Kenya FAQs

Thinking of travelling to Kenya?

Kenya is the birthplace of the safari holiday and, to this day, the quintessential safari destination. Much of the country is made up of vast wildlife reserves home to the Big Five and hundreds of other species.

Beyond the safari regions in the south and southwest, Kenya is a country of contrasts: the open plains of the Masai Mara sit alongside gorgeous white sand Indian Ocean beaches, snow-capped mountains, and lively cities like Nairobi and Mombasa.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore further, our FAQs answer the most common questions about travelling to Kenya from the UK. If you have any other questions, you can talk to one of our Kenya experts by filling in the contact form here. For further inspiration for a Kenya trip, order a brochure here.

Before You Go

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Kenya from the UK?

A: You must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to travel to Kenya. You must apply for this at least two weeks before departure to ensure your application is approved before you travel. You can apply directly online with the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services. Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and must expire at least 6 months after your arrival date in Kenya.

Check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s up-to-date travel advice here before you travel to ensure you meet all entry criteria and check that advice against travelling to specific parts of Kenya doesn’t apply to the areas you are visiting.

Q: What vaccinations do I need for Kenya?

A: No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Kenya. However, it is recommended that routine UK vaccinations are up to date.

Depending on your itinerary and planned activities, your GP or a travel health clinic may also advise vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid or Tetanus. For the most current guidance, visit the TravelHealthPro website or speak to your GP before travelling.

There is risk of Yellow Fever transmission in certain parts of Kenya. Always check up-to-date advice, such as that provided by the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro service for specific advice. If you are transiting through a country at risk of Yellow Fever (such as Ethiopia or Rwanda) for more than 12 hours on your way to Kenya, you will likely be asked for proof of vaccination by immigration staff upon arrival.

Q: What should I pack for a holiday in Kenya?

A: A safari holiday packing list will mostly comprise lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing, and this remains the case in Kenya. During the day, it will likely be hot, so lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in cotton or linen will help you stay cool. Long-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers will be important to protect you against mosquitoes. In the winter, early mornings and late nights can be chilly, so consider packing a warm jacket for morning game drives and evenings.

We have prepared a full packing list for a safari holiday, which you can read here.

Nairobi is often cooler than many expect due to its altitude, so packing layers and a jacket is suggested, especially for the evenings.

Mombasa is a predominantly Muslim city. If you choose to visit traditional Muslim neighbourhoods like the Old Town or religious sites, you may be expected to wear a sarong or light scarf to cover your shoulders and legs.

Travel essentials like toiletries and a power adapter are, of course, recommended.

Q: What plug sockets do I need for Kenya?

A: Plug sockets in Kenya are typically three-pin G types, the same as those used in the UK. This means you won’t need a power adapter. Kenya’s voltage (240V) is similar to the UK's (230V), so you won’t need a voltage transformer either.

Practical Information

Q: Where is Kenya, and which parts will I be visiting?

A: Kenya is nestled on the East African coast, straddling the equator and neighbouring Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the northeast, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and South Sudan to the northwest.

The southeastern, coastal part of the country sits on the Indian Ocean, with gorgeous white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Moving inland, the terrain rises into the central highlands, a verdant region bisected by the Great Rift Valley with the snow-capped Mount Kenya at its centre. Much of the nation’s west side is comprised of vast, open plains like the Masai Mara and other national parks, which eventually slope downward toward the tropical shores of Lake Victoria in the southwest corner.

Llama Travel tours visit the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous safari reserve, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a 90,000-acre conservancy in central Kenya, and Lake Nakuru, a salt lake on the western side of the Great Rift Valley. We offer an optional extension to Diani Beach, south of Mombasa on Kenya’s southeastern coast. Diani Beach is a picturesque, white-sand coastal destination with turquoise waters typical of the Indian Ocean.

Q: What is the population of Kenya?

A: The population of Kenya is estimated to be around 54-56 million.

Q: What is the capital city of Kenya?

A: Nairobi is Kenya’s capital. It is home to between 4.8 and 5.3 million people, just shy of 10% of the Kenyan population.

Q: What is the time difference?

A: During the UK winter or Daylight-Saving Time (DST) from late October to late March, Kenya is three hours ahead. During British Summer Time (BST) from late March to late October, Kenya is two hours ahead.

Most Llama Travel tours operate during British Summer Time/Kenya’s winter, meaning you will likely be just two hours ahead of the UK during your holiday.

Q: How long does it take to fly from the UK to Kenya?

A: Direct flights take between 8.5 and 9.5 hours from London Heathrow to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Depending on the route and layover time, indirect flights tend to take between 12 and 14 hours.

Q: What language is spoken in Kenya?

A: Kiswahili is the official language of Kenya and is spoken by much of the nation’s population. Most airport and accommodation staff, guides and drivers (including all guides on Llama Travel tours of Kenya) are proficient in English.

