Essential Travel Tips for Kenya Safari Vacation
Introduction:
Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa. With a population of more than 47.6 million in the 2019 census, Kenya is the 28th most populous country in the world and 7th most populous in Africa. Kenya's capital and largest city is Nairobi, while its oldest and second largest city, is the major port city of Mombasa, situated on Mombasa Island in the Indian Ocean and the surrounding mainland. Mombasa was the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate, which included most of what is now Kenya and southwestern Somalia, from 1889 to 1907. Other important cities include Kisumu and Nakuru. Kenya is bordered by South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast. Kenya's geography, climate and population vary widely, ranging from cold snow-capped mountaintops (Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana on Mount Kenya) with vast surrounding forests, wildlife and fertile agricultural regions to temperate climates in western and rift valley counties and further on to dry less fertile arid and semi-arid areas and absolute deserts (Chalbi Desert and Nyiri Desert).
Why is Kenya Best for Tourism in Africa?
Kenya, a country in East Africa famed for its scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves. Its Indian Ocean coast provided historically important ports by which goods from Arabian and Asian traders have entered the continent for many centuries.
In addition to Kenya being one of the most highly acclaimed African safari destinations, it is renowned for its diverse and abundant concentration of wildlife and birdlife, vast unspoiled and varied landscapes, remarkable conservation initiatives, incredible seasonal highlights, and not-to-be-missed wildlife spectacles …
Kenya is one of Africa’s most distinct and stunning locations. Sustainable tourism and a globally-recognized model of wildlife management means that you see pristine wilderness and internationally-significant habitats where wildlife roam freely, including rare and endangered species and the Big Five. Visit magical Kenya, and experience all that Africa offers.
Planning to travel to Kenya.
Travelling to Kenya as a tourist can be an exciting adventure. Here are some steps and tips to consider when planning your trip:
Entry Requirements and Visa:
Most nationalities, including US, UK, EU, and Canada citizens, need a visa to travel to Kenya. Make sure to apply for a Kenya e-visa online before your trip. Single-entry visas cost $51 and allow you to stay for up to 3 months.
Check if your country recognizes the “X” gender identifier, as some countries may have entry restrictions based on gender identity.
Flights:
Flying directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi usually offers the cheapest flights. However, consider checking flights to Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa or Wilson Airport (WIL) as well.
Sign Up for Flight Alerts: Before booking your airfare, sign up for flight alerts on websites like Trip.com These services help you find cheaper flights by comparing prices and notifying you of deals.
Trip.com provides one stop-shop travel booking services in 20 languages through the website and mobile app. With more than 1,.2 million Hotels in 200 countries and regions and over 2 million individual flight routes that connect more than 5,000 cities across the globe. You can also book flights and sign up here at Trip.com.
International flights land and depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. It’s a major flight hub in East Africa and the gateway to the rest of Kenya.
Light aircraft flights for fly-in safaris to the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and other areas depart from Wilson Airport, which is about 15km (10mi) away from JKIA. Ensure you have time between your international flight and domestic flight to make the transfer between the two airports – it can take up to 90 minutes for the road transfer on a good day.
Chartered flights are a great way to get around Kenya, saving you long road transfers and allowing for more time on safari. Road transfers from bush airstrips to lodges are conducted in 4X4 safari vehicles.
Return flights from Nairobi to Mombasa are around $100, and direct flights from Nairobi to Lamu Island are around $200. If you plan to visit Maasai Mara or other reserves, Safarilink offers flights (around $350 return per person)
Travel Insurance: You require a travel insurance package like Ekta, that covers for the following:
Travel Insurance: Covering various aspects such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage loss.
Liability Insurance: Designed for tourism market participants.
Ticket Insurance: Protection for air and railway tickets.
Tour Insurance: Coverage for package tours.
Baggage Insurance: Specifically for baggage loss.
Travel Health Insurance: Medical coverage during trips.
Appliances Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for various types of appliances.
Communication: Local Internet service and Sim card providers are available. However, the most cost effective way while roaming is to connect your Phone to your phone number using an eSim, a digital version. You can download and buy the Airalo Travel & Internet Mobile app from your phone App store.
Safety and Security:
Kenya is generally safe for tourists, but always be aware of your surroundings and practice common-sense safety rules.
Exercise a high degree of caution if you plan to visit downtown Nairobi and informal settlements due to a high crime rate.
