Kenya Travel Guide

Kenya is one of Africa’s most rewarding travel destinations, known for its exceptional wildlife, wide-open savannahs, dramatic mountains and beautiful Indian Ocean coastline. From the famous Maasai Mara to the quieter conservancies of Laikipia and the beaches of the Kenyan coast, the country offers remarkable variety within a single journey.

Kenya is best known for its safaris, but there is much more to discover. You can combine game drives with walking and conservation experiences, explore the foothills of Mount Kenya, spend time learning about local cultures or finish your journey on the beaches of the Indian Ocean.

This Kenya Travel Guide provides practical information to help you plan your trip, including Kenya’s main attractions, wildlife, climate, entry requirements, health considerations, getting around and the best time to visit.

For inspiration, explore our bespoke Kenya holidays, or discover some of the country’s Kenya destinations.

• • • Why Visit Kenya?

      Kenya combines some of East Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations with a remarkable range of landscapes and experiences.

      • Maasai Mara: experience outstanding year-round wildlife viewing and, seasonally, the movement of the Great Migration.
      • Private conservancies: enjoy a more exclusive safari experience with fewer vehicles and a wider range of activities in some areas.
      • Amboseli: see large herds of elephants against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
      • Laikipia: discover diverse wildlife, dramatic landscapes and innovative conservation projects away from the busiest safari routes.
      • Mount Kenya: explore highland scenery and opportunities for walking, hiking and wildlife experiences.
      • Indian Ocean coast: combine safari with time on the beaches and islands of Kenya’s coast.
      • Nairobi: experience Kenya’s capital, with its restaurants, galleries, museums and cultural attractions.

      The Maasai Mara

      The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s best-known safari destination and forms part of the wider Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

      Its open grasslands support large populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and other plains wildlife. The reserve is also one of the most important areas associated with the Great Migration, when huge numbers of wildebeest and other grazing animals move between Tanzania and Kenya.

      The exact timing and location of the migration varies from year to year, so it is worth planning your itinerary around your priorities rather than relying on a fixed date.

      For travellers looking for a quieter experience, the private and community conservancies surrounding the Maasai Mara can offer an alternative to the main reserve, with controlled visitor numbers and, depending on the conservancy, activities such as walking and night drives.

      Amboseli National Park

      Amboseli National Park is particularly famous for its large elephant population and spectacular views towards Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania.

      The park’s open plains and wetlands make wildlife relatively easy to observe, while the changing light and mountain backdrop make it one of Kenya’s most rewarding areas for photography.

      Amboseli can be combined with the Maasai Mara or other destinations in southern Kenya to create a varied safari itinerary.

      Laikipia and Kenya’s Conservancies

      Laikipia offers a very different safari experience from Kenya’s larger national parks. The region is made up of a network of private and community conservancies where wildlife conservation is closely connected with local communities and landowners.

      Depending on where you stay, activities can include traditional game drives as well as walking, night drives, horseback experiences and other activities that are not always available within national parks.

      For travellers who have already experienced a classic safari, or who prefer a more private and flexible approach, Laikipia can be an excellent addition to a Kenya itinerary.

      Mount Kenya

      Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain and dominates the surrounding highlands.

      The mountain and its surrounding landscapes provide opportunities for hiking and walking, while the wider region is also home to wildlife conservancies and distinctive lodges.

      Mount Kenya can be included as part of a wider safari journey or used to add a more active element to a Kenya holiday.

      The Kenyan Coast

      Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline provides a natural complement to a safari.

      Diani is known for its long white-sand beach and warm waters, while Watamu combines beaches with marine conservation areas and opportunities for snorkelling and diving. Further north, Lamu offers a distinctive Swahili atmosphere, historic architecture and a slower pace of life.

      Whether you want several days simply relaxing beside the ocean or would like to include sailing, diving, snorkelling and cultural experiences, the coast can be tailored around the rest of your itinerary.

      Nairobi

      Nairobi is more than simply a gateway to Kenya’s safari destinations. The capital has a lively restaurant and cultural scene, together with museums, galleries and historic sites.

      Many travellers begin or end their journey in Nairobi, and allowing some time in the city can provide a useful introduction to Kenya before heading into the national parks and conservancies.

      Kenya Wildlife

      Kenya is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.

      Depending on the areas you visit, you can also encounter cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and numerous species of antelope, as well as an impressive range of birdlife.

