Travel Tips
Kenya
The Great Migration, big cats and coast make Kenya one of the world's classic safari destinations.
- Capital
- Nairobi
- Currency
- Kenyan shilling (KES)
- Language
- Swahili, English
- Best overall
- July to October, and January to February
- Emergency
- 999 or 112
- Electricity
- 240V, plug type G
Top Destinations
Most visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before they travel. Use only the official government site. Passport validity rules vary, so check the requirements before you book.
Read about visa on arrival, e-visas and online registration →
Still have specific visa questions?
July to October is the peak time for the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. January and February are also dry and good for wildlife. April and May are the wettest.
Not sure which month suits your trip?
Maasai Mara
Big cats and the Great Migration.
Amboseli National Park
Elephants below Mount Kilimanjaro.
Nairobi
The elephant orphanage and giraffe center.
Diani Beach
White sand on the Indian Ocean.
Lake Nakuru
Rhinos, birds and a dramatic soda lake.
Need help choosing where to go?
- Days 1 to 2 Nairobi
- Days 3 to 5 Maasai Mara
- Days 6 to 7 Lake Nakuru
- Days 8 to 9 Amboseli National Park
- Days 10 to 13 Diani Beach, by air
Want a route planned around your dates?
- Internal flights save long, bumpy drives to the parks.
- Book safaris with a licensed, well-reviewed operator.
Not sure how to get between places?
- M-Pesa mobile money is everywhere, and cards work in larger places. Carry shillings and small US dollar notes for tips.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM on arrival, so maps work from day one.
Questions about costs, cash or SIM cards?
- Nyama choma: grilled meat.
- Ugali: a stiff maize porridge.
- Sukuma wiki: braised greens.
Want tips on what and where to eat?
- Check your government's advice on border areas and travel in Nairobi after dark.
- Ask your doctor about malaria tablets and vaccinations before you go.
Planning a trip to Kenya?
Book a one-on-one call and bring your questions about your route, costs and visa.
Information on this page may change, so please confirm the latest visa and entry requirements and your government travel advice on official websites before you travel.