KENYA TRAVEL GUIDE

The following are travel information and guides when travelling to Kenya for a safari or holiday.

  1. Application for Kenyan Tourist Visa

Tourists are required to have a valid visa and passport before gaining entry into Kenya. Your passport should be valid at least six months after arrival into the country. Visa is applied online by logging in to www.evisa.go.ke to apply for an electronic visa. You will be required to pay the visa fees using credit card on the visa application website.

Requirements for a tourist visa

  1. Valid travel document not less than six months.
  2. A Return ticket

During the application process, you will be required to attach the following documents. The file formats that may be attached are PDF, JPG, or Microsoft word.

Once you have successfully applied, the visa shall be issued approximately five days after the day that you had requested for it.

  1. Travel itinerary (Details about places to visit if going as a tourist).
  2. Hotel bookings.
  3. Return air ticket

For more information please click here

2. Monetary Provision and making payments

Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan shilling (KSH). Most major credit cards for example (MasterCard, Visa and American Express) are widely accepted. Also pay attention to only convert money as needed. The best place where you will receive a good rate is at the Forex Bureaus. Kenya demonetized some of its banknotes in June 2019, in a bid to fight corruption in the country. The country’s central bank decided to introduce a new generation currency including a new KSh 50, KSh 100, KSh 200, KSh 500 and KSh 1,000 notes.

Most shopping outlets including supper markets accept payment through credit card. You can also make withdrawals using your visa card on some banks ATM including withdrawing dollars. No need to carry a lot of cash with you.

3. Kenya Safari roads

All the primary roads out of Nairobi are tarmacked, and will take you comfortably to your safari destination. Road conditions are good and ever improving, so expect to encounter some road works along the way. There are also unsurfaced roads. The so-called ‘C’ and ‘D’ roads  are usually unsurfaced. Most roads within the country are properly maintained  although the further you are from the city centers the more rugged the terrain becomes. Also the weather conditions contribute to how simple or difficult it would be to maneuver the different paths.  Roads in the game parks and reserve are fairly good and can be traversed by 2 wheel drive vehicles although they can be a challenge in the wet season and 4 wheel drive vehicle will do be better. Some remote areas can only be accessed by sturdy 4 wheel drive vehicles.

4. Vaccination

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travelers arriving from Yellow fever endemic countries. This condition also applies to travelers subjected to long flight connection (transit) in an airport of a Yellow fever endemic country for twelve hours (12hrs) or more

Yellow Fever vaccination is not compulsory for visitors arriving directly into Kenya from NON-endemic countries like Europe, the USA and Japan. Kenya is mapped by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a low risk country for Yellow fever (WHO 2015 update). However, the presence of Yellow fever vector (mosquitoes) poses potential risk for Yellow fever if the virus is introduced into the country.

All visitor from Endemic Yellow Fever zone(s), and those visitors whom on their way to Kenya and have passed through Endemic Yellow Fever zone(s) and got out of that country’s airport, will be required to show their yellow fever certificates on their arrival into Kenya or receive vaccination at the entry point on their arrival at a fee.

5. Electricity in Kenya

In Kenya the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Kenya, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).  If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Kenya. You may also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Check out the following pictures.

  • Type G: this type is of British origin. This socket only works with plug G.
  • You can buy a power plug to connect to the socket
    Travel adapter sample travel adapter.

6. Packing for safari

What you pack on the trip will therefore depend on the duration and purpose of the trip. While on safari you will need cloths that are loose and comfortable. The weather will also determine the type of clothes that you carry. Laundry service can be expensive in most of the hotel so it is advisable to carry enough clothes. Local flights have limitations to the maximum weight of luggage they carry so you should consider that factor when packing. Most local flights require that you have soft sided suit cases.

For footwear, have comfortable shoes. The terrain can be rocky, thorny  and uneven so it can be ideal to have boots if you intend to explore the bush on foot. Light weight sandals are ideal for the bush.

Topless bathing is not permitted at the beaches of Kenya and you will need to carry appropriate swimwear. Also pack in a few semi-formal apparel such as trouser pants, polo shirts and dresses so you can enjoy the romantic dinners at your beachside resort.

What to pack

  • short-sleeve or t-shirts
  •  shorts
  • long-sleeve shirts (for protection from both sun and mosquitoes)
  •  cotton trousers or light pants
  •  jacket or fleece
  •  wide-brim hat with an under-chin tie (to stop it being blown off in open-top vehicles)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Lightweight sandals or flip flops (for wearing around the camp)
  • Swimwear (for camps and lodges with a pool)
  • Cotton socks and underwear
  • Buff or, scarf or bandana (good for dust)
  • Sunglasses with polarized lenses  (the glare can be intense)
  • Passport + a copy (keep in separate bags)
  • Camera, battery, extra battery and plenty of memory cards
  • Chargers (for camera and phone) and a power adaptor
  •  Sunscreen Lip balm
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Malaria prophylaxis
  • Good binoculars (at least 8 x 30 magnification)
  • Small torch
  • Toiletries (remember the lodges will have shampoos, soaps etc)
  • A pack of wet wipes or hand sanitizer
  • Cash for tips (including driver and guide)

7. Game trophies

In Kenya, it is illegal to sell any product made from wild animals, including hides and skins, rhinoceros horn, elephant-hair bracelets, crocodile handbags, etc.

