Kenya is one of the top renowned travel destinations in Africa. However, safari experiences makes Kenya stand out. It boasts of impressive variety of wildlife and diverse ecosystems across Africa. Its unique geographical position offers stunning landscapes, from savannahs on both sides of the Equator to pristine beaches and majestic snow-capped mountains. Additionally, Kenya is home to rich indigenous cultures that have remained largely untouched by modern influences, alongside a fascinating historical backdrop.

The country provides a wide array of activities for travelers, including wildlife safaris, family holidays, honeymoons, corporate incentives, adventure pursuits, and business explorations, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We definitely recommend visiting Kenya! However, traveling to a new country can present challenges. This guide, filled with travel tips and essential information, will be crucial for your trip to Kenya.

Safety

Kenya is generally safe for tourists! Although it’s one of Africa’s most popular destinations and is accustomed to visitors, it’s still crucial to stay alert and follow basic safety guidelines.

For instance, it’s advisable to avoid areas with high poverty, such as slums, where the risk of theft or mugging can be greater. Be cautious about displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in public, and keep your car windows rolled up except during your thrilling Kenya safaris. Dressing modestly can also help you blend in and avoid drawing unnecessary attention, which will be covered in details in the section on what to wear in Kenya. Given the high poverty levels, tourists may sometimes be perceived as targets by opportunistic individuals.

People of Kenya

Kenyans are incredibly friendly. From my experience, the people of Kenya have beautiful hearts and they’re very open, hospitable and delighted to welcome you into their country.

Do not shy away from getting in touch with locals, meeting, and greeting, talking, and getting to know them during your visit to Kenya. They are more than willing to help you enormously and will be delighted if you share your passion for their beautiful nation.

Weather

Kenya, situated in Eastern Africa, lies on the equator, which significantly influences its climate. This positioning results in three main climate zones:

1. Coastal Region: Hot and humid.
2. Rift Valley Region: Temperate, characterized by its mountains and plateaus.
3. Northeastern Region: Hot and dry, close to Ethiopia.

The warmest months are February and March, while the coolest months are July and August. The weather patterns include:

• Short Rains: October to December
• Long Rains: March to May
• Sunniest Months: January and February

The climate can be unpredictable, with occasional rain during typically sunny months or sunshine during usually cooler months.

In Nairobi, the capital city, the altitude leads to pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights. The warmest months are January to March, with temperatures ranging from lows of 27°C to highs of 28°C. The coolest months are June to August, with temperatures ranging from lows of 23°C to highs of 24°C.

Language in Kenya

Kenya is a multilingual country with English and Swahili being the official languages. Many locals speak both languages fluently. Learning a few Swahili words will look good and impress the Kenyan people. Your effort regardless of whether you are pronouncing it the right way will be received with a big smile.

Here are some words to get you started:

• Hujambo or simply Jambo = means Hello
• Habari = Hello, how are you? (a common way of greeting)
• Poa sana or mzuri sana = I’m good/fine 
• Hakuna Matata = It’s alright / no problem
• Asante (sana) = thank you (very much)
• Karibu = welcome
• Hatari = danger
• Pole = sorry
• Hapana = no
• Ndio = yes

Besides English and Swahili, there are lots of local languages and dialects in rural areas.

Cultural Tips for Travel to Kenya

Kenya is home to a vast mix of tribes and cultures and many people you meet will enjoy telling you about their food and homeland. As you explore the country and have your own stories of the places you’ve visited, even more doors will open. Nairobi has a lot to offer.

Having a good attitude but keeping your plan in mind and your wits about you can help keep you safe. Know (at least partly) where you’re going and how much you are willing to pay to get there. Don’t talk on a cell phone with the window open while you’re stuck in traffic. A little common sense will go a long way and help make the city a fun part of your trip.

What to Eat & Drink in Kenya

We’ve covered the top places to visit and things to do in Kenya, but what about the food? Here are the must-try dishes to enjoy during your Kenyan tour.

• Ugali (like polenta)
• Nyama Choma (Kenyan BBQ)
• Mbuzi Choma (BBQ Goat)
• Githeri (beans & maize cooked in Kenyan spices and sauces)
• Samaki (fish cooked in spices)
• Kenyan Coffee
• Kenyan Tea
• Mukimo
• Tusker beer
• Samosas
• Pilau
• Chapati

For the daring tourist, other craving-satisfying dish that you need to try from the streets are mayai (boiled eggs) pasua and smokie pasua. Pasua means split open. They are eggs or smokies that have been cut open and filled with “kachumbari” – salsa containing a mixture of chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander and sometimes chilies. These are easily found in almost any street in major towns.

