What To Expect
When most people think of Sub-Saharan Africa, they think of Kenya. It is the quintessential African country, home to amazing wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and so many nature reserves. It is one of the best places in the world to experience Mother Nature’s spectacular wildlife up close and when visiting Kenya, going on a safari is a must.
The country has dozens of national parks and nature reserves worth exploring, each one as spectacular as the last, but some some of the most famous ones include the Masai Mara Reserve, Amboseli Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo National Park, Mount Kenya, and Hell’s Gate National Park.
In addition, Kenya is home to some beautiful beaches, the most popular of which can be found near Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu Island. And don’t forget to explore the Kenyan culture while you’re there too. You will most likely fly into and stay in the capital Nairobi, but consider visiting Mombasa and the fascinating Maasai tribe as well!
Kenya can be dangerous at times so caution is advised when visiting, but if you stay safe, you will have an amazing experience!
Best Time To Visit
Kenya has 3 main climate zones split between the coast, the south, and the north, but most rainfall typically occurs in spring throughout the country.
On the coast, temperatures are hot year-round whereas in the south, summers are warm and winters are very warm, but not as hot as on the coast. The north is the hottest part of the country with very hot temperatures year-round.
Therefore, the best time to visit Kenya is in the summer (June – August), when temperatures throughout the country are not as exceedingly hot as they are during the winter. If you want to avoid the crowds however, try going at the end of autumn or beginning of winter (November – December) as the summer is one of the peak seasons for tourists.
If you do travel to Kenya during one of its high seasons, make sure to book your transportation and accommodation in advance to avoid sold-out tickets and fully-booked rooms!
High Season: June – October & January – February
Low Season: March – May
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Key Information
Population: 53 Million
Capital City: Nairobi
Languages Spoken: Swahili & English
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES/KSh)
Railway: Kenya Railways
Driving Side: Left
Largest Airports:
1. Nairobi (NBO) – Jomo Kenyatta
2. Mombasa (MBA) – Moi
3. Kisumu (KIS)
4. Eldoret (EDL)
5. Nairobi (WIL) – Wilson
Citizens of certain countries can enter Kenya visa-free for up to 90 days, but citizens of most countries around the world must apply for a 90 day eVisa. They also have the option of getting a 90 day Visa on Arrival if they wish.
If you’re not a citizen of a visa-exempt or eVisa/VoA-eligible country, then you must go to the nearest Kenyan embassy and apply for a Tourist Visa to be granted entry.
Note: there is also a 90 day East Africa Tourist Visa available for all nationalities which is valid for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
The Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Cholera, and Yellow Fever vaccines are recommended, especially if traveling to rural areas. Also make sure you are up to date on your standard vaccinations and consult a health professional for further advice.
In addition, a Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if you are traveling to Kenya from a country with a risk of YF transmission, including if you only passed through the airport.
Top 5 Destinations
Masai Mara Reserve
Amboseli Reserve
Nairobi
Lake Nakuru
Tsavo Park
Currency Information
The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES/KSh).
The notes come in denominations of 50 KSh, 100 KSh, 200 KSh, 500 KSh, & 1000 KSh while the coins come in denominations of 1 KSh, 5 KSh, 10 KSh, & 20 KSh.
Use the currency converter below to determine the latest exchange rate.
Cellphone Information
Kenya has average overall 4G LTE coverage and it may be spotty in rural areas. Make sure your phone is GSM-compatible with the 3G frequency and the primary 4G LTE band used in the country to ensure you will always have a connection.
Learn more about this in my Guide to Travel-Ready Phones.
Information about local prepaid SIM cards in Kenya
Calling Code: +254
Emergency Numbers: 999 (Police, Ambulance, & Fire)
3G Frequencies Used: 2100
4G LTE Bands Used: 20 (primary) + 3 & 28
Power Outlet Information
Since Kenya is a former British colony, they use Type G power outlets. Therefore, to be able to charge your electronic devices in Kenya, you need a Type G adapter.
Get your compatible Type G adapter here.
The voltage used in Kenya is 240V. Learn more about how this may affect your electronic devices in my Guide to the Top Travel Accessories.
Tipping Guide
Tipping is customary in Kenya, especially for good service, so here are some important guidelines to follow:
Hotel Bellhops: 50-100 KSh per bag
Hotel Housekeepers: 50-100 KSh per day
Restaurant Servers: 10% of the total bill
Taxi/Uber Drivers: not expected
Tour & Safari Guides: 10% of the total tour price on single-day tours and between 500-1000 KSh per day on multi-day tours
Safari Trackers: 200-500 KSh per day
Note: tips should be left in cash and given directly to the person you wish to receive them.
