Kenya Tourism: Places, Best Time & Travel Guides 2023

Located in East Africa, Kenya is a place full of diverse and rich species of both Flora and Fauna. This coastline state lies next to the Indian Ocean and houses some of the unique aquatic animals. Kenya is known in the world for its annual wildebeest migration. People fly in from all around the globe to witness the majestic birds and animals, take photographs, enjoy safaris and have an adventurous time. For all those adventure junkies out there, Kenya should be among the top places they must visit as the tourist places in Kenya will leave you awestruck . One can go trekking to enjoy the view of the enormous yet beautiful mountains, especially the 5895 meters tall Mount Kilimanjaro. One can go on a variety of safaris to enjoy the wildlife and bask in the beauty of nature. The Maasai Mara Reserve and the Amboseli National Park are the busiest places in Kenya as they house some of the best species like lions, tigers, elephants and much more.

One can even enjoy the serene environment that is found along the coast. Kenya is also famous for providing Balloon Safari that is basically roaming around in a hot air balloon and enjoying the peaceful landscapes and the soft breeze. Since Kenya is full of grasslands it is also known for providing best golf courses and hence is perfect for a golf vacation. It has the perfect setting for anyone to relax and interact closely with nature. Being set in Africa, Kenya is also a home to multifarious tribes, so one can enjoy tribal dances, tribal food and even camp with them to get the authentic feel. The tourist places in Kenya range from relaxing activities like sitting by the beach or a spa, to adventurous activities like trekking, camping, safaris and so on. Kenya provides a complete package for all types of tourists.

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People Also Ask About Kenya

Travel Advice
- Avoid carrying too much cash in your pockets.
- Never flash your jewelry or valuables in a crowded place.
- Do not take a room or a resort in any secluded place.
- If possible stay in a hotel that offers a room safe. Place all your valuables and jewelry in the room safe.
- Carry with you a first aid box with medicines that may be needed during the trip.
- True that people in Kenya are humble and lovely, but try and not roam alone after sunset.
- Girls must walk around in groups if going in a place or trail that is secluded.
- Do not photograph in the sacred or religious places. If you want to click a picture in the religious site, seek permission regarding the same from the person in charge.
- Learn some of the common words of language prevalent here. This will help you in communicating with the local people.
- Always greet the locals with a smile.
- Keep a copy of license or an ID proof with you always.
- Avoid the touts.
- When eating at street stalls, check for the quality.
- Be alert whenever you are at a new destination.
- Dress appropriately and maintain the decorum of the place.
- Nudity is not an option here.
- Never get involved in any form of fights or verbal spats with the tourists.
- Keep a medicine to relieve you from motion sickness.
- Never indulge in any form of drugs.
Drinking Laws

The legal drinking age in Kenya is 16 years.
What you will like there?

Friendly people
People in Kenya are very friendly. You’ll notice the humbleness of the people right from the moment you land on the airport. The locals in Kenya will always greet you with a smile. It is hard to find people humble than this elsewhere.
Weather
Just like the locals, the weather here is just as great. True Kenya lies on the Equator but the temperature is pleasant all round the year. You’ll not need a jacket even in the winter unless you plan to visit the Mount Kenya.
Good food and accommodation
The accommodations of Kenya are very people and family friendly. You’ll find several choice of places right from budget friendly stays to the exquisite resorts. Rooms everywhere are designed in a manner that they assure absolute comfort to the travels. The safari tents are located at a distance far away from each other thereby assuring enough privacy. Most of the hotels and stays have great chefs so you’ll always be spoilt for choice.
Adventure
Camps of Kenya organize a range of adventure tours and activities to keep the visitors engaged. Most of the activities are designed keeping in view the children. These activities will give you the necessary tips relating to survival in the wild. It in a way helps you respect the nature and the environment better.
White sandy beaches
You can find ample number of beaches in Kenya. White sandy beaches are the most ideal spots to relax, rejuvenate and unwind. Further, when you combine the beaches with the bush safari, you can get the best of both the worlds.
Rich culture
Right from Kisumu to Mombasa, Kenya is a land of distinct cultures and traditions. This helps the adults and the kids learn about the various tribes of Kenya and each of their cultures and traditions while on a holiday.
Tailor-made travel itineraries
You as a tourist know your family the best. So, you can have some custom made packages designed keeping in view the budget and the necessities of your family. You can even opt for the activities based on the age and the fitness level of your family.
Quality time with family
The key reason for a vacation is spending quality time with family. When you do different activities together, the bond between you and your family members is only cemented for the good.
Hone your hobbies
For tourists who love nature, Kenya is a great place to feel up and close with the nature and surroundings. You have plenty of opportunities to hone your hobbies and practice your skills
Recommended reads for destination

