The enlightening Kenya tour/travel guide will introduce you to amazing advice on trips to experience wonderful African safaris in this East African country.
Many travelers consider Kenya one of the best tourist areas to explore among many other countries in Africa. The country is crossed through by the Great Rift Valley into the beautiful grassland plains and the game viewing tours in Kenya will lead you to the Wilderness migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
These tips when traveling to Kenya include a lot of guides such as the best places to visit and recommended lodges to stay in, different attractions and activities, security concerns, and health guides. Additionally, you will be guided through the Kenya safari packing list and also the best time in the country, among others.
Contact us today for the best-on-one advice on the best safari tips for the Kenya tour guide blog to the country.
Many tourists who travel to Kenya arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport which is located 15km the South East of Nairobi Kenya. Moi International Airport is found 9km West of the coastal areas of Mombasa and Wilson Airport, about 6km South of Nairobi Kenya.
Moi International Airport and Wilson Airport are mostly used for domestic and chartered flights within the country.
Once you arrive in the country, you will be driven through Kenya’s national parks depending on the program on your Kenya safari itinerary. Self-driving especially within the major cities is also allowed so long as you have an international driving permit and follow the local traffic laws.
Your local tour operators will help arrange for your airport pickups to transfer you to the different tourist areas. Alternatively, you can use public transportation like buses, and taxis, among others to the different destinations.
Below is a list of some of the most renowned airlines that fly to Kenya:
When going for a holiday safari in this beautiful country, there are various travel requirements to consider for your Kenyan tour guide in the country.
Below are the important travel requirements for your Kenya safari:
Foreign travelers to Kenya require a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of their arrival. The passport should also have at least one page for the visa endorsement.
Most foreign visitors to Kenya need you to have a visa to enter the country but this depends on whether it is necessary for your nationality. To find out whether your country is eligible for a visa or not, check out the link below https://evisa.go.ke/eligibility.html
A single entry visa to Kenya is $50 and an East African tourist visa to the country costs $100. Through an East African tourist visa, you will be allowed to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda without any independent visas.
This is compulsory for any visitor entering Kenya because many regions are infested with the Yellow Fever virus. In addition to the Yellow Fever Vaccine, we also advise you to consult with your local health organization about other vaccines to take for your Kenya tour.
Different amazing tourist areas in Kenya serve as incredible attractions for any traveler to the country.
Below, we look at the best various attractions to visit in Kenya:
The Masai Mara National Reserve is a biodiverse wildlife and important scenic landscape that connects to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The two protected areas in the different East African countries are famous for harboring the great Wildebeest migration event which is the highlight of the Kenya safari national park.
Other than the famous Wildebeest migration, the other famous Kenya safari excursions to do in the Masai Mara National Reserve are hot air balloon rides, game drives, game walks, bird watching as well and horseback riding safaris.
The Amboseli National Park is among the top tourist areas to appear on most Kenya safari packages as it is an incredible place for viewing Kenya game animals.
It is one of the most important places to watch large herds of Elephants and other game animals. Amboseli National Park will also give you incredible sights of the snow-peaked Mount Kilimanjaro which is the tallest Mountain in Africa.
The Samburu Game Reserve is famous for protecting the Northern Special Five which are the Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, and Grevy Zebra.
On the incredible game drives while in the park, you will enjoy amazing views of the different animals such as the Buffaloes, Elephants, Leopards, Lions, Hippos, and the endangered Wild Dogs.
Nairobi National Park is about 30 minutes away from Nairobi City, one of the major cities in the urban centres which takes a ride of about 15km. The beautiful, acacia-dotted plains of the park protect various animals including the Cheetahs, Black Rhinos, Hyenas, Buffaloes, Giraffes, and many others.
The Tsavo parks cover the Tsavo East National Park and the Tsavo West National Park which are both found in the Kenyan coastal areas. This conservation area is the largest in Kenya with an area of 22,000 kilometer square.
Tsavo East National Park is the only place in the world to watch the Red Elephants in the whole world.
Other important places to visit in Kenya include the
There are various things to do during your Kenya safaris and below, we look at the top things to do in the country.
The Wildebeest migration is also a beautiful experience and the most famous during a Kenya safari in Africa. The great Wildebeest migration involves the travel of more than 1 million Wildebeests, thousands of Zebras, and various other Antelopes.
Other than watching the Wildebeest migration, you will also participate in the Cheetahs, Lions, Giraffes, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Elephants, and Hyenas.
During the migration, predators usually follow the sick and weak herds to get food.
