Kenya- Travel Guide
Discover Kenya, a land of unparalleled natural beauty and rich wildlife, from the iconic Maasai Mara to the pristine beaches of Diani. Indulge in authentic cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like ugali and nyama choma, paired with fresh tropical fruits. Immerse yourself in history in the ancient city of Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the archaeological wonders of the Great Rift Valley. Experience the thrill of wildlife safaris in Amboseli National Park and Tsavo National Park, home to iconic species such as lions and elephants. Kenya invites you to explore its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, promising an unforgettable adventure in the heart of East Africa.
All about Kenya
Kenya FAQ
What is Kenya known for?
Kenya is famed for its scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves. The country boasts an abundant wildlife (lions, buffalo, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, etc.) and culture, featuring many national parks and wildlife reserves, with safaris being a popular activity for visitors.
In terms of sports, Kenya is perhaps best known for its middle distance and long distance runners, with the country frequently producing Olympic champions.
What are the best places to visit in Kenya?
Known as the safari capital of Africa, Nairobi is an energetic, modern city that serves as a fascinating introduction to both wildlife and nightlife. Viewing the country`s diverse wildlife tops the list of things to do in this country, and a safari is a great way to do it. See droves of wildebeest rumbling across the savanna during the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. Marvel at Lake Nakuru, scattered with thousands of flamingos, or get a close up with the friendly elephants in Amboseli.
Some other exciting adventures offer adopting an Elephant at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust; visit the Aberdare ranges and see breathtaking waterfalls; explore the `Cradle of Mankind` and see Lake Turkana; visit the last remaining Northern White Rhino in the world at Ol Pejeta Conservancy; relax on the sandy beaches in the coast; feed some giraffes in Giraffe Center in Nairobi; visit the indigenous Ngare Ndare forest in Laikipia North; hike to the top of Mount Kenya; and so much more!
How many days should I spend in Kenya?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Kenya?
Getting around Kenya is relatively easy. Unless you’re travelling on an organized safari, in which case your transport will be taken care of, there’s a mix of bus, train, matatu and flights to choose from.
By Plane: Kenya Airways air services connect Nairobi with regional cities, but smaller air charter companies fly you into remote air strips in the parks, reserves and conservancies.
By Train: Local train services to serve the main cities within a radius of 9 miles is in progress starting with the launch of the modern commuter rail service between Nairobi city, Athi river, Kitengela and Syokimau, all complete with a `park and ride` option for drivers who wish to park their cars and commute to the city center by train.
For long distance travel, getting around Kenya by train is limited to specific routes. You can travel between Nairobi and Mombasa by train, normally on an overnight trip lasting 14 hours. Another route that is served by daily overnight trains is the Nairobi-Kisumu route, with additional service to Kampala in Uganda.
By Car: If you want control and flexibility in your Kenya travel, then getting a car rental will certainly allow you the freedom to travel and explore your surroundings. If you can drive and find your way around, hiring or renting a car in Kenya is a convenient way to travel around the country.
Cars are readily available for rental at the airport and from car rental companies in all major cities across Kenya. If you prefer not to do the driving, you can always hire a car with a driver and save on the insurance cost while benefiting from the knowledge and services of a local driver.
Getting around Kenya can be a challenge for those who are not used to driving on the often crowded, sometimes rough, dusty or untarmacked roads. Kenyan roads throughout major cities are tarmacked and in good condition, although one is likely to find potholes on some roads and streets. The roads also tend to be narrow. While roads in main cities and towns are tarmacked, most roads in the remote areas, including the game parks, are plain terrain, all-weather roads. Often, some remote roads experience flooding that renders them impassable during the long rainy season.
By Bus, Matatu or Taxi: The public bus system and matatus (privately owned minibuses) are the cheapest and most popular mode of transportation in Kenya. If you don`t have your own vehicle or cannot afford to pay for a taxicab or rental car, then public transport is your best option. Kenya`s public buses and matatus have a mass appeal for short and long distance travel in all cities and towns across Kenya. Buses are regarded as safer and follow the same route as matatus. However, while buses are often quiet and operate in a timely manner, matatus play loud music, have erratic schedules with frequent stops, and provide a more dramatic Kenyan public transportation experience.
