Kenya Travel Guide

Entry rules in response to COVID-19

Currently, all arriving passengers into the country are required to be in possession of a COVID-19 vaccination certificate uploaded into the Panabios system. Vaccination means having received the prescribed doses of the specific vaccine, with the last doese administered, at least 14 days before arrival (not including the day of vaccination).

Any passenger without a vaccination certificate is required to be in possession of a negative PCR-based COVID-19 test result, conducted not more than 72 hours before depature.

Traveleres below the age of 12 years shall be exempt from the requirements of a vaccination certificate or a PCR test.

Any traveler above the age of 12 arriving at any point of entry with no proof of vaccination or a PCR test or those with flu-like symptoms shall be subjected to a rapid antigen test at their own cost of 30 USD. Any person who tests positive on antigen RDT will be subjected to entry PCR test at their own further cost of 50 USD and self-isolate as per MOH guidance on isolation.

Any traveler arriving at any port of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be required to fill the passenger locator form and to undergo rapid antigen test at own cost regardless of age or vaccination status. If positive on antigen test they will be required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test own cost.

Visa requirements

You need a visa to enter Kenya. Kenyan entry visas are exclusively issued electronically, with passengers require to obtain their e-visas before departure. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visa website. For a small fee of 10 euros, we gladly overtake the e-visa application process for you. Please get in contact with us at least two weeks before your arrival. 

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya. Make sure you have two blank pages in your passport on arrival. 

Credit cards

Most major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa and American Express) are widely accepted. In addition to credit cards, it can be advisable to carry easily convertible currency in cash.

Packing for safari

Important items and information should be carried in your hand luggage: passport, visa, airfare, insurance, credit cards, money and prescriptions if necessary. Any expensive electrical equipment, such as a camera or computer should be well looked after. Please note that all use, import and production of plastic bags, such as those we know from supermarkets, etc., is prohibited in Kenya. We therefore recommend that you avoid using plastic bags when packing your luggage. Use fabric bags instead, or bags made of a waterproof material other than plastic. If, for example, you are visibly carrying hand luggage in plastic bags upon your arrival in Kenya, you will be asked to hand them in. This also includes plastic bags from “Duty Free”, etc. Luggage and personal effects are at owner’s risk throughout the tour.

Safari clothing

We recommend that you bring casual summer clothes that are easy to launder and quick to dry. Go for neutral colors that do not reflect the heat and do not show the inevitable safari dust.

With cool mornings and evenings, layering is suggested. Laundry service is available in most safari lodges and tented camps which can help you replenish your supply of clean clothing, as you need it. Much of the time on safari is spent in the vehicle so lightweight and comfortable walking shoes are appropriate. Pack a swimsuit and cover-up, as most of the safari accommodations have swimming pools.

Weather in Kenya

The good news is you can enjoy a safari in Kenya throughout the year! There are however some differences to observe when it comes to the weather in Kenya throughout the year. This is why we decided to include a section about the Kenya’s weather in our safari and travel tips for Kenya. Please note that the following information is only a first guideline, the weather does not always stick to rules.

Kenya’s climate varies across the country, from the tropical humidity of the coast, the dry heat of the savannah or semi-arid areas and the cool air of the highlands. Temperatures in these areas are fairly constant year round with an average of 27°C (80°F) at the coast, 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) in the hinterland, while in Nairobi and the highlands over 5,000 ft, the daytime temperatures normally range between 19°C and 24°C (66°F to 75°F).

Most parts of Kenya experience two rainy seasons: the ‘long rains’ falling over a ten-week period between April and June, and the ‘short rains’ over a five-week period between November and December. The rain tends to fall mainly at night and is usually a short and heavy tropical downpour.

Rain may occasionally fall outside of the normal rainy seasons. In the highland areas north of Nairobi it may get chilly at night or in the early mornings – especially in June, July, and August when temperatures are cooler – so it is recommended that visitors pack some warm clothing.

January, February and March (High Season)

Theese three months are good for safari, the period is just after the short rain season, you may catch some bird species that are winter visitors from Europe. The grass is not high enough to hinder your view of the animals.

April and May (Low Season)

This is the long rainy season; but you can still enjoy your safari during this period. Tropical rain comes in bursts and lasts a few hours, mostly in the mornings and afternoons. The rains freshen up the nature and often enhances the safari experience.

June

The month of June is a good time to experience safari after the long rainy season. The large zebra herds cross from Tanzania to the Maasai Mara game reserve ahead of the migration which happens from July.

July to October (Peak Season)

Huge herds of wildebeest enter the Maasai Mara from the Serengeti in Tanzania. Due to evolving climatic situations it may be a little difficult to give specific times for the start of the migration. It is however safe to state that the great wildebeest migration is active in the Maasai Mara by mid-July. Wildebeest start their return journey to Tanzania around September / October.

November and December (Shoulder Season)

This is the short rainy season in Kenya. The short rain freshens the pastures and the grass start to grow. The national parks and game reserves regain their vegetation.

Currency

Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan shilling (KSH). Check online for the current rate. You can exchange your convertible foreign currency into shillings in a forex bureau and shall find the best rates at the airport. Small cash denominations are handy for tipping and minor expenses. You can also withdraw Kenya shillings at the ATM (VISA & MasterCard etc.). 

 You will find it easiest to make small purchases in local currencies and will usually receive a better price.