Website:
Kenya Travel Website
When is the best time to visit Kenya?
Kenya experiences only two kinds of weather throughout the year that is a wet season and a dry season. The best time to visit Kenya would be:
- June to October: during this dry season it is easier to spot more animals while safaris. Trekking and camping are safer and easier. The sunny weather and high temperature ensure that there are no mosquitoes. This is the ideal season to witness the annual wildebeest migration.
- November to May: during the wet season, Kenya experiences continuous rainfall. The flora is at its peak and the whole place looks beautiful. However, some of the resorts and lodges shut down in these seasons.
How to reach Kenya?
Kenya is a well-connected state and is very accessible. One can use a number of ways to reach Kenya.
- By Plane: It has four international airports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. A large number of flights fly in and fly out from these airports making it very easy to reach Kenya by plane.
- By Car: Being a great tourist attraction, Kenya has well-built roads which are connected to the neighbouring countries quite efficiently. So one can easily drive up through the wide highway network and reach Kenya in just a few hours.
- By Bus: Regular bus services operate amongst some of the top cities of Kenya that include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Arusha and much more. One can even try the shuttle services that are faster and cheaper.
Do I need a visa for Kenya? How does one get a Kenya visa?

Only a select number of nationalities require a visa in order to visit Kenya. In order to enter Kenya one needs to have a valid passport and a visa if required. The visa can be purchased on the international airports while entering Kenya. However, a visa obtained in advance ensures that they won't be any complications. One can get the visa online or from the embassy just like any other visa. The cost of the visa is quite minimal and the validity can be different depending on the traveler. It takes about 2 days for the online visa application to process and about 3 days for the offline one.
What is the currency of Kenya and where can I get my money exchanged?

The currency commonly used in Kenya is a Kenyan Shilling that comprises of 100 cents and comes in various denominations. Since the exchange rate in respect to a US dollar and a British Pound is relatively low, the Ksh doesn’t cost much. One can get the currency converted at the international airports itself. Besides that, there are a number of banks in Kenya that make the exchange right away with minimal formalities. One can even use their foreign credit and debit cards if they do not want to carry currency notes.
Which are the major tourist attractions in Kenya?
Kenya is full of savannah's, lakes, national parks, forests, and mountains. Being so diverse, there are some major tourist attractions in Kenya that one cannot miss out on. These include:
- Nairobi National Park
- Mount Kenya
- Safari on the Massai Mara Reserve
- Tsavo East and West National Park
- Mombasa Island
- Mombasa Marine Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Malindi
What are the things to do in Kenya?
Since Kenya has so much to offer, these are some of the activities that one can enjoy while on their vacation:
- Wildlife Safari- One can witness the great Wildlife that exists here and can also see the migratory birds. Taking a safari through the various National Parks is a must in Kenya.
- Relax on the coast- One can sit on the shores of the Indian Ocean and relax by sunbathing, jet skiing, walking on the white sand and so on.
- Cultural travel in Lamu- One can visit the island of Lamu and witness the tribals. They can dance and eat with them to know more about their culture.
- Trekking on Mount Kenya- It has a challenging climb and some breathtaking views that can make your trip thoroughly adventurous.
- River Rafting- One can go River Rafting on the Tana River which has a strong current making the rafting a popular activity here.
What is the local food of Kenya? Which are the best places to taste this food?
Kenya has a very different kind of food. It is not loaded with flavors or spices but is still delicious and lip-smacking. Some of the most famous local food found here includes:
- Irio – Made up of mashed potatoes and green peas, this simple dish has some bold flavors which are served with meat stew and represents the culture present here. This dish can be found anywhere on the streets of Kenya.
- Matoke – it is a native dish of Africa which is made up of plantain bananas sauteed with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and meat. It is generally eaten with Ugali, a rice dish found here.
- Pilau – This is a rice dish which is similar to the Chinese fried rice but has different flavors. It is eaten along with some salad and has a great smell. Pilau and biryani are two such dishes that is found everywhere and is like the staple food of Kenya.
- Nyama Choma – This dish includes roasted meat with a lot of flavors. Your mouth won't stop watering when you see the dish or even smell it. The Kenyatta Market Nyama Choma is the best in Kenya.
What is the best public transport to commute around Kenya?