Souvenirs to Buy in Kenya

Kenya, like many other African countries, is rich in cultural heritage, offering plenty of opportunities for souvenir shopping. You can find souvenirs in specialized markets or from local tribesmen and women who sell their beautiful artifacts along the roadside.

Common items to consider include local wood carvings, Masai beads, Kiondos (hand-woven handbags), kikoy/shuka (colorful fabric used as blankets or tablecloths), leather products, and traditional artifacts like swords, bows, arrows, spears, and shields.

Always remember that bargaining is an important part of the buying process when shopping for souvenirs in Kenya.

Packing List

To reduce packing stress and ensure you don’t forget anything for your trip, here’s a list of essential items to pack:

• A duffle bag – While there is plenty of room in our safari vehicles for your larger suitcase, it’s always handy to have a more manageable bag that you can have with you in the vehicle.
• A warm sweater or light fleece – Nights and mornings in East Africa can be cold, so it’s always good to have something a little warmer to throw on until the sun warms the plains up.
• A windbreaker or waterproof jacket – You never know when there’s going to be a sudden squall or downpour, so packing a lightweight rain jacket is a good idea. While you’ll be safe and dry inside your safari vehicle, a rain jacket is a good option for when you’re about camp.
• Walking shoes or boots – Much of your safari takes place within your safari vehicle, but you’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes or hiking boots for walking to your lodges, snapping photos from the picnic spot, or if you’ve added any walking safaris to your itinerary. Even in the car, you’ll want a pair of comfortable shoes that cover your skin to prevent against sunburn and insect bites.
• A long sleeve dress shirt and trousers – Perfect for both sun protection and to ward off hungry mosquitoes, a long sleeve shirt and trousers are also a good option for a cold morning or evening. If you’re staying in nicer lodges, you’ll also wants these handy for dinner and drinks at the end of a long day. Neutral colors are ideal, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also a GREAT idea!
• Sunglasses – The sun in East Africa can be quite intense, so sunglasses are a good protective measure and have the benefit of reducing glare while you are game-viewing.
• Hat – Sun protection should be a priority while you’re on safari. While your vehicle provides shade, having the top up for game-viewing means you’ll be exposed to the elements. A good hat is a great way to avoid nasty burns or heatstroke.
• Sunscreen and lip balm –  Another valuable precaution against the often-harsh equatorial sun, sunscreen and lip balm will protect you where your clothes don’t.
• Camera – It goes without saying that you’re going to want a camera for your safari adventure. While in some cases your smart phone will be enough to snap a shot, a camera with a good zoom lens is the perfect companion.
• Binoculars – Our Africa vehicles come standard with a single pair of binoculars that you can share with your driver, but having your own pair is a good way to ensure you don’t miss a second of the action. You don’t need an expensive pair. Even a travel-sized pair of binoculars is sufficient for game-viewing.
• Batteries and/or charger for your camera. You don’t want to be midway through a day on safari and suddenly run out of battery for your camera. Shadows of Africa vehicles come standard with in-car charging stations, but it’s always a good idea to travel with an additional battery. Additional SD cards are also a good idea to ensure you don’t need to stop to delete photos.
• Phone and charger –  Whether it’s to stay in touch, to share your photos, or just so you can snap pictures on the fly – bringing along your smart phone is a good idea. Savvy travelers may wish to purchase a local SIM card, but many hotels have WIFI. While on safari in Tanzania, our vehicles also come with Wi-Fi, although this is dependent on location.
• A good book – You’ll rarely find yourself without something to see while on safari, but there is going to be some downtime. Whether it’s the drive to or from the airport or just a lazy night at your lodge, having a good book (or a Kindle) on hand is a great way to pass the time.

What to Wear

Pack lightweight, washable clothes plus sweater for early morning game drives, as well as a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Long sleeves and trousers in light-colored fabrics help discourage insect bites. Bright colored clothing may alarm the animals. You can buy clothes in Nairobi, Mombasa and major cities if necessary. Shorts are acceptable while on a safari for both men and women. Women should bring a wrap skirt (for over shorts) or wear capri-length or long pants to cover legs in villages or towns as revealing clothes can cause offense. On the beach and within the confines of the hotels normal swimwear is acceptable (but not nudity).

For climbing on Mt Kenya and Longonot, take thermal underwear, light layers, sweater, rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots.

Carry a copy of your passport

Always make sure that you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. This is required by law in Kenya. If the police stop you, you’ll be expected to present it upon request.