The expansive plains in Kenya’s national parks are great for game drives to watch the different Kenya safari animals in the Kenya safari parks. They include Leopards, Lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, Giraffes, Cape Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Wildebeests, Hyenas, and various bird species.
The best game drives are done in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an open rooftop for easy game viewing. Thus, you will enjoy the sight of various predators hunting during a game drive in the various wildlife areas like the Masai Mara National Park and Amboseli National Park, among others.
Kenya is one of the most amazing tourist areas, among other countries to have a great birding safari in the African continent. You will enjoy the views of migratory birds, woodland birds, forest birds, and savannah birds.
The top tourist areas to enjoy a birding adventure include Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Samburu National Park, among others.
Below are the most sought-after birds in Kenya:
Migratory birds can best be watched between November and April.
Mountain hiking safaris in Kenya are famous at Mount Kenya which is 5,199m high and the second highest in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m).
A mountain hiking adventure at Mount Kenya can be accompanied by other safari activities in the country for example game viewing safaris in the different protected areas like Amboseli National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve.
On a guided nature walk, you will enjoy incredible views of the different wildlife in the amazing nature for example the Elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes, Wildebeests, and the different many bird species in the park.
Game walks are also possible in the different parks of the country for example the the Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Park, and Amboseli National Park.
Kenya in Africa also boasts different other activities to enjoy during your trip and they include horseback riding, community tours in villages, hot air balloon safaris, and relaxing on the beaches of the Mombasa coastal areas.
There are various things to consider while going on a safari in the country. This Kenya tour guide will provide you with the best items to pack for your travels in the country.
1. Passport
2. Travel insurance or medical evacuation insurance 3. Yellow Fever Vaccination Card 4. Comfortable hiking shoes 5. A good camera 6. Insect repellents 7. Binoculars 8. Sandals 9. Chargers 10. Hiking shoes or Kenya safari boots |
11. Back bag
12. Medical and first aid kit with basic medical facilities 13. Sun protection equipment for example sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen 14. Personal toiletries 15. A notebook and pen 16. Flashlight 17. Bank cards 18. Cell phone and music device |
Clothes are one of the most important things to consider while on your trip to Kenya. Make sure to be comfortable in your clothes and environmentally friendly for your adventures for example carrying the right colors like Grey, Green, and Brown which blend with the environment.
Best are some of the best clothes to wear for your Kenya safari in Africa.
Kenya uses the Kenya shillings as its currency. However, other currencies commonly used in the country include the US Dollars, Euros, Pounds, Sterling, and the South African Rand. The US Dollar is the most used foreign currency, especially in the tourist sectors.
Kenya shilling notes range from 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 or the coins which are 1, 5, 10, and 20 are best to use in the local shops.
You may need to exchange any money in the Forex Bureaus or the commercial banks mostly found in the urban centres and major cities, for example, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Lamu county, etc. $1 is about 148 kshs, but this always changes.
Banks in Kenya are open from Monday to Friday from around 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and from 9:00 am to 11:00 am during the weekends.
The US Dollar notes earlier than 2006 are not allowed in Kenya and credit cards can be used in supermarkets and hotels. The Mastercard and the American Express Visa all have local agents in Mombasa, Nairobi Kenya, and Lamu County, among others.
Tipping is not a mandatory act in Kenya but doing it is very much appreciated. You can tip a professional safari tour guide between $10 to $15 and a camp or Kenya safari park hotel staff about $5 per day.
You can tip a safari driver about $15 to $25 during your Kenya safari. However, you may also tip the porters, waiters, and taxi drivers about 10% of their original bill.
Kenya is safe, but like any other place or country, it is important to remain vigilant during your trip. Terrorist attacks have occurred thus is an international threat that may happen with little or no warning at all, especially in public areas like markets and places of worship.
Also, civil unrest may occur in some parts of the country, especially during political rallies and election periods.
Below are some of how you can keep your money safe while in the country:
Kenya is not considered to be among the most expensive destinations compared to other countries to visit in Africa. A safari experience in the destination country will cost between $500 to $5000 depending on different factors for example the number of days spent on the trip, the type of activities to do, season of visit, among others.
There is no definite price for a safari trip in Kenya because various factors determine the safari cost. Some of these factors include the activities, group size, and number of days to spend on the trip, season, and accommodation.
A budget trip costs about $150 per day, and a budget of $300 to $500 per person every night. A luxury trip can be about $1000 per person per day.
We can help with customizing your trip in case you have a tight Kenya safari budget.
Below are the different security travel tips in Kenya:
Yes, Kenya safaris are safe for tourists as 99% of the trips in the country are successful. Nonetheless, we advise that you follow all the Kenyan law given to you by the Kenyan authorities for your travels.
