Key facts about Kenya

Average temperature

24ºC (75ºF)

Language

English and Swahili

Currency

Kenyan shilling

Time zone

East Africa Time (GMT+3)

What to wear

Good quality, light-weight cotton clothing is ideal for Kenya provided you also pack a couple of warm sweaters for the cool evenings and early morning game drives. Don’t forget you are on the Equator so the sun is very powerful, so a hat and a good pair of sunglasses are also recommended.

What to carry

Be sure to pack sun block and high factor sun lotions to protect yourself from the strong African sun, and bring insect repellent to keep bugs at bay during outdoor adventures. A good pair of binoculars will help you enjoy every detail of your surroundings. And of course, don’t forget your camera!

Health & wellbeing

Malaria is common in various parts of the country and you are recommended to visit your doctor at least three weeks before your departure and get a prescription for anti-malarials. Speak to your local medical practitioner about vaccinations.

Visas

A visa is no longer required for most travellers to Kenya, but an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required. For more information on how to apply, and to access the online application form, visit the official website here.

Top places to visit

The Maasai Mara

Experience the breathtaking wonders of the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s premier wildlife destination. Famous for the annual Great Migration, the Mara is home to an amazing concentration of wildlife, making it one of nature’s greatest wonders where the small and the big find their place in the circle of life.
Visit this remarkable reserve for unforgettable safaris and the timeless magic of Africa’s wilderness.

Amboseli National Park

Marvel at the stunning sights of Amboseli National Park, renowned for its vast elephant herds and spectacular views of snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro. Watch wildlife roam open plains amid shimmering swamps and acacia woodlands. Explore Amboseli for intimate safari encounters and a true taste of Kenya’s scenic beauty.

Tsavo National Park

Discover the wild beauty of Tsavo National Park, Kenya’s largest and oldest game reserve. Home to iconic wildlife including elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe, wild dog and kudu. Tsavo offers vast landscapes of open savannah, lush rivers, and dramatic red earth. Explore this unforgettable park, with its ancient lava flows and experience the true spirit of African adventure.

Samburu National Reserve

Set along the Ewaso Nyiro river, Samburu National Reserve is characterised by semi-arid, open savannah plains broken by small, rugged hills with bands of doum palm forests scattered along the banks of the river. The reserve is home to large herds of elephants and is the best place to see Gerenuk, Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, and Grevys Zebra. Birdlife is abundant and colourful.

The Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley is the world’s longest valley running from the Red Sea southwards through Ethiopia, East Africa, Malawi, and Mozambique, revealing itself with breathtaking beauty in Kenya. It runs North-South almost the entire length of the country and is characterised by a series of stunning lakes including Magadi, Naivasha, Elmentaita, Nakuru, Bogoria Baringo, and Turkana.

The Kenyan Coast

Kenya has a long coastline of beautiful white sand beaches. From Shimoni and Diani in the South, to Mombasa Island and north to Kilifi and Malindi, the Tana River delta and the Lamu archipelago, every coastal stretch has something to offer to the discerning traveller. Its proximity to Tsavo National Park and Shimba Hills National Reserve provides a perfect blend of beach, cultural, and wildlife experiences.