      Different regions offer different wildlife experiences. The Maasai Mara is particularly strong for big cats and plains game, Amboseli is renowned for elephants, while northern Kenya and Laikipia offer opportunities to see species and habitats that are less typical of the classic safari circuit.

Preparing For A Trip To Kenya?

Getting Around Kenya

Kenya is a large country and travel times between safari regions can be considerable. The way you travel therefore has an important effect on the pace and enjoyment of your holiday.

For a tailor-made safari, private vehicle and driver-guide arrangements provide the greatest flexibility. You can travel at your own pace, stop when you want and spend more time in the places that interest you.

Domestic flights can also be useful when travelling between distant destinations, particularly when combining safari with the Kenyan coast.

International visitors generally arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, with additional international and domestic connections available through other airports.

What Should I Pack for Kenya?

Your packing list will depend on the regions and activities included in your itinerary.

• Lightweight, comfortable clothing for warm daytime conditions.
• Warm layers for early mornings and cooler evenings, particularly in higher-altitude areas.
• A lightweight waterproof jacket for rainy periods.
• Comfortable walking shoes for walking and outdoor activities.
• Neutral-coloured clothing for safari.
• Sun protection, including sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
• Insect repellent.
• A small daypack for game drives and excursions.
• Binoculars if you enjoy wildlife and birdwatching.

We can provide more specific packing advice once your itinerary and activities have been confirmed.

Responsible Travel in Kenya

Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes are among its greatest assets, making responsible tourism an important part of protecting them for the future.

Tourism supports conservation across many national parks and private conservancies and provides important income for communities living alongside wildlife areas.

At Earth Trip, we consider the environmental and social impact of the experiences and accommodation we recommend. We believe responsible travel should be part of the planning process from the beginning.

Read more about our approach to responsible travel.

Plan Your Kenya Holiday With Earth Trip

Kenya offers enough variety to create a very different holiday depending on what interests you most. You might focus on classic safari and the Big Five, follow the Great Migration, explore private conservancies, add walking or conservation experiences, or combine wildlife with several days on the Indian Ocean coast.

Our Kenya specialist, Aleem Raheem, can help you decide which areas are right for your trip, how long to spend in each place and how to put everything together without rushing between destinations.

We create private, tailor-made Kenya holidays around your interests, travel dates and preferred style of travel. Your route, accommodation, transport and experiences are selected to suit you rather than taken from a fixed package.

Explore our Kenya bespoke holidays for inspiration, or contact our specialist team to start planning your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kenya Travel

Do UK citizens need a visa for Kenya?

UK citizens need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Kenya. The application is made online before departure. Entry requirements can change, so check the latest official guidance before travelling.

What is the best time to visit Kenya?

Kenya can be visited throughout the year. The generally drier periods from January to March and July to October are popular for wildlife viewing, while July to October is particularly popular for the Maasai Mara and the Great Migration. The best time depends on the regions and experiences you want to include.

How long should I spend in Kenya?

A 7 to 10-day itinerary can provide a good introduction to Kenya, particularly if you focus on two or three destinations. Around 10 to 14 days gives you more flexibility and makes it easier to combine safari with the Kenyan coast.

Can I combine a Kenya safari with a beach holiday?

Yes. Kenya is particularly well suited to safari-and-beach holidays. You can combine destinations such as the Maasai Mara or Amboseli with time on the Indian Ocean coast in places such as Diani, Watamu or Lamu.

Where can I see the Big Five in Kenya?

The Big Five can be seen in several Kenyan wildlife areas, including the Maasai Mara and other major national parks and conservancies. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but carefully choosing your itinerary can give you excellent opportunities to see a wide range of species.

Is Kenya suitable for a family holiday?

Yes. Kenya can work very well for families when the itinerary is planned around the ages and interests of the children. Private vehicles, suitable accommodation and a sensible pace can make a family safari comfortable and rewarding.

Can I combine Kenya with Tanzania?

Yes. Kenya and Tanzania can be combined to create a wider East African safari. Depending on your interests and available time, an itinerary could include the Maasai Mara and Serengeti alongside other destinations such as Amboseli, Ngorongoro or the Tanzanian coast.

Is Kenya safe for tourists?

Kenya is a well-established destination for international tourism, but travel advice varies by region and can change. Before travelling, check the latest UK government travel advice and discuss any specific concerns with your travel specialist.

What currency is used in Kenya?

The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Cards are widely accepted at many hotels, lodges and established businesses, although carrying some local currency is useful for smaller purchases and more remote areas.