All the female travelers to Kenya are safe in the country and to remain safer, it is important to follow all the park regulations and the local law guidelines/ Kenyan law given by the Kenyan authorities to be safer.
Female travelers ought to follow the security operations of the local authorities for the best experiences. They are also advised to carry contact information in emergencies like terrorist acts and health risks.
Different health risks affect the country, therefore calling for medical treatment and up to date information about the different diseases.
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card is a compulsory recommendation for anyone who would like to go to Kenya. It will protect you from attracting the Yellow Fever disease in everything that we do.
Malaria is a threat in the country and thus we recommend you use Malaria prophylactics before visiting the country or medical treatment in case you get it while in the country.
Also, Make sure to close your hotel doors and windows in the evenings and sleep in a mosquito net. Using insect repellent will also allow you to have the best experiences in the park.
HIV/AIDS is still a threat in Kenya so it is advisable to avoid any activities that will expose you to the risk of acquiring the virus. For example, having unprotected sex with anyone whose HIV status you do not know about. In case you go through any form of sexual assault, get medical attention immediately.
The Bilharzia disease is caused by tiny parasites in rivers, lakes, and dams. There is no available prophylactic drug against Bilharzia but you can avoid it by swimming in lakes and rivers, especially the ones that are stagnant.
The country’s heat may sometimes be dangerous to the skin especially when you visit in the dry season. Thus, it is important to always carry sun protection equipment for example sunscreen, sunlight, sun hats, and sunglasses, among others.
You may need any other health travel advice, so please talk to your physician about the incident.
Covid 19 is a dangerous disease with flu like symptoms that you can acquire from another person through droplets in the air. Vaccinating against Covid 19 will thus be the ultimate preventative measure against the disease.
The Covid 19 vaccinations are still important and still considered in many places around the country, especially if you are found to be having flu like symptoms. Therefore, Standard Operating Procedures may have been relaxed but your Covid 19 vaccination card may still be wanted in some places.
By not completing your Covid 19 vaccination, you stand an increased risk of getting the Covid 19 disease and having a negative PCR test conducted at your own cost. Treatment may also be done at your own cost in case you do not have a health insurance plan.
Other infectious diseases to be aware of while on your safaris in Kenya include Measles, Hepatitis, Cholera, and Meningococcal. It is thus important to only drink boiled water and avoid eating raw or food that is not well cooked.
Taking tap water is not safe while in the country therefore it is important to stick to bottled water, preferably even when you are brushing your teeth.
We always provide bottled water while driving you in the Kenya safari vehicles. On the other hand, you can buy safe bottled drinking water in restaurants or Kenya safari hotels and lodges at affordable Kenya safari prices.
Some travelers may get stomach problems while on their trip to Kenya due to the poor hygiene of the food prepared. Alternatively, it could be a new spice that you are allergic to.
Make sure to get medical services and stay hydrated and in case of any severe disease, your medical evacuation insurance will allow you to get the best medical services.
Kenya has a unique culture, behavior, and tradition. Thus, it is important to know the different cultures in the country.
Below, we look at the different cultural tips in the country,
It is respectful to greet in Kenya and it all begins with shaking hands, more so in the rural areas. Although Muslim women do not shake hands with men.
By culture, the locals do not express public affection like holding hands and kissing.
Some gestures show respect and others do not, especially in rural areas among the local people. For example, it is not respectful to point a picture at someone and it is also rude to call someone from a distance.
Your dress code while in the country will depend on where you are going. Shorts, bikinis, and light clothes can be worn at the beaches while long clothes are encouraged when going to the rural areas or the other local communities.
Flying drones whether for commercial or recreation purposes is restricted so you will need to seek permission from the Civil Aviation Authority for approval. The Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority will inform you about the regulations, the local law when filming, and the charges.
The food in Kenya may be different from your home food but it is all safe for any visitor to eat including travelers with dietary issues. However, Kenya also prepares food for the different international foods and adventurous travelers can also enjoy the very best during their trips.
Below are the different local foods in Kenya:
Ugali is the most common food in Kenya made out of maize flour that is prepared in boiled water and it forms dough–like a stiff solid.
Various travelers call it thick porridge and it is served with beans, but it is also possible to serve it with vegetables.
Fish, especially Tilapia is considered the most delicious food in Tilapia. Many travelers eat fried fish and it is usually served with Ugali and Kachumbari.
The Nyama Choma is among the favorite dishes in Kenya and it is mostly grilled meat. The delicious barbecue of goat’s meat is always seasoned and grilled on the fire and it is best eaten with Ugali and Kachumbari.
