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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Jan 18, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Kenya — the name is almost synonymous with the word "safari." Few other places on the planet conjure such a spirit of adventure and romance. The diversity of tourist attractions in Kenya dazzles all who visit, and viewing the country's abundant wildlife tops the list of things to do.

See throngs of wildebeest thundering across the savanna during the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara; come eye-to-eye with elephants in Amboseli; or marvel at Lake Nakuru, flecked with thousands of flamingos. In these sun-soaked lands, ancient tribes, such as the Maasai, Kikuyu, and Samburu, retain their traditional customs, living in relative harmony with the natural world.

Amboseli National Park with Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance

Beyond the world-famous safari parks lies a trove of coastal treasures. You can snorkel and dive fish-rich coral reefs, relax on pearly beaches, experience the melting pot of cultures and cuisines in Mombasa and Malindi, and explore tropical islands steeped in Swahili history.

Topographically, Kenya is stunning. Surrounded by calderas and mountain ranges, the Great Rift Valley divides the country. To the east of this sweeping valley, you can climb the peaks of Mount Kenya and fish for trout in crystal-clear streams. Hell's Gate National Park harbors obsidian caves, and hisses with natural geysers and hot springs.

To experience Kenya's colorful colonial history, captured in the film Out of Africa , head to Nairobi. Discover more places to visit in this fascinating country with our list of the top tourist attractions in Kenya.

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve

2. amboseli national reserve, 3. tsavo national park, 4. samburu, buffalo springs, and shaba national reserves, 5. lake nakuru national park, 6. lamu island, 7. lake naivasha, 9. nairobi national park, 10. david sheldrick wildlife trust elephant nursery, 11. giraffe centre, 12. malindi, 13. mombasa, 14. mount kenya national park, 15. hell's gate national park, 16. ol pejeta conservancy.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National Reserve (also "Masai Mara") is one of Africa's most magnificent game reserves . Bordering Tanzania, the Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti and forms a wildlife corridor between the two countries.

It's named after the statuesque, red-cloaked Maasai people who live in the park and graze their animals here, as they have done for centuries. In their language, Mara means "mottled," perhaps a reference to the play of light and shadow from the acacia trees and cloud-studded skies on the vast grasslands.

The park is famous for the Great Migration , when thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson's gazelle travel to and from the Serengeti, from July through October.

In the Mara River , throngs of hippos and crocodiles lurk. The park is also known for providing excellent predator sightings, thanks to its relatively large populations of lion, cheetah, and leopard - especially in the dry months from December through February.

Thanks to the park's altitude, the weather here is mild and gentle year-round.

Amboseli National Reserve

Crowned by Mount Kilimanjaro , Africa's highest peak, Amboseli National Reserve is one of Kenya's most popular tourist parks. The name "Amboseli" comes from a Maasai word meaning "salty dust," an apt description for the park's parched conditions.

The reserve is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Other wildlife commonly spotted in the park includes big cats, such as lion and cheetah, as well as giraffe, impala, eland, waterbuck, gazelle, and more than 600 species of birds.

Nature lovers can explore five different habitats here, ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli , wetlands with sulfur springs, savannah, and woodlands. Look for the local Maasai people who live in the area around the park.

Tsavo National Park

Kenya's largest park, Tsavo, is sliced in two: Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Together these parks comprise four percent of the country's total area and encompass rivers, waterfalls, savannah, volcanic hills, a massive lava-rock plateau, and an impressive diversity of wildlife.

Midway between Nairobi and Mombasa, Tsavo East is famous for photo-worthy sightings of large elephant herds rolling and bathing in red dust. The palm-fringed Galana River twists through the park, providing excellent game viewing and a lush counterpoint to the arid plains.

Other highlights here include the Yatta Plateau, the world's longest lava flow; Mudanda Rock; and the Lugard Falls, which spill into rapids and crocodile-filled pools.

Tsavo West is wetter and topographically more varied, with some of the most beautiful scenery in the northern reaches of the park. Highlights here are Mzima Springs , a series of natural springs with large populations of hippos and crocodiles; Chaimu Crater , a great spot for seeing birds of prey; and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary .

Wildlife is not as easy to see in Tsavo West because of the denser vegetation, but the beautiful scenery more than compensates.

Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves

On the banks of the palm-lined Ewaso Nyiro River , Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba Reserves lie in an arid region in the remote north of Kenya.

Shaba National Reserve is one of two areas where George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, made famous in the film Born Free .

The wildlife in all three reserves depends on the waters of the river to survive, and many species are specially adapted to the parched conditions. These include Grevy's zebras; Somali ostriches; and gerenuks, the long-necked antelope that stand on two rear legs to reach the fresh shoots on upper tree limbs.

A top attraction in Samburu National Reserve are the Sarara Singing Wells , local watering holes where Samburu warriors sing traditional songs while hauling water for their cattle to drink. You might also be rewarded with sightings of big cats and wild dogs.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park, in Central Kenya, is famous for its huge flocks of pink flamingos. The birds throng on Lake Nakuru itself, one of the Rift Valley soda lakes that covers almost a third of the park's area.

The park was established in 1961, and more than 450 species of birds have been recorded here, as well as a rich diversity of other wildlife. Lions, leopards, warthogs, waterbucks, pythons, and white rhinos are just some of the animals you might see, and the landscapes range from sweeping grasslands bordering the lake to rocky cliffs and woodland.

The park also protects the largest euphorbia candelabrum forest in Africa . These tall, branching succulents are endemic to the region and provide a bold textural element to the arid landscapes.

Read More: Best Lakes in Africa

Lamu Island

The small island of Lamu, northeast of Mombasa, oozes old-world charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Old Town is Kenya's oldest continually inhabited settlement, with origins dating back to the 12th century.

Strolling the labyrinthine streets is one of the top things to do here. You can see the island's rich trading history reflected in the buildings. Architectural features from the Arab world, Europe, and India are evident, yet with a discernible Swahili technique. Intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings, hidden courtyards, verandas, and rooftop patios are common features.

Sightseeing here is like stepping back in time. Dhows plow the harbor, few if any motorized vehicles exist here, and donkeys still rule the streets as they have done for centuries. Most of Lamu's population is Muslim, and both men and women dress in traditional attire.

Top attractions on the island include Lamu Museum, with displays on Swahili culture and the region's nautical history; Lamu Fort; and the Donkey Sanctuary.

Lamu Island is also home to Shela Beach, one of the best beaches in Africa . You can bask in the sun or plan for more adventure. Over the past number of years, the island has become a hot spot for kitesurfing. Wide-open spaces with little kite traffic and shallow warm water is perfect for learning near the village of Shela.

Lake Naivasha

A haven for birders, Lake Naivasha lies at the highest point of the Great Rift Valley. More than 400 species of birds have been spotted here, including African fish eagles, jacanas, white-fronted bee-eaters, and several species of kingfishers.

One of the best ways to view the wildlife is by boat. Hippos slosh in the water, and giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and eland graze around the edges of the lake. Keep a lookout for colobus monkeys in the canopies, too.

Near Lake Naivasha, the Crater Lake Game Sanctuary features a wildlife-rich nature trail.

Just south of Lake Naivasha , the relatively affordable Hell's Gate National Park protects a wide variety of wildlife and offers excellent climbing opportunities, with two extinct volcanoes and the red cliffs of Hell's Gate Gorge.

On the southern shore of Lake Naivasha, you can pop in for a cup of tea at the Elsamere Conservation Centre, the former home of the late Joy Adamson, author of Born Free , and her husband George.

Note that Lake Naivasha has been known to shrink considerably in times of extreme drought, and a flourishing floriculture industry in the area is also impacting water levels and quality. But the lake is typically lush and full of life.

Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi

If you're looking for things to do in Kenya other than a safari, you'll have plenty of choices in the country's capital and largest city. Nairobi is legendary for its colorful colonial history. It was once the capital of British East Africa, luring settlers who came here to stake their fortune in the coffee and tea industries. Today, you can explore the city's famous historic sites and excellent wildlife-related attractions .

Craving some cultural attractions in Kenya? You'll find several worthwhile places to visit in Nairobi. The Nairobi National Museum is a great one-stop spot to see exhibits on Kenya's history, nature, culture, and contemporary art. Green thumbs will also enjoy the botanic gardens on the grounds.

Another popular tourist attraction is the Karen Blixen Museum, the restored residence of the famous Danish author of the book Out of Africa , also known by her pen name, Isak Dinesen.

To see wildlife without venturing far from the city center, visit Nairobi National Park , now a black rhino sanctuary and also home to a diversity of other African wildlife.

Read More: Best Cities in Africa

Giraffe in Nairobi National Park

Who says you need to go far from Nairobi to enjoy a safari? A mere 15-minute drive from the clamor of Kenya's capital, you can gaze at a snoozing pride of lions or a graceful giraffe strutting through the golden grass at Nairobi National Park.

Visiting this wildlife-rich park is one of the top things to do if you're staying in Nairobi, and it makes a rewarding day trip - especially if you can't make it to one of the larger game reserves.

All the classic safari stars here, including buffalo, leopard, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, elephants, and cheetah, and you can also see some of the planet's most endangered species at the park's rhino sanctuary .

The Nairobi Safari Walk provides a rewarding opportunity to spot wildlife on foot, and birders will be happy to know that more than 400 species of birds also inhabit the park, including the beautiful grey crowned crane.

And no visit to the park would be complete without popping into the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery at the park's main gates.

Official site: http://www.kws.go.ke/parks/nairobi-national-park

Elephant being fed at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Who can resist a baby elephant? At the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, you can mingle with impossibly cute baby pachyderms and feel good about supporting an important conservation organization at the same time.

This famous wildlife sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and offers you the chance to see these lovable creatures up close. This is where the youngest elephants are hand-reared until about two or three years of age, and you can watch the keepers bottle-feed the babies.

From the sanctuary, staff relocate the elephants to a reintegration center in Tsavo East National Park before they are eventually released back into the wild.

Watching these playful pint-sized pachyderms wallow in the mud or nudge a soccer ball around is something you will never forget. If you want to do more to help these magnificent animals, consider adopting an orphaned elephant, giraffe, or rhino before you go, and you'll receive regular updates on its progress.

Conveniently, the nursery sits right at the main gates of Nairobi National Park , so you can visit both of these famous tourist attractions in the same day.

Giraffe Center

Located near the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery, the Giraffe Center is a must-visit attraction near Nairobi National Park. The center is devoted to the rehabilitation and reintroduction of the Rothschild Giraffe to the wildlife parks of Kenya. As part of a visit, the staff explain their work during a 15- to 20-minute overview.

A visit here allows you to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Equipped with your very own bowl of giraffe food, you'll be able to feed these curious creatures. The feeding area is on a raised platform, which puts you close to head height of the giraffes, who will stoop down slightly and extend their giant blackish, grey tongues to scoop up what you have on offer.

Although perhaps not as beautiful as the giraffes, several warthogs also roam the property and are also willing to eat the giraffe food should you be inclined to share with them.

Malindi

North of Mombasa on the Kenyan coast, Malindi has a split personality. This popular beach town is part historic old town, part modern tourist hub. Thanks to its rich trading history, it is also a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.

Travelers, many from Europe, come here to sun on the white sands of Watamu Beach and dive the coral reefs of the Malindi and Watamu Marine National Parks . If you're looking for free things to do in Kenya, you can do worse than bask on a beautiful Malindi Beach.

You can also soak up a dose of Swahili history in the historic town, which dates from the 12th century. Here, you can visit the Jami Mosque; two pillar tombs from the 14th century; and the Church of St. Francis Xavier, one of East Africa's oldest churches.

On the promontory, the Vasco De Gama Cross is one of the oldest standing monuments in Africa.

Another popular tourist attraction is the Falconry of Kenya , a rehabilitation center for sick and injured birds.

Also worth visiting, about 30 kilometers northeast of Malindi is the Marafa Depression . Also called Hell's Kitchen or Nyari this set of sandstone gorges sculpted by the wind and rain is like a mini Grand Canyon.

Mombasa

Mombasa is a multicultural tourist magnet. It's also Kenya's second largest city and biggest port. British, Portuguese, Arab, Indian, and Asian immigrants add to the rich cultural mix, and their influence is evident in the architecture, as well as the many different types of cuisine.

Mombasa is actually an island connected to its mushrooming development on the mainland by a causeway, bridges, and ferries. Coral reefs fringe the coast for 480 kilometers, providing fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities, especially at Mombasa Marine National Park and around Wasini Island. Dolphin watching and deep-sea fishing are also popular things to do in Mombasa.

You'll find plenty of tourist attractions along the Kenyan coast here. History buffs will enjoy exploring the 16th-century Fort Jesus and Old Town with its narrow streets, ancient Swahili dwellings, markets, and souvenir shops.

Other Mombasa tourist attractions cram the city's north shore, including Mombasa Go-Kart, cinemas, sports, and a cornucopia of restaurants.

This being a coastal hub, beach lovers will find some worthy strands nearby. North of the city, Nyali and Bamburi Beaches are favorites, while the white strands of Shelly, Tiwi, and Diani Beaches are popular spots south of Mombasa.

Mount Kenya National Park

In the Central Highlands, east of the Great Rift Valley , Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides the rare spectacle of equatorial snow . It encompasses the country's namesake highest mountain at 5,199 meters.

Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, Mount Kenya is actually comprised of three glacier-cloaked peaks. The highest is Batian, although Nelion, the next highest, is a tougher climb. The lowest peak, Lenana, is considered the easiest climb, although unpredictable weather can pose challenges.

Bring your camera. The striking scenery varies from glaciers, lakes, and mineral springs to alpine forest and dense pockets of bamboo.

The diversity of flora and fauna provides rewarding opportunities for safaris. Among the wildlife here, you may spot black and white colobus monkeys, buffalo, elephant, tree hyrax, leopard, and hyena.

Planning to spend a few days here? Nestled in the foothills, the famous Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is a luxury retreat with trout fishing, golf, and tennis.

Hell's Gate National Park

A hot spot for climbers, Hell's Gate National Park is one of the few parks in Kenya that allows camping and enables you to explore on foot or bicycle.

Hell's Gate offers excellent climbing and hiking opportunities, with two extinct volcanoes; the red cliffs of Hell's Gate Gorge; ObsidianCaves ; and the pointed column of rock known as Fischer's Tower , a former volcanic plug.

Geothermal features include hot springs and natural geysers hissing steam through vents in the earth's crust. The park also protects a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, baboons, hartebeest, eland, ostriches, gazelles, and more than 100 species of birds. Eagle and vulture breeding grounds also lie within the park.

The Oloor Karia Maasai Cultural Centre within the park is also worth a visit, with Maasai singing, dancing, and jewelry-making demonstrations.

Interestingly, Olkaria Geothermal Station lies within Hell's Gate National Park. It generates power from heated, pressurized water underground and is the first of its kind in Africa.

Rhino's at the Old Pejeta Conservancy

About 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, near Mount Kenya National Park , Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a prime place for close-up wildlife encounters.

Conservation and sustainability are key at this 90,000-acre private game reserve, where you can view the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), as well as other animals such as cheetah, hyenas, zebra, and hartebeest - all set against the breathtaking backdrop of snowcapped Mount Kenya.

The conservancy is perhaps best known for its northern and southern white rhinos, including Baraka, a blind black rhino, who lucky visitors might have the chance to feed.

You can view the wildlife on self-drive or guided tours, and entry includes a visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary . Day visitors are welcome, and if you want to extend your wilderness adventure, you can stay overnight in accommodations that range from bush camps and safari cottages to a charming colonial ranch house.

Official site: http://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/

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Lapped by the Indian Ocean, straddling the equator, and with Mount Kenya rising above a magnificent landscape of forested hills, patchwork farms and wooded savanna, Kenya is a richly rewarding place to travel. The country’s dramatic geography has resulted in a great range of natural habitats, harbouring a huge variety of wildlife, while its history of migration and conquest has brought about a fascinating social panorama, which includes the Swahili city-states of the coast and the Maasai of the Rift Valley.

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Kenya’s world-famous national parks, tribal peoples and superb beaches lend the country an exotic image with magnetic appeal. Treating it as a succession of tourist sights, however, is not the most stimulating way to experience Kenya. If you get off the beaten track, you can enter the world inhabited by most Kenyans: a ceaselessly active scene of muddy farm tracks, corrugated-iron huts, tea shops and lodging houses, crammed buses and streets wandered by goats and children. Both on and off the tourist routes, you’ll find warmth and openness, and an abundance of superb scenery – rolling savanna dotted with Maasai herds and wild animals, high Kikuyu moorlands grazed by cattle and sheep, and dense forests full of monkeys and birdsong. Of course the country is not all postcard-perfect: Kenya’s role in fighting Al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia has resulted in reprisal attacks, while if you start a conversation with any local you’ll soon find out about the country’s deep economic and social tensions.

The coast and major game parks are the most obvious targets. If you come to Kenya on an organized tour, you’re likely to have your time divided between these two attractions. Despite the impact of human population pressures, Kenya’s wildlife spectacle remains a compelling experience. The million-odd annual visitors are easily absorbed in such a large country, and there’s nothing to prevent you escaping the predictable tourist bottlenecks: even on an organized trip, you should not feel tied down.

The National Parks and Mombasa Highway

The major national parks and reserves, watered by seasonal streams, are mostly located in savanna on the fringes of the highlands that take up much of the southwest quarter of the country. The vast majority of Kenyans live in these rugged hills, where the ridges are a mix of smallholdings and plantations. Through the heart of the highlands sprawls the Great Rift Valley, an archetypal East African scene of dry, thorn-tree savanna, splashed with lakes and studded by volcanoes.

The hills and grasslands on either side of the valley – Laikipia and the Mara conservancies, for example – are great walking country, as are the high forests and moors of the Central Highlands and Mount Kenya itself – a major target and a feasible climb if you’re reasonably fit and take your time.

Nairobi, at the southern edge of the highlands, is most often used just as a gateway, but the capital has plenty of diversions to occupy your time while arranging your travels and some very worthwhile natural and cultural attractions in its own right.

In the far west, towards Lake Victoria, lies gentler countryside, where you can travel for days without seeing another foreign visitor and immerse yourself in Kenyan life and culture. Beyond the rolling tea plantations of Kericho and the hot plains around the port of Kisumu lies the steep volcanic massif of Mount Elgon, astride the Ugandan border. The Kakamega Forest, with its unique wildlife, is nearby, and more than enough reason to strike out west.

In the north, the land is desert or semi-desert, broken only by the highlight of gigantic Lake Turkana in the northwest, almost unnaturally blue in the brown wilderness and one of the most spectacular and memorable of all African regions.

Kenya’s “upcountry” interior is separated from the Indian Ocean by the arid plains around Tsavo East National Park. Historically, these have formed a barrier that accounts in part for the distinctive culture around Mombasa and the coastal region. Here, the historical record, preserved in mosques, tombs and the ruins of ancient towns cut from the jungle, marks out the area’s Swahili civilization. An almost continuous coral reef runs along the length of the coast, beyond the white-sand beaches, protecting a shallow, safe lagoon from the Indian Ocean.

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Tribal dance, Karatina, Kenya

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Local overpopulation of elephants is usually the result of old migration routes being cut off, forcing the elephants into reserves – like the Maasai Mara and its neighbouring conservancies – where their massive appetites can appear destructive. Adults may consume up to 170kg of plant material daily, so it’s estimated that several thousand tonnes of foliage pass through the Maasai Mara elephant population’s collective gut each month. This foliage destruction puts new life into the soil, however, as acacia seeds dunged by elephants are released when dung beetles tackle the football-sized droppings, breaking them into pellets and pulling them into their burrows where the seeds germinate. Elephants also dig up dried-out waterholes with their tusks, providing moisture for other animals. Elephants are architects of their environment , setting the inter-species agenda by knocking over trees, creating deadwood habitats for invertebrates and causing hundreds of other impacts, all of which are natural functions in a dynamic ecosystem. The jury is still out on how it works when the wildlife corridors are closed, or the parks fenced in. What is not in doubt is that their ivory is increasingly valuable and poaching is on the rise again. And when they are closely managed and secured in safe sanctuaries, the elephant populations quickly reach unsustainable levels. The Kenya Wildlife Service is getting proficient at translocating elephants, moving them around to balance the numbers.

• With an area of 580,400 square kilometres, Kenya is about two and a half times the size of the UK and nearly one and a half times the size of California. The population , which for many years had a growth rate higher than that of any other country, is now beginning to stabilize and currently stands at around 44 million.

• Kenya regained independence in 1963 after nearly eighty years of British occupation and colonial rule. The Republic of Kenya is a multiparty democracy with more than fifty registered political parties.

• With few mineral resources (though potentially viable oil reserves were confirmed recently), most of the foreign currency Kenya needs for vital imports is earned from coffee and tea exports, and tourism. Most Kenyans scrape a living through subsistence agriculture and remittances from one or two family members in paid employment.

