Well, you’re planning a trip to Kenya this year? Think of vast savannas grasslands scattered with immense herds of wildlife, snow-capped mountains, traditional cultural people who bring soul and color to Kenya.
Whether you’re visiting for a safari vacation, cultural discovery, on a Kenya honeymoon or a mix of both, this Kenya travel guide has you covered. One thing is for sure, Kenya consistently tops as one of best places to go on safari in Africa. Whatever the safari occasion, each year, thousands of safari goers visit the country’s wildlife areas and bucket list safaris like the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Kenya Travel Advice
Planning a first-time safari in Kenya, from where to stay to must-see attractions and key travel tips, Kenya promises a journey you’ll never forget. Thanks to the good climate, wide open spaces, and an abundance of wildlife in heavyweight destinations like the Masai Mara and Amboseli, Kenya delivers dramatic safari experiences any time of the year. In this Kenya safari guide, we share our best tips for travelling to Kenya.
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Is Kenya safe to travel?
”I want to visit Kenya, but is it safe?” Yes! Kenya is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa, welcoming millions of tourists every year, and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free. Additionally, the Kenya tourist industry is well established and visitors are very well looked after. Our private Kenya safari experiences with knowledgeable, professional guides enhance your experience in Kenya and ensure your total peace of mind. Check out our Kenya safety tips for more information on safe travel in Kenya.
Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities
Your safari guides will work to ensure your safety at all times. Follow their instructions and always keep your distance from wild animals. Only leave the vehicle under instructions from your guide and only where it has been designated as safe to do so.
Staying Safe in Cities & Towns
As is the case all over the world, big cities tend to be crime hot spots. Although most issues are minor, such as petty theft and pickpocketing, some areas of Nairobi and Mombasa are best avoided unless you are on guided activities. When heading out in the city, follow a few simple safety precautions: seek advice from your hotel before going out; don’t wear valuables and only take the money you need with you; and catch a taxi after dark.
Do I need a tourist visa for Kenya safari?
No visa is required for Kenya. Instead, all international visitors must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to travel to Kenya.
Your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) can be requested online through the official visa website from the Kenyan government https://etakenya.go.ke/.
Applications are generally processed within three (3) business days/72 hours but may take longer depending on the verification processes. For urgent applications, expedited option is available and is processed immediately.
Fees vary depending on the type of travel application selected with normal (processing may take up to 72 hours) starting at $30 and expedited (immediate processing) at an addition $100.
An eTA is required for each passenger when travelling as a group. When starting your application, select Apply as a Group.
When arranging your trip to Kenya with Kenya safari specialist, we guide you through every step of the visa and administration process. Therefore, take note that a Kenya tourist visa does not exist, instead you need the ETA.
Kenya passport requirements
A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six (6) months.
Kenya entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Kenyan embassy or high commission to verify that the information below is current.
Visitors must apply in advance for the eTA on www.etakenya.go.ke.
The standard processing time is three days, but you can apply up to three months prior to travel and early application is recommended.
Safety First: Don’t forget your Travel Insurance
When it comes to planning your adventure to Kenya, your safety is our top priority! That’s why we urge all travelers to ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance in place before setting off. While us at Kenya Safari doesn’t provide travel insurance directly, we’re delighted to recommend you get your safari Insurance from your home country for your upcoming trip to Kenya.
With such insurance, you can rest assured that you’re fully covered for every aspect of your journey, from unexpected medical expenses to trip cancellations, giving you peace of mind to immerse yourself in the wonders of Kenya.
What vaccinations are needed for Kenya safari?
When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required for travellers one year of age and older coming from – or who are in airport transit for more than 12 hours within – a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
As with all international travel requirements, we always advise you to consult your physician for professional health advice before travelling to Kenya for safari.
What is the currency of Kenya?
The local currency is the Kenya shilling, although dollars and euros are also accepted in most touristic places in Kenya.
Languages in Kenya
There are over 68 different languages spoken in Kenya. The official languages, however, are Swahili and English. You can expect all your Kenya Safari guides and hosts to speak English, but if you’re looking to learn a few words of Swahili before your trip, check out our list of top 25 useful words in Swahili!
Though Swahili and English are the official languages in Kenya, English is spoken by almost everyone. In the tourism sector, however, English is widely spoken by the majority of people.
Travelling in Kenya is more than just an African vacation. For many explorers of Kenya, this is a bucket-list adventure to remember for a lifetime. For detailed Kenya travel advice or to start planning your custom vacation in Kenya, contact us now.
We look forward to welcoming you to Kenya soon!
Ready to Plan Your Kenya Safari Tour?
Early preparations play a significant role in successful private Kenya safaris. Understanding safari rhythms, seasonal patterns, and daily wildlife activity improves both photography opportunities and overall enjoyment.