Nowadays a photo on your phone will often do the job, but still recommend you bring a hard copy. It is a small effort to easily get you out of trouble.

Bribing is illegal

Offering bribes is strictly illegal. While it might seem like a quick way to resolve a problem, it can actually lead to serious consequences. Think twice before considering it!Top of FormBottom of Form

Plastic bags are banned

Plastic bags are banned in Kenya, so make sure to use reusable bags for your shopping and personal items. This ban aims to cut down on the plastic pollution that was harming the environment. Those caught violating the ban face hefty fines or even jail time. It’s a policy that Western countries could certainly take note of. Kudos to Kenya for leading the way!

Currency & Exchanging money

The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling abbreviated as KSH. Don’t be confused when you hear people using the word “bob” its slang for shilling.

The exchange rate for the KSH to the USD varies of course, but in general you can easily say that $1 = 130 KSH.

International currencies can be exchanged at banks and forex exchange bureaus (forex) across major towns and cities in the country.

Hotels also offer exchange service this is at a poor rate the same is also experienced in airports. Forex bureaus offer much better exchange rates than banks. Avoid unscrupulous means of exchanging money such as street exchanges it is illegal and you might be ripped off.

ATMs and credit cards

Note that you can only withdraw Kenyan shillings at the ATMs which are widely available throughout the country. Beware of suspicious people hanging around the bank or following you if you come out of the bank. A valuable Kenya travel tip is to use ATMs inside shopping malls. The maximum amount ATMs in Kenya will let you withdraw is KSH 40,000, approximately USD 310

Most lodges and restaurants accept MasterCard and Visa cards as a form of payment. Some international hotels accept Euros and US dollars in cash but their exchange rate is mostly pretty bad, so I would not recommend this to you. Always check beforehand because some places do not accept foreign cash or cards.

Tipping in Kenya

Tipping guides, drivers, and staff is customary in Kenya and is a great way to show your appreciation for their services. Locals often go the extra mile when they know a tip is coming. You can tip in either USD or KSH. Here are some general guidelines for tipping:

• Ranger or guide: $10 to $20 per person day
• Butler: $5 to $15 per day
• Transfers: $10 per transfer
• Porters: $1-2 per bag
• Restaurants: 10% of the bill

Electricity plugs in Kenya

Kenya has fairly reliable electricity. To charge your phone, camera, or other electronics, you should have an adapter at hand though. The Kenya power plugs are comparable to the ones in the UK and are 240 V. It is better to bring a universal travel adapter with you, they are cheap and worth it. Lodges located in remote areas use solar energy or diesel generators to provide power for lighting and charging. Therefore, when traveling to remote areas in Kenya use the electricity responsible.

Please be aware that some of the lodges in Kenya do not operate their electricity generators 24 hours a day. Some lodges turn off their generators after dinner until just before dawn. Please inquire upon arrival at each lodge as policies differ widely. It is always a good idea to be prepared with one or two extra batteries for digital cameras, camcorders and laptops.

Get a Kenya sim card on arrival

To stay connected to the internet, pick up a Kenya SIM card as soon as you arrive. It’s a quick process that takes about 5 minutes. You can find SIM cards throughout the major cities, but the simplest place to buy one is at Nairobi Airport. Just have your passport handy. Grab some data to keep your friends updated on Instagram about your incredible Kenyan adventure. Safaricom is the leading telecom provider in Kenya, offering excellent call and data packages.

Wi-Fi in Kenya

Most hotels in Kenya provide free Wi-Fi, but the connection can often be frustratingly slow. That’s another good reason to get a Kenya SIM card. With 4G and even 5G widely available, you’ll have a much better internet experience.

Additionally, for extra privacy on public Wi-Fi—such as in shopping malls, hotels, and lodges—it’s wise to use a VPN service.

Drinking water

Tap water is safe for brushing your teeth and bathing, but its best not to drink it. While it might not be contaminated, your body may not be accustomed to it. It’s advisable to stick to bottled water throughout your trip. Most hotels, lodges, and safari camps provide clean, filtered, sterilized, or boiled drinking water for their guests.

Nightlife in Kenya

For party lovers, Kenya has plenty of vibrant spots to explore. In Nairobi, Westlands is a popular area for nightlife, while in Mombasa, Mtwapa is the go-to place. Friday is known as “Furahi-day” in Kenya, with ‘Furahi’ meaning ‘be happy’ in Swahili. After a night out, you can easily book an Uber to take you back to your hotel.

Major beach destinations in Kenya also offers lively nightlife. Diani is particularly renowned for its beach parties.

