Kenya Travel Guide

What is Kenya known for?

Kenya is famed for its scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves. The country boasts abundant wildlife including lions, buffalo, leopards, elephants and rhinoceros, along with many national parks and wildlife reserves. Safaris are among the country’s most popular visitor experiences.

In sports, Kenya is especially well known for its middle-distance and long-distance runners, with Kenyan athletes frequently competing at the highest international level.

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 urban culture. Viewing Kenya’s diverse wildlife tops the list of things to do, and a safari is one of the best ways to experience it. The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara brings enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra across the savanna during the seasonal cycle.

Lake Nakuru is known for birdlife and dramatic Rift Valley scenery, while Amboseli offers close-up elephant encounters with Mount Kilimanjaro often visible across the border in Tanzania. Other highlights include the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Aberdare Range, Lake Turkana, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya’s Indian Ocean beaches, the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Ngare Ndare Forest and hiking on Mount Kenya.

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. If you are traveling on an organized safari, your transportation is usually included. Independent travelers can choose from flights, trains, buses, matatus, taxis, rental cars and private drivers depending on the route.

What is the currency of Kenya?

Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (KES). Money can be exchanged at banks and authorized foreign-exchange bureaus, and ATMs are widely available in larger cities and many towns. Carrying some cash is useful for smaller purchases, local transport and gratuities.

You may also hear the informal term “bob” used locally to refer to shillings.

Do people speak English in Kenya?

English and Swahili are Kenya’s official languages, and both are widely used. Numerous indigenous languages are also spoken across the country. Learning a few basic Swahili phrases can be helpful and is often appreciated.

Visiting Kenya between June and October is one of the most popular choices. This is the long dry season and generally offers excellent wildlife viewing. The Great Migration typically reaches the Maasai Mara during the broader July-to-October period, although exact timing varies from year to year with rainfall and grazing conditions.

The rainy season can also be rewarding, bringing fewer crowds, lower accommodation rates and greener landscapes. December is often attractive because the short rains are easing, vegetation is lush, migratory birds are present and young animals can often be seen. The long rains are generally strongest from March through May.

January through March can also be excellent for safaris, with warm weather and relatively dry conditions in many areas. Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast is warm year-round, although rainfall and humidity vary seasonally.

Kenya straddles the equator, but climate varies considerably with altitude and geography. Coastal areas are hotter and more humid, while the central highlands are cooler. Mount Kenya retains permanent ice and snow only on its highest summit glaciers, which have been shrinking substantially over time.

January – April

January is prime time for game viewing in many areas and is also a good month for a beach holiday on the Kenyan coast, with warm temperatures and tropical waters.

February is another strong safari month. The central highlands are warm during the day and cooler at night, while the coast remains hot. Rainfall is relatively low in the Maasai Mara and wildlife often gathers around water sources.

February is also a popular period for Mount Kenya trekking, although mountain weather can change rapidly at any time of year.

In March, conditions begin transitioning toward the long rains. Rain becomes more common across many parts of the country, some roads can become muddy or difficult, and crowds and accommodation rates generally decline.

April is one of the wettest months in Kenya. The central highlands and Nairobi remain warm during the day with cooler evenings, while Mombasa stays hot and humid. For photographers, lush landscapes and reduced dust can be attractive.

May – December

May remains wet in many parts of Kenya, including the coast. From June onward, the long dry season develops and wildlife begins concentrating around permanent water sources.

By late July, migration herds often begin reaching the Maasai Mara, and August is one of the most dramatic months for crossings and predator activity. Weather is generally temperate and dry, though showers remain possible.

September continues to offer excellent wildlife viewing and pleasant temperatures. In October, migration herds begin moving south again as seasonal conditions change.

November marks the short-rains period. Most parks remain open, and it can be an excellent time for a less crowded safari. December is warmer and can bring intermittent rain, while birdwatching is especially rewarding as migratory species increase.

Tipping in Kenya is discretionary but is common in tourism and hospitality, particularly in restaurants, hotels, safari camps and organized tours. The amount should reflect the quality of the service received.

Safari tourism has a well-established gratuity culture. Guides, drivers, lodge staff and other crew members are often tipped at the end of a stay or tour, and many camps provide specific guidance for their guests.

Currency: Should I tip in Kenyan shillings?

Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Kenyan shillings are the simplest option for most everyday gratuities. Foreign currency may be accepted by some tourism businesses, but local currency avoids confusion and is more useful to staff.

Final Thoughts:

It is perfectly acceptable not to leave a gratuity when you are unhappy with the service provided. Tipping expectations in Kenya differ from those in the United States and should reflect the service received. If you encounter a service issue at a hotel or safari lodge, speak with the manager.

When paying for services in cash, keep your receipt where one is available. If you leave a gratuity on a card payment, the intended employee may not always receive it directly, so follow the establishment’s guidance on how tips are distributed.