• Kenyan society consists of a huge, impoverished underclass, a small but growing middle class and a tiny elite whose success often owes much to nepotism and bribery. Unbridled corruption percolates every corner of the country and affects every aspect of the economy.

• More positively, more than 93 percent of Kenyans have a mobile phone , an exceptionally high figure for a developing country. The mobile money service M-Pesa, allowing anyone with a mobile phone to send money to another phone user, is one of the most advanced in the world, and has transformed the lives of many poor Kenyans working far away from their families.

For Kenya’s forty-plus ethnic groups, the most important social marker is language and the best definition of a tribe (a term with no pejorative connotation) is people sharing a common first language. It’s not uncommon for people to speak three languages – their own, Swahili and English – or even four if they have mixed parentage.

The largest tribe, the Kikuyu , based in the central highlands, make up about 20 percent of the population; the Kalenjin from the Rift Valley 15 percent; the Luhya of western Kenya 14 percent; the Luo from the Nyanza region around Kisumu 12 percent; and the Kamba from east of Nairobi 11 percent. Many people from these big ethnic groups have had a largely Westernized orientation for two or three generations and their economic and political influence is considerable. Which isn’t to say you won’t come across highly educated and articulate people from every tribal background. “Tribes” have never been closed units and families often include members of different ethnic background, nowadays more than ever. Politics still tends to have an ethnic dimension, however: people retain a strong sense of whether they are locals or newcomers. Inter-tribal prejudice, although often regarded as taboo, or at best an excuse for humour, is still quite commonplace and occasionally becomes violent.

Smaller ethnic groups include the closely related Maasai and Samburu peoples, who make up little more than two percent of the population. Well known for their distinctive and still commonly worn traditional dress and associated with the national reserves named after them, they herd their animals across vast reaches of savanna and, when access to water demands it, drive them onto private land and even into the big towns. Many Turkana and some of the other remote northern groups also retain their traditional garb and rather tooled-up appearance, with spears and other weapons much in evidence.

Kenya has a large and diverse Asian population (perhaps more than 100,000 people), predominantly Punjabi- and Gujarati-speakers from northwest India and Pakistan, mostly based in the cities and larger towns. Descendants in part of the labourers who came to build the Uganda railway, they also include many whose ancestors arrived in its wake, to trade and set up businesses. There’s also a dispersed Christian Goan community, identified by their Portuguese surnames, and a diminishing Arabic community, largely on the coast.

Lastly, there are still an estimated 30,000 European residents – from British ex-servicemen to Italian aristocrats – and another 30,000 temporary expats. Some European Kenyans maintain a scaled-down version of the old farming and ranching life, and a few still hold senior civil service positions. Increasingly, however, the community is turning to the tourist industry for a more secure future.

East African Wildlife Society eawildlife.org . Influential Kenya-based group, centrally involved in the movement to ban the ivory trade. Publishes the excellent Swara magazine.

Ecotourism Society of Kenya ecotourismkenya.org . This local organization promotes sustainable tourism by awarding ratings to lodges, tented camps and tour operators.

Friends of Nairobi National Park fonnap.wordpress.com. Works to keep open the migration route into the park, and raise awareness about the remarkable environment on Nairobi’s doorstep.

Green Belt Movement greenbeltmovement.org . Grassroots conservation and women’s movement founded by the Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, who died in 2011.

Kenya Forests Working Group kenyaforests.org . Promotes sound forest management and conservation.

Nature Kenya naturekenya.org . The website of the East African Natural History Society organizes regular activities and has a good online newsletter.

Wildlife Direct wildlifedirect.org. Chaired by Richard Leakey, this is where conservation fundraising meets a network of conservationists, including more than 50 bloggers from the field in Kenya.

Travel advice for Kenya

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

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17 Top Attractions & Things to do in Kenya

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One of the best places to go on safari in the world, Kenya is renowned for its rich wildlife and innumerable nature reserves. While most people come to see the Big 5, pearly white beaches and historic Swahili settlements line its stunning coast.

Located in East Africa alongside the Indian Ocean, it has long been one of the most popular countries to visit on the continent. Incredibly diverse, its national parks encompass everything from mountains and deserts to wetlands, plains, and lakes. They host an abundance of wildlife with the Maasai Mara and its wildebeest migration being the most famous of the lot.

The wildlife safaris have been the top tourist attractions in Kenya for decades. Other things to do include trekking Mount Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara and snorkeling in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast. This makes for a nice change after days spent looking for elephants, giraffes and lions.

17. Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha

A lovely day trip destination or a quiet weekend away, Lake Naivasha lies only two hours’ drive from Nairobi. Although often overlooked in favor of the nearby Lake Nakuru and its famous flamingos, it too is known for its bountiful birdlife and beautiful scenery.

Part of the Great Rift Valley, the shallow freshwater lake’s name actually means ‘rough water’ in the Maasai language. Other than a sizeable population of hippos, it is home to around 400 bird species. These include not just egrets and African fish eagles but cormorants, pelicans, and kingfishers too. Big buffaloes and towering giraffes can also be spotted along its shores.

To see as many animals and birds as possible, lots of people take scenic boat trips out on the lake. You can also stay overnight at the comfy lodges that look out over its sparkling surface.

16. Karen Blixen Museum

Karen Blixen Museum

Lying on the southwestern outskirts of the capital, not far from Nairobi National Park, is the brilliant Karen Blixen Museum. Her former home provides an interesting look at the life of the Out of Africa author in Kenya.

From 1917 to 1931, the renowned Danish writer lived in a bungalow-style farmhouse at the foot of the Ngong Hills. Her famous memoir recounts what living on the coffee plantation was like. It also explores Kenya’s rich culture and colonial rule in British East Africa.

Now a historic house museum, its rooms are full of period pieces and original artifacts owned by the author. Surrounded by lush, green grounds, it makes for a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Nairobi.

15. Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park

One of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, Tsavo East is situated in the southeast, on the way to the coast from Nairobi. A great choice if you’re wondering where to go on safari, it boasts loads of awesome wildlife.

Once the hunting grounds of the Waliangulu and Kamba tribes, its sprawling savanna and semi-arid grasslands have been protected since 1948. As well as the Big 5, you can also spy huge hippopotami and camouflaged crocodiles alongside the Galana River. Overhead, crowned cranes and sacred ibis flap about beneath the park’s bright blue skies.

Constantly in contact with other guides, your driver will somehow get you up close to every animal imaginable. Thanks to them, we saw a family of elephants enjoying a red dust bath right beside the jeep. Although often seen throughout the park, this scene was still one of our favorite memories from our time in Kenya.

14. Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West National Park

Much more mountainous and swampy than its nearby namesake, Tsavo West lies just across a river and the A109 from the neighboring national park. Due to its more varied scenery and specially protected rhino sanctuary, it is slightly more popular to visit.

Also named after the Tsavo River, its rugged reaches are dotted by dramatic black lava flows and volcanic cones. Some exciting rock climbing can also be had up its craggy cliff faces. Here too, you’ll find the marvelous Mzima Springs where you can see hippos, crocs, and turtles.

This time, the highlight of our safari was seeing an incredibly rare eastern black rhinoceros. It stopped in the middle of the road before staring at us for what seemed like an eternity before slowly plodding back into the bush.

13. Fort Jesus, Mombasa

Fort Jesus

The coastal city’s main tourist attraction, the formidable Fort Jesus watches over the Old Port from Mombasa island. A fascinating place, it has some seriously impressive architecture and an extensive collection of artifacts for visitors to enjoy.

Built between 1593 and 1596, the crumbling old fort marks the first time a European power exerted its influence over trade in the Indian Ocean. An outstanding example of Portuguese Renaissance architecture, it is roughly square in shape with four bulwarks at its corners. Local Swahili people are thought however to have provided most of the labour, materials, and expert masonry techniques.

While we enjoyed seeing the fort and learning about its past, we preferred getting lost in the Old Town outside. Full of life, its traditional Swahili buildings house little local restaurants and souvenir shops selling masks, textiles, and jewellery.

12. Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Park

Unlike most of the country’s parks, Aberdare is more known for its scenic hikes and waterfalls than its abundant wildlife. Certain to delight nature lovers, it is nestled amongst the Central Highlands on the way from Nairobi to Nakuru.

Established back in 1950, it protects part of the Aberdare Mountains that range from 2,000 to 4,000 metres in height. Covering its vast valleys and the lower slopes of its prominent peaks are rivers, forests, and even some waterfalls. A large population of eastern black rhinos and elephants also live amongst these diverse landscapes.

Some of the best hikes are to Mount Satima’s summit or along the challenging yet rewarding Elephant Hills trail. Not to be missed are the stunning Chania and Karuru falls, both of which make for some epic photos and viewing hidden away amidst the verdant forest.

11. Diani Beach

Diani Beach

If after all the safaris and sightseeing you just want to relax and unwind, then the idyllic Diani Beach is definitely the place to go. Set just south of Mombasa, all its wide, white sands are a treat to lounge on lazily. Here you can also enjoy a wealth of fun watersports.

Stretching around seventeen kilometers in length, the relaxing resort area lies alongside the twinkling Indian Ocean. Dotted up and down the palm tree-fringed beach are countless luxury hotels and resorts. Many offer all-inclusive packages and can arrange safari trips for guests.

Besides being one of the best beaches we’ve been to (it really does look breathtaking), there are loads of things to do to try. Kite surfing and jet skiing are both super fun while scuba diving and snorkeling highlight its rich marine life. You can also take sightseeing cruises along the coast or quad-biking trips around the nearby villages.

10. Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell's Gate National Park

For those after an active holiday, Hell’s Gate National Park is a good bet thanks to its excellent hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Its relatively close proximity to Nairobi and cheaper entrance fees also mean that plenty of people head here.

Lying just to the south of Lake Navaisha, it is named after a narrow gap in the park’s colossal cliffs. Asides from the slender gorge’s ruddy red rocks, there are also a couple of long-extinct volcanoes to explore. Some of the most arresting formations to photo are those created long ago by cooling molten lava.

As very few predators reside within this part of the Great Rift Valley, many visitors hike or bike about the park. While visiting its hot springs and Maasai Cultural Centre, keep an eye out for the local wildlife. Other than African buffaloes and elands, you can sometimes see hyenas, baboons, and ostriches amidst the undergrowth.

9. Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park

The only nature reserve of its kind in the world, Nairobi National Park literally lies right on the doorstep of the country’s capital. Seeing its skyline as you look at lions, elephants, and giraffes is a surreal feeling that needs to be experienced.

Set aside in the forties to protect the region’s dwindling wildlife, it mainly consists of endless open grass plains. Here and there though, you’ll find pockets of forests along rivers and small rocky gorges scattered about. Living in the park are everything from gazelles and cheetahs to crocodiles, jackals, and common eland.

While we did do several safaris in Kenya, we are still happy we went here. Its diverse wildlife and delightfully different views made the visit quite special. After all, there aren’t many cities in the world where wildebeest and zebra migrations take place almost right through it.

8. Lamu Island

Lamu Island

One of the best places in East Africa to experience traditional Swahili culture is the lovely little Lamu Island. Located along Kenya’s northeastern coastline, it is a very relaxing spot that feels like you’ve traveled back in time.

Part of the attractive archipelago of the same name, Lamu is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the nation. Founded in the twelfth century, the labyrinthe-like streets of its Old Town are lined by charming coral stone buildings and quiet inner courtyards.

More peaceful and better preserved than Zanzibar’s Stone Town, it is known for its intricately carved wooden doors and cute donkeys. After seeing its museum and fort, you can relax on its white sandy beaches or explore some other nearby villages. Many people also take tranquil dhow boat trips about the archipelago.

7. Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya

The second-highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya towers 5,199 meters above the plains, valleys, and forests below. Now protected as a national park, it generally takes four or five arduous days to reach its soaring summit. Climbing the summit is probably one of the most difficult and rewarding things to do in Kenya.

Formed around three million years ago, the enormous, extinct stratovolcano is actually where the country’s name came from. One of its main symbols and sights, its slopes are very heavily eroded while ice caps coat its upper reaches.

The mighty mount has three separate peaks for avid adventurers to summit with Batian being the loftiest of the lot. Although Nelion is the toughest of the three, Lenana’s unpredictableness can pose a problem. After braving the steep climb and challenging weather conditions though, spectacular views greet you at the top.

Malindi

Another popular place to head if you’re after some sun, sea, and sand is Malindi. Located along the Indian Ocean, it has lots of fantastic beaches, hotels, and nature parks for you to stop by.

Long a hub for Italian tourists, its string of pearly white beaches is actually where Vasca da Gama landed in 1498. Still standing in the same spot overlooking the ocean is the coral pillar he erected all those years ago. For more historic sites, you can explore the Gede Ruins which protect the crumbling remains of a twelfth-century Swahili town.

Most holidaymakers however come to Malindi for its beaches. Bordered by twinkling turquoise waters, their sweeping white sands make for quite the sight. The ocean does sometimes turn a murky brown color though around the mouth of the Sabaki River.

5. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

If you’re after an unforgettable (and adorable!) animal encounter, then you just have to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. At their sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi, you can watch baby elephants feed, play, and frolic about together.

Since being founded back in 1977, it has rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of orphaned and injured elephants. At their center, young ones are first hand-reared until the age of two or three by their keepers. Later on, they are sent to Tsavo East before eventually being released back into the wild.

Each day, a certain number of guests can visit the orphanage and see the elephants. As you can imagine, watching them play football and roll around in the mud is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

4. Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru

One of the most iconic sights in all of Africa is the vast flock of bright pink flamingos that live in Lake Nakuru. Instantly recognizable, they make for some fabulous photos with white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes also regularly spied nearby.

Stretching almost endlessly away into the distance, its reflective waters lie within the Great Rift Valley. Now a national park, it protects over 450 bird species alongside a handful of lions, cheetahs and leopards. At times, more than a million of the fantastic flamingos flock here due to its abundant algae.

While the rhinos and flamingos are the main attraction, there is plenty more to see along its scenic lakeshore. Zebra and waterbucks often water here while sizable pythons slowly slither their way about its dense woodlands.

3. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park

Thanks to its huge herds of elephants and ample wildlife, Amboseli National Park is routinely ranked among the best places to go on safari. Lying almost on the border with neighboring Tanzania, its savannas, woods, and wetlands really are a treat to explore.

Meaning ‘salty, dusty place’ in the Maa language, its unique habitats have been recognized as a nature park since 1908. While some parts are incredibly arid, the areas around its swamps almost create an oasis. Here life flourishes, with 1,600 free-ranging elephants reckoned to live in Amboseli at the last count.

Besides trying to spot the Big 5, you can learn all about local Maasai culture at the traditional Muteleu village nearby. On top of this, the silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro blotting out the sky on the horizon only adds to the park’s already considerable appeal.

2. Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve

Even more wild and remote is the incredible Samburu National Reserve to the north of Mount Kenya. Due to the long distances from Nai, it sees much fewer visitors than other parks. This and its staggeringly diverse landscapes mean large numbers of lots of animals live here.

Located almost slap bang in the center of the country, it is mostly dry and dusty though rivers and forests can be found here and there. It is this wide variety of vegetation and the winding Ewaso Ngi’ro River that attract all the animals.

Asides from your standard lions, cheetahs, and leopards, the park is particularly known for its dry-country fauna. These include the East African oryx as well as generuk, Grevy’s zebras, and reticulated giraffes. While it takes some getting to, Samburu is well worth it for the different animals and scenery you see.

1. Masai Mara

Masai Mara

Renowned around the world, the Masai Mara is one of Kenya’s, and the continent’s, most famous safari destinations. The highlight of our time in East Africa, it boasts exceptional populations of lions and leopards, cheetahs, and elephants, alongside countless others.

Named in honor of the Maasai, its open grasslands and seasonal riverlets merge with the Serengeti to the south. Each year, the park’s plains host the Great Migration; an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon like no other. This is when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate en masse as predators try to pick them off.

Seeing them all seemingly move as one is an unbelievable experience that will certainly leave you feeling small. Outside of this tumultuous time, visitors can still easily see all of the Big 5 roaming about the park. Crocs and hippos can also be spotted along the Mara and Talek rivers as long-crested eagles and African pygmy falcons swoop about overhead.

Map of Things to do in Kenya

Kenya Map

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Reader interactions.

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October 30, 2014 at 5:50 pm

Kenya is absolutely an amazing country, its so beautiful, breathtaking and eccentric. What has made Kenya so special is the diverse wildlife, the beaches, the Kenyan Mountain and off course its pleasant weather. One important thing about Kenyan people I have found out, I think Kenyan people in general are humble and absolute genuine. God have blessed them all. I really love Kenya the country itself and the wonderful people. I’m actually studying Travel & Tourism. I’m really looking forward to see it. Hazjar Iraqi

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October 7, 2014 at 10:31 pm

Kenya is indeed a spectacular and breathtaking place to visit in the Heart of Africa. We love you, and wish you a safe journey and good health as you plan for a visit. You will definitely experience the hospitality and warmth more than you expected. Proud to be a Kenyan Soldier. I love my country, and together we can make this world a better sustainable world. God Bless Kenya, God bless you!!

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August 28, 2014 at 2:14 am

KENYA,is a great country and beautiful one having the most spetacular sceneries in the world and its peaceful nature ………..if you visit malindi ,maasai mara and mt kenya you may think you are in another universe of its own because you cant believe what you see….,i love kenya

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August 21, 2014 at 6:02 am

Having been in the travel industry for about 8 yrs now,i believe Kenya is among the top travel destinations…it offers quite a variety of destinations from just day trips ,short trips and definately the long safaris which gives you an opportunity to learn much about kenya.

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May 8, 2014 at 6:02 am

Kenya is like a mini earth.from snow in the mt.kenya peak,tropical forests in nyanza,vast deserts in the northern frontier..the list continues.am so proud to be kenyan

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April 1, 2014 at 2:08 am

kenya is spetacular#studied tour guide and i love my job

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October 18, 2023 at 1:22 am

It’s true that Kenya has most attractive animals and plants to see.

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February 13, 2014 at 7:48 am

Kenya is the best country I’ve been to great fun.

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November 22, 2013 at 3:43 am

i couldnt have been born in a better country.kenya is a beautiful place to be.am a proud kenyan

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October 31, 2013 at 2:28 am

even though we are losing our wildlife at a devastating rate i have always been hopeful that the time has come for us to implement the new wildlife policies and save our wildlife hence continue enjoying the flow of the revenue. it is and it has been my prayer to conserve the nature of our nation

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October 22, 2013 at 7:52 am

kenya is one of the best places to go in a lifetime, the variety of animals in their natural habitats and the beautiful beaches attract a lot of tourists from all over the world. Beholding the wildebeest migration in Masai mara and Serengeti should be in everybody’s to-do list

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June 16, 2013 at 3:13 am

I am studying tour guiding and cannot wait to visit the fascinating wild Kenya.

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June 4, 2013 at 6:51 am

I am studying tour guide I can’t wait to go on practice

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May 14, 2013 at 9:44 pm

kenya is my country and i love it very much. my dream is to be become a tour guide to guide you to these beautiful resource in kenya

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October 16, 2012 at 6:43 am

My friends and I are planning to come to kenya next year (2013), can’t wait.

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September 20, 2012 at 5:03 am

Traveling to Kenya, especially the Masia Mara is one of my dreams. Earlier this year I was fortunate to travel most of Namibia. So, that dream realized. Next will definitely be Kenya. We must do these things before nothing is left.

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The Top 25 Tourist Attractions in Kenya

kenya for tourism

Kenya offers a fantastic safari destination to enjoy a diversity of incredible and iconic African wildlife. Here we list some of the 25 best attractions and things to do in Kenya with links to different tours, accommodation, and some travel bloggers who have visited the areas to give you their own opinions.

Game Safari on the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is a wildlife-filled savanna habitat contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. There is a fantastic variety of animals to see on your safari and some of the icons you can find roaming the Masai Mara include giraffes walking the plains, elephants at waterholes or sometimes investigating your camp, the occasional rhino standing its ground, hyenas scouting for food, hippos and crocodiles in the waterways, and lions resting in the shade.

These are then joined once a year by millions of wildebeest accompanied by zebra and antelope, which cross from the dry grass in Tanzania to the lush green savanna of the Masai Mara.

Game drives on the Masai Mara are a must-do activity for your visit to Kenya. And our recommendation to make the most of your visit is the Mara Bushtops Camp .

Nestled in its own secluded conservancy, the Mara Bushtops Camp offers you exclusive Masai Mara encounters minus the crowds. This award-winning luxury camp blends luxury with sustainability, harnessing eco-friendly practices and helps to support local Maasai communities, including direct support for local schools and from guest donations. The camp fosters enduring partnerships with Maasai communities, jointly safeguarding this remarkable conservancy.