Be particularly alert during heightened political events.
Health and Vaccinations:
Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic before your trip. They will advise you on necessary vaccinations and health precautions.
Common vaccinations include yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, and routine vaccines. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended.
Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and any necessary medications.
Accommodation:
Safaris in Kenya with basic accommodations and no frills begin at around $200 per person, per day. A mid-range safari with lodging costs $350 to $400 per person, per day, while a top-tier luxury safari with lodging costs $600 to $1,000 per person, per day.
The 21 best luxury Safari accommodations in Kenya are:
Elsa’s Kopje - Meru National Park
Ol Donyo Lodge -Chuyulu Hills
Loldia House -Lakes District
Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp -Tsavo National Park
Lentorre Lodge - Southern Rift Valley
Tortilis Camp - Amboseli National Park
Sasaab Camp - Samburu National Reserve
Hemingways Nairobi - Nairobi
Giraffe Manor - Nairobi
Kinondo Kwetu - Diani Beach
Alfajiri Villas - Diani Beach
Segera Retreat - Laikipia
Loisaba Tented Camp - Laikipia
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille - Laikipia
Naboisho Camp - Masai Mara National Reserve
Angama Mara - Masai Mara National Reserve
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp - Masai Mara National Reserve
Bateleur Camp - Masai Mara National Reserve
Manda Bay - Lamu Archipelago
Kifaru House - Lewa
Lewa Wilderness Lodge - Lewa
Must see places for Tourists in Kenya
1.The Aberdares:
THE ABERDARES are a beautiful mountain range in the central highlands of Kenya. Within the heart of these mountains is the Aberdares National Park, a magical place of dense forest, and misty moorlands, where icy rivers plunge in glorious cascades and waterfalls. This area is rich in wildlife.
ABERDARE COUNTRY CLUB - A romantic, quiet, and relaxing getaway with a game sanctuary. Guests stay in cozy grey stone cottages nestling among lush gardens.
THE ARK - An architectural masterpiece standing high above the ground in a secluded forest glade where wildlife viewing takes place at close range. Not recommended for children.
TREETOPS - Overlooking water holes and a salt lick, this is a functional lookout lodge solely dedicated to game viewing at close range.
2.Amboseli National Park:
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK lies below the most famous symbol of Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro 5, 895m (19, 340 ft) the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
Towards the centre of the park closer to the water,the concentration of wildlife intensifies, from the ever-present ponderous herds of elephants to abundant birdlife.Other games frequently seen include buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, Maasai giraffe, and if you look carefully in the grass, the occasional lion and cheetah.
3.Masai Mara National Reserve:
MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE is situated to the west of Nairobi, on Tanzania's northern border. This 1,812 km² (700 sq. miles) Reserve is the northern extension of the larger Serengeti National Park - a massive 56,000 km² (5,600 sq. miles).
The Masai Mara offers wonderful scenery and an abundance of big games. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where the visitor may see animals in the same super-abundance that existed a century ago. It is a reserve of breathtaking vistas, panoramas of vast rolling plains, hills, and woodland groves, well watered by the lovely Mara River which bisects the Reserve from north to south.
The Mara is home to the largest population of lions in Kenya. These magnificent beasts spend most of the day sleeping in the shade of acacia trees. Vast herds of buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest roam the plains. Impala, gazelle, giraffe, and hartebeest grace the landscape. The waters of the Mara River are home to crocodiles and pools of hippo, the acacia woodlands and riverine forests favoured by leopard and elephant, and the open savannah and dry bush areas host the plains game and their attendant predators such as lion, cheetah, hyena, and jackal.
The birdlife of the Mara is as profuse as the animal life.
Wildebeest Migration:
The wildebeest migration, one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles, occurs in Kenya and Tanzania. Here are the key points about this awe-inspiring event:
Location:
The migration takes place between the open plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Thousands of wildebeest and zebras participate in this annual journey.
Seasonal Changes:
As the seasons change, the wildebeest and zebras migrate to greener pastures.
The precise timing of the migration varies each year.
Calving Season:
The calving season occurs in the Serengeti between January and mid-March.
After calving, the wildebeest begin their migration towards the Western Serengeti in June.
Best Viewing Time:
June to August is usually the best time to witness the migration.
During this period, the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River.
Masai Mara Arrival:
If you’re in the Masai Mara, expect the wildebeest to arrive as early as July.
