Wild, raw and bubbling with exuberant personalities, Kenya charms visitors with its bewitching powers, luring them back again and again. Beloved by Brits since the turn of the last century, this is where the African safari was born and it’s still one of the finest places on the continent to observe wildlife. The Big Five can be seen in various protected areas, including the world-class Maasai Mara National Reserve, where the absence of fences allows creatures to continue along millennia-old migration routes.
Kenya has been in the tourism game longer than virtually any other African country –and it shows. Other nations may boast higher mountains, bigger game reserves, more exclusive lodges and more exotic culture – but Kenya’s decades of experience means it still tops many travellers’ lists, with superb service, tried and tested itineraries, and the understanding that its people are as important as its wildlife in creating the perfect Kenya holidays.
Kenya is a great place to see the Big Five, but once you’ve ticked these beautiful behemoths of the natural world off your list, plains game like gazelle and antelopes, might jump for your attention – not to mention the wildebeest, which migrate in the near-millions along the Great Rift Valley from August to October. The Masai Mara and Amboseli, both found in the south, are popular safari destinations.
Kenya has hosted wildlife safaris for decades, and whether you’re bringing the family for a memorable search for the Big Five, or combining Kenya with gorilla safaris in Uganda or a beach break in Zanzibar, responsible holidays here ensure that the focus is just as much on the people as the incredible animals. Guides, porters and drivers are drawn from the surrounding areas, while on village visits you’ll be able to purchase handmade Maasai products.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Every Destination Jungle private journey is unique. Whether you want to personalize one of our expert-designed Tailor-made trips, or an adventure that’s completely bespoke, we will craft the trip of your dreams, exclusively for you.
What should you wear (and not wear) in Kenya?
There’s no strict dress code in liberal Kenya. However, a few items are essential for comfort. Hats, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt are recommended for sun-scorched safaris in open vehicles. Neutral colours are best — especially if you’re planning a walking safari. Remember to pack a jumper and woolly hat for chilly early-morning drives; temperatures quickly drop at high altitudes.
Is Kenya a safe country?
In general, yes. Tourist areas have a good police presence and strict security checks operate in Nairobi. There have been several terrorist attacks in the past and Al Shabaab extremists continue to be a threat, especially in the far north, where it is advisable to fly rather than travel by road. Rumblings of tribal conflict occasionally occur in the Laikipia region, especially during periods of drought.
How many days do I need to see Kenya?
Ten days is enough to sample a couple of the county’s wilderness areas followed by a few days of relaxation at the beach. Combine three to four nights in the Mara with a trip to the tribal lands of Samburu for a good balance of culture and wildlife. For an in-depth journey around the country, allow two to three weeks — especially if you plan to travel by road.
Currency
Kenya shilling/KSh
How do I apply for a visa?
Visa application is done online via the Evisa website www.evisa.go.ke. Create an account, fill in the visa application form, pay the specified visa fee using Visa/Mastercard or KCB cash or Equity cash.
What vaccinations do I need for Kenya?
You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Kenya and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and B, and Tetanus is strongly recommended. Rabies and Meningitis are also recommended.
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for travel to Kenya and if travelling from an infected area it must be presented upon arrival in order to be granted entry. Please also note that if you are travelling onward to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania you will need a Yellow Fever Certificate to produce on arrival in order to be granted entry.
Some African countries still require you to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Entry and exit requirements may be announced and altered at short notice so it is essential you check these requirements before you travel.
What is the plastic bag ban?
Plastic bags were banned in Kenya as of 28th August 2017. Travellers arriving at any airport in Kenya can face heavy fines for bringing plastic bags into the country. This includes plastic bags in both your checked luggage and carry-on luggage, as well as duty free plastic bags.
We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.
Temperature in Kenya
Temperatures, on the other hand, are relatively consistent and highly influenced by the altitude only. For example, the temperatures at the coastal towns like Mombasa barely ever drop below 20° celsius (68 F). When it gets too hot during the day the cool ocean breeze helps to make it bearable.
In Nairobi temperatures can go as low as 5° celsius (41 F) around July in the cold season and as high as 26° celsius (79 F) around March and September which are the hottest months in Kenya.
What’s the food like in Kenya?
Kenya might not be a big name on the global culinary map but it certainly has its fair share of dishes worth trying. The main staple in the Kenyan diet is ugali, a grainy paste made from cornmeal that is eaten with stews and other sauce-based meals. Beans and corn also make regular appearances in Kenyan cooking. The most popular dish in the country is probably irio – green peas and potatoes that have been mashed together with corn added in for texture.
Meat often features in Kenyan meals and is usually cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, chillies and vegetables. Goat and beef are the most popular choices but fish and chicken are also widely eaten, this particularly applies with nyama choma, which is chunks of roasted meat served with irio or rice.
Safe eating while travelling in Kenya
Be wary when eating outside of high-end lodges as sometimes the quality of the meat and the way in which it has been prepared might not be suitable for a sensitive western stomach. Also be aware that food hygiene in Kenya is much more basic than you will be used to so if something looks unclean, old or badly cooked, it is best to avoid it altogether. It is also a good idea to avoid ice in your drink and eating salad as these might have come into contact with unhygienic water.
Is it a standard to tip in Kenya?
