EXPLORE KENYA
Your Comprehensive Destination Guide
At a Glance
Total area: 224,081 square miles
Capital: Nairobi
Religion: 85% Christian
Population: 56.2 million people
Languages: Swahili is the official language of Kenya. English is widely spoken.
Money: The Kenyan shilling is the currency in Kenya. The conversion rate was from 1 USD to 127.62 Kenyan shillings. All major credit cards are accepted.
Banking Hours: M-F 09:00–16:00 and Sat 09:00–12:00
Telephone/Communication: Country code: +254 plus Area Code plus 2 digit Area Codes (Nairobi 20, Mombasa 41, Nakuru 51, Kisumu 57, and Eldoret 53).
Climate: Despite its location on the equator, Kenya’s climate is usually sunny, dry, and moderate for most of the year. The Laikipia Plateau in Central Kenya maintains comfortable temperatures due to its altitude. Coastal areas are hotter, but the ocean breeze helps to maintain pleasant conditions for most of the year. There are two rainy seasons: the heaviest rains (called masika) usually fall from mid-March to May, and a shorter period of rain (called vuli) occurs in November and December. January and February are mostly dry, although there may be a chance of rain. The dry season, with cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October.
Travel Requirements
As of January 1, 2024, foreign nationals can visit Kenya without a visa for business or tourism for up to 90 days. However, most visitors must apply for and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorization (E.T.A.) online at least 72 hours before travel.
- E.T.A. cost: $30–$34
- It takes up to 3 business days to process the ETA.
- E.T.A. validity is limited to one trip.
- To apply for an E.T.A., you’ll need to provide the following information:
- A recent passport-sized photo
- Contact information, including email address and phone number, is required.
- Arrival and departure itinerary
- Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
- Use a payment method like a credit card or debit card.
- If you are visiting for personal reasons, please provide your hosts’ passport numbers (or the number from another identity card).
- If you are visiting for business, you should have an invitation letter from your company.
- East African Community (E.A.C.) nationals are exempt from the E.T.A. requirement
VAT Refunds: Most goods and services, including accommodations and food, in Kenya include the value-added tax (VAT), which is currently 16%. Foreign visitors must present receipts at the airport and carry purchased items in their luggage to get a VAT refund.
Transportation Options
Main Airport: Kenya has several major airports, including five international airports and Wilson Airport, the main airport for domestic flights.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA): The largest airport in East and Central Africa, JKIA is the main airport in Nairobi and Kenya, handling most inbound and outbound flights. It’s located in the Embakasi neighborhood of Nairobi, 11 miles southeast of the city’s commercial center. JKIA has scheduled flights to more than 50 countries and records approximately 123 flights daily.
Moi International Airport (M.I.A.), the second-largest airport under Kenya Airports Authority (K.A.A.) management, is the primary airport serving the coastal strip.
Wilson Airport, a smaller secondary airport in Nairobi, primarily caters to light aircraft and small airlines. It’s the main airport for domestic flights, especially if you’re heading into the countryside.
Kisumu International Airport and Eldoret International Airport are international airports in Kenya.
Public Transport: Non-motorized transport (N.M.T.) is the most widely used mode of transport. In Nairobi, 45% of people walk for their daily trips, and many others use N.M.T. to reach public transport. For transportation within Nairobi, the most popular is Uber, which provides a reliable and secure means of getting around.
Bus Service: Matatus, or shared minibuses, is the most popular mode of public transportation among natives in Kenya. They leave their destinations when they are full, so there is no set schedule, but with fixed and reasonable fees, they are an excellent way for Kenyans to go about it.
Travel by Train: Train travel in Kenya is a unique and picturesque method to experience the country’s different landscapes while also connecting major towns. Kenya’s railway infrastructure, notably the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), offers a pleasant and efficient form of transportation for both inhabitants and visitors.
Transport: Over the years, tarmacked highways and flyovers have significantly improved urban roads, particularly those in Nairobi and Mombasa, alleviating traffic congestion. However, rural roads still need to be improved and in better condition, making navigating difficult for visitors.