Buses and matatus offer convenient and express services between the major cities, suburbs and towns across Kenya. Fare is paid onboard. Long distance commute buses to major cities require advance booking, which can be done at their booking offices before the day/time of travel. Taxis/cabs are available for a quick or one-time commute across the city and suburbs, with rates as low as around $5 to drive of few miles.
Bicycle: Loads of Kenyans get around by bicycle, and while it can be tough for those who are not used to the roads or climate, plenty of adventurous visiting cyclists tour the country every year.
Cycling in rural areas is easier, and you`ll usually receive a warm welcome in any village you pass thorugh. Many local people operate bicycles, so repair shops are common alon the roadside. By cautious when cycling on dirt roads as punctures from thorn trees are a major problem.
Mountain biking The hills of Kenya are not particularly steep but can be long and hard. You can expect to cover around 50 miles per day in the hills of the Western Highlands, somewhat more where the country is flatter. Hell`s Gate National Park, near Naivasha, is particularly popular for mountain biking, but you can also explore on two wheels around Mt Kenya, the Masai Mara and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
What is the currency of Kenya?
Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling as its currency (KSh).
Money can easily be exchanged at all banks, but you are only able to withdraw KSh out of ATMs which can be found in medium-sized towns, so bring cash and a debit or credit card.
Also, don’t be confused if you hear people using the word bob! This is street-talk for a shilling, which we expect is a remnant of former British colonial times.
Do people speak English in Kenya?
The two official languages in Kenya are English and Swahili, although there are dozens of other languages spoken in various parts of the country. We suggest you get a good English-Swahili guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Kenya
Visiting Kenya between the months of June to October is one of the most popular times to visit the country. It is the dry season, which also coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, which usually reaches the Masai Mara National Reserve around September and remain until October when they move back to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
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These are the best months to visit for wildlife viewing and virtually no rain and comfortable daytime temperatures.
The rainy season is also a good time to travel to Kenya resulting in fewer crowds, and lower off-season accommodation rates. December is a good month to travel when the rains are short, this is a good time to see the verdant vegetation of the country, and a chance to see newborn animals and migratory birds. The peak of the ‘long rains’ are in March, April, and May when it is very wet. The best time to visit for a Kenyan safari experience is between January to the end of March when the climate is mild and mostly dry. Game viewing this time of year is excellent.
The best time to visit the renowned beach destinations in Kenya is all year round, with a tropical climate, hot and humid weather is present year-round on the Indian Ocean coastline, and the water temperatures are in the mid-80s throughout the year. Kenya is split by the equator, so the climate varies based on this, temperatures are generally consistent throughout the country, with the coastal areas being hotter with humidity, and cooler temperatures towards the inland and the highest peak, Mt Kenya, which is always covered in snow.
January – April
January is prime time for game viewing in Kenya and is the height of the summer, this month lies outside of the two notable ‘long’ and ‘short’ rain periods and is a good time for a beach holiday on the beautiful Kenyan coast with high temperatures and warm waters.
Visiting in February is a good month to go on a Kenya safari, in the central highlands, the temperatures are warm during the day and cooler temperatures during the evening. The Kenya coastline is extremely hot during the day and these temperatures follow suit in the evening. The month of February experiences the lowest levels of precipitation the Masai Mara, and there is a higher chance of encountering wild species at watering holes. This month is the time to go to Kenya to conquer Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya.
The weather quickly transitions in March from ‘hot and dry’ to ‘wet and rainy’. This time of year rain is common throughout large parts of the country, the savannah becomes a muddy landscape, and some areas are difficult to visit due to impassable roads. The crowds and costs are lower during this time of year.