The camp has been featured in Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler and National Geographic. And it certainly deserves the attention.

You can check availability for your travel dates and learn more about the safari by sending your request direct to the Mara Bushtops Camp using the tour bubble below.

The Bushtops Mara Camp, Kenya

The Mara Bushtops Safari Camp

The Mara Bushtops Camp is where luxury meets the wild. Nestled in its own private paradise, the luxury camp offers ...

Includes: all meals, 2 daily game drives or full day game drives with picnic lunch, accommodation, sun downer and night game drive, walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger, all non alcoholic drinks, beers, house wines, selected house spirits. | 3, 4, 5 days+

Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Masai Mara

Hot Air Balloon, Mara Bushtops Camp

As a fantastic draw to Kenya, you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara to see some truly remarkable wildlife spectacles from a very unique perspective. Enjoy a stay at the Mara Bushtops Camp offering this incredible activity.

The luxurious Mara Bushtops Camp is situated in a private Masai Mara conservancy offering you an exclusive experience with more privacy while at camp and while on safari.

In addition to fantastic game drives to find elephants, rhinos, giraffes and many other animals, one of the best activity options is the hot air balloon ride for incredible memories of this iconic region.

Float over the Masai Mara on a before-dawn hot air balloon ride. The flames from the burners inflate the craft and light the morning’s darkness, with the crew preparing the balloon for your adventure. The balloon rises with daybreak as the first glimpses of sunlight illuminate the savanna. You will then be on your adventure in the suspended basked beneath the balloon with your camera poised for some fantastic images.

The flight over the Mara lasts around 60 minutes and we will drift where the wind takes us. There will be many opportunities for photographs or filming a unique angle on the animals. In keeping with true hot air ballooning tradition, your flight then ends with a champagne breakfast, which will be cooked where we land followed by a transfer back to your comfortable camp.

To check availability for your travel dates, send your request to the Mara Bushtops Camp using the tour bubble below.

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park, Kenya

The main tourist attraction in Nairobi, the Nairobi National Park is unique as the only national park within a city boundary. From the edge of the city, you can even see giraffes in the distance. The wide open grasslands of the national park are backed by the city’s buildings and you can find a wide variety of iconic wildlife living here, such as lions, giraffes, cheetah, hyenas, buffalo, and a diversity of birdlife.

A historically important protected area, this was Kenya’s first national park and is just 7 km south of the city. You can see the Ivory Burning Monument where the Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi made a statement for conservation by burning 12 tons of ivory at the site back in 1989. This was during a time when hunting of large animals in East Africa was at an all time high.

Although a small national park at 117 square kilometers (28,963 acres), many animals call the park home and it’s the destination of choice for a great many migrating herbivores. The park is also home to one of Kenya’s healthiest rhino populations.

The park joins to a conservation corridor for the Athi-Kapiti plains towards the south of the park making is such a draw for wildlife. In addition to the iconic larger animals, there are a number of others to be found here including ostriches, baboons, gazelles, eland, impala, and a very high diversity of birds. Including migrants, there are around 500 different bird species found within the park boundaries making it a great place for birders.

The park includes a rhinoceros sanctuary, which was originally set up in 1963, which has become one of the most successful in Kenya. The Nairobi National Park is, therefore, one of the only places where visitors have an almost certain chance of seeing black rhinoceros in their natural habitat.

For the best experience of Nairobi National Park, we recommend the Ololo Safari Lodge positioned with beautiful national park views. Head out on safaris from the lodge to enjoy incredible wildlife viewing then return to the luxurious comfort of the lodge and delicious meals.

To learn more and check availability for your travel dates, send the Ololo Safari Lodge a message using the tour bubble below.

The Ololo Safari Lodge, Nairobi, Kenya

The Ololo Safari Lodge

The Ololo Safari Lodge offers you a very comfortable base to experience the Nairobi National Park’s incredible wildlife and scenery. ...

Includes: airport transfers, full breakfasts, 2-course lunches, 3-course dinners, soft drinks, house wine, house beer, selected spirits, 2 daily Nairobi National Park game drives, guided walks to Anselm & Kitengela Hot Glass, guided farm tours. | 3, 4, 5 days+

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park - Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Positioned in the Rift Valley, Amboseli National Park is just southeast of Nairobi and is the second most popular protected area in Kenya after the Masai Mara National Reserve. One of the best places to see wild elephants, the Amboseli National Park is a world famous protected area among wildlife lovers and safari goers. The park covers 39,206 hectares and is located across the Kenya-Tanzania border. The park is world famous for how easy it is to see wild African elephants, but there is a lot more to see here. The park provides great opportunities to see different iconic African animals, including the elephants, buffalo, impala, kudu, wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, hyena, zebra, and giraffes. Not only mammals, Amboseli is home to around 400 different species of birds, including kingfishers, raptors, and pelicans.

In addition to incredible wildlife safaris, the park provides a great cultural experience where you can meet some of the Maasai and visit a traditional village. Of course, this is also a fantastic place to see the world-famous Mount Kilimanjaro. As the world’s highest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro is the jewel in the park and makes a fantastic backdrop while on safari, which is actually located just across the border in Tanzania.

The habitats to enjoy in the park include savanna grasslands, wetlands, and woods. The scenery of the park is incredible and although the mountain itself can be obscured with could cover, the mountain often reveals itself at dawn and dusk. You will have some fantastic wildlife experiences within the park and you can choose to explore the park on game drives, horseback rides, and walking safaris. There are a number of fantastic lodges in the park, including some very comfortable luxury options.

Some travel bloggers who visited the Amboseli National Park are Seattle from Seattlestravels.com and Helen from Heleninwonderlust.co.uk .

Tsavo East National Park & Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo National Park - Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

When taken together, this is one of the largest national parks in Kenya and the Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest in the country. The park is named after the Tsavo River, which flows through the protected area. The park was split because of the railway that links Nairobi with Mombasa, which means you will have fantastic views on the train journey and opportunities for seeing different wild animals.

There are a few different natural attractions in the park, such as the Yatta Plateau, which is the world’s longest lava flow at 290 km. You can also enjoy the Lugard Falls, which is a series of white water rapids on the Galana River. But the main attraction is the wildlife and you can see many of the African icons, such as the park’s famous Tsavo lions that lack the usual lion mane. Other animals to see include cheetah, buffalo, African hunting dog, elephants, duiker, gazelle, hyena, leopards, and a variety of others.

In addition to the fantastic mammal sightings in the park, you can enjoy 500 different birds including kingfishers, hornbills, kestrels, buzzards, and ostriches.

Tsavo East National Park This is the largest of the park sections and contains the flattest ground. The section contains the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls. Because of the flatter area and lack of vegetation, it’s often easier to spot more wildlife in this section.

Tsavo West National Park This section of the park contains more fascinating geography and is more mountainous. The area also contains more swamps and lakes, which makes it the favored section for bird watchers, but also for seeing some of the big game animals, such as elephants, rhino, hippo, lions, and leopards.

There are some fantastic lodges to enjoy in both the Tsavo East National Park & Tsavo West National Park to make the most of your stay and to enjoy safaris to see the animals. Many of the lodges have a waterhole close-by, which means the wildlife comes to you.

Visit Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria, Kenya

Lake Victoria is the world’s largest tropical lake and is the jewel in the Great Rift Valley region. The lake then feeds the Nile River, which was one of the world’s longest and most historically significant rivers. The lake itself is shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and plays an important role in each country.

Named after Queen Victoria, the lake is only exceeded in size by Lake Superior and is a marvel to behold when standing on the lake shore. The lake area is home to a number of birds and contains around 200 different fish, including economically important species for the surrounding regions, such as the Tilapia. However, the wildlife here is quite sparse compared with nearby lakes, such as Lake Nakuru which we will mention next. You can, however, combine both these experiences on the same tour. Lake Victoria is the preferred place for relaxation and contains some beautiful islands where you enjoy tours around the lake to observe different birds and beautiful scenery.

Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Lake Nakuru is one the most popular lakes of the Great Rift Valley and is protected in the Lake Nakuru National Park. The picturesque Lake Nakuru and national park is well known for abundant flamingos, rhino and fantastic scenery.

There are different lodges near the lake that offer excellent tours. You will begin your excursion to Lake Nakuru after an early breakfast and will enjoy a drive to the Great Rift Valley. Although this is one of Kenya’s smallest national parks, many visitors regard it as one of the most attractive. The lake itself draws many different animals, such as the great and lesser flamingos, which are the stars of the area, but also a large number of rhino.

In addition to the flamingos and many other birds, the other animals to see in the area include warthogs, baboons, hippos, and of course the rhinos. The word Nakuru itself means ‘dusty place’ in the local Maasai language and the park was established in 1961 and originally only included the lake itself, but now incorporates some of the surrounding savanna habitat. Some lucky visitors even see the area’s population of tree-climbing lions and there are about 50 individuals that roam the park.

Mombasa & Mombasa Island

Beachside, Mombasa - Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Mombasa island is on Kenya’s coast and located east from Nairobi through the Tsavo National Park if coming by railway, although you can also find the international airport on the island along with the city of Mombasa. The city itself is the second largest in Kenya after Nairobi and offers a warmer climate. From Mombasa, you have access to Kenya’s coastal areas and fantastic beaches.

The world famous Kenyan coastline is fringed with palm trees and dotted with comfortable accommodation options. This provides a fantastic and contrasting place to relax after your Kenyan safari. You can enjoy attractive scenery, historical attractions, beautiful beaches, and diverse coral reefs.

As Mombasa is a very busy port city, you can expect a bit of hustle and bustle but usually it’s still with a relaxed vibe. It’s one of the oldest settlements in East Africa and makes a fascinating place to absorb the continent’s history. Although there aren’t many defined tourist attractions in the city, one of the must-visit areas is Fort Jesus and the Old Town.

Fort Jesus is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of eastern Africa’s oldest European buildings. With 2.5 metre (8 ft) thick stone walls, the fortress was built to be indestructible and became the focus of control for many power struggles on the east African coast. Later, the fort became a prison used by the British and was then converted to a museum, which now houses different artifacts to showcase the history of Mombasa and the regional culture.

Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves

Samburu National Reserve - Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Just north of Mount Kenya in a more arid part of Kenya, the three national reserves of Samburu, Shaba, and Buffalo Springs all border each other and are often regarded as the same protected area. The area includes woodland, a large amount of bushland, and grassland home to many different African icons, such as zebra, giraffe, bush elephants, oryx, buffalo, Masai lions, leopards, cheetah, and hyena. The rivers are then home to hippos and crocodiles. There are around 400 different birds to find in the area making it a great place for birders and there are even Somali ostriches commonly found within the reserves.

The Shaba reserve is particularly good for fantastic scenery surrounding the Shaba Hill volcano and contains grassland and woodlands. The waterholes here are often visited by zebra and this particular section was the focus of the book and film Born Free and the movie Out of Africa making it a very popular tourist destination. Shaba is a bit greener than the Samburu area and doesn’t see as many giraffes or Grant’s Zebra. You can find warthogs, gazelles, kudu, oryx, and the larger prides of Masai lions, which are the stars of this section. Because of its arid nature, this is some of the best places in Kenya to see cheetah and ostrich.

The wildlife here doesn’t match the impressive nature of southern parks, such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo protected areas but still makes a fascinating visit surrounded by beautiful scenery.

The Shaba National Reserve is located at the eastern side of the total protected area with the Samburu Reserve to the west. Buffalo Springs National Reserve is then at the south west of the area just south of the river. Popularly, all off these sections are often combined under the umbrella of the Samburu protected area and despite being different reserves, you only need to pay one entrance fee to enjoy game drives that cross the sections.

Mombasa Marine National Park

Kenya Beach - Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

The Mombasa Marine National park is a protected area of coastal water, including the coastal mangroves and Indian Ocean territorial waters. It contains different coral reefs with an abundance of animal life, which covers around 200 km² (49,400 acres). The park is very close to the tourist hubs and makes a fantastic trip for some excellent snorkeling and diving experiences.

This area and other Kenyan reefs are ranked as one of the world’s top dive sites along with the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The park’s water at the surface is usually warm and stays between 25°C and 31°C adding to its attraction, which combines with the coconut palms, blue waters, and golden sandy beaches. People enjoy a range of activities in the area, including snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, and water skiing.

Visit Nairobi

Fruit Market, Nairobi - Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Kenya’s capital and largest city, Nairobi is the base for many tourists visiting Kenya for their African safari experience on the Masai Mara or other protected area. As the city’s main tourist attractions, there is even the Nairobi National Park within the city boundary, which we will mention next in a bit more detail.

Nairobi was initially established as a rail depot by the British and grew to become the country’s capital. This is now a vibrant and culture-filled city with fantastic restaurants and attractions, including the national museum, orphanages for various animals, the nearby national park, and some fascinating buildings.

For safety concerns, you should have your wits about you in the city as like any city in impoverished areas, crime can be an issue and we recommend that you avoid walking around at night. But if you pay attention to your surroundings and stay sensible, you can have a fantastic few days here before or after your safari.

The Nairobi National Museum is an interesting place to visit to learn about Kenya’s natural and cultural history and there are many different anthropological items on display. You can also visit the museum’s botanical garden and restaurants to enjoy a few hours in the city center.

There are some great shopping areas, such as the Masai market to haggle over different crafts and souvenirs. There are also a few art galleries to visit, cultural centers, tea and coffee houses, and a butterfly house.

A travel blogger who visited Nairbobi is Mark from Migrationology.com .

You can enjoy guided tours of Nairobi as well as the wildlife-rich Nairobi National Park by enjoying a stay at the very comfortable Ololo Safari Lodge.

The Ruins of Gedi

Kenya’s most incredible cultural and historical attraction, the ruins are located in the village of Gedi, which is in turn near the town of Malindi. The ruins are the remains of a Swahili town that thrived sometime between the 13th and 17th centuries.

Mysteriously, there are no records of the town aside from the evidence of its existence unearthed over a ten year period between 1948 and 1958 showing a population of Muslim inhabitants that were involved in world trade. Excavators found a Ming vase from China, a lamp from India, and even beads from Italy. The excavation showed that the town reached around 2500 people, and as dedication to this previously unknown town, a museum was constructed to showcase the artifacts and to pay homage to the inhabitants.

Hidden in the forest and strangely unknown to Portuguese traders at the time, Gedi sits on the coast and backs into the forest. Baobabs and magnificent buttress-rooted trees dot the area and the ruins of the site include a mosque, stone built houses, and a palace. These structures give some indication to the people who inhabited the town. Not only do the buildings give insight into the people, but also the town’s technological advancement for the time. The houses contained flush toilets and the bathrooms had drains with gutters even lining the town’s streets. Wells were used to provide water for the inhabitants and the material to build the houses was sourced from the nearby coral reef.

The Giraffe Center

Giraffe Manor - Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Another must-visit attraction to see, the center cares for different Rothschild giraffes as part of a breeding program to help restock national parks and aid the conservation of giraffe populations. Happily, the sanctuary has had high success and is now a major tourist attraction in Nairobi.

Thanks to the founders who established the breeding sanctuary back in 1979, the center has provided many breeding pairs of giraffes to several protected areas in Kenya. As well as the breeding pairs, young calves born at the sanctuary are also introduced into the parks.

The main draw of the center for visitors is the raised observation platform where people can feed the giraffes. To add a little diversity, the center is also inhabited by a number of warthogs that live happily with their larger long-necked friends. Visitors can even stay at the Giraffe Manor to enjoy an immersive giraffe-experience for your stay in Nairobi.

The Giraffe center is about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from Nairobi center and makes the perfect activity if you find yourself in Nairobi for a few days before or after your African safari.

Not only actively involved in Kenya’s conservation programs, the sanctuary also has different education programs for Kenyan schoolchildren as part of the community outreach program. Visitors can hear about the work the center is doing in the auditorium to enjoy talks about giraffe conservation and the center’s various programs, such as the annual environmental competition for local children.

As an additional surprise, the center contains a 95 acre nature sanctuary, which is composed of both Ngong and Ololua forest, including the Gogo River. You can enjoy a trail walk through the forest to see different monkeys, warthogs, and antelope. Of course, the center also includes a tea house with wonderful views of the giraffes to enjoy a light meal and drink.

Some travel bloggers who visited the Giraffe Center are Deepa & Jayant from Wheelsonourfeet.com and Nicola from Travelpennies.com .

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Maasai - Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an example of a successful protected area of community conservation. Located in northern Kenya, the 62,000 acre (250 km2) area can be enjoyed on guided game drives to see a range of wildlife, including lions, zebra, leopards, elephants, cheetah, buffalo, and both white and black rhino. The conservancy’s birdlife is also fantastic for keen bird watchers and you can spot about 350 different species within the conservancy

As well as the game drives, you can also enjoy fascinating wildlife walks in the sanctuary led by our highly trained wildlife guides to spot some fantastic animals and plants. It’s the walking safaris that the conservancy prides itself on.

While out in the conservancy, you can enjoy the wildlife blinds that were set up to improve your wildlife watching and photography opportunities to see elephants, waterbuck, and other animals drinking from the marsh.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Zebra - Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Hell’s Gate National Park is famous for its steam geysers and geology. The area also has some fascinating wildlife and is well known for the many great areas to see birds of prey, such as the raptors. You can hike down the gorge to see the hot springs and if you choose to visit from Loldia House, you can enjoy a guided walk with one of the resident naturalist guides.

Just south of Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate National Park was named after a narrow passage in the cliffs, which was once a waterway that fed early humans in the Rift Valley.

The protected area is a great place to see spectacular scenery with some incredible natural features. This is also a great place to enjoy a variety of activities, including mountain biking, rock climbing, and visiting the natural hot pools.

The red cliffs and grasslands provide a fantastic backdrop while you walk among the different wildlife, such as herds of zebra, antelope, and gazelles. Although the large predators here are rarely seen, some visitors do get lucky and you have chance opportunities to see lions, leopards, and cheetah. In addition to the large mammals, there are around 100 different birds you can see in Hell’s Gate including the rare bearded vulture, as the reserve provides one of the country’s remaining strongholds for the species.

The park also contains the Olkaria Geothermal Plant, which is hoped to provide around half of the country’s energy needs by sustainable energy. The plant doesn’t affect the area’s beauty and the minimal environmental impact will be considerably outweighed by saving the country needing more damaging energy sources.

Haller Park

Located in Mombasa on Kenya’s coastline, Haller Park was a chance foundation that started when Dr. Rene Haller noticed some millipedes feeding on dry casuarina needles in a quarry area. He decided to introduce hundreds of these red legged millipedes with the idea that they may re-engineer the forest.

Haller Park now provides homes for a variety of animals and plants, but also functions as a relaxation destination for visitors. It took around 10 years before significant changes occurred and after 20 years the humus layer had a depth of 10 cm.

The animals that seem to have taken particularly well in the newly reformed habitat and have been playing important roles in succession are different birds, insects, and vervet monkeys. Some larger mammals were then introduced by Haller to provide different functions, such as eland and oryx.

The park is a fantastic place to visit for a glimpse at the potential of conservation and restoration, but also is popular with animal lovers in its own right. The park is now home to giraffes, hippos, Cape buffalo, zebra, and over 160 different birds. The park reached fame thanks to a 130 year old tortoise named Mzee adopting an orphaned hippopotamus named Owen.

The birds in the park include pelicans, cranes, and weaver birds. There are areas to ride your bicycle and walking trails that wind through the different gardens, reptile park, crocodile pens, and butterfly house.

Arabuko Sokoke National Park

The Arabuko Sokoke National Park is a coastal protected area of forest about 100 km north of Mombasa and contains a lot of endemic species, including different mammals, birds, and plants. The forest here is regarded as one of the best preserved in the country and protects a few different forest types, which are each home to their different communities.

The endemic species that live in the park include a number of birds such as the Sokoke pipit, Amani sunbird, and spotted ground thrush. There are also different shrews and duiker. As well as these endemic animals, you can find elephants, baboons, vervet monkeys, and others.

The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest itself extends beyond the park and is the largest remaining tract of native coastal forest in East Africa. You can access the area from the small town of Watamu, which is just 10 km from the forest. You can enjoy a visitor information center at the Gede Forest Station and will then have access to a number of trails around the forest.

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha, Kenya

Just northwest of Nairobi and southeast of Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha is the highest lake in the Great Rift Valley and offers a fantastic place to observe some of the 400 different birds in the region. You can spot various animals on game drives and river cruises, such as the hippos and different birds.

Enjoy cruises on the lake to spot cormorants, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and eagles. The other birds include jacanas, egrets, bee-eaters, and storks. You will then see the millions of greater and lesser flamingos at the lake edges.

With a surface area of 139 km², when standing on one side of the lake you cannot even see the other other. The name Naivasha is derived from a word in the the Maasai language meaning rough water as sudden storms can occur on the lake.

