National Parks in Kenya
Kenya's top safari and wildlife destinations
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli delivers Africa's most iconic postcard image: massive elephants walking across sun-scorched plains with the sno...
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru packs more wildlife into a smaller space than almost anywhere in Africa. This compact park surrounding a sod...
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara needs no introduction. It's the safari destination against which all others are measured. This relatively...
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu feels like nowhere else in Kenya. This semi-arid reserve in the northern frontier offers wildlife found nowhere ...
Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East is where Kenya gets wild. As one of the world's largest national parks, this vast wilderness offers something...
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West is Kenya's most scenically diverse park. Where Tsavo East offers vast open plains, the west delivers drama: v...
Cities in Kenya
Explore Kenya's urban destinations
Kisumu
Kisumu sits at the edge of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, giving it a character unlike any other Kenyan city. The...
Lamu
Lamu Old Town is a living museum and Kenya's oldest continuously inhabited settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage Site wher...
Malindi
Malindi is Kenya's original beach town, where Arab traders established a port over a thousand years ago and Vasco da Gam...
Mombasa
Mombasa is Kenya's gateway to the Indian Ocean, a city where Swahili culture, Arab influences, and African traditions ha...
Nairobi
Nairobi defies expectations as the only capital city in the world with a national park within its boundaries. Lions roam...
Nakuru
Nakuru serves as the gateway to the Great Rift Valley and one of Kenya's most accessible wildlife experiences. The city ...
Nanyuki
Nanyuki is the main stopover town for travelers heading to Mount Kenya, Laikipia's wildlife conservancies, and Ol Pejeta...
Narok
Narok is the last major town before the Masai Mara, making it the gateway to Kenya's most famous wildlife reserve and th...
Best Time to Visit Kenya
Best Months
January, February, July, August, September, October
For Safari
Peak: July, August, September, October
Peak coincides with Great Migration in Masai Mara
Seasons
January, February, March
Hot and dry, excellent wildlife viewing
March, April, May
Heavy rains, lush landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices
June, July, August, September
Cool and dry, Great Migration, peak season
October, November
Light rains, green scenery, good wildlife
December
Warm, holiday season, busy
Kenya Visa Requirements
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya. The eTA replaced the old e-Visa system with lower fees. Visa on arrival is no longer available. US citizens have a special 5-year multi-entry option for $185.
e-Visa Available
Yes
Cost
$30 USD
Validity
90 days
Visa on Arrival
No
Requirements
- • Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry
- • Return or onward ticket
- • Proof of accommodation
- • Passport-size photo (digital)
Is Kenya Safe?
Kenya is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions. Most visits are trouble-free. Petty crime exists in cities, and some border regions should be avoided.
Safe Areas
- ✓ Tourist areas in Nairobi (Karen, Westlands, Gigiri)
- ✓ Safari parks and reserves
- ✓ Coastal resorts (Diani, Watamu)
- ✓ Major tourist routes
Areas to Avoid
- ✗ Somali border region
- ✗ Parts of North Eastern Province
- ✗ Nairobi slums (Kibera, Mathare)
- ✗ Eastleigh at night
Safety Tips
- • Use registered safari operators
- • Don't walk with valuables visible
- • Use Uber/Bolt instead of random taxis
- • Avoid walking alone at night in cities
- • Keep copies of passport separate from original
Kenya Travel Costs
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| budget | $50-$100/day | Hostels, local food, public transport |
| mid range | $150-$300/day | Hotels, restaurants, some tours |
| luxury | $400-$1000/day | Luxury lodges, private tours |
Health & Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
- •Yellow Fever (Required if arriving from endemic country)
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio (booster)
Malaria Risk
Prophylaxis recommended for: Coast, Western Kenya, Lake Victoria region, Safari areas below 2000m
Healthcare
Good private healthcare in Nairobi and Mombasa, limited elsewhere. Travel insurance essential.
Tap Water: Not safe - drink bottled water
Getting to Kenya
International Airports
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Nairobi (NBO)
Main HubMoi International Airport
Mombasa (MBA)
Major Airlines
Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM, British Airways
Kenya Highlights
Must See
- • Great Migration in Masai Mara
- • Mount Kenya
- • Amboseli with Kilimanjaro views
- • Diani Beach
- • Lamu Old Town (UNESCO)
Unique Experiences
- • Hot air balloon over the Mara
- • Visit a Maasai village
- • Giraffe Centre in Nairobi
- • Snorkeling in Watamu Marine Park
- • Train ride on Madaraka Express
Off the Beaten Path
- • Lake Turkana (Jade Sea)
- • Samburu National Reserve
- • Hell's Gate National Park
- • Kakamega Forest
- • Chyulu Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenya safe for tourists?
Kenya is generally safe for tourists in major tourist areas, national parks, and beach resorts. Exercise normal precautions in Nairobi and avoid the Somalia border region. Most visitors have trouble-free trips, especially when booking through reputable tour operators.
What is the best time to visit Kenya for safari?
The best time for safari in Kenya is during the dry seasons: June to October (Great Migration in Masai Mara) and January to February. Wildlife concentrates around water sources, making sightings easier. The short rains in November and long rains in April-May offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Kenya, which costs $51 and can be obtained online at etakenya.go.ke. The ETA replaced the previous e-Visa system. Apply at least 3 days before travel. Some nationalities are visa-exempt.
What vaccinations do I need for Kenya?
Yellow fever vaccination is required if coming from an endemic country. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for safari areas and the coast. Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before travel.
How much does a Kenya safari cost?
Kenya safari costs vary widely. Budget camping safaris start around $150-250 per day, mid-range lodge safaris cost $350-600 per day, and luxury fly-in safaris range from $800-2,500+ per day. These typically include accommodation, meals, park fees, and game drives.