When to Go
Best Time to Visit Kenya
Every destination in Kenya has its own rhythm. Use this calendar to find your perfect travel window.
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara | ✦ | ✦ | ~ | · | · | ✦ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ✦ | ~ | ✦ |
| Amboseli | ★ | ★ | ✦ | · | · | ✦ | ✦ | ✦ | ✦ | ✦ | ~ | ★ |
| Diani Beach | ★ | ★ | ★ | ~ | · | ✦ | ✦ | ✦ | ✦ | ✦ | ~ | ★ |
| Lamu Island | ★ | ★ | ✦ | ~ | · | ✦ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ✦ | ~ | ★ |
| Lake Nakuru | ★ | ★ | ✦ | ~ | · | ✦ | ✦ | ✦ | ★ | ★ | ~ | ✦ |
| Samburu | ✦ | ★ | ~ | · | · | ✦ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ✦ | ~ | ✦ |
Before You Go
Visa, Health & Money
The essential practical information for every Kenya traveller.
Visa
Most nationalities obtain a Kenya eVisa online, typically approved within 72 hours. East African Community citizens enter visa-free. Apply at least one week before travel and confirm with your nearest Kenya embassy.
Health
Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries. Also recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies. Anti-malaria tablets strongly advised for all areas outside Nairobi. See a travel doctor at least 6 weeks before departure.
Money & Connectivity
Carry Kenyan Shillings for markets, tips, and small purchases. Cards accepted at lodges and city hotels. M-Pesa mobile money works everywhere. Buy a Safaricom SIM at the airport for reliable 4G nationwide.
Stay Safe
Health & Travel Insurance
Cover yourself before you go. These essentials apply to every Kenya trip.
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever certificate may be required depending on your origin country. Also consider Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies, and Meningitis. Visit a certified travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure as some vaccines require multiple doses.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is present in most of Kenya below 2,500m. Consult your doctor on the right anti-malaria tablets for your route. Use DEET repellent, sleep under a net, and wear long sleeves at dusk. Nairobi city is generally considered lower risk.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance including emergency medical evacuation is essential for any Kenya trip. Evacuation from a remote safari camp can cost thousands without cover. Ensure your policy covers evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and outdoor activities.
Pack Smart
What to Pack for Kenya
Different Kenya experiences demand different packing strategies. Here is what experienced travellers bring.
🦁 Safari — Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu
- ✓Neutral tones: khaki, olive, tan. Avoid bright colours on game drives.
- ✓Long-sleeved shirts for cool mornings and insect protection
- ✓Lightweight fleece or zip-up for cold dawn game drives
- ✓Wide-brimmed sun hat and UV-protection sunglasses
- ✓Binoculars — 8×42 or 10×42 recommended
- ✓Camera with a zoom lens and a dustproof bag
- ✓Large power bank — lodges charge infrequently
- ✓DEET insect repellent and prescribed anti-malaria tablets
🏝️ Beach — Diani, Lamu, Watamu
- ✓Light, breathable clothing suitable for coastal heat
- ✓Modest cover-up for Lamu town and local communities
- ✓SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen
- ✓Snorkel and mask (or hire on arrival at Kisite)
- ✓Waterproof bag for boat trips and water activities
- ✓Sandals and a comfortable pair of walking shoes
- ✓Mosquito repellent for evenings
- ✓Universal travel adapter (Type G sockets)
Travel Respectfully
Culture & Etiquette in Kenya
A little cultural awareness goes an enormous distance. Here is what to know before you go.
Greetings
“Jambo” and “Habari?” are always warmly received. Greet elders first in Maasai and Samburu communities. Modest dress is appropriate outside beach resorts.
Photography
Always ask permission before photographing people. Some communities welcome it, others prefer a small fee, and both are entirely reasonable. In national parks, follow guide instructions on safe distances from wildlife.
Tipping Guide
Safari guides: KES 1,000 to 1,500 per day. Drivers: KES 500 to 1,000 per day. Camp staff: KES 500 to 1,000 per day via shared tip box. Restaurant: 10% where service is not already included. Always tip in Kenyan Shillings where possible.
Responsible Travel
Stay on marked paths in parks, never feed wildlife, use refillable water bottles where safe, and buy from local artisans. Choose lodges and operators invested in the communities and ecosystems they operate within.
Coast & Lamu
Lamu and the Kenyan coast have a strong Swahili and Muslim heritage. Dress modestly when exploring the old town or visiting local communities away from the beach. A light scarf is useful and appreciated.
A Few Words of Swahili
Alval Safaris
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