Don’t miss out on trying local beers like Tusker, Tusker Malt, Tusker Lite, and Tusker Cider. Tusker, Kenya’s favorite beer, is a golden premium lager best enjoyed chilled – or “baridi” in Swahili.

Photography

When traveling to Kenya, it’s a good idea to bring a high-quality camera and lens. While modern smartphones are convenient, they might not capture the best safari shots. Keep in mind that photography is prohibited at railway stations, airports, military barracks, police posts, disadvantaged citizens e.g. street families, citizens without their permission and government buildings.

If you want to take photos of locals or with them, always ask for permission first. Showing respect is key!

Religion

Although Kenya is predominantly a Christian state, the country embraces spiritual diversity. There are many churches, mosques, and Hindu temples to be found across the country as well.

Cultural Events

There are more than 42 ethnic groups, also called tribes in Kenya. This attracts a variety of fascinating cultural festivals across the country. Some of the most popular include the Mombasa Carnival, the Lamu Cultural Festival, the Maralal Camel Derby, and the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival. Each of these events offers a unique glimpse into Kenya’s rich cultural heritage.

Kenya Politics

Kenya is highly ranked as one of the most democratic countries in Africa. Kenyans are very political, and it’s common to encounter groups discussing politics. You will be surprised how much they are aware of what is going on around the World. These conversations can be lively and sometimes tense, especially during election periods.

While there are claims that Kenya is unsafe due to ethnic tensions related to politics, this is often overstated. In reality, such tensions rarely threaten the country’s overall stability.

Crime and Insecurity

Petty crime in Kenya is an issue, not only in Kenya but across the world, we acknowledge that there are high chances of being a victim especially when you are a foreigner. That shouldn’t deter you from visiting Kenya because a large number of tourists visit the country annually with no difficulties. Government official warnings are a great source of information this shouldn’t be your only source as they tend to be overly cautious, make a comparative analysis of information from other sources such as tour operators, locals, etc.

Driving

Driving in Kenya is done on the left side. Only non-citizens with international driving licenses are allowed to drive in Kenya.

The maximum permitted speed is approximately 110km/h for private vehicles and 80km/h for public services vehicle (on highways) and 40km/h in the parks and reserves.

Telephone services

All hotels and lodges are equipped with direct dialing telephone services but visitors should inquire from the reception about charges before making the calls.

Cell phone services are also available.

Vaccinations and Health Requirements for Kenya

There are several vaccinations that you need to protect your health on your trip to Kenya. Some are mandatory while others aren’t. The compulsory vaccination is Yellow Fever for travelers arriving from Yellow Fever prone countries (East and Southern Africa including Uganda and Tanzania) and you will be required to show a certificate of inoculation on entry. If you are flying direct from Northern America and Europe, you DO NOT require this vaccination. So, put your vaccinations book on your Kenya packing list.

There are several diseases that you could be exposed to when you travel to Kenya, so it is strongly recommended that you also get the following vaccines: diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, rabies, polio, and cholera.

Is there malaria in Kenya? Yes, there is, but not everywhere. Nairobi and other highlands are low-risk malaria zones, but in the valleys and low lands it is recommended to take anti-malarial medication. The most commonly prescribed anti malaria medication for Kenya is Malarone. Although it is advised, but others do not take any malaria pills. It is totally up to you.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to pack some medication for headaches, stomach upsets, or any allergies that you may have. The supplies should be enough to last your entire trip.

It is recommended that your vaccinations to be always up to date. Some of these vaccines must be obtained within a fixed time period before your travel. For instance, the Yellow Fever vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days before the date of travel.

Passport and ETA

Having a valid passport is essential for international travel, and Kenya is no exception. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your departure date and has at least two blank pages.

In addition to your passport, you will need an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya. This requirement applies to all travelers, including infants and children.

How to apply for an ETA

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to www.etakenya.go.ke or use the “Kenya Travel Authorization” mobile app.
2. Apply: Click on “Apply Now” and follow the instructions provided.
3. Enter Details: Ensure all information is accurate.
4. Submit Application: After submission, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application.
5. Payment Confirmation: If applicable, you will receive an email confirming payment.
6. Approval or Refusal: You will receive an email with the decision. If approved, print the PDF document, download it to your mobile device, or save it in the “Kenya Travel Authorization” app. This document must be presented at departure and arrival points.
7. Denial: If denied, you will not be able to travel to Kenya at this time.

For Assistance:

• Contact: support@etakenya.go.ke
• Check application status: https://www.etakenya.go.ke