Kenya

Kenya is East Africa's leading tourism destination and aviation hub, renowned for its spectacular wildlife safaris, diverse landscapes, and the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. The country attracts millions of visitors annually seeking Big Five game viewing, Indian Ocean beaches, and mountain trekking.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi serves as the primary gateway and East Africa's busiest airport. It is the hub for Kenya Airways, a SkyTeam member and one of Africa's largest carriers, offering connections throughout Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa serves the coastal tourism region and receives direct international flights, particularly from Europe.

Kenya's central East African position makes Nairobi a natural connecting point for travel across the continent. The country offers easy access to neighboring Tanzania (Serengeti, Kilimanjaro), Uganda (gorillas), Rwanda, and Ethiopia.

International Gateways

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
NBO	Nairobi	Primary international hub	KQ, EK, BA, QR, ET
MBA	Mombasa	Coastal gateway	KQ, seasonal charters

Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) — East Africa's busiest airport and Kenya Airways' hub. Two terminals handle international and domestic traffic. Located 15 km southeast of Nairobi CBD. Connected by road (30-60 minutes to city center depending on traffic). The airport serves as the main entry point for safari-goers and business travelers. Long-haul routes to London, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Asian destinations.

Moi International (MBA) — Kenya's second-largest airport, serving the coastal tourism region. Gateway to Mombasa beaches, Diani Beach, and the historic Swahili coast. Direct flights from Europe (seasonal charters) and connections via Nairobi. Located 9 km west of Mombasa city center.

Regional & Safari Airports

Airport	Code	Serves
Wilson Airport	WIL	Safari flights, Nairobi domestic
Kisumu International	KIS	Western Kenya, Lake Victoria
Eldoret International	EDL	Western Kenya
Malindi	MYD	North coast beaches
Ukunda/Diani	UKA	South coast beaches

Wilson Airport (WIL) — Nairobi's domestic hub for safari flights. Located closer to the city center than NBO. Most safari lodges and camps are accessed via small aircraft from Wilson. Bush airlines like SafariLink and AirKenya operate scheduled and charter flights to Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and other safari destinations.

Flag Carrier

Kenya Airways (KQ) — Kenya's flag carrier and SkyTeam alliance member. Hub at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta. One of Africa's largest airlines, operating to 50+ destinations across Africa, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. Known for Pride of Africa branding. Offers domestic routes and extensive African network.

Notable routes:

• Long-haul: London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Paris, New York (via West Africa), Bangkok
• African network: Comprehensive coverage of East, Central, and West Africa
• Middle East/Asia: Dubai, Mumbai, Guangzhou

Domestic & Regional Airlines

• Jambojet — Kenya Airways low-cost subsidiary. Domestic routes and East African destinations (Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Kigali)
• SafariLink Aviation — Scheduled and charter flights to safari destinations (Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lamu, Diani)
• AirKenya — Safari and coastal destinations from Wilson Airport
• Fly540 — Regional low-cost carrier serving East African destinations

International Airlines with Presence

Kenya is well-served by international carriers:

• Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad — Gulf connections via Dubai/Doha/Abu Dhabi
• British Airways — Direct London Heathrow service
• KLM — Direct Amsterdam service (codeshare with KQ)
• Ethiopian Airlines — Extensive African network via Addis Ababa
• Turkish Airlines — Istanbul hub connections
• RwandAir — Regional connections via Kigali

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Kenya requires an eTA for most nationalities. This replaced the previous visa-on-arrival system.

• Apply at: etakenya.go.ke
• Cost: $30 USD
• Processing: Apply at least 72 hours before travel (typically approved within 24-48 hours)
• Validity: Single entry, 90 days

Who Needs an eTA

Most nationalities including:

• USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
• EU/Schengen countries
• Most Asian countries (Japan, South Korea, China, India)

Visa-Free Countries

Some African nations and select countries have visa-free access. Check the official eTA portal for current exemptions.

East Africa Tourist Visa

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda on a single visa:

• Cost: $100 USD
• Validity: 90 days multiple entry between the three countries
• Apply through the first country of entry

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months from arrival
• At least two blank pages
• Proof of return/onward travel may be requested

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America). Certificate must be valid (issued at least 10 days before arrival).

