Travel Tips For A Kenya Holiday
Get expert, up-to-date Kenya travel advice from Makali Safaris – everything you need to know before you go
Safety & Security
“Can I travel to Kenya?” is a common question, especially among first-time visitors seeking trusted travel advice for this spectacular East African destination—home to iconic wildlife experiences like the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara.
While Kenya has experienced isolated security incidents in the past, it’s important to understand that these are far from the main tourism circuits. At Makali Safaris, your safety is our top priority. We only recommend regions we’ve personally vetted and would gladly visit ourselves. Security measures have been significantly enhanced at major entry points such as Jomo Kenyatta and Wilson airports, as well as across top hotels and safari lodges.
When you book with Makali Safaris, you enjoy the peace of mind of a seamless, expertly planned itinerary—complete with private drivers, vetted accommodations, and local guides who know the land inside out. In addition, all our guests benefit from 24/7 emergency support, ensuring you’re never alone on your journey.
For more insights and up-to-date Kenya travel tips, be sure to check out our blog on “Is It Safe to Travel to Kenya?”—featuring insider perspectives and essential information to help you plan with confidence.
Money & Spending
The official currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). While US Dollars are widely accepted—especially for activities like hot-air balloon safaris—we recommend using local currency when paying for souvenirs, bar tabs, and meals not included in your itinerary for better value and smoother transactions.
Important note: Due to past circulation of counterfeit currency, US Dollar bills printed before 2003 are not accepted in Kenya. For the best experience, carry notes printed after 2006, preferably in smaller denominations.
ATMs and banking facilities are available in all major towns and safari destinations. Most major credit cards—including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express—are widely accepted at hotels, lodges, and tour centers.
Banking hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Some banks also open on the first and last Saturday of the month from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
For more Kenya travel planning tips and expert safari advice, reach out to the team at Makali Safaris.
Tipping
Tipping for good service is a common practice in Kenya, though always discretionary. In city restaurants and bars, a 10% tip is standard if a service charge hasn’t already been added to your bill. Some larger hotels and lodges include a service fee, so it’s worth checking first.
While on safari in Kenya, tipping your driver-guide, camp staff, or porter is a thoughtful way to show appreciation, but amounts can vary depending on the level of service and length of stay.
For personalized tipping advice based on your itinerary, feel free to reach out to one of our Makali Safaris travel experts—we’re happy to guide you through the local customs.
Climate
Kenya enjoys a generally warm and temperate climate year-round.
Average summer temperatures: 20°C / 68°F to 34°C / 93°F
Average winter temperatures: 18°C / 64°F to 29°C / 84°F
Rainy seasons:
Long rains: mid-March to June
Short rains: October to December
The dry months—particularly June to October—are considered the best time to visit Kenya, especially for wildlife safaris and witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara.
For detailed climate charts, seasonal highlights, and optimal wildlife-viewing times, check out our full guide on the best time to visit Kenya.
What To Pack
When preparing for your Kenya safari, pack light, breathable clothing in neutral tones—avoid white, black, and blue, as these colors attract insects or stand out in the bush. A warm jacket is essential for early morning and evening game drives, when temperatures can drop.
In Kenya’s major cities, the dress code is modest yet casual—jeans and conservative tops are perfectly acceptable for women. While swimsuits are fine on the beach, it’s important to cover up in public areas out of cultural respect.
For a complete safari packing checklist and more expert travel tips, explore our Makali Safaris Africa Travel Guide.
Etiquette
Kenya is a conservative society, particularly in areas with strong Islamic influence, where respect, politeness, and modesty are highly valued. Travelers are encouraged to observe local customs and dress modestly in villages and religious regions.
When it comes to photographing local people, always ask for permission first—especially in popular tourist spots, where a small tip or token of appreciation may be expected.
Despite these cultural norms, Kenyans are known for their warmth, humor, and hospitality, making travel and local interactions both rewarding and enjoyable.
For more cultural insights and travel tips, browse our Makali Safaris Kenya Travel Guide.
Flights & Getting Around
Flying to Kenya is easy with Makali Safaris. You can book both international and domestic flights directly through us for a smooth, stress-free safari experience. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is Kenya’s main international gateway, located just 13km from the city center. It connects travelers to major safari destinations like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Mombasa, as well as regional hotspots such as Zanzibar, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Seychelles. Nearby Wilson Airport serves as the hub for nearly all domestic fly-in safaris, offering quick access to Kenya’s top national parks and conservancies. On the coast, Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa provides convenient access to beach destinations like Diani, Watamu, and Malindi.