In addition to being a great lake for tourists, this is the only economically important inland lake in Kenya with horticulture and floriculture businesses. Because it’s such a great area for these industries, the balance is starting to be thrown. Kenya supplies a lot of the flowers used by Europe and much of this industry is around the lake. There are some changes to the lake, which have started to mobilize conversation groups. For instance, the flamingos should really only visit salt lakes such as the nearby Lake Nakuru and their presence indicates some major changes.

Visit Lamu Old Town

Lamu, Kenya

Nestled on the enchanting island of Lamu, off the East African coast, lies a treasure that has stood the test of time — Lamu Old Town. This remarkable enclave is a living testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. As the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, Lamu Old Town exudes an air of authenticity that transports visitors to a bygone era.

The town’s architecture, built with the resilient coral stone and mangrove timber, is a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication. Its structural forms are adorned with inner courtyards, intricate verandas, and ornate wooden doors, each telling a story of craftsmanship and artistry. Lamu’s legacy stretches back centuries, having played a pivotal role in trade, culture, and education. Its legacy as a center of Islamic and Swahili studies is unrivaled, hosting renowned religious festivals and cultural gatherings since the 19th century.

Lamu’s allure is more than its stunning architecture and history—it’s the convergence of cultures that have woven together over 700 years. The town’s streets, a labyrinthine web, echo Arab traditions of urban development, leading explorers through an intricate tapestry of alleys and passages. As you approach from the sea, the stone buildings along the waterfront create a captivating tableau, punctuated by arched arcades and open verandas.

Bomas of Kenya

Clearly a very tourist-focused affair but still an enjoyable day out, the attraction offers a miniature version of Kenya. The bomas are located just 10 km from Nairobi center close to the famous Nairobi National Park. You will enjoy a glimpse of different Kenyan cultures from all across the country to give you a grounding in the country’s identity. Because of this, it’s a must-visit attraction for any visitor.

The Bomas of Kenya show the country’s culture through the different group’s music, dances, crafts and ways they live. The word ‘bomas’ itself is a Swahili word for home and each ‘bomas’ shows the culture of a particular traditional group. The houses themselves are styled in a traditional African manner in an ancestral fashion.

See the items and houses on display themselves, but also the shows of traditional dances and acrobatic displays. These are shown each day at certain times, which differ between weekdays and weekends.

Located near the main gate of Nairobi National Park, the dances and shows are adapted from the 16 major tribal groups that live across Kenya, including Embu drumming, Kalenjin warrior dances, and Swahili taarab music.

The area was founded by the Kenyan government as a way to preserve and promote ethnic identities, while also providing a tourist attraction as a way to educate visitors about Kenya’s cultural identity.

Diani Beach

Diani Beach is Kenya’s main beach destination and is about 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Mombasa. The beach itself is 10 kilometres (6 miles) long and the beach waters are perfect for paddling.

The water is crystal clear, warm, shallow and turquoise blue with palm trees and other vegetation dotting the coast. The sand itself is then soft and white creating the postcard-perfect beach everyone dreams of. The beach itself is the main attraction and its white sands are popular for relaxation and also various activities, such as kite boarding. The beach is very attractive for surfers and you can also explore the coral reefs, which are only 10 minutes by boat away. For land-based activities, you can enjoy spotting the colobus monkeys in the nearby forests.

Along the coast you can find comfortable hotels, top shopping centers, and high-class restaurants. The area attracts a diverse crowd and has accommodation, restaurants, and things to do to suit each visitor. Enjoy some of the best hotels in Kenya with fantastic ocean views or choose a budget backpacking tree house to enjoy a day of kitesurfing and other activities.

The Jambo Kenya Deluxe (Nairobi – Mombasa)

The train journey connecting Nairobi and Mombasa is one of the world’s best journeys by rail. Step back into the 1950s as you board the train to enjoy classical comfort on a historical journey. Enjoy a three-course dinner service and a cooked breakfast on the overnight train journey as you pass through some fantastic areas of Kenya. See impressive scenery, enjoy passing local communities to see normal Kenyan life, and as the main attraction, pass through the middle of the impressive Tsavo National Park to spot different iconic African wildlife.

Mount Kenya

The mountain that named a country, Mount Kenya is Kenya’s highest mountain and the second largest in Africa after Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain is about 150 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. Over 10,000 people visit the park each year to see the site.

The mountain formed around 3 million years ago and the highest peak is named Batian at 5,199 meters high. Around 715 km2 around the mountain has been protected in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mount Kenya National Park.

The reason for the protection was to conserve the area’s biodiversity, increase tourism to the area, and to protect the scenic beauty of the mountain and surrounding habitats.

There are a total of three major peaks in the central area and 12 remaining glaciers lay on the mountains, which are all receding. The habitats included in the park contain a number of animals, such as elephants, buffalo, zebra, and rhino.

Kenyan food is delicious and as usual with African cuisine usually means barbecued meat, but there are diversity of dishes with a range of flavors. The staple food for many Kenyans living inland is a carbohydrate rich cornmeal bread called ugali, which is often served with a stew or vegetables. However, there are a range of others flavors, snacks, and dishes on offers.

Visit Lake Bogoria

Lake Bogoria - Top Tourist Attractions in Kenya

A very scenic and attractive area to visit, Lake Bogoria is a salt lake in a volcanic region of Kenya and is a little south of the Rift Valley. Because of the water, the lake is very attractive for lesser flamingos and the area was turned into the Lake Bogoria National Reserve. Here you will find one of the world’s largest populations of lesser flamingos and it makes an excellent day trip.

The lake is quite shallow and is famous for its hot springs and geysers due to its location in a volcanic area. The geysers erupt to about 5 meters high making for quite a spectacle and at one location around the lake you can find 10 in the same area, which means the lake is home to the highest concentration of true geysers in the whole of Africa.

Ash - Author & Travel Advisor

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The Principal Secretary State Department for Tourism, John Ololtuaa (left), the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Dr. Alfred Mutua (centre), and the Principal Secretary State Department for Wildlife, Silvia Museiya (right), during the meeting.

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Places to Visit in Kenya

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Kenya Tourist Places

Here are some best places to visit in kenya:.

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Tourist places in Nairobi that are worth visiting are National Museum, Railway Museum, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen, Karura Forest, David Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphan Centre, Ngong Hills, Blue Sky Tours in Diamond Plaza, Nairobi Arboretum, Panari Sky Centre, Bomas of Kenya, Uhuru Garden, GP Karting, Village Market, Mamba Village, Paintball Fury Limited, Maasai Ostrich Farm, Paradise Lost, August Memorial Park, Kenya National Archives, KICC, Art Centres and Nairobi National Park. Kenya’s largest city and capital, Nairobi implores diversity in romance and puts forward exalted adventure. The city transformed from a meek camp for the railway employees in the year 1899 to the capital named British East Africa by the year 1907. Today, the rich retrospective history and tribal culture and lifestyle are brought to life through its excellent and knowledgeable museums. In particular, the museum named Karen Blixen Museum is one of the biggest hits – not only the African fans come to praise and appreciate the museum but also people from all over the world visit the museum to view the namesake Danish author who with drudgeries toiled on the coffee farmstead in the midst of the beautiful Ngong Hills. Even in such a scampering city like Nairobi, wildlife is a colossal draw. Being a cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi is the only city in the globe that brags a safari park within its frontiers.

The travelers can relish a classic African wildlife escapade at the Nairobi National Park which is a fifteen-minute jaunt from the skyscrapers of the megalopolis. Animals like buffalo, giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra, cheetah, lion and wildebeest meander under the sun-soaked grassy plain in the tropical or subtropical region neighboring meager trees. Here animal lovers too get a chance to clasp, cuddle and embrace the baby elephants and yoke with the giraffes at the spectacular animal sanctuary located nearby. However, with a fabulous and spectacular national park located at the doorstep of the wildlife centric charismatic attractions, Nairobi maddens on, jars and counterpoints on the beautiful and glorious natural beauty. The polarising outlook and character of Nairobi assure rapturing ecstasy to the city. Also, the gateway to the world-class and popular Kenya’s safari parks, Nairobi attracts gripping seekers of adventure for over a century.

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Best of South Africa

 Places to Visit in South Africa & Top Tourist Places

Samburu County is a game reserve situated on the banks of River Ewaso Ng’iro, in the former Rift Valley province, in northern Kenya. It stretches from the south of Lake Turkana to River Ewaso Ng’iro in the north. The beauty of Samburu County lies primarily in its two picturesque mountains, namely Ololokwe and Koigotor. Since the River Ewaso Ng’iro flows through the reserve, this area thrives with a variety of wild animals and greenery that consists of vegetation such as thorn trees, riverine forests, acacia trees and lush green grasslands. The major tourist attractions in Samburu County are the Shaba National Reserve, which is the home to the elephant, antelope, leopard, lion, zebra, oryx, monkey, buffalo and giraffes. The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is the best place to watch elephant babies thrive in their natural environment. Some other attractions are the Walk with Maa Tours and Safaris, Turkana Safaris and the Elephant Watch camp and Safaris, etc. There are several interesting activities that you can do when you are in Samburu. This includes overnight tours, multi-day tours, hiking, nature and wildlife tours, rock climbing, safaris, eco-tours, sporting events and much more that you can enjoy with your loved ones. The weather is generally hot and dry with much cooler nights. The temperature varies between 34 degrees Celsius during the day to 15 degrees Celsius during the night, which makes it relatively pleasant throughout the year and ideal for travelling.

Africa

Best of Africa

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One important thing that you need to know about Nakuru is that it lies in vicinity to the most prominent destinations of the world including Kenya’s capital Nairobi and Masai Mara. In addition to this, the attractive district is also home to the Menangai Crater which is the second largest volcanic crater of the world.

Speed through Nakuru on your way to the lakes and you might be astonished as to why anyone would wish to stay here? On the first impression, the fourth largest city of Kenya is provincial and grim that does not have much to offer besides an agreeable refuel. However, you must stick around a little longer and be assured to fall in love with it. 

Nakuru is a burgeoning city that is fast evolving. Over the years, it has been extending around the edges in order to adopt some of the superior aspects of Nairobi bereft of the crime, stress and the traffic.

If you don’t wish to fork out to overnight at Nakuru Lake, the city definitely makes a great base for exploration of the parks and surrounds. Since, the weather in Nakuru is favourable throughout, tourists can plan a visit any time of the year. 

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Best of Nairobi

 Places to Visit in Nairobi, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Eldoret is one of the fastest growing towns of Kenya. Nestled south of the Cherangani Hills in the verdant landscape, it is one of African paradises where everything you see has the touch of natural beauty still unadulterated by the intruding modernity. Being the bureaucratic center of Uasin Gishu District of the Rift Valley Province, makes it an even more preferable place as you can find modern amenities, lodgings and more to ensure that your stay is more worthwhile. 

Presently, Eldoret is a thriving service town sprawling Kenya Uganda highway. It is also the principal economic hub of the western Kenya but the travellers only have a little to see and even less to do here. One striking highlight however is the Doinyo Lessos Creameries Cheese Factory where you can stock up 20 different varieties of cheese. 

The name of the town comes from Maasai word ‘eldore’ which means stony river. You can also spot an exact parallel in the very source of this inspiration, River Sosiani. The cultural influences present are variable. After all the, Sirikwa, Nandi and Maasai people have called this place home over a period of offering times. 

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Best of Zambia

 Things to Do in Zambia 2024

Kakamega is a town that is located in the western Kenya. It lies about 30 km north of the Equator. The town is densely population and is the headquarters of the Kakamega County.

Located 50 km north of Kisumu that is the third largest city of Kenya as well as a port city lying on the Lake Victoria, the average elevation of Kakamega is 1,535 metres.

Kakamega county is the 2nd most populous county after Nairobi. It has 9 constituencies in totality – ikolomani, Matungu, Lugari, Butere, Khwisero, Mumias East, Malava, Shinyalu and Lurambi, all of which have a flavour that deserves to be experienced and felt.     

The town was so named because the world Kakamega translates (in Kiluhyah which is a local dialect here) roughly to pinch. This is used to describe how the colonists of Europe would eat their staple food, ugail.

To be true, there is no certain reason as to why you should stay in this agricultural town however if you come here late in the day, Kakamega can be a convenient place to sleep over and stock up some supplies before you head to the tourist attractions as well as nearby attractions of the Kakamega. 

Zimbabwe

Best of Zimbabwe

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Meru is a city in the Meru County of Kenya. It is situated in the Eastern Highlands of Kenya and serves as the headquarters of Meru County. Located at an elevation, Meru is a thriving urban centre that is also home to several rivers, mountains and other natural elements. The beauty of Meru is highlighted with thirteen rivers and many mountain-fed streams spread all over the terrain. The rivers are home to crocodiles and hippos and numerous species of fishes and marine animals. Lush green vegetations and woodlands on the slopes of the Nyambeni Mountain Range are some of the most attractive natural features of this city. Some of the popular tourist attractions are the famous parks such as the Lolldaiga Main Gate, Mount Kenya National Park, Ngare Ngare Forest, Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy – which is also a zoo. You can also visit the campgrounds of Samburu Trails. Meru has a unique and distinctive cuisine that you can sample in popular eateries such as the. Royal Prince, a restaurant and a bar serving delicious fried delicacies. Another popular place that is frequented by tourists and locals alike is the Legends Restaurant, which serves some delicious local dishes and snacks like beef stew with ugali and samosas. Other attractions include the Nakumatt Supermarket where you can buy souvenirs from your tour and the famous Meru National Museum where you can get an insight into local history. Meru experiences dry, hot and arid weather conditions throughout the year. The temperatures remain fairly the same all year round. The average temperature ranges from 32 degrees Celsius during the day and 17 degrees Celsius during the night.

Namibia

Best of Namibia

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Mombasa is situated in south-east Kenya along the Indian Ocean. It is a beautiful coastal city that is known as the blue and white city. It is also the oldest city in the country, with a rich and vibrant cultural history. The enthralling city of Mombasa is known for its exceptional natural beauty. This city is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise blue sea, coral reefs and thick vegetation of lush green palms. The rainforests are home to a large number of magnificent birds and animals, native to Africa. While exploring the city of Mombasa, you must visit the amazing Diani Beach, the Haller Park, the Shimba Hills National Reserve, the Nyali Beach, Mombasa Island, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and the famous Mombasa Marine National Park, which are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Apart from the tourist attractions and natural beauty, you can also indulge in adventure activities in Mombasa including an illuminating full-day tour of Mombasa, a 2 -Day Safari in Taita Hills from Mombasa, exploring the Tsavo National Park from Mombasa, climbing Mount Kenya, infinite treks, hikes, safaris and more. Since Kenya primarily experiences a tropical climate, the weather in Mombasa generally remains hot and humid throughout the year. The summers are hot with occasional rain and the winters are comparatively cooler, windy and dry with clear skies.

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Traversing three hours west of Nairobi, this crumbling provincial town which is also the capital of the Mara region. It is the final proper centre prior to the vast grasslands of the Masai Mara. It is a surprising and friendly hassle free place that offers few travellers with a reason to stop and unwind. A lot of people roll on in, browse the curio shops when the driver refuels before you begin rolling on out again.

Situated west of Nairobi, it has very well been capable of supporting the economy of Kenya in the south west of the country along the Great Rift Valley. It is the district capital of the Narok County which also stands as the principal centre of commerce in the district. With a population of some 40,000 people that largely comprises of Maasai people, Narok is still as pristine as ever. 

The Maasai, natives of the Narok district regard Narok as the Enkare Narok which has been named after the river which passes through the Narok town. It is a beautifully town that definitely deserves a visit when you have taken a trip to Kenya. 

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Thika is indeed one of the most discernible names to have emerged from the colonial Kenya all accredited to the articulate memoir which is Elspeth Huxley’s, ‘The Flame Trees of Thika.’ These days, in the growing modern city, you’ll actually be hard pressed to locate a tree let alone a flame tree. However, you still have an opportunity to indulge in the tiny nostalgia before you finally get back on the highway and continue further on the way.

The two children of the Aberdare Range, Thika and Chania finally unite 2 km north of the town where they plunge over a rocky, tree-lined cliff. This scene is elegantly appreciated from the porch of the Blue Post Hotel with a book in one hand and a stiff drink in the other.

With its history that outdates the town itself, the Blue Post still withholds a faint aroma of the colonial for those who wish to linger on here overnight. Undoubtedly, it was the principal location opposite the waterfalls of Thika which used to attract its original proprietors in the year 1908. At present, the grounds along with the children’s play area attract a number of Kenyan couple who intent on tying a knot in their polyester glory. When done with Thika, you can also visit the nearby destinations including Nyeri, Sagana, Embu and Nairobi. 

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Kitale is a beautiful agricultural town that is located in the Western Kenya. It lies some 380 kilometres from Nairobi which is the capital of Kenya. The town lies between Mount Elgon and Cherengani Hills. The significant cash crops which are grown in Kitale include seed maize, sunflower, Pyrethrum, tea, seed beans and coffee. 

Kitale is an administrative center of the Trans Nzoia District. It lies in the Rift Valley Province. Founded by the while settlers in the year 1908, Kitale is one of most prominent attractions in Africa. A branch line of the Uganda Railway leading you to the town from the Eldoret reached the town in the year 1926 with an object of promoting growth in the town.

Agriculturally rich, Kitale is a friendly market town that has a couple of interesting museums along with a bustling market. Shopping indeed is one of the principal activity to be enjoyed here. This market makes for an ideal base when you wish to explore the Saiwa Swamp National Parks and Mt Elgon. Kitale also serves as a quintessential take off point for tourists who wish to take a trip up to the western side of the Lake Turkana. 

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Kisumu is nestled on the sloping shore Winam Gulf of the Lake Victoria. It may be the third largest town of Kenya but its relaxed atmosphere is way different from that of Mombasa and Nairobi. Until the year 1977, the port happened to be one of busiest in Kenya. In the same year because of the political squabbling the port sat virtually idle for some 2 decades. Post that there was a decline set in which led to the collapse of the East African Community. The EAC was initially established by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania so as to come up with a common market within this region.  Recently there has been an increase in the cooperation as well as the revival of the EAC that also includes Burundi and Rwanda. This in 2000 has also helped establish Kisumu as one international shipment point for the products of petroleum. Surprisingly the lake doesn’t play any part in this. So, despite the lake having been the life and blood for the inception of the Kisumu, the city still rests with its back to the water. None the less, the fortune of Kisumu is on a rise once again. This has led to a reduction in the impact of the water hyacinth. Hopefully, in the years to come Lake Victoria will again begin contributing to the economy of the Kisumu. So, play an active role in boosting the economy of Kisumu by making a visit to the town. 

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Other Attractions

Mount kenya national park.

Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park and Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kenya, East Africa. It boasts diverse ecosystems, including montane forest, alpine moorlands, and glaciers. Its highest peak, Batian, rises to 5,199 meters, offering breathtaking vistas. The park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and endangered species like the bongo. It's a hiker's paradise, with challenging trails attracting adventurers worldwide.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara is one of the most incredible game reserve of the world. Nestled on the border of Tanzania, Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti. It makes for the wildlife corridor between the two countries Tanzania and Kenya.

Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve

Diani Beach

Diani Beach

The Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley

Uhuru Gardens

Uhuru Gardens

Lamu Island

 Lamu Island

Wasini Island

Wasini Island

Mount Longonot

Mount Longonot

Hells Gate National Park

Hells Gate National Park

Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park, situated in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Spanning an area of approximately 188 square kilometers, the park is characterized by wooded and bushy grasslands surrounding the picturesque Lake Nakuru. Its rich biodiversity includes over 50 mammal species, such as rhinos (both black and white), Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes, olive baboons, impalas, waterbucks, and hippos. The park is particularly famous for its large flocks of flamingos that gather along the lake's shores, creating a mesmerizing pink spectacle. Visitors can enjoy game drives, birdwatching, and hiking trails while exploring this natural haven.

Jeevanjee Gardends

Jeevanjee Gardends

Jeevanjee Gardens, situated in Nairobi, Kenya, is a lovely green space right in the middle of the city. It's like a breath of fresh air amidst the busy streets.

Spread across a large area, Jeevanjee Gardens is a place where you can relax and enjoy nature. Picture yourself walking on lush green lawns, surrounded by colorful flowers and shady trees. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic with friends, or simply finding a quiet corner to relax with a book.

What's special about Jeevanjee Gardens is its history. It was created by Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee, a well-known figure in Kenya, back in the late 19th century. Since then, it's been a place where people come together for cultural events, music concerts, and other activities that celebrate Nairobi's vibrant spirit.

For families, there's plenty to do at Jeevanjee Gardens. Kids can run around in the playgrounds, splash in the fountains, and just have fun outdoors. It's a great place for families to spend quality time together and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Bora Bora Wildlife Park

Bora Bora Wildlife Park

Bora Bora Wildlife Park, nestled amidst the lush landscapes of the island paradise, offers a captivating sanctuary for both native and exotic species.

