Practical Travel Guides for Kenya

Visa & Entry

Most nationalities enter Kenya on an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before travel. The eTA costs USD 30 and is typically approved within 72 hours, though 24 hours is common. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states - Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and DRC - are exempt from the eTA. American, British, EU, Australian, Canadian, and most other nationalities require the eTA.

As of 6 October 2026, Kenya also requires all arriving visitors to have proof of valid travel health insurance (minimum USD 50,000 medical coverage). This can be purchased at the border but is cheaper bought in advance. EKTA travel insurance is a verified partner.

Full details including the official eTA portal, common rejection reasons, and border crossing notes in our Kenya visa guide.

Getting Around Kenya

Kenya's transport network has improved significantly since the SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) opened between Nairobi and Mombasa. That 4.5-hour train journey (from KES 3,000 / USD 23 economy) replaces a gruelling 8-hour road trip. Beyond the SGR, most travel between towns is by road.

Safari areas are almost exclusively reached by 4WD. Roads into the Maasai Mara, Samburu, and northern parks are unpaved and require a high-clearance vehicle. Self-drive is feasible but most first-time visitors use guided safari operators - the guide knowledge is worth the cost. Renting a car in Kenya covers what a self-drive realistically involves.

Domestic flights serve all major safari destinations: Maasai Mara (multiple airstrips), Amboseli, Samburu, Lamu, and Malindi are all reachable from Nairobi's Wilson Airport in under 2 hours. Prices start from USD 80 one-way on Safarilink and Air Kenya; pre-booking is essential July–October.

Full transport logistics including matatu routes, Nairobi taxi options, and the Likoni Ferry south coast connection: Getting around Kenya.

Money & Costs

Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). The rate as of late 2026 is approximately KES 130 to USD 1. ATMs are widely available in Nairobi and Mombasa; less reliable in smaller towns and safari areas. Withdraw cash before leaving the city. M-Pesa mobile payments are ubiquitous and many small businesses and market vendors accept it - register a SIM on arrival to access it.

Kenya runs a wide cost spectrum: a local meal (nyama choma and ugali) costs KES 400–700 (USD 3–5); a tourist restaurant in Nairobi or Diani runs KES 1,500–4,000 (USD 12–30) for a main. Accommodation ranges from KES 1,500/night for a basic guesthouse to KES 150,000+/night for a private conservancy camp.

Budget travellers combining a bus/train Mombasa trip with Tsavo self-drive can do Kenya for USD 80–120/day all-in. A standard mid-range 7-night safari-and-coast trip typically costs USD 3,500–6,000 per person. Our Kenya budget guide and safari cost guide go deeper on what each tier actually gets you.

Health & Vaccinations

Malaria is present in Kenya, including in Nairobi at higher altitudes - antimalarials are recommended for all safari areas and the coast. The most commonly prescribed options are doxycycline (cheapest, daily) and Malarone (most convenient, daily). Consult your GP at least 4 weeks before travel.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America). You'll need to show a physical certificate at the border. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and meningitis are routinely recommended. Rabies pre-exposure jabs are worth considering for long-stay visits or trekking.

Full vaccination schedule, malaria zone map, and coast-specific health advice (dengue on the coast is seasonal): Kenya health & vaccinations guide.

When to Visit

Kenya is a year-round destination, but timing affects what you'll see and what you'll pay. The best time to visit Kenya depends on your primary interest:

• Great Migration crossings - July to October (peak: late July–September).
• Beach holiday - January to March and June to October (both dry seasons).
• Budget travel - April–May (long rains) or November (short rains).
• Birdwatching - November–April, when European migrants join resident species.
• Trekking Mount Kenya - January–February or August–September (clearest skies).

We have month-by-month guides for every month: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December.

Safety

Kenya is a broadly safe destination for tourists who take standard precautions. Nairobi's central business district and tourist areas (Karen, Westlands, Gigiri) have a significant security presence. The main risks for visitors are petty theft in crowded markets and bus stations, and opportunistic crime in less-lit areas at night.

The coast (Mombasa, Diani, Watamu) is generally safe within resort and tourist zones. Lamu has had sporadic security incidents historically - check current UK/US government travel advisories before visiting. Northern Kenya (Turkana, Mandera) is a different risk profile and requires specific planning.

Full safety breakdown by region, Nairobi neighbourhood guide, and advice on common scams: Is Kenya safe?

Connectivity: SIM Cards & Data

Safaricom dominates Kenya's mobile network and has the most reliable coverage across safari areas, though even their signal drops out in remote parks like Turkana. A local SIM costs KES 50 (under USD 0.50) and data bundles are cheap - 1GB for KES 99 (approximately USD 0.75). Buy at the airport on arrival; you'll need your passport. Airtel Kenya is the main competitor with similar pricing.

If you prefer not to deal with a physical SIM, eSIMs now cover Kenya well. Our Kenya eSIM and SIM card guide covers data performance across operators and recommended eSIM providers with current pricing.

Key Planning Comparisons

Choosing between similar destinations is one of the most common planning questions. We've covered the main ones head-to-head:

• Maasai Mara vs Serengeti - which side of the border to base yourself.
• Kenya vs Tanzania safari - full trip planning comparison.
• Amboseli vs Tsavo - budget and wildlife differences.
• Maasai Mara vs Amboseli - where to spend your nights.
• Nairobi vs Mombasa - as a base city or arrival point.
• Diani vs Watamu - choosing between the two best beaches.
• Group vs private safari - cost and experience trade-offs explained.