Q: What is the currency in Kenya?

A: The national currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling. 1000 Kenyan Shillings is around £6. You can enquire about up-to-date exchange rates at your local currency exchange shop before your trip.

Safari guides across Kenya are accustomed to receiving tips in US dollars. Even then, we recommend bringing a small number of Shillings, as many local souvenir shops often prefer local currency.

Q: What’s the weather like in Kenya?

A: Kenya generally has a tropical climate with sunny days and cooler nights, and you should be prepared for a variety of conditions.

Average daily temperatures range from 22 to 27°C, depending on the region you visit. The dry season extends from June to October, and there are two rainy seasons: the big one from April to May and a smaller one from late October to December.

On the coast, the climate is warm and tropical, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 33°C throughout the year. The rainiest month is May, when the rain falls for around 19 days. The sea is warm all year round, ranging from 25°C in July and August to 29°C in March and April.

Q: What should I know about local customs and etiquette in Kenya?

A: Many of the typical customs in Kenya revolve around the country’s celebrated warm hospitality, known as ‘Karibu’. Expect a potentially prolonged handshake when greeting someone, a formal address (using ‘Sir’, ‘Ma’am’, ‘Mr’ or ‘Mrs’), and friendly warmth from Kenyans.

Littering anywhere is unacceptable, but especially on safari. All visitors to Kenya should aim to leave the places they visit as they found them by cleaning up after themselves. On safari, do not remove natural objects or disturb flora or fauna.

Your safari guide will brief you on specific safari protocol, including camp and vehicle etiquette.

We recommend checking the UK Foreign Office’s up-to-date advice on local laws and customs in Kenya here before you travel.

Q: Is Kenya an LGBT+-friendly destination?

A: Attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) travellers in Kenya can vary dramatically from those in the UK. Kenya remains a socially conservative country, and same sex activity and marriage are both illegal.

Hotels and lodges, however, do not discriminate, and LGBT+ travellers can share rooms in all accommodations on Llama Travel tours. Public displays of affection are discouraged across the board, especially for LGBT+ couples. We recommend LGBT+ travellers stay up-to-date with the FCDO’s advice here.

Q: Do I need to tip in Kenya?

A: Tipping is standard practice in restaurants in Kenya. If a service charge is added to your bill as a matter of course, there is no expectation to tip beyond that. If there is no service charge added to the bill at the end of a meal, restaurant staff are accustomed to receiving between 10% and 15% of the bill for good service.

On safari, guides and staff are accustomed to receiving tips in US dollars. As a general guideline, we suggest US$15 for the guide and US$10 for the chef and general staff per person per day. Taxi drivers and hotel staff can be tipped at your discretion.

Q: What should I know about safari experiences in Kenya?

A: Kenya is home to the quintessential African safari experience. The vast number of species across the country and the chance to spot the wildlife up close have captivated travellers for years.

Each day on safari follows a similar rhythm, with early morning and late afternoon game drives timed to ensure optimal wildlife viewing, and time to relax during the warmest part of the day. The early starts, lodge relaxation time, sundowners and game drives quickly become a part of the daily routine.

Game drive vehicles have a pop-up roof and can hold a maximum of six passengers, guaranteeing a window seat for a great view and photography opportunities. Your driver will double as your guide.

The Llama Travel blog is a great resource for insights into safari experiences. We have dedicated blogs about a typical day on safari (click here and a packing list (click here).

Click here to explore all of our blog entries about Kenya.

Q: What is it like staying in a safari lodge in Kenya?

A: The standard of lodge accommodation across Kenya can vary wildly. Many safari lodges in Kenya, such as those included in Llama Travel’s holidays, are comfortable, spacious, and well-positioned in active wildlife areas or migration sites. Expect natural colour palettes, rolling gardens, and incredible views, providing a relaxing base for unwinding after early-morning game drives.

Some safari lodges are unfenced to minimise disruption to local wildlife. In these cases, a ranger or guide may escort guests to their rooms. Lodges on Llama Travel’s Kenya holidays are entirely fenced to protect both guests and wildlife.

Q: What is it like staying in a tented camp in Kenya?

A: A safari tented camp is much less rustic than its name might suggest. Tented camps are essentially large, canvas-walled suites on raised wooden platforms, and blend the traditional colonial charm of a safari camp with more modern comforts like ensuite bathrooms and curtained showers.

This style of camps offers a grand sense of immersion, often on the verge of active wildlife areas like the Ol Pejeta Conservancy or the Masai Mara or with their own waterholes to attract wildlife.

Health & Safety

Q: Is Kenya safe to travel to?

A: The safari and coastal areas of Kenya are largely safe for tourists. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s up-to-date travel advice about safety and security in Kenya can be found here. The risk of crime and terrorism incidents has consistently been low in tourist areas.