Almasi Art Agency

Almasi Art Agency

Almasi Art Agency in Kenya is a dynamic cultural organization fostering the growth of performing arts. Committed to enriching the local arts scene, it serves as a catalyst for theatrical innovation and creative expression.

Mzima Springs

Mzima Springs

Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru

Fourteen Falls

Fourteen Falls

Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserves is known for its rich wildlife and unique variety of birds making this national reserve so popular worldwide. Tourists coming here can spot some rare species of animals, including Reticulated giraffes, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, the Somali ostrich, and the Gerenuk. Apart from these species that are exclusive to this region, you can also spot a few common wildlife creatures, including Elephant, black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo and hyena. If bird spotting is your game then try spotting the group of helmeted and vulturine guinea fowl during the daytime near the river Ewaso Ng'iro, when they are in search of water to quench their thirst. If you're lucky enough you can also spot marabou storks flying over the blues or see thousands of sandgrouses and doves on the tree or on the lands. Location- It lies to the north of the Ewaso Ng'iro River Entry Fee- US$45-120 depending on the age group.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park

Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo East National Park

People Also Ask About Kenya

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33 Things to Know Before Traveling to Kenya

kenya for tourism

Kenya is undoubtedly one of the most magical and achingly beautiful countries in the world thanks to its diverse landscapes, a spectacular variety of wild animals, pristine beaches, fantastic hiking trails, friendly people and of course world-class safari opportunities. 

Yes! I definitely recommending you to visit Kenya! But I also know how challenging it is visiting a new country. Therefore I wrote this guide for visiting Kenya with all my travel tips and things to know before you go.

Africa Sunset Widlife Giraffes Wildebeest

This travel blog is aimed at making your trip to Kenya much easier. So here is a complete guide with everything you need to know when you travel to Kenya.

1. Is it safe to travel to Kenya

Kenya Maasai Mara Lion feeding on pray

Kenya is pretty safe for tourists! Even though it is one of the most popular places to visit in Africa and used to tourists, you should always be beware of your surroundings and practice general common-sense safety rules. 

For example, you should avoid high poverty places like slums where you could be a target for theft or getting mugged. At any time you should avoid wearing flashy jewellery or showing off expensive electronics while in public. If you’re inside a car keep the windows rolled up except for when you’re on one of those amazing Kenya safaris of course.

Also dressing down minimizes attention to yourself, but more about that later in what to wear in Kenya. Due to the high poverty rate in Kenya, tourists can be viewed as targets by opportunistic individuals. But I never had any big issues on all my Kenya trips!

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In the main tourist destinations in Kenya , you may find yourself surrounded by vendors trying to sell you their merchandise. Although that’s not much of a safety concern, they can be slightly annoying. A polite but firm “no thank you” will mostly help get rid of them.

Above all don’t be an ignorant tourist! Always check the latest safety conditions and report. Please use your common sense, be respectful to the local culture and habits and you will be totally fine on your Kenya trip.

2. Best time to visit Kenya

Leopard Masai Mara Kenya Frontview

Kenya is an all-year-round tourist destination. The question about when is the best time to visit Kenya largely depends on for what reason you travel to Kenya for. Safari, beaches, hiking all have a different best time to visit.

Since Kenya is located on the Equator, there are no real 4 seasons. Generally speaking, the seasons are broadly categorized into four periodes: 

  • hot and dry from January to March
  • hot and wet from April to June
  • warm and dry from July to October
  • warm and wet in November and December.

However, the country’s weather pattern has seen drastic changes over the last 10 years and became rather unpredictable. The impact of climate change has been noticed throughout the years in Kenya.

Temperature in Kenya

Temperatures, on the other hand, are relatively consistent and highly influenced by the altitude only. For example, the temperatures at the coastal towns like Mombasa barely ever drop below 20° celsius (68 F). When it gets too hot during the day the cool ocean breeze helps to make it bearable.

In Nairobi temperatures can go as low as 5° celsius (41 F) around July in the cold season and as high as 26° celsius (79 F) around March and September which are the hottest months in Kenya.

The best time for safari in Kenya

Even though you can visit Kenya’s wildlife parks throughout the year, the best time is during one of the two dry seasons (January, February and March and from July till October).

The second dry season from July till October coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration in Maasai Mara and therefore this is making it arguably the best time to visit Kenya after all.

During this breathtaking wildlife spectacle, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes make their way into Kenya’s Maasai Mara from Tanzania’s Serengeti. They cross the crocodile-infested Mara River.

Wildebeest Migration Masai Mara Kenya

One of the best times to visit Kenya for safari is during the dry seasons because then the animals are easier to spot. Animals keep moving in search of water which is quite scarce and the bushes are less dense.

If you don’t want to bump into lots of other tourists on your Kenya safari, the best time for you to visit would be around December during the short rains. Then you’ll get to admire the beautiful green vegetation and hopefully see many newborn animals on your Kenya safari as well as migratory birds that take advantage of the abundance of insects.

The best time for a beach holiday in Kenya

The weather in the coastal regions of Kenya like Diani, Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu remains hot and humid throughout the year. Even though it rains sometimes during the dry season, the rainfall is at its highest from March to May. So are you planning a Kenya beach holiday you should consider visiting the Kenya beaches outside of these months.

If your plan is to combine your trip to the beach with your safari, the best time to travel to Kenya is between August and September.

The best time to go hiking in Kenya

The safest time for hiking and climbing around Mount Kenya is during the two dry seasons. The hiking trails can get quite slippery during the rainy season. If you plan on combining your Kenya hiking trip with the Kenya beaches, the best time to visit Kenya would be January or February.

3. Visa for Kenya

Big Cats Kenya Lion

When visiting Kenya you will need a visa. The Kenya visa will cost you between $30 and $50 and can be obtained on the internet. Click here for the official site to apply for the Kenya visa .

Make sure that you apply online at least three days in advance. If you’re planning on visiting other countries like Tanzania, Uganda, etc then the greater East Africa visa will be something for you. This one costs $100 for most nationalities. 

Just like many other destinations, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date out of Kenya. You also need at least two consecutive unstamped blank pages.

4. Travel insurance for Kenya

It’s also highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance for evacuation and medical emergencies. This offers you emergency treatment and an air ambulance to a hospital in Nairobi. Since a lot of things to do in Kenya are in fairly remote areas I strongly recommend you to get a good travel insurance.

I am using World Nomads for all my trips around the world. Get your free quotation below in case you don’t have travel insurance for Kenya yet. 

5. Vaccinations and Health Requirements for Kenya

Baboons Lake Nakuru National Park

There are several vaccinations that you need to protect your health on your trip to Kenya. Some are mandatory while others aren’t. The compulsory vaccination is Yellow Fever and you will be required to show a certificate of inoculation on entry. So put your vaccinations book on your Kenya packing list.

There are several diseases that you could be exposed to when you travel to Kenya, so it is strongly recommended that you also get the following vaccines: diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, rabies, polio, and cholera.

Is there malaria in Kenya? Yes there is, but not everywhere. Nairobi and other highlands are low-risk malaria zones, but in the valleys and low lands it is recommended to take anti-malarial medication. The most commonly prescribed anti malaria medication for Kenya is Malarone. Although it is adviced, I did NOT take any malaria pills. It is totally up to you.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to pack some medication for headaches, stomach upsets, or any allergies that you may have. The supplies should be enough to last your entire trip.

6. What to pack for Kenya

To take the stress out of packing and to make sure that you bring everything you need on your trip, here’s a list of all the essentials that you need to pack:

  • Comfortable clothes (including a swimming costume) and shoes
  • Toiletries 
  • Passport and a valid driver’s license if you’ll be doing some driving 
  • A camera plus extra batteries ( see my travel gear list for more tips)
  • A wide-brimmed hat or cap
  • Sunglasses 
  • Reef SAFE Sunscreen and lip balm

kenya for tourism

  • Credit cards and a small amount of cash in low denominations
  • Malaria pills and other necessary medication
  • Strong insect repellent
  • Reading material and an iPod with downloaded music or podcasts

7. What to Wear

Ensure that you keep your clothing a bit conservative. Wearing hot pants, crop tops, and other clothes that show too much skin is not a good look especially in rural Kenya. 

Make sure that the fabric comfortable especially in hot weather. Bring a sweater, jacket, or warm fleece blanket for the chilly morning and evenings.

8. Carry a copy of your passport

African Wildlife Masai Mara Kenya

Always make sure that you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. This is required by law in Kenya. If the police stop you, you’ll be expected to present it upon request. It happened to me several times, as I recommend you to leave your original passport in the safe in your hotel.

Nowadays a photo on your phone will often do the job, but still I recommend you bring a hard copy. It is a small effort to easily get you out of trouble.

9. Do some Kenya travel tips research

Baby Elephant African Wildlife

Take time to read a guidebook before you visit Kenya. Read about the area you’ll be staying at and get pointers about the area. This helps you know about all the designated tourist destinations in Kenya like hotels and markets in advance and also lets you know if there are areas that need to be avoided. I can also recommend you my other Kenya travel blogs:

  • 23 Amazing Things to do in Kenya
  • Kenya Itinerary for 10 days

Reading ahead helps you plan accordingly for your trip by coming up with a proper to-do-list. This ensures that you have plenty of time between activities and time to rest in-between days.

However, if you didn’t have enough time I recommend you to order a Kenya Travel Guide online, like the Kenya Lonely Planet . Back in the days I always used them, nowadays I think they are a little outdated, but still a good source for Kenya travel tips.

10. Getting around Kenya

Some people prefer to rent a jeep or van and use it to drive themselves around. Yes, can’t deny that this sounds like lots of fun and is a lot cheaper than hiring a tour guide but driving around especially in the parks is no joke – you could easily get lost too. If you’re a first-timer who loves your freedom and care about your safety, hire a 4x4 land cruiser (this will make the ride less bumpy) and a driver.

For all my tips of how to get around Kenya  read my extensive article in the link, where I explain everything about busses, trains, domestic flights and local transport.

 When moving from one part of the country to another e.g. from Nairobi to Mombasa, find a budget airline that operates that route or take the train. Other cheaper options to move around include taxis, matatus, boda-bodas, or tuk-tuks.

11. Driving in Kenya - DIY

In Kenya they drive on the left. This is very important for you to know if you plan on renting a car on go on a road trip in Kenya.

You should also expect to be held up in traffic around the major towns during rush hours. The traffic in Nairobi is horrendous! If you want to get anywhere around the city especially to the airport, factor in a huge amount of time that you’re going to spend in traffic. My Kenya itinerary for 10 days is a great start for planning your self driving trip to Kenya.

12. Safaris, hiking, mountains and lakes

Safaris allow you to take a drive on the wild side. There are lots of safaris and multiple different national parks and reserves for you to choose from. On top of that there is some excellent hiking, and amazing lakes. If you’re confused and can’t choose between them, here is a list of some of the best places in to visit in Kenya :

  • Maasai Mara
  • Hell’s Gate
  • Lake Nakuru
  • Lake Turkana
  • Mount Kenya
  • Nairobi National Park

13. Currency

The currency used in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling abbreviated as KSH. Don’t be confused when you hear people using the word “bob” it’s slang for shilling.

The exchange rate for the KSH to the USD varies of course, but in general you can easily say that $1 = 100 KSH. You can exchange your Euros, GBP, USD everywhere around major tourist destinations in Kenya. Banks and Forex Bureau are obviously the safest places to exchange money, but I never had a problem doing it random places either.

Always make sure to have some Kenyan Shilling on you especially of you are on a road trip in Kenya. For local markets, to tip people, local restaurants, souvenirs, etc.

14. ATMs and credit cards

Note that you can only withdraw Kenyan shillings at the ATMs which are widely available throughout the country. Beware of suspicious people hanging around the bank or following you if you come out of the bank. A valuable Kenya travel tip is to use ATMs inside shopping malls. The maximum amount ATMs in Kenya will let you withdraw is KSH 50,000 = approximately 500 USD.

Most lodges and restaurants accept MasterCard and Visa cards as a form of payment. Some international hotels accept Euros and US dollars in cash but their exchange rate is mostly pretty bad, so I would not recommend this to you. Always check beforehand because some places do not accept foreign cash or cards.

15. How much does a trip to Kenya cost?

Kenya is not the best backpack destination in the world and neither is it overly expensive. 

Most tour companies are all-inclusive meaning that your meals, accommodation, and transportation are catered for. However, you still need money for other purposes like purchasing souvenirs and tipping. Budget for about $250-$300 for extra expenses.

The national park entrance fee in Kenya varies between $25 and $100 per day,  a 3-course meal at an international restaurant will cost around $30 per person, and between for places to stay in Kenya you will mostly between $50 and $200 per night depending on your level of required luxury.

16. Travel to Kenya on a budget

Elephants Plains of Masai Mara Kenya

There’s a growing backpacker trail in Kenya and hostels catering for budget travelers are growing in number and popularity. Airbnb also has a lot of hidden gems, especially at the coast.

The travel options in Kenya are limitless. If you want someone to show you around throughout your trip you can find numerous travel and tours companies to take you on an off-the-shelf or a tailor-made itinerary. You can arrange it yourself on arrival in Nairobi or book them in advanced. Here are some options of Kenya tours for all budgets.

Alternatively, if you want more independence you can definitely backpack in Kenya. Many travelers have been there before you and you will surely not be alone. It is fairly easy to travel to Kenya on a budget. Major cities are well connected by reasonable coaches and long distance busses or you could even opt to take a train from Nairobi to Mombassa. 

Don’t forget that even in Kenya there are taxi apps. Thank god for Uber in Kenya! It makes traveling around so much easier, convenient, safer and reliable.

You can also find loads of campgrounds around Kenya. Most lodges charge about $20 for you to pitch your tent. On the other hand, camping inside national parks, reserves, and conservancies could cost you up to $50 per person per night. I wouldn’t recommend camping in wild and unsafe places. If you’re looking to save a little, you can cook the meals yourself outside your tent.

17. Tipping in Kenya

Giraffes Sunset Masai Mara Kenya

Tipping guides, drivers, and staff is normal in Kenya. It shows that you appreciate the services offered and locals love to go the extra mile for it. Tipping may either be done in USD or KSH. Here are some general tipping guidelines:

  • Ranger or guide: $10 to $20 per day
  • Butler: $5 to $15 per day
  • Transfers: $5 per transfer
  • Porters: $1 per bag
  • Restaurants: 10% of the bill

18. Visit a Shopping Mall

Malls are also popular hangouts for locals and you can easily spend a day getting lost in one of the dozens of huge, state-of-the-art shopping malls. I am not a fan of shopping malls in general, but it is fun to walk around for sure. There are food courts as well where you can find cheap dining options.

Visiting a shopping mall in Kenya is another way of seeing a slice of the Kenyan culture and its people rather than safaris, wildlife, beautiful beaches and amazing landscapes. Trust me they are an experience!

19. Get a Kenya sim card on arrival

If you want to stay connected to the internet than get yourself a Kenya sim card on arrival. It is pretty easy and can be done in 5 minutes. You will get them everywhere around the big cities, but the easiest is to buy a Kenya sim card at Nairobi Airport .

Have your passport ready and get your some GB to keep your friends up to date on Instagram about your amazing trip to Kenya.

Safaricom is the leading telecommunication company in Kenya and it offers great call and data packages. For everything you need to know about getting connected in Kenya read my complete guide for buying a sim card for Kenya .

20. WiFi in Kenya

Most upscale hotels offer WiFi free of charge, but it is definitely not always good. Often it can be nerve-racking slow and that is another reason to buy a Kenya sim card. Nothing beats a 4G and even 5G connection nowadays, which is usually widely available!

It is also recommended to use a VPN service for extra privacy may you use any public WiFi in Kenya, like in shopping malls, hotels, lodges, etc.

21. Drinking water

The tap water in Kenya is safe for brushing your teeth and for taking a bath, but it is not recommend to drink the water from the tap in Kenya. This doesn’t mean that tap water is necessarily contaminated but your body may not be used to it.

It is advices that you drink bottled water at all times during your Kenya trip. Most hotels, lodges, and safari camps provide clean, filtered, sterilized, or boiled drinking water for their guests. 

22. Electricity plugs in Kenya

Kenya has reliable electricity. To charge your phone, camera, or other electronics, you should have an adapter at hand though. The Kenya power plugs are comparable to the ones in the UK and are 240 V.

I always advice people to bring a universal travel adapter with them, they are cheap and worth it.

Lodges located in remote areas use solar energy or diesel generators to provide power for lighting and charging. Therefore when traveling to remote areas in Kenya use the electricity responsible.

23. Buying souvenirs - what to buy in Kenya

Kenya, just like other African countries is known for its cultural wealth which also means that the souvenir buying opportunities are numerous. You can buy them from specific markets that deal in these souvenirs or from the tribesmen and women who make a living by vending their beautiful artefacts along the side of the road.

Some common items that you could buy are local wood carvings, maasai beads, kiondo (beautiful hand-woven handbags), kikoy/shuka (a colorful local piece of fabric that may be used as a blanket or table cloth), leather products, as well as traditional artifacts like swords, bows, arrows, spears, shields, etc. 

At all times remember that bargaining is key when buying souvenirs on your Kenya trip.

24. Delicious Kenya food you should try

The national dish in Kenya is “ugali”. This is a hard porridge mash made from maize flour and is usually served with a portion of fried green vegetables with “nyama choma” – something that you definitely need to try out.

Nyama choma is Kenya’s signature roast meat dish that has now gained global significance. The ugali is best enjoyed without any cutlery. Dig in using your hands, roll the ugali into a ball, dip it into your place, scoop the accompaniment, and eat. 

In the coastal region, they have a wide selection of mouthwatering Swahili dishes like samosas, biryani, pilau, mahamri, and chapattis. 

Ooh, another craving-satisfying dish that you totally need to try when visiting Kenya is the mayai (eggs) pasua and smokie pasua. Pasua means split open. They are eggs or smokies that have been cut open and filled with “kachumbari” which is the local name for salsa containing a mixture of chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander and sometimes chilies. These are easily found in almost any street in major towns.

Don’t be afraid to try street food in Kenya, it is delicious, worth trying, cheap and safe to eat.

25. Kenya Politics is a hot topic everywhere

Kenyans are quite political and more often than not you’ll bump into a group of people discussing “siasa” which is the Swahili word for politics. Such talks are quite lively and often tense, especially around the electioneering period. 

Despite the claims that Kenya is unsafe due to ethnic tension caused by politics, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Nothing serious ever happens such that the stability of the country is put in jeopardy.

26. Heaven for photographers

Wildlife Kenya Elephants

When traveling to Kenya make sure to bring a good camera and lens. Of course our modern smartphones make things a lot easier nowadays, but you will see they are not that useful on safaris.

Curious which cameras and lenses I carry around? Check out my travel gear list here.

Be aware though that it is not allowed to take pictures or videos at railway stations, airports, military barracks, police posts and government buildings.

Also, if you like to take pictures of a local or with them, ALWAYS ask first. Show some respect!   

27. Religion

Although Kenya is predominantly a Christian state, the country embraces spiritual diversity. There are many churches, mosques, and Hindu temples to be found across the country as well.

28. Cultural Events

As a multi-ethnic nation, Kenya’s different tribes hold interesting cultural festivals every now and then in different parts of the country. Some of the most popular festivals include the Mombasa Carnival, Lamu Cultural Festival, Maralal Camel Derby and the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival.

29. Nightlife in Kenya

If you are the type who like to party, there are many popular joints where you can go to enjoy your “Furahi-day” as they like to call Friday in Kenya. In Nairobi there is Westlands and in Mombasa there is Mtwapa. ‘Furahi’ is a Swahili word for ‘be happy’. Afterwards, order an Uber to drop you back home.

Through the major beach destinations in Kenya you will find nightlife as well. Diani is probably the most popular place for parties on the beach.

There are many local beers that you need to try out including Tusker, Tusker Malt, Tusker Lite, and Tusker Cider. Tusker is Kenya’s most-loved beer and the golden premium lager is best served chilled – “baridi.”

30. Plastic bags are banned

Cheetahs Elephants Maasai Mara Kenya

Plastic bags are banned in Kenya so make sure you only use reusable bags to hold your shopping and personal items. The ban was put in place to reduce the plastic pollution that was becoming an environmental nuisance. Violators have to pay hefty fines or face possible jail time. Something Western countries could learn from I would say! Well done Kenya.

31. Bribing is illegal

Giving bribes is very much illegal. You might sometimes think it is a good idea to get you quickly out of trouble but instead it could get you into a lot of trouble. Think twice!

32. Language in Kenya

Kenya is a multilingual country with English and Swahili being the official languages. Many locals speak both languages fluently. Learning a few Swahili words will look good and impress the Kenyan people. Your effort regardless of whether you you are pronouncing it the right way will be received with a big smile.

