Know Before You Go

Kenya offers e-visas (www.ecitizen.go.ke) and on-arrival visas. E-visas are processed within 3 days; on-arrival processing is slower. Tourist visas typically cost USD 40-50. Passport valid for 6 months beyond travel dates required. Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from endemic areas; proof may be requested.

The Kenyan shilling (KES) is the local currency. ATMs are abundant in Nairobi and major towns; card acceptance is good at tourist establishments. Mobile money (M-Pesa) is ubiquitous for local payments but less common for tourist transactions. Banks offer exchange services; rates are better than street changers. Bring USD or EUR as backup for remote areas.

Major providers are Safaricom, Airtel, and Vodafone. SIM cards are inexpensive (50-100 KES); data bundles are affordable and fast in urban areas. 4G coverage is excellent in Nairobi and tourist destinations; more spotty in remote areas. WiFi is common in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Mobile connectivity is reliable for calls and messaging throughout Kenya.

Nairobi has ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Uber Eats), regular taxis, and matatus (minibuses). Agree on taxi fares in advance. Intercity travel uses minibuses (matatus, connecting various towns) or domestic flights (Kenya Airways, Fly540). Car rental with driver is common; driving is on the left. Safari in the Mara requires organized tours or private guides. Road conditions vary from good highways to rough tracks.

Malaria is present in coastal and low-altitude areas. Use prophylaxis if visiting below 1,500m; not needed on the highlands or in Nairobi. Water safety varies; drink bottled water outside Nairobi. Medical facilities in Nairobi are excellent and on par with international standards. Provincial hospitals are more basic. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever recommended.

Swahili is the national language; English is widely spoken, especially in Nairobi and tourist areas. Greetings are important: Jambo or Habari (hello). Photography requires permission, especially from people and in religious contexts. Respect Kenyan traditions; discuss politics and history sensitively. Dress is more casual in Nairobi; conservative dress is appropriate in coastal areas and rural villages, especially during Islamic holidays.

Kenya has two rainy seasons: the long rains (March-May) and short rains (October-November). The best safari season is the dry season: June-October (cooler, animals congregate around water) and January-February (warm, good wildlife viewing). The coast is warm year-round; cooler in July-August. Bring waterproof gear during rainy seasons. Highland areas (Mount Kenya) have snow and require warm clothing even near the equator.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) is East Africa's busiest hub; dozens of international airlines compete fiercely for routes. Direct connections to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are abundant. Regional connections to Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and beyond through Kenya Airways and competitors. Overland routes from Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia are well-established.