Kenya Travel Guide

Every minute detail was taken care of and I felt so pampered and relaxed. They took care of all our drop-offs, pick-ups, and COVID tests and guided us through visas.

Alym was so great to work with and so attentive to detail. He and his staff were always a text away from answering our questions. The camps were top notch and the food was amazing. Everything exceeded my expectations. Love Kenya!!! Best adventure of my life!!!

GISELLE HILLMAN

Dreaming of going on a Kenya Safari? There’s no place quite like it. The lush landscapes and wondrous wildlife might be what Kenya is known for, but between bustling cities, lovely locals, and extraordinary eats, you’ll learn there are many things to see in Kenya—and even more to do. Our Kenya travel guide covers the top Kenya Travel Tips, things to do, and best places to visit in Kenya.

Before You Go

Your holiday decisions — where you go, how often you travel, the hotels or lodges you stay in, even the season you travel in – can make a huge difference to your African Journey… This is going to be the best guide to find out before visiting any African countries!

 

When To Travel To Kenya

When is the best time to visit Kenya? The optimal time to travel to Kenya is during the dry season, from July to October. The annual migrations happen during that time, too, which makes safaris during the dry season fantastic.

The narrative that safaris are best from June through October is not true as every season has it’s own charm. April and May is the rainy season, but if you like muddy and love being out there in the Savannah in a bit of rain with few vehicles in site, April and May are your best options. If you travel to Kenya during the summer, which is from December to March, you’ll want to stay closer to the coast because it can get pretty hot.

Need help choosing the safari to travel on? Check out our guide to help you decide which Kenya Safari is right for you!

Top Things To Do In Kenya

No Kenya travel guide is complete without suggesting what to do in Kenya and where to go! Here are some of the best things to do in Kenya, as well as some of Kenya’s top attractions. Plus, check out some of the hidden gems you’ll experience on a safari.

    • Search for the famous Big Five on a safari.
    • Visit the Karen Blixen Museum.
    • Take a game drive through Amboseli National Park.
    • Discover the Maasai culture.
    • Spot flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park.
    • Visit Kazuri Beads.
    • Feed giraffes at The Giraffe Centre.
    • Experience the Coriolis Effect at the equator. 
Kenya Travel Guide
What To Eat & Drink In Kenya

We’ve talked a lot about the best places to visit in Kenya and what to do in Kenya, but what about the best things to eat? Here are the dishes you’ll want to dig into while on a tour of Kenya.

    • Ugali (like polenta)
    • Nyama Choma (Kenyan BBQ)
    • Mbuzi Choma (Goat)
    • Githeri (beans cooked in Kenyan spices and sauces)
    • Samaki (fish cooked in spices)
    • Kenyan Coffee
    • Kenyan Tea
    • Mukimo
    • Tusker beer
The Best Souvenirs To Buy In Kenya

Of course, you can’t take a trip to Kenya and not come home with some souvenirs. Here’s what we recommend you pick up to remember your trip to Kenya. Just make sure to leave some space in your bag!

    • Maasai beads
    • Hand-carved wooden sculptures
    • Shukkas
    • Kiondos
What To Pack For Kenya

We can’t write a Kenya travel guide without talking about what to pack. The main thing to know before traveling to Kenya is that you’ll want to bring lots of layers—it’s one of our travel tips for Kenya. You might be shivering in a fleece jacket in the morning, then sweating in a t-shirt in the afternoon, so layers will become your best “rafiki”!

    • Soft, flexible duffel bag
    • Lightweight, conservative clothing
    • Comfortable closed-toes shoes
    • Sandals
    • Lots of T-shirts
    • Shorts
    • A warmer jacket (if travelling between July >September)
    • Rain jacket (very light one)
    • Your camera
    • Binoculars

 

  • Reusable, cloth bags
Travel Tips For Kenya

Currency: The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Many larger vendors will accept payment in USD, but don’t count on it! ATMs are available in busy places like airports, malls, and gas stations.Credit cards are also widely accepted in bigger cities like Nairobi, but you will want to have some cash on you, too. You’ll need it for smaller purchases like food, drinks, souvenirs, or tips.

Languages: Kenya is home to about 40 different ethnic groups, which means the country is highly multilingual. That said, English and Swahili are the two official languages. No matter where you go as a tourist, you’re likely to find someone who speaks at least some English.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Visa To Go To Kenya?

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Kenya? Yes, citizens of the United States of America are required to have a visa before they can legally enter the Republic of Kenya. Fortunately, the process to obtain a Kenyan visa for U.S. citizens is quick and simple. Americans can request a Kenyan visa online in just a few minutes.

How Much Does A Kenyan Visa Cost?

How much does a Kenyan visa cost?
$ 51
Types of visas and the fee charged
Single entry visa $ 51
Transit visa $ 21
Courtesy Visa Gratis
Multiple Entry Visa [6 months or 1 year] $ 101
Referred Visa $ 51

What Is The Coldest Month In Kenya?

July
Quick Climate Info
Hottest Month March (70 °F avg)
Coldest Month July (63 °F avg)
Wettest Month April (2.51″ avg)
Windiest Month March (9 mph avg)

What Is Kenya Known For?

Kenya, country in East Africa famed for its scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves. Its Indian Ocean coast provided historically important ports by which goods from Arabian and Asian traders have entered the continent for many centuries.

 
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