Here are some words to get you started:

  • Hujambo or simply Jambo = means Hello
  • Habari = Hello, how are you? (a common way of greeting)
  • Poa sana or mzuri sana = I’m good/fine 
  • Hakuna Matata = It’s alright / no problem
  • Asante (sana) = thank you (very much)
  • Karibu = welcome
  • Hatari = danger
  • Pole =  sorry
  • Hapana = no

Besides English and Swahili, there are lots of local languages and dialects in rural areas.

33. People of Kenya

Last but not least let’s talk about the magnificent people of Kenya!

Kenyans are incredibly friendly. From my experience, I found out that the people of this beautiful nation have beautiful hearts and they’re very open, hospitable and delighted to welcome tourists to Kenya.you into their country.

Do not shy away from getting in touch with locals, meeting, greeting, talking, and getting to know them during your visit to Kenya. They are more than willing to help you enormously and will be delighted if you share your passion for their beautiful nation.

kenyan people

Enjoy your trip to Kenya

Africa is a magical continent with mountains, beaches, and beautiful wild animals like elephants, lions, and wildebeests and you can find it all when visiting Kenya. If you have always wanted to experience this unbelievable setting in a single hit, then this country is the place to go.

However, before your first trip to Kenya all the above mentioned Kenya tips are great to know to make the most of this incredible travel destination in Africa.

I hope that my tips and recommendations help to make things a lot easier. I also hope that you get to love Kenya, just as I did. Its diversity is unrivalled.

Also thanks to  Traveltomtom writer Kim Paffen , who contributed with the beautiful pictures of Kenya. Her countless trips to Kenya were another valuable source creating this Kenya travel blog.

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  • 20 Places To Visit In Kenya That Reflect The Country’s Essence Beyond Wildlife!

23 Mar 2023

From vast faunal diversity to an extensive variation in cultures, and from old world cities to ultramodern hubs, Kenya has beaten all stereotypes of being a mere wildlife safari destination . With numerous national parks, urban and rural cities, azure water bodies, geographical marvels, and pristine beaches, being some of the best places to visit in Kenya , this East African country has emerged as a popular tourist destination not only among the adventure lovers but also among families, and honeymooners.

20 Best Places To Visit In Kenya

So, here’s a list of some of the top Kenya tourist places that you must not miss during your next trip to this African jewel. Make sure you don’t forget to get your favourite travel buddies along!

  • Amboseli National Park
  • Lake Victoria
  • Mt. Kenya National Park
  • Samburu National Reserve
  • Diani Beach
  • The Great Rift Valley
  • Jamia Mosque
  • Uhuru Gardens
  • Lamu Island
  • Wasini Island
  • David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
  • Fourteen Falls
  • Maasai Mara
  • Haller Park

1. Amboseli National Park

Elephants In Amboseli National Park

Image Source

Adorned by the gigantic Mt. Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is one of the top places to visit in Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts. Visit this place to spectate majestic views of the highest peak of Africa, and witness large herds of African elephants, and an extensive variety of wildlife such as Zebras, Giraffes, Cheetahs, and innumerable bird species.

Location: Loitokitok District, Rift Valley, Kenya Timings: 6 am to 9 pm Entry Fee: INR 3,850 for adults, and INR 2,250 for children

Must Read: If You Can’t Fly Like A Bird You Jolly Well Can Stay Like One At This Bird Nest In Kenya!

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2. Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria in Kenya

Passing through 3 African countries namely Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, Lake Victoria is the largest lake in the whole continent. It is one of the best places to visit in Kenya where one can find peace amidst its tranquil environment, and also explore the extensive variety of aquatic life which includes species like African helmeted turtles, variable mud turtles, Williams’ mud turtle, and 500 species of fish which include non-native fishes like African tetras, Cyprinids, air-breathing catfish, and bagrid catfish.

Suggested Read: Stay At Giraffe Manor Kenya & Experience The Joy Of Living Among Rothschild’s Giraffe

Kenya Street Urban City Crowded Nairobi

Nairobi is the capital and the largest city of Kenya. It is one of the most popular Kenya tourist places which is known for its legendary colonial history, sprawling infrastructure, tea and coffee industry, and wildlife parks. One should definitely visit this city to capture a glimpse of the historical heritage of Kenya, peep into its vibrant culture, spectate its vivid wildlife, and witness its stunning contemporary art.

Major Attractions: Nairobi National Park, Bomas of Kenya, Ngong Hills, and Hell’s Gate National Park Top Things To Do In Nairobi : Wildlife Safari, and Shopping

Suggested Read: Head To Masai Mara National Park For An Ultimate Encounter With Africa’s Best

4. Mt. Kenya National Park

Mt. Kenya National Park

Situated at an altitude of 5,199 meters, Mt. Kenya is the second highest peak in Kenya, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park was established to conserve the endangered wildlife of the surrounding areas of Mt. Kenya. It has now developed into a full-fledged tourist attraction and is one of the top Kenya sightseeing places that is known for its exhilarating wildlife safari tours.

Location: Mount Kenya National Park, Central Kenya Timings: 9 am to 9 pm Entry Fee: INR 3,400 for adults, and INR 1,670 for children

Suggested Read: Best Safari In Kenya: The Ultimate Guide For A Vacation In The Wild

Mombasa Beach

Located on the Southeast coast of the country, Mombasa is the largest port city of Kenya. Being a cosmopolitan city, Mombasa is considered as a tourist magnet that attracts all sorts of travelers because of its amalgamated culture. It is one of the most famous places in Kenya that boasts of a blend of various cultures, traditions, art, architecture, and cuisines, such as, British, Portuguese, Arab, Indian, and Asian. This city is also famous for its beaches, corals, old monuments, and bustling street markets.

Major Attractions: Fort Jesus, Old Town, Diani Beach, Mombasa Marine National Park, and Nyali Beach Top Things To Do: Diving, Snorkeling, Shopping, and Wildlife Safari

Suggested Read: Wildlife In Kenya: Spot The Glorious Fauna In The Exotic Land That Has Got It All!

Malindi

Adorning the Southeastern coast of Kenya, Malindi is a popular resort town in the country having two different faces. One part of the city reflects its rich history, while the other half is a modern day tourist hotspot. It is one of the most popular Kenya attractions that lure tourists to explore its historical monuments, pristine beaches, and extensive corals.

Major Attractions: Watamu Beach, Malindi Museum, and Watamu Marine National Parks Top Things To Do: Snorkeling, Diving, and soaking in the tropical weather

7. Samburu National Reserve

National Reserve

Looking for places to visit in North Kenya? Embark on an adventurous journey through the Samburu National Reserve. Located on the banks of Ewaso Ng’iro river, this protected area is known for its popular game reserve where tourist can enjoy a rejuvenating stay, and witness the extensive wildlife which includes species like Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx.

Entry Fee: INR 4,500 for adults, and INR 2,500 for children Website

Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Africa: Top 11 Romantic Getaways For The Best And Unique Experiences!

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8. Diani Beach

Diani Beach

Bask in the tropical weather, and enjoy a mesmerizing view of the palm-lined beach, and untarnished white sands, at the Diani Beach in Mombasa. Stretching from the Congo river in the North to Galu beach in the South, this 10-kilometer long beach is one of the top places to visit in Kenya where tourist can enjoy loads of watersports such as diving, fishing, kitesurfing, and much more.

Location: Mombasa, Kenya Website

9. Manda Bay

Manda Bay View

Adorning the Kenyan coastline, Manda Bay is one of the best Kenya tourist attractions for family, friends, and honeymooners as well. It is an ideal place to enjoy a luxurious vacation in opulent resorts surrounded by coconut, and tamarind trees, and overlooking wide stretches of white sandy beaches.

Location: Lamu, Kenya

10. The Great Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley

Running throughout the country from North to South, the Great Rift Valley is a 6,000-kilometer long geographical formation. It is one of the most astonishing places to visit in Kenya which is of great geographical importance and can be best viewed from the town of Iten, a few kilometers from Eldoret.

Suggested Read: Top Safari Honeymoon Destinations, Experiences, & Resorts In The World

11. Jamia Mosque

Mosque View

Located in the central business district of Nairobi, Jamia Mosque is a popular religious place in Kenya. Known for its Arabic style architecture, this religious site is one of the best places to visit in Kenya, which also houses a library, and a training center, which is dedicated to preaching Islam to people who want to learn about the sect.

Location: Banda Street, Nairobi, Kenya Timings: 6 am to 10:30 pm

12. Uhuru Gardens

Uhuru Gardens

This 13-hectare extensive recreational park is one of the most famous places to visit in Kenya which houses a large monument, and an azure lake. It is a popular picnic spot where people can spend quality time with their loved ones amidst its lush green surroundings, and enjoy a peaceful walking tour away from the bustling traffic of the city.

Location: Uhuru Highway-Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya Timings: 6 am to 10:30 pm

13. Lamu Island

Lamu Island

Travel back in time as you explore the oldest inhabited settlement in Kenya, the Lamu Island. It is one of the best places to visit in Kenya to witness its rich trading history that reflects through its age-old buildings which are a blend of British, Arabic, and Indian architectural styles. Strolling past the streets of the city one can notice that the city still relies on Dhows, and donkeys for commuting from one place to another.

Major Attractions: Lamu Fort, Lamu Museum, and Manda Island Top Things To Do: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and water skiing

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Cape Town For A Happening Vacation

14. Wasini Island

Island View

The small island of Wasini lies in Southeastern coast of Kenya, which is known for its ultramarine waters, and extensive coral reefs. It is one of the top places to visit in Kenya for nature, and adventure lovers, who get an opportunity indulge in thrilling activities like diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sailing on a traditional Dhow.

Major Attractions: Kisite Marine National Park, Shimoni Slave Caves, and Paradise Beach Top Things To Do: Diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching, sailing

15. Mt. Elgon

Mt. Elgon

Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano, and the 8th highest mountain in the country, located on the border of Uganda and Kenya, in the western part of the country. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Kenya which attracts a large number of adventurous tourists who wish to indulge in arduous activities like climbing, trekking, and hiking.

Suggested Read: 40 Best Places To Visit In India With Friends For A Completely Crazy, Action-Packed Vacation

16. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

elephants bathing in Kenya

Established in 1977, this wildlife conservation charity is amongst the most popular ones. Managing an orphanage which looks after rhinos and elephants, this trust is known to help the Kenya Wildlife services with funds. One can also adopt an elephant at this place at a minimum price of USD 50. So, are you ready to visit one of the most serene places to visit in Kenya, Africa yet?

Location: Magadi road, Nairobi, Kenya Timings: 11 am to 12 pm Entry Fee: INR 344

17. Fourteen Falls

charming waterfalls in Kenya

As the name suggests itself, this site contains fourteen beautiful waterfalls that have abundant activities and tours included in here. This includes boating, bird watching, fishing and photography. To get the best of this place, it is recommended to take a guided tour of the entire region and know more about its history and geographical aspect. This is surely one of the best hidden places to visit in Kenya that you should not miss!

Location: Mary Dale Farm, Garissa Rd, Thika, Kenya Timings: 8 am to 5 pm Entry Fee: INR 275

18. Maasai Mara

beautiful zebras walking in the grass

Known to be one of the most spectacular game reserves, Maasai Mara is famous because of the local Maasais living here who take care of the land well and reside here. A unique site of migration can be witnessed in this region from the months of July to October when animals like Zebra, and wildebeest migrate to this region from Serengeti

Location: Narok KE, Narok, Kenya Timings: 6:30 am to 7 pm Entry Fee: INR 4,800

19. Kiboko Bay

person standing on Kiboko point

Image Source If you’re looking for a luxury stay amid the stunning landscapes of Kenya, it’s time you visit Kiboko Bay resort that offers a unique experience. With ample options for the adventure-crazy folks, you can try hippo-spotting, boat tours, bird watching or simply unwind on the pristine beaches of this land.

Location: Kisumu, Kenya Timings: Throughout the year Tariff: Prices may vary depending on the time of the year

20. Haller Park

famous park in Kenya

For all those who wish to interact with wildlife in a soothing environment, this park is the place to be. Giraffes, buffalos, antelopes and hippos, you can meet a number of animals and birds in this charming park. Almost 1,60,000 people visit this place annually and is considered to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya ! So, when are you coming?

Location: Trail, Mombasa, Kenya Timings: 8 am to 5 pm Entry Fee: INR 965 per person

Further Read: 10 Surreal Beaches In Kenya That Portray The Soothing Side Of Africa!

Dreaming of an adventurous safari amidst the best wildlife places to visit in Kenya? Then book an exciting Kenya tour package with TravelTriangle to explore the top attractions of the country during your trip to this Africa jewel. Make sure you pack a few extra clothes in case this mesmerising place changes your mind and you wish to extend your vacay!

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kenya

Which are the best shopping places in Kenya?

Westgate shopping mall, The Village Market of Nairobi, The Hub Karen Mall, Diani Shopping Centre, and Nakumatt Nyali Shopping Center are some of the best shopping places in Kenya.

What should one buy in Kenya?

Maasai Beads, Kitengela Glass, Beaded Bowls, Hand-Carved Wooden Sculptures, and Kikois and Khangas are some of the best things to buy in Kenya.

Which are the best authentic dishes of Kenya?

Ugali, Irio, Githeri, Kenyan Pilau, Wali wa Nazi, Sukuma Wiki, and Kenyan Stew are some of the best authentic dishes of Kenya.

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10 of the best experiences you can have in Kenya

Meera Dattani

Nov 23, 2023 • 8 min read

kenya for tourism

Here's how to experience the best of Kenya's vibrant culture and incredible wildlife © Ayzenstayn / Getty Images

Despite having a coastline of beautiful beaches perfect for lazing on, visitors to  Kenya  rarely sit still – the country simply has too many exciting things to do.

Stirring landscapes ranging from equatorial glaciers and jagged peaks to wildlife-laden plains and tropical reefs provide an epic natural playground for all who venture here, while the intoxicating mix of cultures surprises at every turn. Here are ten experiences you can't miss in Kenya.

1. See the Big Five on safari

Not only were safaris born in Kenya, but so was the very word itself – it means "journey" in Swahili. Spotting the much-heralded Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) is a major aspiration of many visitors to Africa, and Kenya provides some of the continent’s most impressive natural settings for the search.

No natural reserve is more famous than the Masai Mara, where sightings of all these species are common. Lake Nakuru National Park , with its flamingo-lined lake and forest-clad escarpments, is another incredible place for Big Five safaris, as is Amboseli National Park , where Mt Kilimanjaro provides a staggering backdrop.

Samburu Game Reserve in the remote north is prime safari territory and, as well as being a great place to spot a leopard, it also hosts its own "Samburu Special Five": Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, long-necked gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, and Somali ostrich. 

Planning tip:  If you’re in Nairobi, don’t overlook  Nairobi National Park on the outskirts of the capital. Often billed as the only national park within a city in the world, Kenya’s first game reserve has wildlife in abundance, from lions, leopards and buffalo to the endangered black rhino and around 400 species of birdlife.

2. Head out on a hike

Mt Kenya ’s trekking terrain is arguably the African continent’s most beautiful and rewarding. Its diverse valleys, equatorial glaciers and dramatic, towering summit are extraordinary, best seen over a challenging multi-day hike to Point Lenana (4985m/16,355ft), the mountain’s third-highest peak and the highest reachable without climbing equipment.

The more gentle slopes of Mt Elgon, technically in Uganda but on the border with Kenya and often visited from Kenya, are home to elephants, primates, antelopes and some 240 species of birds. It’s another great option for treks lasting several days, as are captivating walks with the Maasai through their homelands.

Incredible day hikes are also possible throughout Kenya – climb up Mt Longonot to its crater rim, seek out remote waterfalls in the mountains of Aberdare National Park , or take a leisurely stroll in the dense Kakamega Forest while listening to birdsong.

If you’re craving greenery in Nairobi, Karura Forest is the capital’s oasis with around 30 miles of trails set around a waterfall, caves, rivers and wetland.

A traditional sailing boat passes vast sand dunes

3. Sail on a dhow

Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast is beautiful no matter how you see it, but the most romantic way to experience the water is from the deck of a traditional dhow.

These wooden sailing vessels have been used along this stretch of coastline for centuries, and they are still entrenched in Swahili culture today.

Whether launching from the historical island of Lamu (home to Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited town), from the shores of Mombasa, or the modern resort village of Diani Beach, these wind-powered voyages slip past stunning slivers of sand, remote coral islands, and reefs teeming with fish.

Planning tip: In Mombasa, try the well-known Tamarind Dhow experience .

4. Witness the Great Migration

It’s been called the greatest natural spectacle on the planet  and with good reason. Each year from July to October , as many as 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles make a dramatic crossing of the crocodile-infested Mara River to feed on the lush grasses of the Masai Mara.

The flood of animals filling the open savanna includes herds of elephants and giraffes, and trailing this sea of prey are lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. Needless to say, there is never a shortage of drama during the Great Migration.

Giraffe crossing a path in front of a man on a mountain bike at Hell's Gate National Park in Kenya

5. Go mountain biking

Mountain biking in Kenya is not your average mountain biking – here this two-wheeled pursuit offers a unique means of embracing both the country’s incredible landscapes and its iconic wildlife.

Ride over the red earth paths in the volcanic confines of Hell’s Gate National Park , cycling past grazing buffaloes, giraffes, impalas and zebras, or take to the grasslands of the Masai Mara for a guided cycle safari like no other.

Planning tip: For the purest mountain bikers who want nothing more than to test their skills, there are some great single-track routes of varying gradient and difficulty on Mt Kenya and within the Rift Valley above Naivasha. For those wanting a more leisurely cycle, exploring the coastal areas around Diani Beach , Malindi , and Watamu by bike is an engaging option.

6. Dive or snorkel Kenya's coast

With much of the coast sheltered by reefs, Kenya’s calm inshore waters – speckled with shoals of vibrantly colored fish – provide some of the easiest and most transfixing snorkeling in East Africa.

Simply float above the seabed and take it all in or strap on a tank and take a deeper dip on the other side of the reef, where whale sharks, dolphins and swordfish play. 

Excellent sites include Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve , a haven for the green turtle; Galu Reef for sightings of seahorses, scorpion fish and ghostfish; and Nyuli’s steep coral reef wall. 

Planning tip:  For those wanting to up their diving skills, highly regarded operations offer open-water diving courses. Kenya is also a great place for beginners to take to the water. You'll find schools in Diani Beach, Watamu and Wasini Island that teach PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses, which start in shore-based pools beneath swaying palms.

Two Samburu men in traditional wear hold spears and look into the camera

7. Meet Kenya's diversity of people

Although it is dreams of Kenya’s wondrous wildlife that draws most people to this East African nation, many people’s lasting memories revolve around their interactions with Kenyans themselves. Meetings with the Maasai people, with their traditional red shukas  and charismatic culture, add depth and warmth to any trip into the Mara region.

The same can be said for the striking Turkana people in Loiyangalani along the eastern shore of the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana). Visitors to the annual Marsabit-Lake Turkana Festival will also meet many of the other communities from Kenya’s remote north, such as the El Molo, Rendille, Samburu, Dassanach, Gabra, Borana, Konso, Sakuye, Garre, Waata, Burji and Somali.

The diversity of cultures in Kenya is truly astounding. Due to its history as a former British colony, Kenya has a sizable South Asian population of Hindus, Muslims, Goans and Sikhs, and a smaller yet influential white European community as part of that legacy.

While the Swahili people on the coast from Mombasa to Malindi differ in that they don’t share a common heritage, they are bound by a language and an African history that is tied to Arabia and Persia. There is no better place to immerse yourself in this world than in the labyrinth of crooked alleyways in Lamu town and Shela village on Lamu Island .

Planning tip:  Time your visit to Kenya to coincide with one of its many vibrant cultural festivals . 

8. Ride a wave or the wind

Want a burst of adrenaline with your taste of the Indian Ocean? The same winds that power the elegant dhows fuel two great water sports: windsurfing and kitesurfing. The latter has really caught on in Kenya, with many schools providing lessons for beginners as well as equipment rentals for experienced kitesurfers.

Diani Beach and neighboring Galu Beach are the epicenters of action, while Nyali and less crowded Shanzu beaches, close to Mombasa town, are also highly recommended.

The waters off Watamu and Malindi are excellent for experienced surfers because the waves are bigger and there’s no reef. The fun doesn’t stop inland, however, with whitewater rafting trips possible on both the Tana (also known as the Sagana) and Athi rivers, which thunder down from the Central Highlands at certain points during the year.

9. Float over Kenya in a hot-air balloon

Perhaps the most intoxicating safari experience in Kenya is to slowly climb – one exciting flame blast at a time – above the famous rolling savanna and flat-topped acacia trees of the Masai Mara in a hot-air balloon.

Floating silently over streams of wildebeest on their Great Migration, lions stalking their prey or a lone black rhino moving through the bush is a perspective that nobody can ever forget.