Wali is a delicious food made of rice cooked in different ways or ingredients. One of them was the Wali wa Nazi – Rice that is boiled in coconut milk, Pilau – Rice that is prepared with different spices, and Wali wa Kukaanga – Fried Rice.
The Kachumbari is an uncooked salad that is prepared with sliced organic tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and coriander.
Other than the traditional foods, Kenya also prepares street food and fast foods in the streets and the markets. Some of the most common street foods in Kenya are the Mabuyu, roasted maize, Mayai Pasua, and Mutura. You will enjoy amazing street food by asking a street vendor to prepare your preferred snack.
A Kenyan food experience is not complete without a cold drink. Tusker is Kenya’s most famous local beer and it can be accompanied by Nyama Choma.
Kenya has various lodgings, hotels, camps, and other places to stay while on your trip to the country. The places where to stay during your trip are categorized into budget, midrange, and luxury private facilities which are most times used by travelers on Kenya luxury safaris.
The places where to stay in the country are found in the towns as well as the protected areas whether in the urban or rural areas for safaris. We recommend the best lodges, providing essential services for travelers.
Below, we look at some of the best safari lodges to use during your Kenya safari trip.
Different good tour operators or Kenya safari companies can lead you on an amazing journey to Kenya and some of them include,
Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com
Website: www.primeugandasafaris.com
Email: info@wildgorillasafaris.com
Website: www.wildgorillasafaris.com
Website: www.africasafaris-tours.com/
Website: https://kenyasafaristours.com/
Website: https://nationalparkskenya.com/
Kenya is found at the equator thus the region is warm all year round and the country receives 2 rainy seasons and 2 dry seasons. In the dry season usually, it is the best time to visit the country as it does not have a lot of rainfall thus making the tracks easy to pass through.
The wet season causes the ground to be muddy thus difficult to do activities such as nature walks and game drives in other places.
To enjoy watching the wildebeest migration in Kenya, you can best visit between July and October.
Swahili is the official language spoken in Kenya but English is also spoken very widely. However, about 68 languages are spoken in the whole of Kenya, spreading even to the rural areas.
Booking your safari with us will give you the best experience as we have guides who are fluent in English, Spanish, French, Russian, and German.
Kenya has the East African Time Zone which is about 3 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).
Yes, US citizens can visit Kenya any time of the year as long as they meet all the requirements to travel to the country. These are the passport, visa, and Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
US citizens can also find out more about their travels at the US Embassy in Nairobi by calling the telephone + 254 20 363-6451.
Alternatively, they can reach the emergency services number that is on even in the after-hours + 254 20 363-6170.
Your expectations for your safari in Kenya will depend on the type of trip that you are going to have in the country.
A wildlife trip in this country in Africa will bring you closer to various wildlife for example the Cheetahs, Lions, and the Leopards. Other game animals to watch in this destination include Rhinos, Elephants, Zebras, Hippos, Giraffes, Hyenas, Buffaloes and Wild Dogs.
You will also have amazing interactions with the locals and the African wilderness.
The duration of a safari in Kenya will depend on the experiences that you would like to enjoy during the trip. Some of these are the number of days, the activities to do during the trip, etc.
For a general overview exploration of the country, we advice tourists to spend about 7 to 2 weeks in the country. However, travelers can tour the country for as many as 30 days, exploring every part of the country and other countries neighboring it.
On a Kenya safari holiday, you will find free WIFI in the lodges and the hotels. However, it is hard to connect to WIFI due to the poor network and in some places, power shortage.
Your safari package with Prime Safaris & Tours is inclusive of free WIFI while in the safari vehicle.
The Yellow Fever vaccination is a mandatory requirement for your travel to Kenya. However, there are various other diseases to take caution to vaccinate against to be safe. These include Malaria, Rift Valley Fever, Measles, Tetanus, and Rabies, among others.
Both Kenya and Tanzania are incredible places to do adventures as both offer amazing wildlife experiences. However, Tanzania harbors more wildlife in its protected areas than Kenya and it is more favorable for a luxury safari than Kenya.
Kenya on the other hand is great for travelers on budget safari in Africa.
In conclusion, a Kenya tour guide covers important travel information and questions for various travelers to the country who are preparing to go for Kenya safaris. In the above Kenya tour tip, get equipped with the best travel advice to experience amazing expeditions in the country as you explore the great Rift Valley plains and the different protected areas of the country.
Contact us for your Kenya safari bookings to experience the best and most affordable safaris to experience during your Kenya safari packages.