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Kenya Travel Information

KEN St Kenya Masai Mara Lion Shutterstock Maggy Meyer

Useful Travel Information for Kenya

KENYA PLANNING

Our Kenya travel information page is a growing resource to help you with all aspects of planning your Kenya safari holiday. Kenya has a fantastic infrastructure and is one of the most well-known areas in Africa for wildlife safaris. Being such an easy place to travel makes it ideal for families, honeymooners, first-time safari-goers and even seasoned Africa travellers. If there is a certain wildlife element that you wish to see or activity you wish to do, make sure that it is found in Kenya before you book - our specialists will help you every step of the way.

Kenya Visa Information

  • As of January 2024, Visas are no longer required to enter Kenya. However, all foreign nationals (bar citizens of EAC Member States), regardless of age, must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to travel, costing $US30. Please go to: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
  • Travellers may submit their applications up to three months prior to travel, and no less than three days prior to arrival in Kenya to allow for adequate processing times. Please note that securing your eTA prior to arrival is your responsibility.

Kenya Vaccinations Information

  • It is advised to secure antimalarials for your journey to Kenya. Check requirements with your GP or travel clinic.
  • We also recommend heading to: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
  • Travellers coming from a Yellow Fever country or area will be required to present a valid yellow fever certificate on arrival.

Light Aircraft Flights

There is a strict luggage allowance of 15kgs / 33lbs per person, including carry on, in soft sided bags only.

Travelling with Children in Kenya

If you are travelling with young children you must bear in mind that they may get bored. Some will love it and will become completely engrossed in everything around them. Others however, may not. Therefore, staying for a shorter amount of time, enough to keep you and the kids happy, in a location with plenty of different activities is ideal. The guides and staff at the lodges are great with kids too so you know they will be kept entertained around the lodges.

Tap Water in Kenya

Unfortunately, we cannot recommend you drink the tap water in Kenya as the supply is not reliable. Travellers who drink the water may get ill due to contamination. Make sure you always drink bottled water which is easily accessible and provided in all accommodation and during all activities.

Electricity in Kenya

The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 volts/AC50Hz. Plug sockets vary and we advise visitors to take multi-adaptors to cope with 3 square pin sockets (UK) and 2 round pin sockets (European). Your camp or lodge may be powered by generators or solar cells. Please speak to your Destination Specialist about the availability of charging facilities in your tent or room, and your specific charging needs.

Plastic Bags in Kenya

In August 2017, the Kenyan government introduced a ban on all single-use plastic bags in the country. All travellers to Kenya must refrain from using any and all forms of ‘disposable’ plastic carrier bags throughout their trip including within your checked luggage. If you have purchased any duty-free goods before entering the country, you must leave any plastic carrier bags at the airport.

KEN St Kenya Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Shutterstock Victor Lapaev
Nws St Kenya Masai Mara Landscapes

As well as making sure you have the necessary first aid bits, clothing is also very important. Brightly coloured clothes are not advised on a Kenya safari. Trousers, tops, jumpers and jackets in neutral colours are ideal. Your clothes should be comfortable. Whether you are walking through the bush or sitting in a safari vehicle, comfort is important. A jumper or fleece is essential for those early morning and late afternoon/evening game drives as it may get a little chilly. During the wetter months a light waterproof is sufficient. A good sturdy pair of walking boots is also essential especially if you are going to be doing walking safaris.

Money Matters

Kenya Currency

The local currency in Kenya is the Kenya Shilling (KES; symbol KSh) which is divided into 100 cents. US dollars (USD) are often accepted for drinks, curios, extras at the lodges, and recommended for tipping.

Exchanging and Withdrawing Money in Kenya

  • Currency can be exchanged at the major banks, bureaux de change or authorised hotels. Kenya’s International Airports have 24-hour exchange services and the easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, and Euros.
  • Major cities, airports, and banks will likely have an ATM, which will dispense Kenya Shillings. It is advised to avoid depending on ATMs for cash.

Credit Cards in Kenya

City hotels and larger or higher-end safari lodges and camps will likely accept credit cards. Visa and Mastercard is generally accepted throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Please anticipate using cash when you are on safari for personal purchases, extras, and tips.

Tipping in Kenya

Tipping is at your discretion and there is no obligation. Should you wish to tip, use the following guidelines depending on the service you’ve received:

  • USD 10-15 per person per day for camp staff, paid at the end of your stay at any given hotel, camp, or lodge. This is placed into a shared pot and divided between all in-house staff
  • USD 15-20 per person per day for guides, paid at the end of your time with your guide
  • USD 5 per person for drivers
  • USD 5 per porter (up to 5 people)

Please be sure to carry bills dated no later than 10 years old, and preferably printed in the last five years.

Photography in Kenya

Do not photograph military personnel, military installations, or airports. Always ask for permission when taking photos of local people. Bring extra batteries and an in-car charger (cigarette lighter variety). Flash photography of any wildlife usually causes disturbance and should be avoided. Depending on the location of your location, you may be asked to turn off your location settings on your mobile device to further protect the wildlife in that region.

Offbeat Mara Camp Masai

By the nature of bringing visitors into an area in a responsible way, bespoke safaris and our NWS specialist safari departures contribute significantly to local economies, communities and to the protection of wildlife and habitat.

It is not recommended to give money or gifts directly to local people. If you are interested in learning more about, contributing to, or bringing goods to donate to local projects or communities in the areas that you are visiting, please speak to your Destination Specialist for more information.