When the light is just right, it’s possible to marvel at the perfectly proportioned elephant-shaped shadows cast by the largest member of the Big Five. Few experiences in life are as peaceful as they are exciting, and a hot-air balloon safari in Kenya is certainly one of them.

10. Join a camel safari

Camel safaris are a wonderful way of mixing wildlife, culture, landscapes and adventure by getting into remote areas where few others (and often no vehicles) go.

Most operate in the northern tribal areas of the Samburu and Turkana, which means visitors will also witness nomadic life and mingle with local people. Wildlife is not as prolific as in the southern parks, but on these trips, it does not matter – the journey is the main attraction.

Mornings are spent on the move, with visitors either riding the camels or walking alongside them (whichever they prefer). After striking camp around noon, participants have the rest of the day to enjoy guided walks and cultural interactions or to just relax.

Experienced Samburu moran (warriors) usually lead the caravans, with English-speaking tribal guides on hand to dispense interesting details on local folklore, botany, ornithology and local customs.

This article was first published May 2017 and updated November 2023

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Kenya travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: January 29, 2024 16:31 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, kenya - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya due to the threat of terrorism and a high crime rate.

Border with Somalia - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties bordering Somalia, due to a risk of kidnapping and attacks.

Border with South Sudan and Ethiopia - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to Turkana and Marsabit counties, within 110 km of the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia, due to armed banditry and cross-border violence.

Regional advisory - Avoid all travel

  • within 50 km of the coast of Tana River County
  • within 50 km of the coast of Kilifi County (from north of the city of Malindi to the Tana River County limits)

Neighbourhoods of Nairobi - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the neighbourhoods of Eastleigh, Kibera and Pangani, in Nairobi, due to the high crime rate.

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There is a threat of terrorism. Credible information indicates that foreigners may be targeted by extremists in the following areas:

  • the coastal areas of Kenya

There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks in the following counties:

Terrorist attacks have occurred:

  • in the coastal region, including in Mombasa and Malindi
  • in the Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties, near the border with Somalia

Foreigners have been targeted in some attacks. Further attacks cannot be ruled out.

Targets could include:

  • government buildings, including schools
  • places of worship
  • airports and other transportation hubs and networks
  • public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Be particularly alert during religious holidays, sporting events and public celebrations. Terrorists have carried out attacks during these events.

  • Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places
  • Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, but keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk

Areas bordering Somalia and portion of the Coast region

Kenya’s border with Somalia is closed, but it is porous and Somali militias and bandit groups have carried out cross-border attacks against foreigners and humanitarian workers in this region. Some incidents involved the use of improvised explosive devices and have resulted in injuries and deaths, including at the Dadaab refugee camp, 80 km from the Somali border. The risk of such attacks in the region remains high.

Disputes between Somali clans also make the region unstable and dangerous. There is an increased military and police presence and frequent roadblocks due to the Government of Kenya’s efforts to limit Somali incursions and gun-running in the border area.

There is also an increased risk of kidnapping in the northeastern Kenyan counties of Mandera, Wajir and Garissa bordering Somalia and the coastal areas of Lamu County. Groups based in Somalia and northeastern Kenya have targeted humanitarian workers, tourists and residents in the past and deaths have occurred.

Beachfront accommodations on the coastal area are vulnerable to criminal activity, such as armed robbery, break-ins and carjacking.

Areas bordering South Sudan and Ethiopia

There is an extreme threat of kidnapping, terrorism and cross-border violence in the northern counties of Marsabit and Turkana within 110 km of Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Neighbourhoods of Nairobi

Criminal activity remains high in several neighbourhoods and areas of Nairobi. Police capacity to respond to crime and other incidents is very limited.

Northern and Western Kenya

Some areas located in Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir and Mandera counties are considered unsafe. The ongoing threat posed by terrorism is joined by various regional, tribal or clan-based conflicts involving land, cattle and water. Consider using armed escorts when travelling within these counties; escorts can often be arranged through local police stations.

  • Avoid venturing away from tourist areas
  • Do not travel after dark

Tribal conflicts have occurred in the Mount Elgon area in the western counties of Trans-Nzoia and Bungoma. If you decide to travel to that region:

  • Remain vigilant at all times
  • Monitor local media

There is a high crime rate in most regions of Kenya, particularly in major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, and at coastal beach resorts. Traditionally, crimes increase in the weeks before Christmas.

Be aware that there have been incidents of “mob justice” in which a crowd lynches suspected criminals prior to the arrival of police.

Violent Crime

Carjacking, home invasions, kidnappings and robberies occur, including during daylight hours and in neighbourhoods normally considered safe.

Tourists have been the target of carjacking, robberies and kidnappings while travelling to or from the international airports in Nairobi and Mombasa.

  • Only use transportation organized by reputable tour companies or well-marked taxis
  • Be particularly vigilant if you are commuting alone

In Nairobi, exercise extreme caution in informal settlement communities, such as Kasarani, Kibera and Mathare, due to the high level of crime and limited capacity of police to respond to incidents.

The Old Town of Fort Jesus in Mombasa has a similar crime rate to other areas of the city during the day. However, there is a greatly increased risk of criminal activity at night, including robberies, attacks and other street crimes. Crime rates are also high on and around the Likoni Ferry (which links Mombasa and the southern resorts).

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times, particularly on roads linking a city centre to residential areas
  • Do not walk outdoors at night, particularly in isolated areas
  • Exercise caution while walking during daylight hours and if travelling after dark
  • When confronted by robbers, comply and do not offer resistance

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

  • Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • Avoid showing signs of affluence or carrying large sums of money
  • Ensure that your credit and debit cards, cash and any other financial resources are not all kept in the same place
  • Store your belongings in safekeeping facilities
  • Never leave your bags unsupervised at a ticket office or a registration desk
  • When you leave your hotel room, ensure that the door is locked and the “do not disturb” sign is displayed

Thieves travelling on scooters or on foot have targeted the bags of car or scooter passengers.

  • Keep your windows closed, doors locked and valuables out of reach and sight
  • Be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights

Incidents of passport theft have occurred in the departure area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. There have also been cases where checked luggage has been pilfered.

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all airports
  • Store your valuables in locked hand-luggage
  • Do not exchange currency in the public areas of the airport

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Curfews can be imposed without notice.

Always comply with the directives issued by local authorities.

Power outages 

Power outages occur regularly across the country. Blackouts may increase the risk of criminal activity in affected areas, which could in turn lead to opportunistic theft during prolonged outages.

Power outages could affect your ability to purchase basic necessisties and impact essential services, such as: 

  • public transportation, including flights 
  • medical services  
  • water supply 
  • telecommunications 

Not all buildings are equipped with generators.   

  • Plan accordingly  
  • Keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand  
  • Make sure you always have an emergency kit on hand
  • Monitor local media for the latest updates

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Criminals have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police officers or government officials in attempts to get money from tourists.

If you are approached by someone claiming to be a government official or police officer and they fine you for an alleged offence, ask for an official government receipt.

Police officers are required to identify themselves. There is a complaint process through the Kenyan Police Service to investigate allegations of corruption and abuse.

Exercise caution if you are travelling to Kenya to meet someone with whom you have developed a relationship on the Internet (friendship, business or romance). Foreigners are often lured to Kenya, especially during the holiday season (Christmas and New Year), to meet their online contact in person. Once there, they become victims of crime. Some have lost thousands of dollars and some have been arrested for failing to pay debts accrued locally or exorbitant bills racked up as a result of scams.

Overseas fraud

Non-governmental organizations

Foreigners volunteering with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have sometimes reported incidents of fraud, threats and mistreatment by local personnel.

If you are contemplating volunteering with NGOs in Kenya, you should contact the National Bureau of NGOs before making any commitment and before departing Canada, to confirm that the organization you wish to work with is legitimate. All NGOs in Kenya are required by law to be registered with the National Council of NGOs, a self-regulating, non-partisan body.

National Bureau of NGOs

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Attacks involving sexual assault have occurred.

Advice for women travellers

Forced Marriages

Forced marriage affecting foreigners occur. It sometimes occurs without the affected person’s prior knowledge or consent.

General information and advice about forced marriage

Road travel

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.

Major highways are generally in good condition but minor roads are poorly maintained. Drivers do not respect traffic laws, and drinking and driving is prevalent, especially at night.

Keep this in mind when planning travel by road, as driving at night can be risky. Excessive speeds, poorly maintained vehicles, poor lighting and inadequate signage pose hazards.

During the rainy season, some unpaved roads become impassable, even with four-wheel drive vehicles. You should drive defensively and always be aware of your surroundings.

Serious traffic delays are common. The road from Nairobi to Mombasa is particularly congested and can be dangerous for tourists unfamiliar with local driving conditions. You should travel by air or train if possible.

Use authorized border crossings when travelling by vehicle between Kenya and Tanzania.

Overland travel

Visitors travelling overland to certain game parks and reserves have been attacked by armed bandits. Exercise caution on the roads between the following regions due to attacks, robberies and vehicle hijackings:

  • Malindi to Lamu
  • Nairobi and the Amboseli, Masai Mara, Nakuru and Tsavo game parks/reserves
  • Nairobi and the Mount Kenya/Aberdare area

Public transportation

Public transportation is unsafe.

Inter city buses

Long-distance buses have been involved in serious accidents.

Intra City travel

Local mini buses (matatus) and motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) are generally poorly maintained, recklessly driven and not adequately insured. Matatu hijackings and incidents of passengers being robbed have occurred.

Use reliable taxi companies, and confirm the fare in advance.

The Madaraka Express Railway line between Nairobi and Mombasa is reliable and safe. Other passenger train lines are not safe and are routinely late.

Local assistance

The Kenya Tourism Federation operates a 24-hour Safety and Communication Centre, which provides information on tourism and road conditions, and has information about regional assistance in an emergency.

Safety Centre  - Kenya Tourism Federation

National parks, safaris and reserves

Tourists have been victims of crime, sometimes involving violence, in national parks and reserves, as well as on safaris.

  • Remain aware of your surroundings at all times
  • Avoid camping alone or without expert local assistance

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing poses risks, particularly on foot or at close range.

  • Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife
  • Only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
  • Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators
  • Closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice

Maritime transportation

The Likoni Ferry (from Mombasa to Likoni) is unsafe due to a combination of high crime rates, uncontrolled crowds, limited safety training, frequent breakdowns and inconsistent maintenance. Stampedes and overcrowding on the ferry have resulted in multiple injuries.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Kenyan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Kenya.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required Transit visa: not required if you have a connecting flight and are not leaving the airport  Business visa: required Student visa: required Work Permit: required

As of January 1, 2024, tourists are required to apply and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to their travel. You can still use issued valid tourist visas until they expire.

You must obtain your visa or eTA online prior to your departure. Be sure to check the visa validity immediately after issuance.

If you don’t have a valid visa, you could be detained, taken to court and charged for being in Kenya illegally. You could be subject to a fine or deportation.

Useful links :

Apply for an eTA  – Government of Kenya Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority  – Government of Kenya eVisa  – Kenyan Department of Immigration Services

Visa extension

Kenyan Immigration authorities may extend your visa for one month at a time, for a maximum of three months. Each extension costs KSH 1000, and must be requested while the visa is still valid.

To extend your visa, contact immigration authorities once you are in the country.

You must pay all visa fees in exact cash and only in U.S. dollars, British pound sterling or euros. You can’t pay for a visa with a credit card.

There is no fee for visas for children under 16 years.

East African tourist visa

The East African Tourist Visa allows for multiple entries to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

This visa is valid for 90 days and cannot be extended.

You must obtain this visa from the authorities of the country that is your first entry point. If you plan to begin your trip in Kenya, you must obtain it from the High Commission for the Republic of Kenya or on arrival.

Work Permits

You must have a valid work permit to work or volunteer in Kenya. It is illegal to work or volunteer in Kenya with any other type of visa.

As a foreign worker in Kenya, you must carry the necessary work permits and documentation with you at all times, even when volunteering. Strict actions will be taken if you don’t comply, including deportation.

To obtain an electronic working permit, apply online with the Department of Immigration Services. You must visit the Kenya Immigration headquarters (Nyayo House in the Central Business District of Nairobi) after completing the online application to obtain your permit.

Apply for a work permit  - Kenyan Department of Immigration Services

NGO workers

Canadians planning to work or volunteer (including, temporarily or part-time) in Kenya for any period are required to have a work permit.

The National Council of NGOs can provide assistance in obtaining a work permit for individuals planning to work for a local NGO if contacted in advance.

If an employee moves from one organization to another, the first permit becomes void and the individual must apply for a new permit to work with the subsequent organization.

Consult with the NGO with whom you are planning to volunteer, as well as with the Kenya Immigration Foreign Nationals Services for full information and requirements.

More information about Kenyan work permits  - High commission of Kenya

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

The Kenyan authorities regularly carry out spot checks for proof of yellow fever vaccinations. Carry a copy of your proof of vaccination with you at all times.

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 31 August, 2023
  • Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 31 August, 2023
  • Polio: Advice for travellers - 4 January, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
  • Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
  • Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that   country entry requirements   may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest   diplomatic or consular office   of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

  • Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
  • One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. 

Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

  • visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
  • visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever.

Visceral  leishmaniasis   (or kala azar) affects the bone marrow and internal organs. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly. It can also be transmitted by blood transfusion or sharing contaminated needles. If left untreated it can cause death. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

  • In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

  • Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
  • Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria. People can get sick with anthrax if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Anthrax can cause severe illness in both humans and animals. Travellers to areas where anthrax is common or where an outbreak is occurring in animals can get sick with anthrax if:

  • they have contact with infected animal carcasses or eat meat from animals that were sick when slaughtered
  • they handle animal parts, such as hides, wool or hair, or products made from those animal parts, such as animal hide drums.

If you are visiting these areas, do not eat raw or undercooked meat and avoid contact with livestock, wildlife, animal products, and animal carcasses.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Good medical facilities are available in Nairobi, but health-care standards in other parts of the country vary and can be very limited. Medical facilities may require proof of insurance or up-front payment before starting treatment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

You must carry photo identification or a copy of your passport at all times. Police and immigration officials have the right to demand proof of your identification, residency or valid visas. You should cooperate with authorities if you are asked for identification. Failure to present proof of residence or a valid visa to authorities when requested to do so could result in fines or arrest. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it's lost or confiscated.

Volunteering

It is illegal to work or volunteer in Kenya without a valid work permit. Kenyan authorities strictly enforce this law. Convicted offenders could face heavy fines, jail sentences of up to five years and deportation.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment and heavy fines. You could also face fines and jail time if you are convicted of being in a location where there are illegal drugs, even if they are not yours.

There are strict restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages and on consuming alcohol in public places.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Smoking is prohibited in all public places. Convicted offenders could pay heavy fines or face a jail sentence.

Possession of ivory or other banned wildlife items, even if purchased outside of Kenya, is strictly prohibited. Killing, buying, selling or trading any protected wild animal or any of its parts is illegal. Offenders can be arrested and given lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Photography

Photography of government buildings, foreign embassies and missions (including the Canadian High Commission), airports, military facilities or other sensitive locations is prohibited and may lead to arrest or detention.

Illegal and restricted items

Plastic bags.

The use, manufacture or importation of plastic bags, including garbage bags and shopping bags, is illegal. Convicted offenders, including tourists, can face very heavy fines (up to USD 40,000), imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Plastic bag ban

The recreational and commercial flying of drones is strictly regulated.

You must seek the permission from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority prior to your arrival. If you don't comply, you may be fined and your drone may be confiscated.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) - Kenya Civil Aviation Authority

To carry firearms, you must obtain permission from local authorities prior to entering the country. Firearms are strictly forbidden in wildlife reserves and national parks.

Pornographic material

Possession of pornographic material is forbidden.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Kenyan law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face lengthy prison sentences.

Even though there are few convictions, 2SLGBTQI+ persons are routinely harassed by the police, and societal discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Kenya.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Kenya.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Kenya, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Kenya.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Kenya by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Kenya to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

  • International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
  • Travelling with children
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Traffic drives on the left.

While driving, drivers must always carry:

  • a valid driver's licence
  • vehicle registration documents
  • proof of valid insurance
  • a valid vehicle inspection certificate

These documents must be produced on demand by a police officer.

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a private motor vehicle in Kenya.

You may drive using a Canadian driver's licence for up to 90 days from the date of entry into Kenya.

An International Driving Permit is accepted, if presented with your original Canadian licence.

Residents of Kenya may apply for a Kenyan driver's licence with proof of a valid Canadian driver's licence.

If using a Canadian licence for any of the above cases, it must be in English or a certified translation must accompany it and be presented on demand.

Private motor vehicles must have 2 emergency triangles.

If you are stopped due to a traffic violation, the police officer may ask you to pay an on-the spot fine. Police, however, are not permitted to accept cash on the spot without issuing an official receipt. If you disagree with the traffic ticket, you have the right to ask for due process. The officer should provide you with information on when and where you can go to be properly charged, and then you may pursue that process.

International Driving Permit

Exercise common sense and discretion in your dress and behaviour, particularly in the coast region, where the majority of the population is Muslim.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

  • dress conservatively
  • behave discreetly
  • respect religious and social traditions

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES).

ATMs are widely available.

Credit cards are widely accepted at major hotels, but not always in more remote locations.

Many banks and hotels exchange foreign currency. It is also possible to convert Kenyan shillings into foreign currency at the airport upon departure.

M-PESA is a common form of electronic funds transfer accepted across Kenya, including at national parks. National parks do not accept cash and generally accept credit cards, but at times, due to technical difficulties, only payment via M-PESA is accepted.

Travellers who import the equivalent of U.S. $5,000 or more must provide documentation stating the source and purpose of the funds.

Rainy seasons and droughts

Drought is the most prevalent natural hazard in Kenya affecting mainly the eastern, north eastern and coast area, as well as parts of the Rift Valley.

There are normally two rainy seasons in Kenya: from October to November, and from late March to mid-June. Seasonal flooding and mudslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

If you reside in or are travelling to affected areas:

  • exercise caution
  • monitor local news and weather reports
  • follow the advice of local authorities

Volcanoes and earthquakes

Natural disasters are possible due to regional volcanic and seismic activity. While there have not been any recent incidents, pay careful attention to all warnings issued.

Local services

There is no reliable centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Kenya, in Nairobi, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the  Emergency Watch and Response Centre  in Ottawa.

Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Kenya, in Nairobi, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Kenya Tourism Board Shifts Focus to India for Tourism Growth

  • by Derrick Okubasu on Thursday, 7 March 2024 - 1:54 pm

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has launched a campaign in India aimed at boosting tourist travel to Kenya.

KTB Chief Executive Officer John Chirchir, in an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, March 7, noted that the campaign is expected to boost tourist numbers from the Asian nation, which has consistently ranked as the top tourist source on the continent.

The board will offer incentives to travel agents to uplift Kenya as a preferred tourist destination for its citizens.

"We have consumer campaigns and trade which is both airline travel agencies and tour operators. We have education campaigns which involve empowering travel agents who are selling Kenya to have the capacity to convert interest into actual bookings," he stated.

"Overall, our goal is to have increased growth from India because it is our top-source market in Asia over the years and has supported lots of tour operators and hoteliers."

Chirchir noted that the country aims to boost Kenya's revenue from tourism as well as create more jobs for Kenyans. (For more of my chat with Chirchir, check out our responder text in our flagship Evening Brief Newsletter, out at 4:00 pm every weekday)

The sector employs over 1 million people directly and is estimated that for every 10 tourists that arrive in Kenya, one job is created.

"Bollywood is big. Indian Musicians are also big. This is a collaboration in which in the foreseeable future we want to work and even have an Indian film shot in Kenya. we are looking at significant growth but also we want to be more present and have more engagement with trade, support conversion activities, and association of Kenya as a destination using traditional areas like film, Bollywood, and sports," he added.

"These are things that are not tourism per se but help us gain entry points to influence preference for Magical Kenya as a destination."

KTB has in recent months launched aggressive campaigns across several continents including the United States, which is ranked as Kenya's strongest market.

The campaign that ran in 2022 showcased wildlife, culture and adventure activities in its goal to make the country a top tourist destination.

Last year, Kenyan tour operators flooded Chinese social media sites in search of tourists from the East Asian nation.

The targeting of Chinese tourists in their social media is part of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) strategic plan 2021-2025. The operators joined WeChat, Mafengwo, Weibo, and Douyin exclusively available in China. Notably, popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are not accessible in the country.

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Kenya Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 31, 2023, kenya - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping .  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to: Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas, due to terrorism and kidnapping .

Areas of Turkana County, due to crime .

Reconsider Travel to: Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, due to crime and kidnapping .

Certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations , reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.

Country Summary :  Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time.  Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks.  Emergency medical and fire service is also limited. Be especially careful when traveling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime.

Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings.

