Practical Information

Kenya Travel Information

Entry requirements, money, connectivity, health, and safety — the practical details for a smooth trip.

Entry & documents

Most visitors need a Kenya ETA approved before departure — apply at least a week ahead. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date with at least one blank page. Carry a printed or digital copy of your ETA approval and your return or onward flight itinerary.

Health requirements

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most safari areas — consult a travel clinic several weeks before departure. Routine vaccinations should be up to date.

Currency & money

The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency. US Dollars are widely accepted at hotels, lodges, and for park fees (bills issued before 2013 are sometimes refused). ATMs are reliable in cities; carry cash for rural areas and tipping. Credit cards are accepted at most established camps and hotels.

Connectivity

Nairobi and coastal towns have good 4G coverage. Most safari lodges offer WiFi in communal areas, though connectivity in remote conservancies can be slow or intermittent. A local SIM card (Safaricom is the dominant network) is inexpensive and easy to buy on arrival at the airport.

Safety

Major tourist circuits — safari parks, conservancies, and coastal resorts — see millions of visitors annually with established safety infrastructure. As with any destination, use standard precautions in cities: avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or hotel transfers at night, and follow your guide's instructions during game drives.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and expected at safari camps. A common guideline is $15–20 per person per day for guides and a similar amount for camp staff (often pooled). Many camps provide a tipping box or envelope system — ask your camp manager for local guidance.

Time zone & climate basics

Kenya runs on East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3) year-round — there is no daylight saving adjustment. Being near the equator, Kenya doesn't experience strong seasonal temperature swings the way temperate countries do; instead, the seasons are defined by rainfall. Coastal areas run warmer and more humid than the highland interior, where Nairobi and much of the safari country sit at elevations that keep evenings cool regardless of time of year.

Getting around

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) is the main international gateway; Moi International Airport (Mombasa) serves the coast directly. Domestic travel between safari regions is typically by light aircraft from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, which is faster and more comfortable than road transfers across long distances. Within Nairobi, registered taxi apps and hotel-arranged transfers are the most reliable options.

Language

English and Swahili are both official languages, and English is widely spoken throughout the tourism industry. Learning a few Swahili greetings — jambo (hello), asante (thank you), karibu (welcome) — is appreciated but not necessary to get around comfortably.

Ready to apply?

Your Kenya ETA is processed for you, start to finish, with status tracking throughout.