Essential Information Every Traveller Should Know Before Visiting Kenya

Welcome to Kenya! This travel guide provides practical information to help you prepare for a safe, comfortable and memorable journey. Whether you are visiting for a safari, beach holiday, cultural experience or a combination of destinations, the information below will help you plan with confidence.

• Check that your passport is valid and that you meet Kenya’s entry requirements.
• Check current visa/eTA requirements before travelling.
• Arrange suitable travel insurance covering medical emergencies, cancellation, interruption and baggage where appropriate.
• Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, travel documents, insurance details and booking confirmations.
• Keep important emergency and accommodation contact details accessible.
• Confirm your itinerary, arrival details, transfers and accommodation before departure.

• Light, comfortable clothing, preferably in neutral colours for safari.
• A warm jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings.
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots.
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Camera, spare batteries/memory cards and binoculars if desired.
• Power bank and a suitable travel adapter.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Personal toiletries and any medication you normally require.

• Kenya can be visited throughout the year, but the best time depends on the experience you want.
• Dry periods are generally popular for wildlife viewing because animals may be easier to spot around water sources.
• Green or rainy seasons can offer lush scenery, dramatic skies, fewer crowds and excellent photography.
• The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara is a seasonal natural event, and exact timing can vary from year to year.
• Coastal destinations are suitable for beach holidays throughout much of the year, with weather varying by season.

• Kenya has different climates depending on altitude and region.
• Nairobi and highland areas can be cool, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
• Safari destinations can be warm during the day and noticeably cooler at night.
• Kenya’s coast is generally warm and humid.
• Rain can occur outside the traditionally expected rainy seasons, so carrying light rain protection is useful.

• Drink bottled, purified or otherwise safe water.
• Choose freshly prepared food and follow normal food-hygiene precautions.
• Use insect repellent, especially in areas where mosquitoes are common.
• Protect yourself from strong sunlight with sunscreen, a hat and appropriate clothing.
• Carry any personal medication you may need during the trip.
• Follow the safety instructions of your guide, driver, accommodation and activity providers.
• Keep valuable belongings secure and avoid displaying unnecessary valuables in crowded areas.

• The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES).
• Major hotels, lodges, restaurants and shops may accept major credit or debit cards.
• Carry some Kenyan Shilling cash for small purchases, tips and places where card payments may not be available.
• ATMs are available in major towns and cities, although availability can be limited in remote safari areas.
• Mobile money services such as M-Pesa are widely used in Kenya.

• Kenya commonly uses Type G power sockets with three rectangular pins.
• Bring a suitable travel adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
• Most hotels and lodges provide electricity, but remote properties may use generators or solar systems with limited operating hours.
• Wi-Fi is available at many hotels and lodges, although connectivity can be limited in remote safari areas.
• A local SIM or eSIM can be useful for mobile data and communication.

• English is widely used in Kenya, especially in tourism and business.
• Kiswahili is widely spoken and is an important national language.
• Learning a few Swahili phrases can make interactions more enjoyable.
  

  Useful Swahili Phrases

  • Jambo — Hello
  • Habari? — How are you?
  • Nzuri — Fine / Good
  • Asante — Thank you
  • Tafadhali — Please
  • Karibu — Welcome
  • Pole — Sorry / Take care
  • Kwaheri — Goodbye

• Respect local customs, traditions and religious practices.
• Ask permission before photographing people, especially in communities and cultural settings.
• Dress respectfully in towns, villages and religious or cultural places.
• Be polite and patient when interacting with local communities.
• Respect local property and do not enter private areas without permission.
• Learning and using a few Swahili words is a friendly way to engage with local people.

• Never feed wild animals.
• Never attempt to touch or approach wild animals.
• Remain inside the safari vehicle unless your guide or park rules clearly permit you to leave.
• Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
• Do not make unnecessary noise around wildlife.
• Do not chase animals or pressure them for photographs.
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife and respect park regulations.
• Do not litter in national parks, reserves or other natural areas.
• Respect park speed limits and conservation rules.

• Tipping is generally a personal choice and should reflect the quality of service received.
• Safari guides and drivers may be tipped when travellers are happy with the service.
• Hotel, lodge, camp and restaurant staff may also receive tips where appropriate.
• Your travel consultant or guide can advise on customary tipping practices for your particular itinerary.

• Domestic flights can be useful for travelling between major destinations and reducing long road journeys.
• Safari vehicles and private transfers are commonly used for safari and inter-destination travel.
• Taxis and ride-hailing services are available in major cities and towns.
• Train travel is available on selected routes.
• Road travel times can be longer than visitors expect, especially on safari routes, because of traffic, road conditions and distance.

• Check the latest entry and immigration requirements before travelling.
• Make sure your passport and required travel authorization or visa are valid for your journey.
• Keep accommodation details, return/onward travel information and other supporting documents accessible if required.
• Entry requirements can change, so travellers should verify current requirements before departure.

• Bring spare batteries or a power bank and sufficient memory cards.
• Early morning and late afternoon often provide excellent light for photography.
• Use a zoom lens or binoculars for wildlife observation while maintaining a safe distance.
• Respect people’s privacy and ask permission before photographing individuals.
• Do not sacrifice safety or disturb wildlife for a photograph.

• Respect wildlife and natural habitats.
• Do not litter and reduce unnecessary single-use plastics.
• Follow park and conservation rules.
• Support local businesses, artisans and communities where appropriate.
• Respect local cultures, traditions and community spaces.
• Use water and electricity responsibly, particularly in areas where resources are limited.

Choose tourism experiences that contribute positively to local communities and conservation

• Check age requirements for accommodation, activities and excursions before booking.
• Pack suitable clothing, snacks, medication and other child-specific essentials.
• Choose activities appropriate for the children’s ages and interests.
• Follow all wildlife and vehicle safety rules.

Discuss safari safety with children before the trip

Africa Nature Tours and Safaris Ltd
Explore. Discover. Experience.
Website: www.africanaturesafaris.com
Email: booking@africanaturesafaris.com