Looking for a unique travel experience? Kenya is a destination like no other! Explore diverse cultural experiences, stunning natural landscapes, and wildlife conservation projects. Join a gorgeous game drive to spot the Big 5 and see the most wonderful wildlife show in the world, with the annual migration of millions of animals from Tanzania. Head to the coast for tropical beaches with glorious weather, perfect for travellers looking for a relaxing break.
When you picture Kenya, this is it. Get ready for a safari adventure you’ll never forget inside the Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s most epic wildlife reserves, where the Big 5 roam over savannah stretches. Start the day with early morning game drives, or upgrade the experience with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise… Tough call to make.
When we say the Great Migration is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before, we mean it. Every year, from July to November, over 2 million antelopes, wildebeest and zebras race across the continent, where the grass is always greener. Have your cameras ready for Africa’s most epic natural spectacle!
Safaris are just the start of what makes Kenya such an extraordinary place. For creative arts, trendy neighbourhoods, electric nightlife, unbelievably tasty cuisine and vibrant festivals in East Africa, Nairobi is your perfect match. Fun fact: it’s also the only capital city in the world with its own national park!
Ready to meet Africa’s most iconic animals? You’re going to hear the term “Big 5” a lot as you plan that safari of a lifetime… And for good reason! Nothing beats the feeling of seeing your first lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo or rhino on our Kenya tours, which take you to prime viewing spots for wildlife.
Did you know that you can spot Mount Kilimanjaro from Kenya? For unbelievable views of Africa’s highest peak, this national park has everything you need. Lions, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes are some of the most famous residents as you drive along the scenic stretches, plus smaller mammals like yellow baboons and bat-eared foxes.
Kenya’s unofficial national dish, Nyama Choma, is simple but delicious. Translating to ‘grilled meat’ in Swahili, it is traditionally served as salt-seasoned and slow-cooked goat, but chicken, beef and fish are popular alternatives.
Try the popular side dish Ugali, made by boiling cornmeal and making cornmeal paste and forming an edible spoon to dip into delicious meals.
Kenya’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian dishes due to its large Indian population. Kenya has adopted traditional favourites such as bhaji, pilau, chapati and biryani.
Kenya’s dry season is from July to October and reaches temperatures from 23 degrees celsius to 28 degrees celsius in coastal areas. During this time you can enjoy clear and sunny skies.
The wet season, November to May, has temperatures from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius. Mornings can be slightly cooler so warmer clothes are advisable for early game drives.
Specifically, the ‘short rains’ period occurs during November and December, when rain falls mostly in the late afternoon and evening, so is less likely to impact activities. January and February offer a short break in the rainy season with less rainfall. The months with the most rain are March, April and May. This ‘Long rains’ season gets the most rain and is very cloudy with high humidity, especially in coastal areas.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Kenya set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kenyan High Commission in the UK.
To enter Kenya, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You must apply online for electronic travel authorisation in advance of travel. The local authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your departure.
Travellers who currently hold a visa can continue to travel using their visa until it expires.
For information on work permits and residency, check the Kenyan Department of Immigration requirements.
To enter Kenya, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kenya guide.
Travellers arriving in Kenya, particularly those coming from Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), may be subject to enhanced health screening measures due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak centred in the DRC. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kenya. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
It is illegal to import or export drones without prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Contact the KCAA well in advance of travel if you wish to bring a drone to Kenya.
Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance to cover your journey and accessible funds to cover any medical costs you may require.
Carry a first aid kit with you to treat minor injuries and ailments. Treat any injuries immediately and go to the nearest hospital when in need of emergency treatment.
Check the National Travel Health Network Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website at least 8 weeks prior to your trip to see the latest country-specific health advice. Here you can find up-to-date information on vaccine recommendations, risks or outbreaks and advice on staying healthy during your travels.
Contact your health adviser for information on managing any pre-existing conditions and to ensure you have enough of any prescribed medication throughout your travels.
Health risks in Kenya include cholera, malaria, dengue fever and also yellow fever and Ebola in certain regions. Discuss vaccinations with your health advisor before travel and take precautions to avoid insect bites. Use insect repellents on exposed skin, treat clothing with insecticide, avoid areas of stagnant water and wear loose-fitting, long sleeves and trousers.
Only drink boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Only eat food from licensed vendors.
See updated Coronavirus information on the foreign travel advice section of the government website.