One of the wettest and rainiest months in Kenya is April, the central highlands and Nairobi are hot during the daytime with comfortable temperatures drifting in at night, and Mombasa is hot during the day and night. This is a great time for photography on a Kenya safari, there is no dust this time of year and the landscapes are lush and verdant.
May – December
From June to October it is the start of the long dry season, May brings heavy rains to most of the country and along the coastline, making it not suitable for a beach vacation. The months from June to October are dubbed the best time to visit Kenya for a truly “Out of Africa” safari experience, the weather this time of year is dry and wildlife starts to congregate around water sources, and the anticipation of the arrival of the Great Migration’s mega-herds heading into the Masai Mara.
The end of July is when the herds of Mother Nature’s greatest spectacle start to arrive in the Masai Mara, with spectacular views of wildlife crossing the river. The weather this time of year is temperate and dry, with the occasional shower. The Great Migration hits its peak in August with pleasant temperatures and awe-inspiring action when thousands of zebras and wildebeest cross the river, with hungry crocodiles waiting. The game-viewing action continues in September when temperatures are pleasant and generally dry.
During the month of October, the migratory herds start to leave the Masai Mara. November is the start of the short rain season and most of the parks and camps in the country remain open, some camps close on the Laikipia Plateau. This is a good time of year to enjoy a much less crowded safari in the country. December can be very hot with some rain, this month is great for birdwatchers as the number of birds increases greatly this time of year.
Tipping in Kenya
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these ‘tips’ will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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When it comes to tipping in Kenya practices are similar to those in Europe and North America, a tip of 10-15% is standard when leaving in tip in restaurants, hotels, etc. Tipping is based on the quality of service you receive, and it’s best to tip in Kenyan shillings. Tips in Kenya are discretionary and are supposed to be supplementary income, not the main source of income. There is a relatively established tipping culture in the safari industry in Kenya, which is one of the biggest attractions when visiting the country. The service in Kenya is typically excellent, locals and staff are accommodating and friendly, and prices are extremely cheap in comparison to Western countries.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Euro?
The currency of Kenya is the Kenyah Shilling (KES), the US dollar is not accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for the Shilling, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in major cities, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
Tipping in restaurants and bars in Kenya is not standard, but is always appreciated, especially if you receive good service. Tipping in restaurants isn’t customary everywhere in the country, but in popular cities like Nairobi and Diani Beach on the coast, tipping is becoming well-established. 10-15% of your total bill is appropriate.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping at hotels in Kenya is expected, it’s customary to leave hotel porters, maids, and concierge a tip for their services. Hotel porters expect a tip equivalent to around US$1-2 per item of luggage (around 110 Kenyan shillings), and maids should be tipped between 10-15% per night for cleaning your room, tipping is always based on the level of service received. You can also tip at the end of your stay for hotel cleaning staff when you check out, most hotels have a gratuities box at the reception desk, where you can leave a single tip for all the staff. Roughly Ksh1,000 to Ksh2,000 ($10-$20) per room, per day is satisfactory.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping your taxi driver in Nigeria is a nice gesture, simply rounding up the change or tipping a few francs is acceptable, and also determined by the lever of service you received. If your driver went above and beyond, helped with luggage, or gave you a guide of the city then tipping between 7-15% is standard. Always remember when traveling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Kenya is popular for safari tours and many other organized tours, it is customary to tip the guide/driver/cook at the end of these tours. Tipping around 2,000 Kenyan shillings (US$20) per room (tent) is standard practice, if you are a solo traveler around 1,000 Kenyan shilling per day is acceptable.
Safari workers rely on tips to meet basic needs for their families, so your tip will go a long way. If staying in a safari lodge half of the tip should go to your driver/guide and half to the back of the house staff at the camp or lodge where you staying. There may be a tip box located at the reception or sometimes an envelope that you give to the manager. However, drivers and guides are not included in this shared tip box, so they should be tipped separately, generally at the end of your safari tour.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Romania than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top Cities in Kenya
What to expect while traveling