Demonstrations may occur, blocking key intersections and resulting in widespread traffic jams.  Strikes and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions occur regularly, particularly in periods near elections.  Violence associated with demonstrations, ranging from rock throwing to police using deadly force, occurs around the country; it is mostly notable in western Kenya and Nairobi.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the vicinity of the Kenyan-Somali border, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM).  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notice .

Some schools and other facilities acting as cultural rehabilitation centers are operating in Kenya with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight.  Reports of minors and young adults being held in these facilities against their will and physically abused are common.

Read the  country information page  for additional information about travel to Kenya.

If you decide to travel to Kenya:

  • Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Make contingency plans to leave the country. in case of an emergency Review the  Traveler’s Checklist ..
  • Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable).  Keep original documents in a secure location.
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Kenya.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Specified Areas - Level 4: Do Not Travel U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the below areas.

Kenya-Somalia Border Counties:

  • Mandera due to kidnapping and terrorism.
  • Wajir due to kidnapping and terrorism.
  • Garissa due to kidnapping and terrorism.

Coastal Areas:

  • Tana River county due to kidnapping and terrorism.
  • Lamu county due to kidnapping and terrorism.
  • Areas of Kilifi County north of Malindi due to kidnapping and terrorism.

Turkana County:

  • Road from Kainuk to Lodwar due to crime and armed robbery, which occur frequently.

Specified Areas - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera:

  • Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time.  Street crime can involve multiple armed assailants.  Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Laikipia County:

  • Certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations, reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.

Consider carefully whether to use the Likoni ferry in Mombasa due to safety concerns.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Travel Advisory Levels

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  • Kenya launches campaign to boost domestic tourism

NAIROBI, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the country's tourism marketing agency, launched a campaign Tuesday to boost domestic tourism.

John Chirchir, acting chief executive officer of the KTB, told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that the month-long initiative involves rewarding locals who visit various tourism spots across the country.

"The campaign is indicative of the growing appetite among Kenyans looking to rediscover their country by seeing hidden gems' attractions through a new lens," Chirchir said.

Data from the state-owned Kenya Bureau of Standards indicate that the tourism sector is one of the largest foreign exchange earners, alongside exports of horticulture, tea, and diaspora remittances.

Chirchir noted that the campaign will showcase the diversity of tourism experiences available locally, from beach destinations to wildlife conservancies and luxury safari camps.

He noted that the promotion will bring together the public and private sectors to creatively package and promote destinations to Kenyans in a bid to reinforce the message that tourism begins at home. Enditem

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Kenya Offers Incentives to Indian Travel Agents. Plus: New Metro Route to the Taj Mahal — India Report

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

March 5th, 2024 at 11:00 PM EST

India was the fifth biggest source market for Kenya in 2022. It, therefore, plays an important role in the African nation's strategy to recover its tourism sector from the pandemic.

Bulbul Dhawan

The Skift India Newsletter is your go-to platform for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

The Kenya Tourism Board has launched a marketing campaign in India. Under the campaign, the tourism board will provide travel agents with incentives to promote Kenya as a tourism destination to the Indian travelers. 

The campaign highlights the importance of India for Kenya’s tourism. John Chirchir, Ag CEO, Kenya Tourism Board, said that India stands as a pivotal market for Kenya in terms of travel and tourism. “We believe that this initiative will significantly contribute to strengthening our foothold in this dynamic landscape,” he added. 

Visa-free entry in Kenya: In January 2024, Kenya became a visa-free country for international tourists, including for Indian passport holders. The move aimed to boost the country’s tourism sector, while also streamlining the entry process in the country with a new digital portal. Travelers to Kenya only need to apply and pay for an electronic travel authorization in order to enter the country. 

In 2022, Kenya received more than 81,000 tourists from India, an increase of more than 93% over the 2021 figure. India was also the fifth largest source market for the country in 2022. During the first eight months of 2023, Kenya attracted most Indian visitors among all African nations .

New Stretch of Agra Metro Connecting Taj Mahal to be Launched 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new stretch of the Agra Metro on Wednesday. The new stretch will connect to popular tourist destinations including Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The rapid transit network in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra will operate trains on the new route between 6 am and 10 pm every day. 

The new stretch has been named ‘priority corridor’, and will connect Taj East Gate with Mankameshwar Temple. According to Ministry of Tourism data, Taj Mahal was the most visited ASI monument during the 2022-23 fiscal year. The monument received a domestic footfall of 4.5 million during this period. 

21.8 Million Domestic Tourists Visited Kerala in 2023

The coastal state of Kerala recorded 21.8 million domestic tourists in 2023, setting a new record for its domestic tourist arrivals. This figure was nearly 16% up from the 2022 levels, which stood at nearly 18.9 million tourists. 

Notably, 2023 also marked an increase of about 19% over the 2019 pre-Covid levels, Kerala tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas said. Ernakulam district, where Kochi is located, saw the highest influx of tourists in 2023, followed by Idukki district, in which Munnar is situated. State capital’s district Thiruvananthapuram was the third most visited district in Kerala. 

EaseMyTrip Launches Co-Branded Credit Card with Punjab National Bank

Online travel agency EaseMyTrip has collaborated with Punjab National Bank to launch the PNB EMT co-branded credit card. The card will provide holders with rewards and benefits to travelers on flights, hotels, and holiday packages bookings. The card also allows holders to access domestic and international airport lounges. 

Co-branded credit cards are becoming more popular in the hospitality and travel industry in India. Last year, Marriott International’s loyalty program Marriott Bonvoy partnered HDFC Bank to launch a co-branded credit card . Full-service airline Vistara has also partnered with multiple banks including SBI and Axis Bank to launch a range of credit cards. IndiGo also has a co-branded credit card with HDFC Bank. 

Yatra Online Appoints Gaurav Luthra as Chief Business Officer

Gaurav Luthra has been appointed as the Chief Business Officer — New Business Development for Yatra Online. He will drive the corporate travel proposition of the company, while focusing on mid-market and SME customers. Luthra will also develop new products including visa facilitation and car rentals for business travelers.

Yatra Online is looking to further grow its business. In the third quarter of 2023-24 fiscal year, the company reported a year-on-year revenue growth of 23%.

Etihad Airways to Expand Operations to Jaipur

Etihad Airways has announced its plans to expand its operations to Jaipur, Rajasthan. The national airline of the United Arab Emirates will begin four weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Jaipur starting June 16.

The airline is also increasing its frequency to Thiruvananthapuram from June 15. With three additional flights, the airline will operate a total of 10 weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and the state capital of Kerala.

Agoda Launches AI-Driven Personalized Advertisement Campaign

Online travel platform Agoda has introduced a personalized advertising campaign driven by Artificial Intelligence. The campaign, which is tailored to the Indian audience, features actor Ayushmann Khurrana. With the help of the technology, the platform has created more than 250 customized videos for various tourist destinations in India and abroad. 

The campaign has used a single video of the actor and converted it into more than 250 ads with the help of generative AI. The technology aids in adapting the ad to the user according to their destination of interest in order to make it relevant to each viewer.

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Tags: agoda , airlines , credit cards , easemytrip , Etihad Airways , hotels , india , kenya , kerala , marketing campaign , taj mahal , tourism , travel credit card , visa waiver , yatra

Photo credit: Kenya has made entry visa free for all international tourists in a bid to increase tourism. Kenya Tourism Board

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Be aware of current health issues in Kenya. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

  • Global Polio January 05, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Active cholera transmission is  widespread  in Kenya. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Kenya.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Kenya. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Kenya.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Kenya take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Kenya.

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to  areas of Kenya  that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season.

Meningococcal disease - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis Belt Map

In Kenya poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Kenya are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus.

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Kenya who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an  accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Kenya. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Kenya, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

  • Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
  • Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
  • Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Kenya. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to: the city of Nairobi (the capital); the counties of the former North Eastern Province (Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa); or the counties (except Taita-Taveta) of the former Coast Province (Kilifi, including the city of Malindi; Kwale; Lamu; Mombasa, including the city of Mombasa; Tana River) .

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

  • Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

  • Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
  • Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
  • Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
  • Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

  • Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

  • Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

  • Mosquito bite

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

  • Tick bite 
  • Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
  • Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

  • Sand fly bite
  • Avoid animals

Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever

  • Touching infected animals (including bats and primates) or their body fluids
  • Touching body fluids (blood or sweat) from an infected person
  • Touching objects contaminated with the body fluids of a person infected with Ebola or Marburg virus
  • Avoid sick people
  • Avoid animals and areas where they live

Marburg virus

Rift Valley Fever

  • Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

  • Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
  • Bite from an infected rodent
  • Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
  • Avoid rodents and areas where they live

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Kenya, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

  • Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
  • Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
  • Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
  • Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Kenya. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Kenya include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Kenya. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Kenya’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Kenya. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Kenya may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Kenya, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Kenya, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Kenya .

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Kenya.

  • Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
  • LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Kenya for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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USA TODAY

National Geographic unveils best travel destinations for 2024: See full list

L ooking for exciting locations to explore this year? From diving with sharks on Australia's Coral Coast to rafting the white rapids of West Virginia, National Geographic has some unique ideas for you with its annual Best of the World 2024 list .

The list, released first to USA TODAY on Tuesday, includes top destinations in the world and lesser-known ones. They range from Paris and Niagara Falls to the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia and archeological sites on the Spanish island of Menorca.

Unlike previous years, National Geographic is emphasizing must-do experiences at each destination, instead of just listing out locations. And in another step away from previous editions , the publication has added rankings to help readers prioritize their bucket list.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

"I'm so excited about this," said National Geographic Editor-in-Chief Nathan Lump at an exclusive preview in New York last week. "We've really extended it to be bigger than ever before. And we just think that is a really, really great way to serve our travelers who are looking for great ideas all the time."

Lump said the list was being released on Tuesday to coincide with National Vacation Day, the last Tuesday of every January.

Millions of vacation days go to waste every year, and Lump said that he hopes that this year's list will inspire readers to get out of their comfort zone and explore the world.

The list of the top 20 travel experiences is curated by National Geographic explorers, photographers, and editors. It's “a celebration” of “travel’s power to transform us and our connections with one another," the magazine said.

What are the best places to visit/experience in 2024?

National Geographic’s top travel experiences for the year are:

  • Horseback safari in Kenya.
  • Olympic Marathon in Paris.
  • Ski tour through UNESCO sites in Georgia.
  • Bear-watching at Katmai National Park, Alaska.
  • Live music in Kyoto, Japan.
  • Magdalena River Cruise in Colombia.
  • Road trip on Route 66 in New Mexico.
  • Explore ancient rock art in Algeria.
  • Dive with sharks on Australia's Coral Coast.
  • Volcano hiking in Panama.
  • Observe the total solar eclipse in Niagara Falls, New York.
  • Trek a glacier in Chile.
  • Step back in time at Menorca's archaeological sites.
  • Ride classic rails through the Scottish Highlands.
  • Indulge your taste buds in Isan, Thailand.
  • Wander the tea trail in Sri Lanka.
  • Gallery hop in Sao Paulo.
  • Raft the rapids in West Virginia.
  • Go antiquing in the Hudson Valley, New York.
  • Sleep at a floating lodge on Tofino Island, British Columbia.

How did National Geographic decide these places?

Putting together and consolidating a list of places is no easy feat but Amy Alipio, senior editor at National Geographic, told USA TODAY that it's her favorite project every year.

To put together the list, Alipio explained that her team taps into their global network of experts around the world. While work on the list is an ongoing process, National Geographic sends an official call out to its global network in April, said Alipio, who has been heading the list since its inception 12 years ago.

“We asked them, ‘What places do you love? What have you seen or done lately that you were absolutely blown away by or where do you want to go next?’” she said.

This year they also asked their experts to share what exactly they would do in those locations and that made the list even more personal, Alipio said.

“We're not just mentioning places," said Alipio. "We're mentioning where to go, but (also) what to do once you're there. I think we're really pinpointing ways people can connect and immerse themselves in a destination.”

Ranking the list

This is the first time that National Geographic has ranked it's "Best of the World" list to give readers an insight into what is trending and timely.

"For example, like the horseback safari (in Kenya), – just because people are really into slow travel," she said. "But also our No. 2 experience is really timely. It's about the Paris Olympics, which are this summer."

"I think it really was kind of like a mixture of superlative and timeliness," she adds.

The rankings have also been added as a response to audience feedback that they needed help prioritizing their travel plans.

"People do ask us like, 'What's the No. 1 thing on this list?'" Alipio said. "And now this year, we finally can tell people, 'Yeah, well, actually, we do have a number one that we really like.'"

What US sites made National Geographic's 'Best of the World 2024' list?

The following U.S. destinations made National Geographic's list this year: Katmai National Park in Alaska, Route 66 in New Mexico , Niagara Falls and the Hudson Valley in New York and West Virginia’s New River.

National Geographic recommends bear-watching at the Alaska national park along the Pacific Coast, which has the highest concentration of brown bears in the world. However, the publication suggests ditching the popular Brooks Camp visitor center and taking a trip through areas like Hallo Bay and Geographic Harbor. This activity is among the top five activities suggested by National Geographic.

National Geographic also recommends road-tripping on Route 66 through New Mexico, catching the total solar eclipse on April 8 at Terrapin Point in Niagara Falls State Park , antiquing in New York's Hudson Valley and rafting through the rapids in West Virginia's New River .

Where to see it: 2024's total solar eclipse will pass through over a dozen states

Just go to this Alaskan national park: You don't need to fly to Norway to view fjords.

Best places to visit in South and Central America

Colombia, Chile and Brazil in South America are among the best places to visit in 2024, while Panama is the best place to visit in Central America, according to National Geographic.

National Geographic recommends taking a cruise on Columbia's Magdalena River, soaking in the natural beauty and culture through the colonial towns and floating villages that surround the river.

Brazil's largest city, São Paulo, is an art-lovers paradise, and travelers can gallery-hop through the city's numerous galleries and art exhibitions, browse renowned street art, and check out the Museu de Arte de São Paulo , which holds more than 11,000 artworks from around the world.

In Chile, National Geographic suggests trekking through Patagonia’s Northern and Southern Ice Fields glaciers before they completely succumb to rising temperatures and climate change.

If you're into sustainable tourism, National Geographic recommends exploring Panama, which is currently promoting a government-supported community tourism network that allows travelers to select trips that "provide immersive experiences in less-visited areas of the country."

Among the highlights is the Ruta de la Caldera, a system of five hiking trails around the extinct El Valle de Antón volcano.

Best places to visit in Africa

The No. 1 destination on National Geographic's list is in Africa. Going on a horseback safari in the Borana Conservancy , a 32,000-acre preserve in northern Kenya, is the top thing to do this year, says the publication.

“To journey on horseback is to break down the walls – meant to protect, but also to separate – between oneself and the natural world,” Nichole Sobecki, a photographer and lifelong equestrian, said in a statement provided by National Geographic. “Your horse is your guide, and translator, responding to the low growl of the lion, the soft scent of a herd of elephants, the cool morning breeze descending from Mount Kenya’s glacial peaks."

The North African state of Algeria is also on National Geographic's list, ranking at No. 8. Algeria is home to Africa’s largest national park and holds one of the world’s greatest concentrations of ancient rock art, according to National Geographic. Tassili N'Ajjer National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage site , is a "geologic wonderland of sandstone pinnacles and arches surrounded by orange dunes," says the publication.

Best places to visit in Europe/UK

Among National Geographic's best places to visit in Europe and the United Kingdom in 2024 are Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Menorca in the Mediterranean Sea for a taste of history and the Scottish Highlands for a luxury train trip .

While Paris is a bucket list location, National Geographic recommends traveling there for the Summer Olympics and participating in the Olympic marathon course. Twenty thousand regular runners will be allowed to run the 26.2-mile loop that links Paris and Versailles, beginning at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and passing through nine districts before finishing at Les Invalides on the banks of the Seine.

"Amateur athletes will be able to run the same route as the Olympic marathon, by night, enabling as many people as possible to follow in the footsteps of outstanding athletes," according to the race website. "This will be an extraordinary experience, on a unique and original route, celebrating the heritage and history of the Paris region and the whole of France."

Best places to visit in Asia

Among National Geographic's top recommendations for Asia in 2024 are: Kyoto in Japan , Isan in Thailand, the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia – which is located in both west Asia and Eastern Europe – and the newly opened Pekoe tea Trail in Sri Lanka.

"Carving a path through cloud-swathed villages and centuries-old tea estates, the new long-distance Pekoe Trail gives hikers a chance to explore Sri Lanka’s quiet central highlands," National Geographic writes .

Best places to visit in Australia

The Coral Coast , stretching almost 700 miles along the Indian Ocean north of Perth, is one of National Geographic's top recommended spots for 2024. Underwater activities include exploring the world’s largest fringing reef, Ningaloo Reef, "a stunning counterpart to the over-touristed Great Barrier Reef," and swimming with dolphins, whale sharks, and manta rays.

Between July and October, some 40,000 humpback whales migrate down the Australian coast, allowing travelers to observe them up close.

Interestingly, both National Geographic editors, Lump and Alipio, are looking forward to a deep-water adventure at Australia's Coral Coast.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National Geographic unveils best travel destinations for 2024: See full list

Visitors view brown bears in Brooks Falls, Alaska within the Katmai National Park and Preserve on Aug. 11, 2023. Many come to see brown bears between July and September each year, as millions of sockeye salmon swim upstream to spawn. Hungry brown bears make sure the fish don't reach their destination and instead end up in their bellies.

EK Sustainable Tourism Forum 2024

kenya for tourism

JOIN US FOR ECOTOURISM KENYA’S SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FORUM (ESTF) 2024!

Formerly known as the Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Kenya Forum, this prestigious event has been proudly hosted by Ecotourism Kenya since 1998, with notable editions in 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2018.

The ESTF 2024 brings together professionals from tourism, hospitality, conservation, and leisure sectors, along with government representatives and organizations, to collectively explore and advance sustainable tourism practices. Over the years, this forum has significantly contributed to enhancing our understanding of sustainable tourism and its impact on Kenya’s vibrant tourism industry.

This year’s theme, “Accelerating the Shift Towards Sustainable Tourism,” signals a pivotal moment for the industry. It emphasizes the critical need to expedite the transition towards sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact, fostering social inclusivity, driving economic growth, and safeguarding cultural heritage across Kenyan destinations. The ESTF 2024 aims to catalyze tangible progress and transformative change, shaping a more sustainable future for tourism in Kenya. The theme further breaksdown into six sub-topics, that will be unveiled later. The sub-topics explore different facets within sustainable tourism. The one and half days of the forum has plenty in store such as panel discussions, an exhibition, networking sessions, interactive group discussions and so much more.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to participate as a sponsor, exhibitor, attendee, or speaker. Whether you’re looking to showcase your brand, share insights, network with industry leaders, or learn from experts, there’s something for everyone at ESTF 2024.

Save the date for June 20th to 21st, 2024, a one-and-a-half-day engagement!

Stay tuned for additional details.

If you are interested to sponsor the event, reach out to Brenda at [email protected]

If you would like to exhibit your travel/hospitality/sustainable/eco product, reach out to Peter at [email protected]

If you would like to join the group of speakers/panelists, Sheila at [email protected] will assist you.

Join us in accelerating the shift towards sustainable tourism – together, we can make a difference!

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Kenya: Two killed after passenger plane heading to tourist resort collides with training aircraft

The aircraft collided above Nairobi National Park in the Kenyan capital, sending the smaller plane crashing down.

Tuesday 5 March 2024 15:05, UK

Nairobi National Park. Pic: iStock

Two people have been killed in a mid-air crash involving a training aircraft and a passenger plane in Kenya, police say.

The aircraft collided above Nairobi National Park in the capital, sending the smaller plane crashing down.

The bigger plane, a Dash 8 operated by Safarilink Aviation, had 44 people on board, including five crew.

It was heading to the coastal tourist resort town of Diani when crew reported a loud bang soon after take-off from Wilson Airport and decided to turn back, the airline reported.

"I can confirm a student and a trainer [on the training aircraft]... died during the incident," Nairobi county police commander Adamson Bungei told Reuters news agency.

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The plane belonging to a flight school and the Safarilink passenger aircraft collided at 10.05am (7.05am GMT), Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement.

An investigation has been launched.

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    Often billed as the only national park within a city in the world, Kenya's first game reserve has wildlife in abundance, from lions, leopards and buffalo to the endangered black rhino and around 400 species of birdlife. 2. Head out on a hike. Mt Kenya 's trekking terrain is arguably the African continent's most beautiful and rewarding.

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    The Kenya Tourism Federation operates a 24-hour Safety and Communication Centre, which provides information on tourism and road conditions, and has information about regional assistance in an emergency. Safety Centre - Kenya Tourism Federation. National parks, safaris and reserves.

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  29. Kenya: Two killed after passenger plane heading to tourist resort

    The plane belonging to a flight school and the Safarilink passenger aircraft collided at 10.05am (7.05am GMT), Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement. An investigation has been launched.

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