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Kenya travel guide
Visas, what to pack, plugs, money and health — the practical details for a smooth safari.
- Capital
- Nairobi
- Currency
- Kenyan shilling (KES)
- Languages
- Swahili and English
- Time zone
- UTC+3 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity
- 240V, 50Hz
- Plug type
- Type G (UK 3-pin)
- Dialling code
- +254
- Drives on
- The left
Kenya is where the safari was born, and it remains one of the most rewarding places on earth to meet the wild. From the sweeping golden plains of the Maasai Mara to the snow-dusted shoulders of Mount Kenya and the flamingo-pink soda lakes of the Rift Valley, this is a country of astonishing variety packed into a single, welcoming journey. Most travellers fly into Nairobi, the green and energetic capital, before heading out to the parks where the real magic begins.
A first safari can feel like a big undertaking, but Kenya makes it easy. English is widely spoken, the people are famously warm, and the rhythm of the day, an early game drive, a late breakfast, an afternoon out among the herds, quickly becomes second nature. A little preparation goes a long way, so here is what you need to know before you go.
Kenya is ranked among the best African safari destinations. Is it your first time on a safari? A Kenya safari will be fulfilling of magical and unique wildlife experiences that will last a lifetime. Kenya is endowed with many safe and protected parks & reserves with natural flora and fauna. Masai Mara National Reserve ranks among the best parks where you will see the Big Five among other wild game. Kenya has a beautiful coastline with white sand sun baked a worthy place to visit especially after a thrilling safari.
Best time to go at a glance
Indicative pattern for Kenya's safari circuit. The long rains (around March–May) and short rains (around November) shift year to year.
Getting into Kenya
Kenya has moved to an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which most visitors now apply for online before they travel; visa-on-arrival is no longer offered, so you should arrange your eTA in good time ahead of departure. If you plan to combine Kenya with neighbouring countries, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda on a single multiple-entry document (note that it does not include Tanzania). Entry rules can change, so always confirm the current requirements for your nationality and route before booking flights, and use the visa tool on this page to check what applies to you.
Visa checks & applications are handled by VisaHQ. Always confirm the current entry rules for your nationality before you travel.
Weather & climate
Kenya's climatic condition is an equatorial climate. Kenya's location at the equator qualifies for a pleasant, tropical climate. There are other regional climatic conditions influenced by altitude among other factors. Kenya, therefore, doesn't have clear weather patterns like winters, summers, autumn, or spring. Kenya's climatic condition can only be defined by the dry season and wet season.
Dry Season- June – October
The dry season in Kenya is from the month of June to October. Temperatures range between 23 ° C/73°F at high altitudes such as Masai Mara and 28°C /82°F at low altitudes such as the Kenyan coast. Daytime has a clear sky and is sunny.
June, July, August, and September – are the coldest months of the season. Temperatures range from 10°C/ 50°F in high altitudes and we advise that you pack warm clothing because the morning game drives are cold especially when you are in the open land cruisers.
Wet Season – November – May
The wet season in Kenya has temperatures ranging from 24°C/75°F and 27°C/81°F at higher altitudes. Lower altitudes experience a temperature range of 30°C/86°F. We advise that you pack warm clothes for morning game drives.
November & December- during these months, we experience short rains and rains last for a month. Rain is unpredictable, falling in the late afternoon or evening. This will not affect your game drives.
January & February- during these two months, we experience a rain shortage during the wet season. It is a small period of dry spell unpredictable as to how long it lasts.
March, April & May – these months are long rainy months. They are characterized by heavy clouds, especially in the highlands. Humidity is also high on the Kenyan coast.
Best time to visit
The best time to take a safari to Kenya is from Late June to October. Not only is it the dry season but the season when the annual Wildebeest Migration happens in the Masai Mara. The wildebeest arrive in the Mara by mid-July with August being the peak of this annual event and stay until October. Game viewing is, however, good all year round and varies from one park to the other.
Best Time to take safari – June – October & Jan- Feb
High Season – (July to November, January, and February- Parks get crowded especially Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli)
Low Season – (March to May) - These months experience low visitors and also we experience high rainfall that causes some camps to close as well.
Best Weather – (June to October) – during these months we experience little to no rainfall. Best time to take a safari to Kenya.
Wildlife
Kenya is endowed with an amazing game-viewing experience. You can see all the Big Five on a standard safari. Masai Mara is one of the best parks to visit and see the Big Cats and is home to the annual Wildebeest Migration. White rhinos can be seen in Lake Nakuru National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Meru National Park. The floor of the rift valley has many Fresh and Alkaline Lakes. Lake Bogoria attracts thousands of flamingoes that throng to feed on the algae.
Wildebeest Migration - The wildebeest Migration is one of the most unique wildlife phenomena in Africa, naturally occurring; the event takes place annually between Tanzania's Serengeti National park and Masai Mara National Reserve in late June – October.
Over 1.5 Million ungulates- mainly wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate from Serengeti national park to the majestic Masai Mara in search of water and pasture. Crossing the Mara river is the climax of this event. The Mara river is infested with the long Nile crocodile and it is unfortunate that some of the migrants' pilgrimage tour ends there.
Unique Wildlife - Samburu, Marsabit, and Meru Park are in the Northern Kenya circuit and they are host to some unique species adaptive to the dry climatic country. The long-necked gerenuk is often seen feeding while standing on its hind legs. The Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe are beautiful species found in these regions. At Tsavo, you will find the rare fringe-eared oryx.