In order to get around Kenya, one can use a rental car, jeep or the famous matatu. A matatu is like a minibus that travels short distances with a small number of people. It is operated privately and might be a bit risky but is very convenient. If one wants to go from one city to the other, they can use the plane or the bus network. Both the plane and the bus are easily accessible and do not cost much.
Do I need to have any vaccinations before the trip to Kenya?
Some of the vaccinations are a must and highly recommended by the WHO committee for all those traveling to Kenya. These include:
- Typhoid
- Cholera
- Hepatitis A and B
- Rabies
- Yellow Fever
- Influenza
- Meningitis
What is the local language in Kenya and which are the most commonly used greetings?
Kenya’s official language is Swahili and English. Besides these two every local group has their own dialect but they can understand Swahili fluently. Some of the commonly used greetings in Swahili are:
- Hello – Jambo
- Thank You – Asante
- Good Morning - Habari ya asubuhi
- Good Night - Usiku mwema
- How much money? - Shilingi ngapi?
- Please – Tafadhali
- How far is – Umbali ni
Which are the best shopping places in Kenya and what are they famous for?
Kenya has lots of shopping malls and local marketplaces to shop from. Here is a list of such places and what they are famous for:
- Maasai Market – It is famous for masks, African jewelry, and handicrafts.
- Nairobi City Market – It is one f the local markets that are famous for any type of trinket. One can visit this market to get to know the culture present here.
- Kitengela Glass Studios – It is famous for sculptures, architectural objects, mosaic pathways and recycled materials.
- Kazuri Beads – It is famous for pottery, finished jewelry and tableware which reflect the African culture.
- The Village Market – It is famous for tribal handicrafts and the perfect place to find antiques and African jewelry.
- The Hub Karen (Nairobi) – It’s a premium shopping plaza and is famous for branded clothes.
- The West End Shopping Mall, Kisumu – It is one of the modern shopping centers with fast food restaurants.
What is the cost of a wildlife safari in Amboseli National Park?

The cost of the safari varies according to the duration of the safari. A one-day safari in the National park costs about $250 per person and costs less if the tickets are booked for larger groups. The longer safaris say about 5-day long cost around $1200- $500 per person and includes an array of activities like night drive, bush walk and so on. In Indian currency, the wildlife safari costs about Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 50,000 depending on the duration.
Which are some famous camping and hiking locations in Kenya?
Kenya has some of the most picturesque and soothing camping and hiking locations with breathtaking views. Some famous locations include:
- Rapids Camp, Sagana – located by the river, it has a peaceful aura and is completely safe. One can even enjoy a few water sports at this camping site.
- El Karama – this is an Eco-camp site in the Laikipia district of Kenya. It has beautiful cottages and is perfect for those who don’t like sleeping in tents.
- Kongoni Camp – this site has an awe-inspiring view of the famous Mount Kenya. Most people go up there just to witness the magnificent mountain during sunrise.
- Camp Carnelley's – located amidst the forests present in Naivasha, this site is perfect for the adventure junkies who want a bonfire and 'foresty' atmosphere.
- Castle Forest – this hiking trail along the slopes of Mount Kenya are challenging yet the most beautiful one present in Kenya.
- Chyulu Hills – with some stunning landscape, this trail is about hundred years old and leads to the Kisula Caves that is a must-see for hikers.
Which are some famous archaeological sites in Kenya?
Kenya is famous for its rich history and is considered to be a magical land by many archaeologists as it houses some of the world-famous archaeological sites. This include:
- Lamu Archipelago
- Gedi Ruins, Malindi
- Koobi Fora Ridge
- Kariandusi Prehistoric Site
- Jumba La Mtwana
- Turkana Basin
When can I see the great wildebeest migration in Kenya?

The wildebeest migration is a spectacle to watch as thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate to East Africa. The migration can be seen from mid-July until end of September in Kenya.
Which is the best time for gorilla trekking in Kenya?
Gorilla trekking is an amazing experience where one gets the opportunity to observe this animal from a very close range. Gorillas stay in the forest throughout the year, so one can go at any time of the year for gorilla trekking. The month-wise guide of when to carry out the trek is as follows:
- January to February- These months are generally dry, therefore the conditions become suitable for gorilla trekking.
- March to May- These months account for the rainy season of the country, therefore the companies do not conduct gorilla treks during these months as it becomes highly dangerous.
- June to October- It is advisable that one should go for gorilla trek during these months as one can also enjoy the beauty of wildebeest migration as well at this time of the year. The conditions during these months are the best for gorilla trekking and trekking on mountains.
- November to December- The weather becomes wet during these months and gorilla treks are therefore not advisable to be conducted during this time.
Which are some best places for road trips in Kenya?
Road trips are the best way to enjoy a trip in its true sense. You can see the beauty of nature and spend some quality time with your friends and family. Few of the best routes for road trips in Kenya are:
- iKWETA Safari Camp – Meru National Park
- Lake Naivasha Country Club – Naivasha
- Voyager Ziwani
- Mara Intrepids – Masai Mara
- Ashnil Samburu Camp – Samburu
- Sweetwaters Tented Camp – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Which are the best locations for wildlife photography in Kenya?
Kenya is known to have a multifarious wildlife that photographers from all over the world want to capture. Few places here apt for wildlife photography are:
- Masai Mara
- Samburu
- Amboseli
- Nairobi
- Mount Kenya in Laikipia
Here are the best tips Thrillophilia has to offer for your trip to Kenya?
Thrillophilia offers some of the best travel advice that should be kept in mind while visiting Kenya. These include:
- Interact with the local people by greeting them.
- Always carry an ID proof while traveling in Kenya.
- Never display your jewelry or cash in public.
- While eating the local food check the quality.
- Do not travel alone after sunset as it might not be safe.
- Dress according to the culture present in the area to avoid harassment.