Please note also that ivory is not legally sold in Kenya.

8. Travel insurance

It is advisable to have a travel insurance which can be issued in your home country.

9. Languages and People:

Kenya has many different dialects and local languages. English is the official language while Swahili is the national language. Most Kenyans speak good English. 

10. Medical Facilities:

Most camps and lodges have a doctor on call in case of an emergency or other common travel related ailments. Kenya also boasts of top notch health facilities in case of any eventuality.

11. Malaria

Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net. Check with your doctor  about suitable antimalarial tablets.

12. Souvenir shopping:

There are various curio and gift shops that sell souvenir items. The items include  attractive baskets, copper jewelry, batik cloth, beads, carvings. Kenya coffee and tea are also sort after and available in shops and markets.

Therefore we suggest that you take all goods you purchase with you as shipping cost may easily exceed the cost of the item. Most of the curio shop accept both cash and credit cards payments.

13. When is the best time to visit Kenya

This is the question that mostly comes to the mind of anybody planning to come to Kenya on a holiday. There is no simple answer to this question.

Many factors will determine the time that a person chooses to visits Kenya for holiday or safari. The factors could range from:

  •         School holidays, if traveling with children.
  •         Your budget. Peak seasons are expensive than low seasons.
  •         Your interest. Which type of safari are you interested in.
  •         What time are you free.
  •         Weather
  •         And many other factors

When planning to come to Kenya, it’s important to have an idea of what to expect during that period.

 

There are 3 tourism seasons in Kenya;

  •         Shoulder Season

This is the period between November to March. There are usually short rains between November to December. January to March is usually rainless with hot weather. Hotel rates are slightly lower.

  •         Low Season

This is the period between April to June. Around this time there is heavy rainfall ending in the early June. Hotel rates are at their lowest

  •         Peak Season

This is the period between July to October. This is long dry season which also coincides with the Great migration of wildebeest and zebra. Hotel rates and other costs are at their highest.

13. Weather through the year

January: The days are hot and nights warm making this month a popular time for safaris and good for diving and snorkeling.

February: Continuation of the long dry season. Less grass and wildlife gathering close to water points.  Furthermore, this is still a good time for a safari and staying in hotels near water point comes with advantage.

March: Hot and Humid weather, good diving and snorkeling conditions at the start of the month, onset of rains.

April: Lower temperature, heavy rains. Advisable to use 4×4 a jeep for safari. Predators avoid wet grass and regularly use the tracks.

May: There is a lot of vegetation around making it ideal for photography. Predators hide on the long grass and grazers scatter in the vast parks and reserves.

June: Rains cease and give way to cloudy, cooler weather, making for very comfortable conditions, especially in the highlands. Sometimes wildebeest migration starts towards the end of this month.

July; This is the coldest month in Kenya. Wildebeest starts arriving in from Serengeti. This is a very busy month in terms of tourism.

August: The temperature is pleasant and mostly dry. The wildebeest and Zebra have filled Masai Mara providing lots of action. Still a very busy time and getting accommodation in hotels becomes a challenge.

September: This is the start of, dry weather with little chance of rain. The game viewing action continues in the Masai Mara, and it is still excellent throughout Kenya for wildlife.

October: There are some light rains. It’s a lovely time to travel if you want to avoid the crowds but still have excellent game viewing opportunities. The migratory herds are leaving the Masai Mara, but excellent resident populations remain. All other Kenya destinations are great at this time of year. It’s also good for diving and snorkeling.

November: The short rains are starting and the temperature is hotter. There is still good game viewing under the heavier skies and activities continue. Crowds are fewer and you can get good deals on this month.

December: Finally the end of the year can be hot and potentially wet. It is still great time to view wildlife with high number of birds present in places like Lake Nakuru.

We have been taking people on safari throughout the year. Every time they come back with great stories of what they have seen on safari. This proves that Kenya is indeed the ideal country to visit all year round. I hope this guide will help you decide the best time for you to visit Kenya.

14. Security/safety in Kenya

Kenya is generally a safe country. There have been very few security incidents involving tourists. However just like any other developing country caution needs to be exercised against petty crimes. Follow security instructions given by the safari company or hotels. Avoid travelling with expensive jewelry and do not flaunt lots of money openly. Most hotels and lodges have safety boxes for valuables.

People in Kenya are generally friendly and hospitable.

While on safari follow your driver guides instructions. Also ensure that you follow park rules.

Kenya has tourist police whose role is to protect tourist.

The Kenya Tourism Federation, operates 24 hrs a day monitoring visitors’ safety and liaising closely with the security agencies.

UPDATED COVID-19 CONTAINMENT MEASURES IN KENYA

  • All those who are fully vaccinated against covid-19 should take booster shots
  • Mask wearing remains optional in open areas but should be worn when in closed confined places such in public service vehicles, trains, aircrafts etc. 
  • Fully vaccinated International travelers arriving in the country are exempted from the requirements of a PCR test and quarantine upon arrival
  • Unvaccinated international travelers arriving in the country at any point of entry are required to be in possession of a negative PCR test results conducted not more than 72 hours before departure regardless of route of entry.
  • Unvaccinated travelers arriving at any point of entry will be subjected to a rapid antigen test at their own cost and whoever tests positive to an antigen test is subjected to a PCR test at their own cost and are required to self isolate at their own cost according to the country’s guidelines.

More information can be obtained from Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Website.