Getting there
You can access Kenya by flying into the Country. The most popular airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport which is in Nairobi – the Main Capital City of Kenya. You can also fly into Moi International Airport which is in Mombasa- the coastal capital city.
Visa Application – Kenya Visa Application can be done online on the government website https://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html in 3 simple steps. It is simple, secure, and convenient.
Touring within the country can be done by road. Kenya has a fairly good road network. However, parks are distanced from each other, driving from one destination to another sometimes may be long ranging from 2 hrs. - 5 hrs.
Local Charter Flights are an optional way to access the parks and reserves. They are booked as part of your safari package.
What to wear on safari
Stick to neutral earth tones, khaki, olive, beige and soft brown. These blend into the bush and keep you comfortable in the heat. Avoid bright white, which shows every speck of dust and can startle wildlife, and steer clear of blue and black, as those colours are known to attract tsetse flies.
Dress in layers. Dawn game drives can be genuinely chilly, especially in an open vehicle, so a warm fleece or jacket over a long-sleeved top works well, then peel layers off as the sun climbs. Add proper sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, and closed walking shoes rather than sandals.
In towns, villages and especially when visiting local communities, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. It is a simple courtesy that is always appreciated.
Electricity & plugs
Kenya runs on 240V at 50Hz, the same as the UK, using the type G three-pin plug. If you are travelling from Britain or Ireland your devices and plugs will work without an adapter; visitors from elsewhere should pack a UK-style adapter.
Power can be intermittent in remote camps, where electricity may come from solar or a generator and run only at certain hours. A power bank for your phone and camera is well worth carrying so you are never caught short between charges.
Money & payments
The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Cards are accepted at hotels, lodges and larger establishments in towns, but cash is useful for tipping, markets, curio stalls and small purchases out in the field.
Mobile money, particularly M-Pesa, is woven into everyday life in Kenya and used almost everywhere. ATMs are easy to find in cities and larger towns but scarce out in the parks, so draw what you need before heading into safari country. It is sensible to carry some smaller notes for tips and incidentals.
Health & vaccinations
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have recently passed through, a country where yellow fever is a risk, so check your route and any stopovers carefully before you travel. Travellers coming directly from countries such as the UK are not generally required to show one, but rules can change, so confirm before departure.
Malaria is present in safari areas, so antimalarial prophylaxis is advised; Nairobi city itself is considered low risk. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic well ahead of departure, ideally several weeks before, to arrange the right medication and any routine vaccinations. Pack insect repellent, cover up at dusk and dawn, and drink bottled or treated water on the road.
Staying connected
Mobile coverage is good across cities, towns and many parks, though it thins out in the more remote wilderness, which is part of the appeal. A local SIM or eSIM from a Kenyan network gives you affordable data and is easy to pick up on arrival; you will usually need your passport to register it.
Most lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, often in communal areas rather than the rooms, and it can be slow or weather-dependent in far-flung spots. Treat patchy signal as a feature of the safari rather than a fault, and let people back home know you may be off-grid for a day or two.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Kenya and genuinely appreciated, as it forms a meaningful part of income for guides and camp staff. Your safari guide, who shapes so much of the experience, is the person most worth recognising at the end of your time together.
Many lodges and camps provide a communal tip box shared among the wider team, alongside what you give your guide directly. Carry small notes in cash for this, as it is far easier than trying to tip by card, and give according to the service and your own sense of what feels right.
Safety & etiquette
Kenya is a welcoming, hospitable country, and a little common sense goes a long way. In cities, keep valuables out of sight, use trusted taxis or ride-hailing apps after dark, and stay aware of your surroundings as you would in any large city.
On safari, always follow your guide's instructions, stay in the vehicle unless told otherwise, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife. Ask before photographing people, dress modestly in towns and villages, and a few words of Swahili, jambo for hello and asante for thank you, will always be met with a smile.
Safari packing checklist
- Neutral earth-tone clothing (khaki, olive, beige) for game drives
- Warm fleece or jacket for cold dawn and evening drives
- Lightweight long-sleeved tops and trousers for sun and insect cover
- Wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent (DEET-based) for dusk and dawn
- Closed, comfortable walking shoes plus sandals for camp
- Antimalarial medication and a small personal first-aid kit
- UK-style type G plug adapter (if not coming from the UK/Ireland)
- Power bank for phones and cameras
- Binoculars for spotting distant wildlife
- Reusable water bottle
- Modest outfit for visiting towns and villages
- Small notes in cash for tipping guides and staff
Kenya safari — common questions
- What's the best time of year for a Kenya safari?
- Late June to October gives the strongest all-round viewing and brings the migration into the Maasai Mara. January–February are also excellent — warm, green, quieter, with newborns. April–May (long rains) is low season: greener, cheaper, some camps closed.
- What wildlife will I see in Kenya?
- All of the Big Five across its parks, plus cheetah on the Mara plains, flamingo flocks at Lake Nakuru, the great tusker elephants beneath Kilimanjaro at Amboseli, and rare northern species at Samburu. No sighting is guaranteed in the wild, but our guides know these reserves intimately.
Still deciding? Tell us your dates and we'll advise — no obligation.
Ready to plan your Kenya safari?
Explore the parks, or sketch a route with the Wildtouch Safari Designer and hand it to Jacob.