Kenya Travel
Located in East Africa, Kenya is considered the premier safari destination on the African continent. The country’s location combines the best of everything, including superb game reserves, wildlife areas, a stunning coastline, and vibrant cities. The landscape is defined by the dramatic Great Rift Valley, the lush Central Highlands, savannas, and waterways—all of which are home to an abundance of wildlife.
Among the 48 national parks and nine marine parks in Kenya, the country is renowned for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lake Takurna, Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Reserve, and the Kenyan Coast. The country is very accessible, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the hub for East Africa. There are local and scheduled flights daily, and those looking travel by land can expect a mostly sound and easy experience. Kenya boasts a host of reputable transport companies, with both self-drive and guided options available for travellers.
HIGHLIGHTS
As the most revered safari destination in Africa, Kenya is said to be the birthplace of the safari holiday experience. The country boasts the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve, known for the annual Great Migration. The National Reserve is centre stage for herds of over one million zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, and other serene mammals migrating from the Serengeti. Ideal for seasoned safari-goers or those only just embarking on this extraordinary adventure, the Great Migration is a remarkable experience for all.
Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve is located in the coastal town of Watamu—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, visitors can experience the stunning coastal landscape and enjoy activities such as diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and marine-life spotting. Additionally, one of Kenya’s most elite parks is Amboseli National Park. The Park is known for its amazing wildlife, including big-tusked African elephant herds, and the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Other activities in the country include birding, snorkelling, guided and self-drive safaris, and fly-in safaris.
WILDLIFE
Kenya’s biodiversity is magical. There isn’t a place on earth that affords visitors such wonderful insight into a country’s fauna and flora as Kenya does. The country boasts 25,000 different animal species, with the Maasai Mara National Reserve home to a vast portion of these. Visitors can expect to spot the Big 5, along with large herds of zebra, giraffe, buffalo, gazelle, and wildebeest, and of course, stealthy predators at their heels.
The Mara and Talek rivers host crocodiles and hippos, while the acacia woodlands shelter over 450 bird species of the 1,100 found in the country. Furthermore, Samburu National Park is said to be the home of two endemic species found in the north of Kenya only. These are grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe. On the Kenyan Coast, the abundance of marine life is awe-inspiring, with beautiful coral reefs, dozens of species of fish, and three species of sea turtles on its shores. Further afield, travellers may spot a whale shark and Manta Rays while snorkelling or diving.
ACCOMMODATION
Kenya offers a superb array of accommodation options. From luxury eco-lodges to exclusive tented camps within national parks, as well as fantastic self-catering options, there is something for every discerning traveller visiting Kenya. Most of these accommodation options offer a unique experience in the African bush and boast modern amenities to make travellers feel right at home. Furthermore, the bustling cities and towns provide relatively easy access to banking, shopping, restaurants, and transport hubs.
WHEN TO GO
Kenya is a year-round destination that enjoys warm weather and low annual rainfall. Between June and October, travellers can expect warm and dry weather which coincides with the Great Migration. Towards the end of the year, babies are born, while March is the start of the long rains lasting until May. Furthermore, the temperatures vary greatly depending on the regions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Time Zone | GMT +3 EAT |
| Dial Code | +254 |
| Currency | Kenyan Shilling |
| Language | English and Swahili |
| Water | Bottled Water |
| Power | Plug G & 240V/50Hz |
| Dress Code | Neutral for Safaris |
| Wi-Fi | Most lodges have Wi-Fi |
SAFARI PARKS
Click here to discover all our safari parks in Kenya.
Plan a safari around the Top Things To Do in Kenya.
Find out more about the Great Migration—one of the world’s most incredible natural events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya is a year-round destination that enjoys warm weather and low annual rainfall. Between June and October, travellers can expect warm and dry weather which coincides with the Great Migration.
Kenya offers a variety of options, from luxury eco-lodges to exclusive tented camps within national parks, as well as fantastic self-catering options with modern amenities.
Safari-goers to Africa need to make sure about visa requirements for the specific destination in their country of origin. Passports need to be valid for at least six months from the planned date of departure and there should also be enough blank pages for the necessary visas and stamps to be applied.
All visitors to Kenya have to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate in order to gain entry into the country. Although not compulsory, it is recommended that other vaccinations include tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, typhoid and Hepatitis A. The taking of malaria prophylaxis is also highly recommended.
It is recommended to only consume bottled water, check to see if the seal is intact. All other water should be boiled or treated before consumption.
Kenya is renowned as a destination for family-friendly safaris with acclaimed national parks as well as superb beach holidays on the country’s magnificent coastline.
If embarking on a walking safari or any other activity that will require activity participation, an average to good level of fitness is required. When only going on game drives and the likes, minimal fitness will be demanded.
It is advisable to obtain comprehensive travel insurance for a safari to Kenya, especially if activities such as walking or hot air ballooning will be undertaken.
Foreign visitors to Kenya are allowed to use the road with their domestic driving licenses and international driving permits for a period of up to 90 days. Driving is on the left side of the road.
In Kenya the right hand is used for eating, touching and passing things while the left hand is reserved for unhygienic acts. Don’t point at another person as it is considered to be rude.