Official information: etakenya.go.ke

Domestic Flights

Flying is the most practical option for reaching safari destinations:

Route	Flight Time	Notes
Nairobi → Masai Mara	45 min	Multiple daily
Nairobi → Mombasa	1 hour	Kenya Airways, Jambojet
Nairobi → Amboseli	30-40 min	SafariLink, AirKenya
Nairobi → Lamu	1.5 hours	Safari flights
Nairobi → Kisumu	50 min	Kenya Airways

Safari flights operate from Wilson Airport (WIL) to airstrips near lodges and camps. Book through your safari operator or directly with SafariLink/AirKenya. Baggage limits typically 15-20 kg in soft bags.

Nairobi-Mombasa is the main domestic route, with Kenya Airways and Jambojet offering frequent service. Flying saves 8+ hours compared to driving or train.

Trains

Madaraka Express (SGR) — Modern standard gauge railway connecting Nairobi and Mombasa:

• Duration: 4.5-5 hours
• Frequency: 2 departures daily each direction
• Classes: First class (comfortable seats), economy
• Cost: ~$30-50 USD first class, ~$10-15 economy
• Book at: metickets.krc.co.ke or railway stations

Popular tourist option with scenic views. More comfortable than bus and much faster than old railway. Departs from Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) and Mombasa Terminus.

Car Rental & Self-Drive

Self-driving is possible but requires caution:

• Drive on the left (same as UK)
• Road conditions vary—main highways paved, rural roads can be rough
• 4WD essential for safari parks (self-drive allowed in some parks)
• Traffic in Nairobi is congested
• Consider hiring a driver/guide for safaris

Major rental companies (Avis, Budget, Europcar) available at airports. Local companies offer competitive rates.

Long-Distance Buses

Multiple bus companies connect major towns:

• Nairobi → Mombasa: 8-10 hours (Modern Coast, Easy Coach)
• Nairobi → Kisumu: 6-7 hours
• Affordable but time-consuming compared to flying or train

Safari Transport

Most safari operators arrange:

• Airport transfers (NBO or WIL to hotel)
• Road transfers to nearby parks (Amboseli, Lake Nakuru)
• Charter flights to remote camps
• Game drive vehicles during safari

Dry Seasons (Best for Safari)

June-October — Best overall for wildlife viewing:

• Dry conditions concentrate animals at water sources
• Vegetation thinner, easier to spot wildlife
• July-October: Great Migration in Masai Mara (wildebeest river crossings)
• Cool and dry, comfortable weather

January-February — Short dry season:

• Good wildlife viewing
• Calving season in southern Serengeti (nearby Tanzania)
• Warm and dry

Wet Seasons

March-May — Long rains:

• Heavy afternoon showers
• Some roads impassable
• Lowest prices, fewer tourists
• Lush landscapes, good for birdwatching

November-December — Short rains:

• Brief afternoon showers
• Safari still possible
• Shoulder season pricing

Regional Timing

Region	Best Time	Notes
Masai Mara	Jul-Oct	Great Migration, river crossings
Amboseli	Jun-Oct, Jan-Feb	Clear views of Kilimanjaro
Samburu	Jun-Oct	Northern reserves dry season
Coast (Mombasa, Diani)	Dec-Mar, Jul-Oct	Avoid Apr-May rains
Lamu	Year-round	Best Jan-Mar
Mount Kenya	Jan-Feb, Jul-Oct	Dry seasons for trekking

Weather Overview

Location	Dry Season	Wet Season
Nairobi	22-26°C, cool nights	18-24°C, rainy afternoons
Masai Mara	20-28°C	18-25°C, wet
Mombasa Coast	28-32°C, humid	26-30°C, humid

Safari Parks

Park/Reserve	Nearest Airport	Known For
Masai Mara	NBO → WIL bush flights	Great Migration, Big Five, Mara River crossings
Amboseli	NBO → Amboseli airstrip	Elephants, Kilimanjaro views
Samburu	NBO → Samburu airstrip	Unique northern species, Ewaso Nyiro River
Lake Nakuru	NBO (2hr drive)	Flamingos, rhinos
Tsavo (East/West)	MBA or NBO	Largest park, red elephants
Laikipia Plateau	NBO → various airstrips	Conservancies, rhinos, walking safaris