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Kenya Reviews

Varalakshmi Bharadwaj Thrilling Vacation of Kenya in 7 Days

Excellent

I loved this kind of trip, Kenya is really a beautiful country with abundantly of wildlife who roam the place freely and they were very well-kept, the place has a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys, and it is the place that brings human and nature so close... We had many stunning pictures with the group all the time which we really enjoyed every time, the team was very careful, well-behaved, and friendly all the time ready to helps us... Accommodation, picked-up, and dropped-off were just perfect, the activities we had was unforgettable... Thrilling but amazing trip it was...

Heema Ganaka Romantic Kenya Honeymoon Package 7 Days

Excellent

We booked our honeymoon trip through Thrillophilia and we were very glad that the trip went exactly as we wanted too. Right from the landing at the airport we were warmly welcomed and received by the very well-behaved, friendly, and helpful representative along with a bright smile in the face. It was really a well planned and executed trip throughout. The hotel they booked for us was excellent with the amazing breakfast all the entire stays plus great services, no interference, and at a very prime location. The people there were very warm and welcoming helps us suggesting good foods of the place and also shared their culture with us which was a very nice part of our trip. The activities and day to day tours were very interesting and exploratory... The place will definitely bring you so close to nature... Amazing and very well-kept of forest, animals, birds, and flora. There is no mistake at all choosing Kenya for our honeymoon trip instead we were very honored to be at this place... The " Spice Island " were amazed us with the white-sandy beaches, thrilling water activities, in good sunny weather. Thank you Thrillophilia for making our honeymoon very very special.

Vasudev Trivedi Thrilling Vacation of Kenya in 7 Days

Superb

So glad that we had this trip, The team helps us alot of planning and booking this trip, the itinerary was fulfilling right from day one till the last day... We covered all the mentioned places plus with activities, everything has been set up for us which we fully enjoyed the trip, Our main part of the trip was the visited Amboseli National Park, Boating at Lake Naivasha...and the unforgettable view of the Mt, Kilimanjaro... It was a worthwhile trip

Rukhmani Adiga Romantic Kenya Honeymoon Package 7 Days

Excellent

I booked this tour to Kenya with my partner. As we reached the airport the driver was there to pick us up on time. As we later traveled and explored we got to know about the place's diversity in its surroundings itself for deserts with wildlife and beautiful beaches where we enjoyed water-sports too!. The accommodations were very nice and safe for couples getting their privacy.

Chandrabhaga Bhattathiri Thrilling Vacation of Kenya in 7 Days

Excellent

I booked this trip to Kenya with my family. It had breath-taking mountains and varieties of wildlife at Amboseli National Park. The accommodation and the hospitality of the staff and their friendly behavior was impressive. Would recommend it to others too.

Bhadrak Prajapat Thrilling Vacation of Kenya in 7 Days

Excellent

Planning and booking our trip with Thrillophilia was easy and convenient...This trip was suitable for nature lovers, I and my family had a great vacation...we were lucky that we saw an elephant, lions, cheetahs, colorful birds, etc, and the mesmerizing views of the Mount. Kilimanjaro and beautiful lake Naivasha...The staff was friendly and informative throughout...We had a great time in Kenya... We love our stays and the way they organized the trip...We had no issues at all the entire trip but tons of surprises and fun...No regret!!! our choice absolutely worked out...Thanks for bringing such a wonderful trip like this...

Uttam Kaniyar Thrilling Vacation of Kenya in 7 Days

Superb

What an incredible trip it was!!! Amboseli and Masai Mara are the famous attraction of the place, which rich with flora and founa, 7-days spending time with nature was a great feeling, the experience we had on the hot-air-balloon and the views of the plains from there blew us away... Thrillophilia team support us the entire trip and also all our needful things have been arranged and it was just so perfect for us... All-in-all this was a well-planned trip

Akshaj Talwar Romantic Kenya Honeymoon Package 7 Days

Superb

Very great honeymoon package for the span of 7-days by Thrillophilia. We would like to thanks the agent who helps us with this great suggestion to choose Kenya even though we are not sure at first the agent clarifying of all our doubts and we were very lucky we didn't miss this beautiful place with tons of richness like culture, animals, birds, huge and thick forest ( National Park ), and amazing people...Our trip and everything was well taken care of...THANKS AGAIN...