Ultimate Kenya Travel Guide | Everything You Need to Know
Imagine being only 12 feet away from a territorial lion or riding alongside an African elephant. A visit to your local safari museum could never compare to the thrill of a real African safari experience. As my plane descended into Nairobi, a wave of excitement flipped through my stomach. The possibilities for my trip felt endless! I was about to embark on one of my life long bucket list items— exploring the African safari, savoring the beaches along Kenya’s east coast, and navigating the bustling city of Nairobi.
After securing my first “big girl” job, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by taking my mom to her dream destination. Interestingly enough, my mom told me she chose my middle name after seeing the Masai tribe in Kenya. She felt a connection back then, and I couldn’t think of a better time to explore that connection than through this visit. Over the span of two weeks, we explored Nairobi’s city center, flew to the remote Masai Mara for a safari, and I ended my journey solo on the dreamy islands of Lamu.
Hopefully I’ve convinced you to add Kenya to your bucket list! Here’s everything you need to know before you book your wild adventure.
Where is Kenya Located
Kenya lies on the East coast of Africa, bordered by five countries. Home to 62 languages, at least 42 ethnic groups, and a population of 55 million people, Kenya’s geography is diverse—from the low coastal plains on the Indian ocean to the tall mountain ranges inland. Kenya has a lot to offer for visitors that want to learn more about its history and culture. During my stay, I indulged in the city, safari, and island experience— all within one country!
What are the travel requirements for Kenya
The entry requirements for Kenya are relatively simple (depending on your country of citizenship of course). As an American visitor, you’ll need:
- A Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination
- 2 blank pages in your passport
- At least 6 months of passport validity.
To be honest, I don’t recall getting a yellow fever vaccination nor did the Kenyan airport officials ask, but for your safety it’s worth getting.
The eTA application costs $30 and takes at least 3-5 business days to be processed, so apply for your in advance to your travel date. Once issued, the visa is valid for 90 days from date of issuance, so don’t apply for your visa too far in advance. The sweet spot for me was 2 weeks ahead of my departure date. You can find more information on travel requirements and a direct link to the eTA visa on the US Travel Advisory website.
The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), with a currency rate of approximately 1 KES = 0.0077 (as of March 2025). While major credit card vendors like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in Nairobi’s city center, I recommend bringing cash (in small bills) for small vendors and remote areas like Masai Mara and Lamu.
I wish I was able to use mPesa during my visit. mPesa is a digital money service that allows users to send and receive money, similar to Zelle, Cash App, and Venmo. To use mPesa, you need a physical SIM card or eSim. If your phone only accepts eSims you’ll need to download the app and follow the following steps here. Unfortunately, my iphone’s security settings blocked me from connecting, so I recommend giving this a try before landing in Kenya.
When’s the best time to visit Kenya
The best time to visit Kenya will depend entirely on the experience you want. Let’s start with the basics.
- Dry Seasons
- December through March
- July through October
- The Great Migration, an annual event where large volumes of safari animals trek to Masai Mara reserve from Tanzania.
- Rainy Season
- April through June
- October through December
- If you’re a bird enthusiast, this is the best season to visit. September through April is the prime time for the bird migration from Europe and North Africa.
Since I was visiting Kenya primarily for the Safari, I booked my travel on the shoulder of the dry season, June. In retrospect, I would have booked my travel during the peak season (likely September) so I could truly experience the volume of the great migration. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the “off season” prices especially since the safari experience can be expensive. Read more about the best times to visit Kenya on the safari bookings website.
In the following blog post, I’ll do a deep dive on my safari experience with a detailed itinerary.
How to get around Kenya
As a foreigner, I am always grateful when a destination has rideshare services, luckily Uber operates in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, Naivasha, and Nakuru. Kenya also has the infamous matatus (public minibuses), taxis, tuk-tuks, regional flights, and trains!
During my trip, my main modes of transport were by Uber and plane. In Masai Mara, I relied on my tour guide’s 4×4 Jeep, and in Lamu, I navigated by foot, motorboat, or motorcycle.
How can tourists support local Kenyan communities
One of the best ways we can support the communities we visit is by supporting the local guides. One of my favorite experiences was a walking tour with Nai Nami, an organization that shares the stories of unhoused children and adults living in the city center of Nairobi. This walking tour gives highlights of life in downtown Nairobi and allows visitors to develop a personal connection with locals. Proceeds from this walking tour directly support local children who are unhoused with income, education, and mentorship.
Learn more about the organization
Book the Nai Nami walking tour & read reviews
