Traveling to Kenya involves knowing about visas, health, safety, weather, best time to go, currency, and how to get to and around Kenya.
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US passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya, but they can obtain it at the airport or border crossing when they arrive in Kenya. If you want to plan ahead, you can apply for a visa in the United States. Details and forms can be found on the Kenyan Embassy website. Nationals of Commonwealth countries (including Canada and the United Kingdom) do not need a visa. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days. For up-to-date information, visit the Kenyan Embassy website.
A single entry visa costs USD50 and a multiple entry visa USD100. If you are planning to visit Kenya alone , then a single ticket is all you need. If your plans include crossing into Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or visit the Serengeti, you will need a multiple entry visa if you want to re-enter Kenya again.
Health and immunizations
Vaccines
Immunizations are not required by law to enter Kenya if you are traveling directly from Europe or the US If you are traveling from a country where there is yellow fever, you will need to show that you have been vaccinated.
Several vaccines are recommended , including:
- Yellow fever
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Diphtheria
It is also recommended that you are up-to-date on your polio and tetanus vaccinations. Contact a travel clinic at least 3 months before planning to travel. Here is a list of travel clinics for residents of the United States.
Malaria
There is a risk of malaria almost everywhere you travel in Kenya. The highlands used to be a low-risk area, but even there you have to be careful and take precautions. Kenya is home to the chloroquine resistant strain of malaria, as well as many others. Make sure your doctor or travel clinic knows you are traveling to Kenya (don’t just say Africa) so they can prescribe the right antimalarial medicine. Tips on how to avoid malaria will also help.
Safety
In general, the people are extremely friendly in Kenya and their hospitality will put you down. But, there is real poverty in Kenya and you will soon realize that you are much richer and luckier than most of the local people you meet. You’ll probably attract a fair number of souvenir hawkers and beggars, but try to take the time to meet ordinary people who go about their daily business as well. The experience will be worth it. Don’t be afraid to get off that tour bus, just take a few precautions.
Basic safety rules for travelers to Kenya
- Make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.
- Don’t walk alone at night in major cities or on empty beaches.
- Don’t wear jewelry.
- Don’t carry too much cash with you.
- Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
- Don’t carry a lot of camera gear, especially in major cities.
- Beware of thieves posing as policemen.
Roads
The roads in Kenya are not very good. Potholes, barricades, goats, and people tend to interfere with vehicles. When looking for a safari in Kenya, your options of flying versus driving is a key factor in deciding which places to visit. Here are some driving distances in Kenya, to help you plan your trip.
Avoid driving a car or riding a bus at night because potholes are hard to see and so are other vehicles, especially when their headlights are missing, which is quite common. If you are renting a car, keep doors and windows closed while driving in major cities. Car thefts happen quite regularly, but they cannot end in violence as long as you comply with the demands made.
Terrorism
In 1998, an attack on the US embassy in Nairobi left 243 dead and more than 1,000 injured. In November 2002, a car bomb exploded, killing 15 people outside a hotel near Mombasa. Both attacks are believed to have been caused by Al-Qaeda. While these are terrifying statistics, you can still go and enjoy your safari or the beach in Mombasa. After all, tourists haven’t stopped coming to New York City, and security has improved in Kenya since 2002. For more information on terrorism, check with your Foreign Office or State Department for the latest warnings. and news.
When to go
There are two rainy seasons in Kenya. A short rainy season in November and a longer one that generally lasts from late March to May. It’s not necessarily cold, but the roads can become impassable. Here are the average weather conditions for Kenya, including daily forecasts for Nairobi and Mombasa.
If you are on safari, you can usually see more animals during the dry season as they congregate around the water holes. If you want to plan your trip around the annual wildebeest migration, you must go between the end of July and September.
Currency
The value of the Kenyan shilling fluctuates, so it is best to register with a currency converter just before you leave. Traveler’s checks are probably the best and safest way to carry money with you. Don’t change too much money at once and use the banks, not the money changers. Major credit cards are only accepted in the most expensive stores and hotels.