Coastal Destinations

Destination	Airport	Known For
Mombasa	MBA	Historic Old Town, Fort Jesus
Diani Beach	MBA/UKA	White sand beaches, resorts
Watamu	MYD	Marine park, snorkeling
Lamu Island	LAU (via WIL)	UNESCO Swahili heritage, dhows
Malindi	MYD	Beaches, Italian influence

Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Nairobi	NBO	National Park, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum
Mombasa	MBA	Swahili culture, history, gateway to beaches
Kisumu	KIS	Lake Victoria, Impala Sanctuary

Adventure & Nature

• Mount Kenya: Second-highest peak in Africa. Fly to NBO, drive to trailheads
• Hell's Gate National Park: Cycling and hiking among wildlife (2hr from Nairobi)
• Lake Naivasha: Hippos, boat rides, Crescent Island (1.5hr from Nairobi)
• Great Rift Valley: Scenic viewpoints, Lake Elementaita

Money

• Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES, KSh)
• Exchange rate: Check current rates; roughly 130-155 KES per USD
• Cards: Widely accepted in cities, hotels, and tourist establishments. Visa/Mastercard preferred
• Cash: Essential for markets, small purchases, tips, rural areas
• ATMs: Available in cities and towns. Use ATMs in banks and malls
• USD: Accepted at many tourist hotels and safari lodges
• Tipping: Expected for guides ($10-20/day), drivers, porters, camp staff. Safari staff tipping guidelines often provided by operators

Electrical

• Voltage: 240V, 50Hz
• Plug type: Type G (three rectangular pins, same as UK)
• Adapters: US and European travelers need adapters
• Safari lodges: Some have limited charging times; bring power banks

Connectivity

• Mobile carriers: Safaricom (best coverage), Airtel, Telkom
• SIM cards: Easy to buy at airport or shops. Bring passport for registration
• M-Pesa: Mobile money widely used by locals; tourist use limited
• eSIM: Airalo and others work well
• Safari camps: WiFi often limited or unavailable. Some have satellite connections
• Coverage: Good in cities; limited in remote safari areas

Safety

Kenya is generally safe for tourists with sensible precautions:

• Nairobi: Don't walk alone at night; use Uber/Bolt or hotel taxis
• Coastal areas: Stick to tourist areas; some beach security advisories
• Safari: Follow guide instructions—wildlife is dangerous
• Petty theft: Keep valuables secure; use hotel safes
• Terrorism: Check government travel advisories; security presence at malls and hotels
• Road travel: Traffic accidents are common; use reputable drivers

Health

• Malaria: Present in most areas except Nairobi at altitude. Prophylaxis recommended for safaris and coast
• Yellow fever: Vaccination certificate required if arriving from endemic country
• Other vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus recommended
• Tap water: Don't drink—use bottled water
• Altitude: Nairobi is at 1,700m; Mount Kenya treks require acclimatization
• Sun: Strong equatorial sun—sunscreen and hat essential
• Travel insurance: Essential, including evacuation coverage for safari areas

Cultural Notes

• Greeting: "Jambo" (hello) is widely used with tourists; "Habari" is more local
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people, especially Maasai
• Maasai: Many work in tourism; tip for photos if visiting villages
• Dress: Casual acceptable; modest dress appreciated, especially on coast (Islamic influence)
• Bargaining: Expected at markets and with souvenir vendors

Useful Apps

• Uber/Bolt: Available in Nairobi and Mombasa
• SafariLink: Flight bookings to safari destinations
• Safaricom M-Pesa: Mobile money (mainly for residents)
• Maps.me: Offline maps useful for safari areas
• iNaturalist/Merlin: Wildlife and bird identification

• Tourism: Magical Kenya
• eTA: etakenya.go.ke
• Kenya Airways: kenya-airways.com
• SafariLink: flysafarilink.com
• SGR Train: metickets.krc.co.ke
• Kenya Wildlife Service: kws.go.ke
• Nairobi National Park: kws.go.ke/nairobi-national-park