SAFARIS IN AFRICA

Big herd of wildebeest in the savannah great migration AdobeStock

About Kenya

Kenya – Country Travel Information

⚡ Electricity

  • Voltage: 240V, 50Hz
  • Plug types: Type G (British 3-pin) is standard.
  • Universal adapters are recommended for international travelers.

đŸ’ŗ Banking

  • Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
  • ATMs: Common in cities, towns, and airports.
  • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) accepted in hotels, lodges, and larger shops; cash is preferred in rural areas.
  • Mobile money (M-Pesa) is widely used for payments.

🍲 Cuisine

  • Staple foods: Ugali (maize meal), sukuma wiki (greens), nyama choma (grilled meat).
  • Coastal cuisine includes Swahili dishes with coconut and spices.
  • Fresh tropical fruits are abundant.
  • Tea and coffee culture is strong, Kenya being a major producer.

☀ī¸ Climate

  • Equatorial but varied due to altitude:
    • Nairobi & Highlands: Mild climate year-round.
    • Coastal areas (Mombasa, Diani): Hot and humid.
    • Northern Kenya: Hot and arid.
  • Rainy seasons: Long rains (Mar–May), short rains (Oct–Dec).
  • Best time to visit: Dry season (Jun–Oct, Jan–Feb), also coinciding with the Great Migration (Jul–Sep in Maasai Mara).

🚍 Transport

  • Domestic flights link Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and safari destinations.
  • Matatus (shared minibuses) are common but often unsafe.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, Little Cab available in cities.
  • SGR railway connects Nairobi to Mombasa (popular and safe).
  • Self-driving is possible but challenging; most safari visitors opt for guided tours.

👕 Dress

  • Light, breathable clothing for daytime.
  • Warm jacket/sweater for evenings and safaris (cool mornings and nights).
  • Safari wear: Neutral tones (beige, khaki, olive) to blend with the environment.
  • At the coast: Light clothes, but dress modestly in towns and villages due to local Muslim culture.

đŸĨ Health

  • Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers from or transiting through endemic countries.
  • Malaria risk is present across most of the country (except Nairobi & highlands) – prophylaxis recommended.
  • Other suggested vaccines: Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B.
  • Drink bottled or boiled water; avoid tap water.
  • Private hospitals and clinics in Nairobi & Mombasa are good; rural healthcare is limited.

🛡ī¸ Safety

  • Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) in Nairobi, Mombasa, and crowded areas.
  • Avoid walking alone at night in cities.
  • Terrorism risks exist; avoid border areas near Somalia.
  • Safari destinations and national parks are generally safe with guides.

🛂 Visa

  • Most travelers require an eVisa, applied for online in advance.
  • Some nationalities are exempt (mainly East African Community).
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months with 2+ blank pages.
  • East Africa Tourist Visa available (valid for Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda).

ℹī¸ General

Popular attractions: Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi National Park, Diani Beach, Lamu Island, Mount Kenya.

Official languages: English & Swahili.

Time zone: GMT+3 (no daylight savings).

Driving: Left-hand side of the road.

Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants; safari guides/drivers usually expect tips.