There are no hard and fast rules for tipping in Kenya but be aware that most people in the service industry earn very little and depend on gratuities to make up their income. Safari guides should be tipped the equivalent of about USD $10-15 per person per day and a few dollars should go to the driver, cook and porters. If you eat in a restaurant then 10% on top of the bill is a suitable amount to leave. When it comes to taxis, rounding up the fare is a nice way to show your appreciation, especially if they have successfully navigated the chaotic streets of Nairobi or Mombasa for you.
Is bargaining acceptable in Kenya?
The vast majority of market vendors in Kenya will expect you to haggle and, as a consequence, will often quote an outrageously high price at the outset. Don’t be put off by inflated prices as this is all part of the process of bargaining. It is important to remain polite throughout the transaction and to understand when it’s not worth haggling anymore and to just accept the price – negotiating over a matter of pennies doesn’t look good and they could do with the extra money more than you. It is equally important to know when to walk away if a seller won’t budge on a price that is clearly too much.
What sort of plugs do I need for Kenya and what is the voltage?
Standard voltage is 230 – 240 volts. Primary sockets generally require the 3 square-pin variety, similar to the United Kingdom sockets. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.
Is WiFi widely available in Kenya?
WiFi is available in Kenya but many of the safari camps choose not to provide a connection in order to allow guests to fully immerse themselves in their natural surroundings. It is easier to find WiFi in the big cities but be aware that the connection might be less reliable and slower than you are used to.
What time zone is Kenya on?
Kenya is 3 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings.
Travelling with Children
In Africa selected departures of our overland safaris are classified as ‘Family Friendly’ and these are noted under ‘Prices and Dates’ on the relevant tours. Family Friendly departures welcome children aged 6 – 17 years travelling with their parents on tour. Please note children will be occupying a seat on the overland truck, therefore they pay full price. Parents must be aware that travellers aged 18 years and older still frequent the trip and the tour is a participation overland tour.
Children aged eight and above travelling with a parent or guardian are also welcome on Lodge Safaris on a request basis and subject to the agreement of the other passengers. Please note that children aged 12+ pay adult price. We can tailor-make private safaris for families and those travelling with younger children.
When is the Migration?
The endless plains of East Africa are the setting for the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle – the pounding of more than 6 million hooves. From the vast Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the champagne coloured hills of Kenya’s Masai Mara over 1 million wildebeest, 300,000 Thomson’s gazelles and some 200,000 zebras, relentlessly tracked by Africa’s great predators, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.
The precise timing of this incredible event is hard to predict, as the path of the wildebeest migration is dependent on rain. The animals follow the path of the rain in order to feed off the new grass whilst also being close to a good water supply.
To be sure of seeing the annual wildebeest migration, head for Kenya’s Maasai Mara reserve between July and October when the herds spend the dry season crossing and recrossing the Mara River in their search for fresh grazing. As a spectacle it is matched only when upwards of a million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras gather on the rain-soaked plains of the southern Serengeti to give birth in February.
What is good to shop for in Kenya?
The number one thing to buy in Kenya is a traditional African handicraft. You can quite often buy these straight from the creator, ensuring that they receive 100% of the profit for their work. Wooden African masks and soapstone sculptures are popular choices for travellers. Another cultural gift to take away is a Maasai shuka, a brightly coloured strip of fabric that can be used as a scarf, tablecloth or picnic blanket.
If you’re looking to spice up your wardrobe a bit, Kenya is renowned for its brightly coloured jewellery, guaranteed to make a statement back home. A kiondo, a handwoven tote bag, is also a great fashion accessory and can be found in markets throughout the country. If you’re more into interior design then pick up a piece of batik art for your wall or some Kitengela glass to adorn your light fixtures.
Of course, no trip to Kenya would be complete without coming home laden with one of their most popular exports – coffee. It is recommended to buy it as whole beans rather than ground as it will keep its freshness for longer this way.
when to go
Best time to Visit Kenya
Every Destination Jungle private journey is unique. Whether you want to personalize one of our expert-designed Tailor-made trips, or an adventure that’s completely bespoke, we will craft the trip of your dreams, exclusively for you.
Kenya is an all-year-round tourist destination. The question about when is the best time to visit Kenya largely depends on for what reason you travel to Kenya for. Safari, beaches, hiking all have a different best time to visit.
Since Kenya is located on the Equator, there are no real 4 seasons. Generally speaking, the seasons are broadly categorized into four periodes:
- hot and dry from January to March
- hot and wet from April to June
- warm and dry from July to October
- warm and wet in November and December.
However, the country’s weather pattern has seen drastic changes over the last 10 years and became rather unpredictable. The impact of climate change has been noticed throughout the years in Kenya.
The most popular time is in the dry season from June to October. But be aware that europe’s midsummer is the African winter and you will need warm clothes for dawn game drives. April and May are best avoided: this is the climax of East Africa’s rainy season, when bush roads become impassable and camps close down.
To be sure of seeing the annual wildebeest migration, head for Kenya’s Maasai Mara reserve between July and October when the herds spend the dry season crossing and recrossing the Mara River in their search for fresh grazing. As a spectacle it is matched only when upwards of a million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras gather on the rain-soaked plains of the southern Serengeti to give birth in February.