Generally, they arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara until October and November.
Return Migration:
Between December and January, the wildebeest gradually head back towards the Serengeti.
Keep in mind that these migration patterns can vary from year to year.
Witnessing the wildebeest migration is a truly unforgettable experience!
4.Lake Nakuru National Park:
Situated between Lakes Naivasha and Baringo, beneath the high cliffs of the Eastern Rift, lies Lake Nakuru.
Lake Nakuru is world famous as home to flocks of greater and lesser flamingos, which frequently form a stunning pink ribbon along the edges of the lake.
In addition to the birdlife, the park is home to herds of buffalo, waterbuck, impala, Rothschild giraffe, and leopard. A defined area of the park has now been designated a rhino sanctuary, making it one of the best places in Kenya to see rare black rhino
5. Kigio Wildlife Conservancy :
Location: Kigio Wildlife Conservancy spans 3,500 acres and is situated between Nakuru and Naivasha.
Habitats: The conservancy features diverse habitats, including riverine and euphorbia woodlands, short grass areas, and Leleshwa shrubs.
Wildlife: Approximately 3,500 animals inhabit the conservancy. Notable species include the endangered white rhino, Rothschild giraffe, buffalo, impala, Grants and Thomson’s gazelle, eland, hyena, leopard, hippo, and over 200 bird species.
Protection: The conservancy is safeguarded by an electric fence on three sides and the Malewa River on the fourth side.
Kigio Wildlife Conservancy offers a rich and varied ecosystem for wildlife enthusiasts to explore!
6. Samburu Buffalo and Springs National Reserves:
Samburu National Reserve:
Located in a semi-desert area, Samburu Reserve features a lava plain with steep gullies and rounded hills.
The dramatic landscape includes the imposing Ololokwe table mountain.
The Ewaso Nyiro river winds through the reserve, bordered by a green ribbon of forest acacia, doum palm, and Tamarind trees.
Rare species like the long-necked gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, and blue-shanked Somali ostrich inhabit this reserve.
Buffalo Springs Reserve:
Adjacent to Samburu, Buffalo Springs Reserve shares a similar environment.
The reserve’s major attraction is a clear spring water outflow, which draws migrant game and predators from miles around.
Bounded by the Ewaso Nyiro river to the north, it meets the Lorien Swamp to the east.
These rugged and remote reserves offer a unique wildlife experience in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District
7. The Glorious Coast :
Beaches and Beauty:
Kenya’s coastline boasts white sandy beaches fringed with palms, casuarinas, bougainvillaea, and mangrove swamps.
The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean create an idyllic resort area.
Visitors come to enjoy sun, sand, and water activities. Snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities abound.
Coral Reefs and Marine Life:
Much of the coast, from Malindi in the north to Vanga in the south, is protected by fascinating coral reefs.
Sheltered lagoons within this environment host magical marine plants and over 250 brilliantly coloured fish species.
National marine parks at Watamu, Malindi, Mombasa, and Shimoni safeguard these reefs and their surrounding waters.
Mombasa: Ancient and Vibrant:
Mombasa, the gateway to Kenya, blends ancient and modern influences.
African, Arab, and Asian cultures converge in this beautiful port city.
Explore the old town’s narrow streets, shuttered houses, and open-fronted shops.
The historic Portuguese “Fort Jesus” now serves as a fine museum of antiques.
Don’t miss the exclusive Tamarind Dhow experience for a complete Mombasa visit!
Food:
Regional Diversity:
Kenyan cuisine varies across regions, with distinct flavours and dishes.
Different communities reflect their unique culinary traditions based on local livelihoods.
Influences:
Kenyan food shows influences from Indian, Arab, and European cuisines.
Swahili dishes often feature a blend of ginger, chilli, coconut, cream, lime, and crushed tamarind seeds.
Local Ingredients:
Kenyans prefer locally sourced ingredients.
Barbecuing meat, especially beef and goat, is popular.
Enjoy exploring the rich and diverse flavours of Kenyan food
Activities to do in Kenya:
Aside from all the amazing safari opportunities, Kenya also offers activities such as rock climbing, nature trails, white water rafting and even bungee jumping. On the coast, try scuba diving, kitesurfing and paddle boarding. There is something for everyone on a Kenya vacation.
The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Kenya for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Kenya safaris today!
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