Tip: Swapping memories is a welcome and accepted practice. T-shirts, jeans, a cheap (work) watch can all be exchanged for a nice size or two, so take some spares with you. In that sense, a decent, inexpensive watch is a good gift if someone has gone out of their way to help you. We usually bring some with us when we travel to these parts.
Getting to and from Kenya
By air
Many international airlines fly to Kenya, including KLM, Swissair, Ethiopia, BA, SAA, Emirates, Brussels, etc. There are two international airports; Kenyatta International Airport ( Nairobi ) and Moi International Airport ( Mombasa ).
Ethiopian Airlines from Nairobi is a good option if you plan to continue to West Africa. Nairobi is also a good place to get cheap flights to India if you are lucky enough to travel the world.
Average airfare to Kenya from the US USA It is around USD1000 – USD1200 . About half for flights from Europe. Book at least a few months in advance because flights fill up quickly.
By land
Tanzania
The main border crossing into Tanzania from Kenya is at Namanga . It is open for 24 hours and is the best way to get to Mount Kilimanjaro (apart from flying, of course). There are buses running frequently between Mombasa and Dar es Salaam , the journey takes about 24 hours. Nairobi to Arusha is a comfortable 5 hour bus ride with several companies vying for your custom.
Uganda
The main border crossing from Kenya to Uganda is at Malaba . There are buses available from Nairobi to Kampala , as well as a weekly train service connecting with the train to Mombasa.
Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia
Border crossings between Kenya and Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia are often too risky to attempt. Check the latest government travel advisories before you go and chat with the people who have gone before you to get the most reliable information.
Getting around Kenya
By air
There are several small airlines that offer domestic flights, as well as the national airline, Kenya Airways. Destinations include Amboseli, Kisumu, Lamu, Malindi, Masai Mara, Mombasa, Nanyuki, Nyeri, and Samburu. The smaller domestic airlines (Eagle Aviation, Air Kenya, African Express Airways) operate out of Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Some routes book quickly, especially to the coast, so book at least a few weeks in advance.
By train
The most popular train route is from Nairobi to Mombasa. When we took this train we were in awe of the real silver service and the fantastic views of the Tsavo while having breakfast.
By bus
The buses are numerous and often very crowded. Most of the buses are privately owned and there are some good express buses between major cities and towns. Nairobi is the main hub.
By taxi, Matatu, Tuk-Tuk and Boda Boda
Taxis are numerous in the main cities and towns. Agree on the price before you go in as the meters are unlikely to work (if they have a meter to begin with). Matatus are minibuses that operate on established routes and passengers embark and disembark at any point they choose. It’s often colorful to look at, but it’s crowded and a bit dangerous due to drivers’ love of speed. Tuk-Tuks are also popular in Nairobi and are cheaper than taxis. Tuk-Tuks are small three-wheelers, very popular in South and Southeast Asia.
Try one, they are fun. And finally, you can also go out onto the streets of many cities and towns in a [url link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boda-boda] Boda-Boda , a bicycle taxi.
By car
Renting a car in Kenya gives you a little more independence and flexibility than joining a tour group. There are several car rental agencies in major cities, such as Avis, Hertz, and many safari companies also rent 4WD vehicles. Rates range from around USD50 to USD100 per day , there are also several car rental websites that offer discounts.
The driving is on the left side of the road and you will most likely need an international driving license as well as a major credit card to rent a car. Driving at night is not recommended. Here are some driving distances in Kenya to give you an idea of how long it takes to get from A to B.
By boat
Ferries
Ferries regularly ply Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. You can head to some picturesque bays south of Kisumu, the largest lake town in Kenya. Travel between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, which also border the lake, is no longer possible at the time of writing. Ferries are comfortable and cheap.
Dhows The
Dhows are beautiful traditional sailboats that the Arabs introduced to the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya more than 500 years ago. You can rent a dhow for one night or several days from various companies in Lamu, Malindi, and Mombasa.