To maximize comfort and minimize long travel times, we recommend chartered bush flights between safari locations. These flights land on nearby airstrips, with 4×4 vehicles waiting to transfer you directly to your lodge or camp. Road transfers are also an option, with pop-up roof minibuses commonly used for safaris to popular parks like the Masai Mara. For more remote or private conservancy experiences, open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles provide an immersive game-viewing experience. Let Makali Safaris take care of all your flight and transfer logistics so you can relax and enjoy every moment of your adventure in Kenya.
Visa & Passport Requirements
Most international visitors—including those from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries—require a visa to enter Kenya. However, citizens from select smaller Commonwealth nations may be exempt. Visas are valid for 90 days from the date of entry and can be easily obtained upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or applied for online in advance via the official eVisa portal. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their date of entry and can pay the visa fee in local currency or U.S. dollars.
If your safari adventure continues beyond Kenya, you can obtain visas for neighboring countries like Tanzania or Uganda while in Nairobi, typically for around US$50 each. Alternatively, the East African Tourist Visa offers a convenient option, allowing multi-country travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda under one visa. For the latest visa updates and entry requirements, consult our team at Makali Safaris, and we’ll ensure you’re fully prepared before your journey begins.
About Kenya
History & Economy
While Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963, its human history stretches back much further—over 150,000 years, to the time when modern humans first emerged from East Africa. Situated in the cradle of humanity, Kenya’s story has been shaped by indigenous ethnic groups, migrating African communities, and centuries of influence from Arabian and European traders, missionaries, and colonizers. Upon independence, Jomo Kenyatta became Kenya’s first president, uniting the nation under the motto “Harambee”, meaning “let’s all pull together.”
Modern Kenya: A Growing East African Power
Today, Kenya is home to the largest and most diversified economy in East Africa. While agriculture employs about 75% of the workforce, it’s the service sector—especially tourism—that drives nearly two-thirds of the country’s GDP. Kenya’s rich blend of culture, history, wildlife, and hospitality continues to position it as one of Africa’s top travel destinations. At Makali Safaris, we invite you to experience the vibrant past and dynamic present of this remarkable nation.
Modern Kenya: A Growing East African Power
Today, Kenya is home to the largest and most diversified economy in East Africa. While agriculture employs about 75% of the workforce, it’s the service sector—especially tourism—that drives nearly two-thirds of the country’s GDP. Kenya’s rich blend of culture, history, wildlife, and hospitality continues to position it as one of Africa’s top travel destinations. At Makali Safaris, we invite you to experience the vibrant past and dynamic present of this remarkable nation.
People & Culture
Kenya is a vibrant, multicultural nation with a predominantly young population—nearly 75% of Kenyans are under the age of 30. The country is home to more than 40 ethnic groups, including the iconic Maasai, each with its own unique customs and traditions. English and Swahili are the official languages, and visitors who make an effort to speak even a little Swahili are often met with warm smiles and appreciation. The majority of Kenyans identify as Christian, while around 10% of the population are Muslim, primarily residing along the Indian Ocean coast. This rich cultural blend makes Kenya not only a fantastic safari destination but also a fascinating place to connect with welcoming local communities.
Landscape & Wildlife
Straddling the equator, Kenya is defined by the Great Rift Valley, a dramatic 6,000km crack in the Earth’s crust that has shaped the country’s landscape into a mix of lakes, mountains, hills, and grasslands. This remarkable valley divides the flat Indian Ocean coastline from the fertile Lake Victoria basin and gives rise to Kenya’s rolling central highlands, which are home to large concentrations of wildlife and many of the country’s most famous national parks and reserves. In the arid north, Kenya’s wild, remote terrain offers a different safari experience with unique wildlife and fewer crowds. Along the coast, visitors are drawn to white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and tropical islands—perfect for post-safari relaxation.
Kenya is world-renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a natural spectacle that unfolds in the Masai Mara–Serengeti ecosystem, but the country’s dedication to wildlife conservation extends well beyond this event. A nationwide ban on hunting, coupled with community-based and private conservancy efforts, has helped preserve one of Africa’s richest arrays of large mammals. With healthy populations of the Big 5, diverse predators, thriving plains game, and hundreds of bird species, Kenya offers some of the most accessible and rewarding game viewing in Africa. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned safari enthusiast, Kenya never fails to impress.