Travel Safety Tips
Kenya is a safe destination compared to other African countries. Nairobi Central and City Square are busy and relatively safe during the day, but it’s best not to travel alone. We used Uber to go to restaurants at night, and we did not have any problems. Like in any big city, use common sense. Avoid walking alone or traveling in isolated areas, and always be vigilant. Leave your valuables in your hotel’s safe box, and bring only what you need.
Health Safety
Malaria is prevalent everywhere, except in Nairobi and areas higher than 2500 meters above sea level. We prepared for this trip and took precautions during our time in Africa. We had anti-malarial medications and different kinds of mosquito repellant that we brought from home. Malaria is more common along the coast and around Lake Victoria.
Malaria-carrying mosquitoes only come out at night, so always practice precautions. We wore long sleeves, clothing with permethrin, mosquito repellent spray, and even mosquito repellant bracelets. We had mosquito nets in our bedrooms at Diani Beach to ensure our safety while sleeping. To avoid mosquito bites, we sprayed mosquito repellant daily.
We successfully avoided mosquito bites by taking these precautions. If you suspect malaria or any other mosquito disease, such as fever, low energy, chills, and lack of appetite, similar to flu-like symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. There are clinics throughout the country that are well-equipped to deal with malaria. You can receive immediate medication and treatment.
Fun Facts!
- Kenya has 536 kilometers of coastline in the Indian Ocean. It has miles of sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Some of its famous beaches include Diani Beach, Bamburi Beach, and Nyali Beach.
- Kenya has a liberal economy that allows foreign investors to repatriate profits, dividends, and interest without restrictions.
- Kenya is known for being home to the “Big Five,” including the East African lion, the leopard, the black rhinoceros, the African elephant, and the Cape buffalo. But it’s also home to the “Marine Five, which are the orca, the great white shark, the humpback whale, the tiger shark, and the giant manta ray.
- “Jambo” is the English equivalent of “hello” and is the most popular way to greet people in Kenya.
- Kenya is home to the Maasai Mara, a large game reserve that hosts the most significant wildebeest migration on Earth. One of the “Seven New Wonders of the World,” this impressive migration is visible from space.
- Kenya, known as the “Flower Garden of Europe,” is the world’s largest producer of roses. Yves Saint Laurent’s Paris and other luxury perfumes turn millions of Kenyan roses into oil annually.
ATTRACTIONS and ACTIVITIES
Nairobi National Park
One of the best things to do while in Nairobi. Here you’ll see plenty of wild animalswith the unique backdrop of Nairobi’s tall buildings.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Orphan elephants and wildlife rehabilitation program. Combine your trip to Sheldrick with a visit to Nairobi National Park.
Giraffe Center
Environmental Conservation Center, home of the Rothschild Giraffes.
Naivasha
Freshwater lake on the Great Rift Valley floor. A boat trip on the lake will take you to Crescent Island, a great wildlife sanctuary.
Safari on Crescent Island
Naivasha’s best-kept secret, is only accessible by boat, which costs around $30 for a round trip.
Hells Gate National Park
Named after a narrow break in the cliffs, was once a tributary of a prehistoric lake that fed early humans in the Rift Valley.
Lake Nakuru National Park
The capital of the Rift Valley region, serves as a transit for travelers heading to safari destinations such as Masai Mara and Lake Bogoria.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Famous for its breathtaking safaris, abundant wildlife, and the spectacular annual Great Migration.
Tsavo East/West National Park
Largest national park in Kenya. Split in two due to the railway going from Mombasa to the interior of Kenya.
Amboselli National Park
Kenya's most visited national parks, with great views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Diani Beach
Celebrated for its pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and tranquil tropical ambiance.
Watamu Beach
Known for its stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life.
Aberdare National Park
Haven of diverse landscapes, featuring lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.
Mount Kenya National Park
Africa's second-highest peak, offers alpine scenery, diverse ecosystems, and thrilling trekking opportunities.
