Magical Kenya

Experience a safari in Kenya, offering Big Five game viewing, stunning landscapes, and cultural encounters. Explore top attractions like the Masai Mara’s Great Migration, Amboseli’s Mount Kilimanjaro views, and Samburu’s leopards. Immerse in the rich Swahili culture with influences from Africa, India, and Europe.

Kenya’s highlight is the Great Migration, where mega-herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move in search of fresh grass, offering dramatic moments such as the Mara River crossings and predator encounters.

Kenya also pairs well with Tanzania and Rwanda/ Uganda, allowing for gorilla trekking and safari-beach combinations to experience both wildlife and relaxation.

Entry Requirements

Visa on Arrival: Travelers from most countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other entry points. Ensure that your passport has at least two full blank pages for visas and stamps and is valid for more than six months from the date of entry. It is valid for more than six months from the date of entry.

Visa Waivers: Citizens of the African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member states are granted a visa upon arrival with a 90-day fee waiver. East African Community (EAC) member state citizens receive a six-month entry pass free of charge.

Visa Fees and Application: A single-entry visa costs US$50. Applications can be submitted online at the eVisa portal. Payment can be made online or upon arrival.

Visa Exemptions:

East African Countries: Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, and Burundi.
Commonwealth Member States: Short stays (up to 90 days) are visa-free for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Kenya: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).

East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda with multiple entries within 90 days for US$100. Apply online at eVisa portal upon arrival, or at diplomatic missions. If applied for in advance, the first entry must be through the issuing country.

Money and Spending

Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), but US Dollars (post-2006 bills only) or Euros are widely accepted. Exchange money in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu for the best rates. Credit cards (mainly MasterCard) are accepted at high-end hotels and restaurants in Nairobi but rarely outside the capital.

Mobile Payments

M-Pesa: Kenya is known for its mobile money services, and M-Pesa is widely used for both personal transactions and payments at businesses. Many hotels, shops, and even vendors accept payments via M-Pesa, making it convenient for both sending and receiving money.

To use M-Pesa, you’ll need to register your phone with a local M-Pesa agent. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider getting a local SIM card with M-Pesa for easier transactions.

Health and Medical Information – Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended: Tetanus, Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, and Malaria prophylaxis.
Malaria: Precautions are essential. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and consider antimalarial medication.
General Health Tips: Drink bottled or boiled water and carry a basic first aid kit. Consult with a healthcare professional before traveling.

Best Time to Visit Kenya: Month-by-Month Guide

January & February: Best for Game Viewing and Peak Adventure

January: Ideal for game viewing during the summer season, outside of the rain periods. Perfect for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, though temperatures can be high.
February: Great for safaris, particularly in the Masai Mara, where rainfall is minimal. Perfect for Mount Kenya expeditions, with low rainfall and high chances of spotting wildlife at watering holes.

March to May: Wet Season with Fewer Crowds

March: Transition from dry to wet conditions. Rain becomes more frequent, making some areas difficult to visit due to muddy roads. However, lower costs and fewer tourists make it a more peaceful time to visit.
April: One of the rainiest months in Kenya. Ideal for photographers, as the lush green landscape and moody skies create beautiful settings. However, game drives may be challenging due to muddy roads.
May: Long rains are in full swing, especially along the coast. Not a great time for beach holidays but perfect for photographers and those looking to explore less crowded parks.

June to October: Best Safari Season and Great Migration

June: Start of the long dry season, making it the best time for safaris. Wildlife gathers around waterholes, and the weather is perfect for game viewing.
July: The Great Migration begins, with mega-herds of wildebeest and zebras arriving in the Masai Mara. Temperatures are pleasant, and the river crossings are a major highlight.
August: Peak of the Great Migration. Witness dramatic river crossings and predator-prey action. The weather is dry, making it an ideal safari experience.
September: Dry conditions continue, and game viewing remains excellent, with wildlife concentrated around water sources.
October: The migratory herds begin to leave, but resident wildlife still provides plenty of exciting safari opportunities.

November & December: Short Rains and Fewer Tourists

November: The short rainy season begins, leading to fewer tourists and lower prices. Despite the rain, this is a great time for a more peaceful safari.
December: Hot weather with occasional rain. A great time for wildlife viewing, particularly for birdwatchers, as bird numbers increase during this time.

Banking and Currency:

US Dollars cash is widely accepted and, in most cases, preferred as the currency that travellers should use to EXCHANGE into UGX on arrival for spending money on the road, e.g, for drinks, curios, tips. Please note that USD bills older than 2009 are not accepted. Ensure your USD bills are 2009 or younger. Small USD bills are difficult to change – use Uganda shillings for small tips.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards can be used at some lodges and hotels, but a transaction fee of up to 5% may be charged. Ask first.

Travel, Transport, and Getting Around Flights:

Note that baggage allowance on all domestic flights is max 15 kgs in soft bags

Health and Medical Information

Travellers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days before your departure. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. If you have a history of liver disorders (hepatitis, etc.), consult your physician first.

Tetanus and Cholera inoculations are recommended but not compulsory. Hepatitis inoculation is at the discretion of the traveler.

Malaria prophylaxis is a must and can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.

Diarrhoea / Giardia – Bottled water is readily available throughout Uganda; however, it’s advisable to bring medicine just in case.

What to pack

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature-blending clothes