Major cities, like Nairobi and Mombasa, are more densely populated than safari or coastal areas. This means there is a greater risk of petty or opportunistic crime in crowded areas. Appropriate behaviour can prevent theft: do not walk around displaying obvious signs of wealth like jewellery or cameras, and keep passports and valuables in your hotel safe.

If taking a taxi around the city, we recommend sticking to official taxi services. Hotel staff will be able to call you an official taxi to pick you up if required. Taxis operate on a meter in most cities, but hotel staff or Llama Travel reps can advise you on the estimated cost of a journey.

On safari, your guide will brief you on relevant safety procedures and wildlife considerations. Following their instructions will eliminate most potential risks from affecting your safari experience.

Llama Travel’s booking conditions require all of our guests to have adequate travel insurance to ensure they are protected against the worst-case scenario when overseas.

Q: What happens if I get ill while in Kenya?

A: Hotel staff and safari guides will have first aid kits stocked with basic medical supplies for treatable illnesses. If that is not adequate, they will be able to arrange professional medical assistance.

Private hospitals across Kenya, especially those in major cities like Nairobi or Mombasa, will likely have English-speaking doctors and staff, and modern facilities. Ensure your travel insurance coverage covers medical care or repatriation in the worst-case scenario, as many private hospitals will require upfront payment for treatment.

It is always recommended to bring an adequate supply of prescribed medication on holiday, as the availability of specific medication once you are in Kenya will vary.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Kenya?

A: Adequate insurance is always recommended to protect holidaymakers from having to foot the cost of illness, accidents, or emergency repatriation when travelling overseas. It is part of Llama Travel’s booking conditions that our guests have adequate travel insurance.

TravelHealthPro, the up-to-date travel advice resource run by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, also recommends travellers have adequate travel health insurance before travelling. You can read their full guidance on travelling to Kenya here.

If booking a package or ‘Flight-Plus’ holiday (flights with at least one other component, like accommodation or car hire) with an operator in the UK, your booking should be ATOL protected, which covers you financially if your airline, tour operator, or travel agent goes bust. Travel insurance can further protect you against trip cancellations and a whole raft of other potential risks or incidents.

Connectivity and Communication

Q: How do I phone the UK from Kenya?

A: To phone the UK from Kenya, dial the international dialling code (0044) and then the UK number, leaving out the ‘0’ in the area code.

Q: How do I phone Kenya from the UK?

A: To phone Kenya from the UK, dial the international dialling code for Kenya (00254) and then the Kenya telephone number, leaving out the ‘0’ in the area code.

Q: Will I get a phone signal while travelling in Kenya?

A: Major metropolitan and tourist areas like Nairobi, Mombasa and Diani Beach are well-connected in terms of phone signal and 4G/5G connectivity. Most major roads and entrances to popular safari parks like the Masai Mara will also have a reliable signal.

In some safari lodges and tented safaris, Wi-Fi may be available, but it is hard to guarantee a stable connection in the plains. You will likely lose signal on game drives, but safari guides will have radios for emergency communications. The incredible views and wildlife encounters will more than make up for the lack of internet connectivity.

Q: What are the options for mobile data and SIM cards in Kenya?

A: Purchasing a local SIM card will offer the best connectivity. Brands like Safaricom and Airtel Kenya both offer pay-as-you-go SIM plans, which you can buy from local shops.

If you want to be connected as soon as you land, an eSIM is a good option. Airalo, Holafly and Saily all offer Kenya-specific plans for calls, texts and international roaming. These don’t require a physical SIM card purchase but do require your phone to be eSIM compatible, so check this before purchasing one.

Getting Around

Q: How do I get around in Kenya?

A: Major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa are walkable to some degree. Walkability is highly localised, with areas such as the Old Town in Mombasa or Nairobi’s Westlands relatively easy to navigate on foot, but travelling between neighbourhoods is more challenging, so an official taxi is the quickest and safest way to do so.

Most of the coastline in Diani Beach is walkable, but it is recommended to stick near the major resorts, as these will be well-lit and often fall under the security perimeter of hotels, guaranteeing a safer experience.

The most convenient way to travel around different cities or regions in Kenya is often by flying. The aircraft for internal flights will vary.

For flights from Nairobi to Ukunda, near Diani Beach, the aircraft could be a 12-seater Cessna Caravan or a larger aircraft. These flights will take around two hours and may stop in Mombasa or another destination en route. If flying from Nairobi to Diani Beach, a 20kg luggage allowance (including hand luggage) will apply.

Safari flights in or out of the Masai Mara operate on small planes carrying around 12 passengers due to the size of the landing strips in the savannah. For flights to or from the Masai Mara, luggage must be in soft, lightweight duffel bags. A 15kg luggage allowance will likely apply for safari flights.

