Document Checklist for Kenya

East Africa Tourist Visa or eVisa.

A six-month valid passport

Enough money.

Ticket for a return flight.

Essential Kenya Travel Information

Currency – KES or Kenyan Shilling. $1 is about equivalent to KES 135.55.

Daily budget for one person – Around KES 12,625 ($104) daily.

Languages – English and Swahili.

Socket type – Type G, 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Time zone – Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +03:00.

Top 3 cities to visit – Mombasa, Nairobi, and Lamu.

The top 3 landmarks/monuments are Lamu Islands, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Hyrax Hill Museum.

Visa Information for Kenya

You will require a visa at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; however, you may easily and quickly get an entrance visa for Kenya online. See the sections below for additional information on the Kenya eVisa and the East Africa Tourist Visa.

If you need a legal work permit, a long-stay Kenyan entrance visa, or any other immigration services, get in touch with the local embassy.

Typical Costs and Budget for Kenya

Daily spending – Around KES 12,625 ($104) per person/day on a budget vacation

Meals – KES 2,913 ($24)

Transport – KES 3,399 ($28)

Hotel – KES 6,798 ($56) for two people.

The typical cost of a weeklong trip for two people is KES 177,122 ($1,459).

Transport and Best Ways to Travel Around Kenya

Flying is the most excellent way to maximize your time and see most of the nation. There are links between Nairobi, and Mombasa, coastal communities like Malindi and the Lamu Archipelago, and smaller airports near national parks offered by several local carriers.

Be informed that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority still requires the COVID-19 PCR test for all incoming travelers who are not immunized. The traveler must present a negative PCR test completed within 72 hours of departure or vaccination confirmation.

Kenya has fantastic public transportation hubs that connect bigger and smaller communities, notably in the west of the country, with frequent connections to the city center and the shore. Consequently, using a bus is an additional option. Train travel is another accessible alternative; you may visit the major cities and take advantage of nighttime travel to avoid losing your daylight while traveling.

Driving, though, may also be a terrific experience and an opportunity to see Kenya at your leisure. In compliance with local laws, you will need an international driving permit for the road trip. It is recommended that you inspect the automobile before hiring it to avoid getting one that is not in good condition. You may also locate a lift with Uber or Bolt to avoid driving yourself or relying on public transit hubs.

Safety in Kenya

Kenya, sadly, is a nation where armed robberies, terrorist attacks, and violent crime are frequent occurrences. In addition, religious holidays traditionally have been a time for more assaults, notably by the terrorist organization al-Shabaab. Therefore, you should use personal solid protection measures when traveling to the Ethiopian and South Sudanese border regions, high-risk locations, and the Kenya-Somalia border.

Be on the lookout for violent crime and muggings in metropolitan areas. Kenya’s national parks often don’t present any security issues. However, it is a good idea to follow local media to be updated on national security. Kenya’s most significant risks in terms of natural catastrophes are droughts and floods.

Weather in Kenya

Kenya’s warm environment makes it comfortable for visitors to experience its natural treasures. But don’t be fooled—climatic differences exist and are impacted by various variables, including height.

From June until October is considered the dry season. The temperature ranges during this period from around 23°C (73°F) at higher altitudes to about 28°C (82°F) at lower altitudes, such as the beach. Traveling is ideal at this time of year since there are usually days with a beautiful blue sky.

From November through May, the wet season, which is hotter, occurs. At higher altitudes, summertime temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 27°C (81°F), whereas in the lower zone, they are close to 30°C (86°F).

Popular Cities and Towns in Kenya

Nairobi is the financial center of Africa and the continent’s largest metropolis. You may visit beautiful museums, tranquil parks, animal sanctuaries, and shopping malls.

Mombasa, the second-largest city in Kenya, is situated on the East Coast. It has magnificent beaches, national parks, and excellent cultural hubs.

Located in western Kenya, Kisumu is a popular tourist destination. The must-see attractions include Lake Victoria, Kisumu Museum, and Kisumu Impala Sanctuary.

The finest city to visit, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the well-known Rift Valley Sports Club are in Nakuru.

The Lamu Museum, Lamu Port, the Donkey Sanctuary, and the Riyadha Mosque are just a few of the many tourist attractions available in Lamu, one of the major coastal cities.

Must Do and See in Kenya

Take a trip to the Lamu Islands in Lamu County. With outstanding historical and archaeological monuments, the archipelago is situated in the Indian Ocean.

Travel to Nakuru town and check out the Hyrax Hill Museum. This museum’s narrative shows the prehistoric villages that were here at least 3,000 years ago.

Visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve on a safari. You may observe lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and hippos in plenty in the protected region.

Explore Tana River County’s, Kora National Park. Species may be found in the park, including striped hyenas, serval cats, antelopes, cheetahs, and elephants.

In Kilifi County’s Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve, unwind. It is a fantastic area to go to the beach, camp, or engage in water sports and has beautiful coral gardens.

Typical Kenyan Food to Try

Irio (Mashed Peas and Potato Mix) is Kenya’s most well-known dish. It comprises cooked green peas and potatoes that have been mashed up before whole kernels of maize (corn) are added to the mash to give it additional starch and texture.

In Kenyan cuisine, Pilau is a delicious concoction of rice cooked with flavor-bursting spices, including cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. It is often served with a small amount of fresh tomato, onion slices, and beef stew.

Sukuma Wiki (Collard Greens/Kale) – The leafy green vegetable is frequently sautéed in oil along with some chopped tomatoes and onions and seasoned with a dash of mchuzi mix or stock cube seasoning.

Vaccination Information for Kenya

Before traveling, it’s crucial to understand what standard vaccinations, particular vaccination requirements, and COVID-19 precautions are needed to enter Kenya. You should visit the CDC website to learn about any vaccination requirements and any suggested advice or medication lists.

Fun Facts about Kenya

Kenya rules the international marathon scene. The Kalenjin people have produced several long-distance runners and athletes who have broken world records.

Queen Elizabeth II was sworn in at the Treetops Lodge, which is close to Nairobi, rather than on English official premises.

Kenya produced the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. An advocate for the environment, social justice, and politics, Wangari Muta Maathai, received the award in 2004 for her work promoting democracy, peace, and sustainable development.

The biggest desert lake on earth is Lake Turkana. It is a part of the Great Rift Valley and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The most valuable export from Kenya is coffee. But unfortunately, most Kenyans don’t consume it, and the nation only exports a minimal amount of the product domestically because of the natives’ high regard for it.