lot of merriment and celebration. Henna painting activities, races, dance performances and more are put up during this time.

Hygiene in Kenya

Kenya does have public toilets. Some of them are clean while others are not. The practice of using toilet or tissue paper is slowly being pushed in here. There are also improvements being made to water facilities, as Kenya does face a water scarcity problem. Significant changes are being made regarding the improvement of water supply and potable water.

Customs of Kenya

Greetings should always be warm and cordial in Kenya, as the people here are friendly, boisterous and outgoing. They are very group oriented. Keeping close physical contact with your spouse or partner is common here and not really frowned upon. Pointing at people is considered rude and you and your actions may be taken in the wrong spirit if you point at someone.

Tips for visiting Kenya

  • Smoking: Kenya has stringent anti-smoking laws in place. Smoking is prohibited in public areas, including restaurants, bars, and indoor spaces. Some establishments may have designated smoking areas available.
  • Plug Points: In Kenya, the standard voltage is 240V, and the plug type is Type G. 
  • Language: English and Swahili are the official languages in Kenya. English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas. Greet people with "Jambo" (hello).
  • Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, as some may prefer not to be photographed.
  • Safety: While Kenya is generally safe for tourists, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuable items.
  • Tap Water: Drinking bottled water or using filtered water in Kenya is generally recommended. Ensure the seals on bottled water are intact before consuming.
  • Scams: While Kenya is a safe destination, it's always important to be cautious and aware of potential scams. Be particularly cautious of individuals posing as "tourist police" or officials requesting to see your identification or travel documents. Additionally, verify the legitimacy of tour operators before booking any tours or safaris by researching online reviews and considering booking through reputable travel agencies or recommended guides.
  • Bargaining: Common in markets; negotiate prices respectfully
  • Tipping: Customary to tip around 10% for good service in hotels, restaurants, and from guides.
  • Currency: Use Kenyan Shillings (KES) for small expenses; major establishments accept credit cards.

Food of Kenya

Kenyan cuisine is diverse and often elaborate. Meat is used on a large scale in all their preparations. Seafood, mainly comprising of fish, is also consumed a lot, because of the nearby water bodies. Ugali, which is made using cornmeal, is a staple in Kenya. Pilao, a lovely mixture of rice and spices, is one of the more popular dishes, followed by biryani. Along the coastal areas of the country, coconut rice is consumed to a great extent. Kenyan tea and coffee are both extremely popular. Tea here is generally dark, with lots of sugar.

Safari Seasons: Choosing the Right Time for Your Safari Adventure

Peak Season (June to October)

  • Enjoy cool and dry weather.
  • Thinner vegetation and fewer water sources.
  • More dust, less mud.
  • Best time for wildlife spotting.
  • Highest number of visitors.
  • Accommodation rates are the highest.
  • Recommended to book 12 months in advance.

Low or Green Season (November to May)

  • Experience warm and wet weather.
  • Lush vegetation and more water.
  • More mud, less dust.
  • Challenging wildlife spotting but great for birdwatching.
  • Fewer visitors for a quieter safari.
  • Lower accommodation rates (except holidays).
  • Recommended to book 2-6 months in advance.

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FAQs on Kenya

How to reach Kenya from India?

Jet Airways, Air India, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Kenya Airways are some of the carriers flying from India's metro cities to Kenya's cities. Kenya Airways has a non-stop flight from Mumbai to Nairobi.

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