When to Go
Best Time to Visit Kenya
Each destination has its own season. Use this calendar to find your 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 essentials for every Kenya traveller.
Visa
Most nationalities get a Kenya eVisa online, approved within 72 hours. East African Community citizens enter visa-free. Apply at least a week before travel.
Health
Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries. Anti-malaria tablets strongly advised outside Nairobi. See a travel doctor at least 6 weeks before departure.
Money & Connectivity
Carry Kenyan Shillings for markets and tips. 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.
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever certificate may be required depending on your origin. Also consider Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Rabies. Visit a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure — some vaccines need multiple doses.
Malaria
Present in most of Kenya below 2,500m. Get the right anti-malaria prescription for your route. Use DEET repellent and wear long sleeves at dusk. Nairobi city is generally lower risk.
Travel Insurance
Must include emergency medical evacuation. Evacuation from a remote safari camp can cost thousands without cover. Confirm your policy covers outdoor activities and trip cancellation.
Pack Smart
What to Pack for Kenya
Safari and beach demand very different kit. Here is what actually matters.
🦁 Safari — Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu
- ✓Neutral tones: khaki, olive, tan — no bright colours on game drives
- ✓Lightweight fleece for cold dawn drives
- ✓Binoculars — 8×42 or 10×42
- ✓Camera with zoom lens in a dustproof bag
- ✓Large power bank — lodges charge infrequently
- ✓DEET repellent and prescribed anti-malaria tablets
🏝️ Beach — Diani, Lamu, Watamu
- ✓Modest cover-up for Lamu old town — strong Swahili Muslim heritage
- ✓SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen
- ✓Snorkel and mask (or hire at Kisite)
- ✓Waterproof bag for boat trips
- ✓Mosquito repellent for evenings
- ✓Universal travel adapter (Type G sockets)
Alval Safaris
Ready to plan
your Kenya trip?
Tell us which destinations call to you and we will build the full itinerary, quoted in KES from Nairobi.