SAFARI GUIDE TO KENYA
Kenya Travel Advice
When you book your safari with us, you'll receive all the details for your trip before you travel--including must-have advice and expert travel tips. As you plan, here are a few essentials to keep in mind.
Airports & Flights
Kenya’s main international airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (code: NBO) located approximately ten miles outside of Nairobi.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
- Located about 13km/8mi outside Nairobi
- Gateway to Kenya’s safari circuit, as well as its beaches. Convenient connections to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.
Wilson Regional Airport
- A domestic airport located about 90 minutes by road transfer from Jomo Kenyatta
- Hub for almost all of Kenya’s internal flights and also serves fly-in safari locations. (Please ensure that you have time between your international flight & domestic flight to make the transfer between the two airports.)
Moi Mombasa International Airport
- Located about 10km / 6mi northwest of Mombasa
- Entry point to the Kenyan coast
Chartered or scheduled internal flights are an excellent option for getting around Kenya. Transfers from airstrips to lodges are conducted in 4X4 vehicles.
Visas
Most visitors to Kenya need to obtain a visa to enter the country. A single-entry visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days. It is possible to obtain the visa upon arrival (cash payment only) or apply for an E-Visa online prior to arrival in Kenya.
In addition, the passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond visa issuing and/or date of entry, and it must at least have one blank visa page.
For visitors combining their stay in Kenya with a trip to Uganda or Rwanda, they may apply for the East African tourist visa.
Please note that entry requirements can change at any time. It is therefore advised to check with your consular for complete details before traveling to Kenya.
Currency
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling.
While the US Dollar (USD) and Euro are often accepted (and in the case of some activities, are even the required currency) we recommend local currency wherever possible.
Please note that USD notes older than 2006 may not be accepted, and notes may not be accepted if they are torn, stamped, or marred.
If you want to exchange foreign currency into Kenyan Shillings, it is best to bring a mix of large and small denominations. Large notes (like EUR, USD 50 and 100) get better exchange rates than the smaller denominations.
ATMs accept both MasterCard and Visa and are available in the larger cities. You can only withdraw Kenyan Shillings from an ATM, and it is best to alert your bank and credit card companies beforehand that you will be traveling to Africa to avoid denial of a transaction.
It is also possible to pay by credit or debit card in most hotels and lodges (usually with an additional charge). However, as the network can sometimes be down, it is highly recommended to carry extra cash for such situations – especially if travelling in the bush.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is not officially required to enter Tanzania unless you are coming from an infected area (transit through a country where yellow fever is endemic).
It is always recommended to consult a personal physician or travel clinic prior to your trip.
What to Pack for Safari in Kenya
It is generally advisable to pack light while traveling on safari, as visitors are often travelling between multiple parks on a single trip.
For international air travel, please check your airlines’ luggage guidelines prior to travel.
For domestic flights while on safari, kindly note that domestic airlines within Kenya typically limit travelers to 15 kg (33 lbs) per person total for all luggage and handbags; excess luggage may not be permitted and, if permitted, may be subject to additional fees. Hard-sided suitcases are typically not accepted; soft-sided luggage is advised. Please ask prior to travel if you have any questions regarding domestic flights while on safari.
For more details on what to pack while on safari, visit our Packing List here on the Travel Guide.