Game drives on safari will take place on a four-wheel drive vehicle with a capacity for six passengers, all with window seats.

Airport transfers and inter-city ground transport will likely take place on a standard minibus.

Q: Is there public transport in Kenya?

A: Public transport in and around Kenya is predominantly serviced by privately-owned ‘matutus’, buses which service fixed routes and have a bad safety record. There are a few infrequent inter-city trains which are often unpredictable or delayed.

We recommend pre-arranging transfers to and from the airport and asking your hotel staff or guides for advice on booking an official taxi if you need one.

Food and Drink

Q: What’s the food like in Kenya?

A: Food in Kenya, like much of Africa, is simple, hearty, and centred around grains, greens and meat. The main staples include maize meal (‘Ugali’ or ‘Unga’), rice, and stews. The unofficial national dish is roasted goat or beef served with ugali and a tomato-onion salad known as ‘kachumbari’.

The food at the accommodation on Llama Travel’s Kenya holidays is all to a high standard. The Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi especially offers a great variety, from international cuisine to authentic African specialities.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Kenya?

A: Tap water is generally not safe to drink in Kenya. On safari, filtered water is supplied.

During summer, we recommend bringing rehydration salts to add to your water to prevent dehydration problems. One sachet per person per day is sufficient.

Q: Is alcohol available in Kenya?

A: Alcohol is available across Kenya, with restrictions in place on where alcohol can be sold. Most bars and restaurants, including those in hotels, serve alcohol, but availability may vary in supermarkets or off-license-style shops due to changing regulations.

Q: What drinks are available in Kenya?

A: Beer is the most popular drink in Kenya. The national beer, Tusker, is brewed in Nairobi and is available across the country, with Guinness and White Cap also widespread. Wines, especially those imported from nearby South Africa, are common. Kenya Cane, a smooth, sweet liquor made from sugarcane molasses, is a popular local spirit.

What to See

Q: What are the highlights of Kenya?

A: As the quintessential safari destination, many people regard wildlife experiences as the main attraction in Kenya. The Masai Mara alone is home to around 90 recorded mammal species and over 500 bird species, and the Great Rift Valley (especially Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Samburu National Reserve) is famed for its pink landscapes and vast game. The Great Migration, which occurs every year between June and September, is a notable wildlife highlight. Over a million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope cross the river bordering between Kenya and Tanzania during the Migration, evading threats from predators like crocodiles and lions while doing so.

Nairobi’s fast-growing cosmopolis promises a vibrant cultural look at life in Kenya, with a range of museums and markets to explore. The nearby Nairobi National Park makes for an interesting sight, with four of the Big Five roaming against a city backdrop.

The Indian Ocean coastline is often a surprise highlight for many visitors; people do not traditionally associate the gorgeous white sand beaches and turquoise waters along the coast with a holiday in Africa.

Kenya’s traditional way of life, especially for the Masai, Samburu, Swahili and Kikuyu people, is a fascinating facet of a holiday to Kenya. On Llama Travel holidays, there are opportunities to give back to indigenous communities, meet locals in schools and villages, and visit farms which provide key work and income to their local areas.

The ‘Karibu’ (or warm welcome) which Kenyans often extend to visitors can make the people as memorable and captivating as the wildlife.

Q: Will I see the Big Five in Kenya?

A: Many of Kenya’s vast wildlife reserves, like the Masai Mara, are home to healthy populations of the Big Five.

The African Elephant is one of the Masai Mara’s most prolific species, and around 900 Lion are estimated to also roam the area. African Buffalo are often found in herds of 100 or more and often congregate around watering holes, making sightings relatively common. Leopards are famously elusive, despite the Masai Mara being home to a healthy population.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s conservation efforts around the rhino population make spotting the incredible species there a common occurrence. Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos left on earth, are under 24/7-armed guard at Ol Pejeta, and guests are invited not just to see the rhinos but to learn about their history and the ongoing conservation and species restoration efforts. 

It is difficult to guarantee specific animal sightings on any safari holiday due to movements and migrations. Much of the excitement around a game drive and safari holiday overall stems from the unpredictability and spontaneity of wildlife encounters.

Q: How many days do I need to explore Kenya?

A: We recommend at least a week in Kenya. The Masai Mara, Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lake Nakuru are all worth at least two days of game drives and sundowners each to balance optimal wildlife viewing opportunities with relaxation after the early rises.

Many people opt to bookend their trips to Kenya with relaxation or exploration of the country’s gorgeous Indian Ocean coast or bustling cities like Nairobi and Mombasa to balance out the safari experience with cultural insight.

Still have questions about travelling to Kenya?
Our team is happy to help. Call us on 020 7263 3000 or explore our Kenya holidays to start planning your trip.