Tour Kenia

Tour Kenya: The Ultimate Guide

Kenya, Elephant in the Savannah

Kenia is a country known for its different types of landscapes. Vast savannas, desert areas and high plateaus provide beautiful views. It is one of the better destinations to go on safari and spot wildlife. You can also go there for a beach holiday. The versatility of Kenya makes it a beautiful holiday destination.

1. Characteristics Kenya

Characteristics tour Kenya

Land Kenia
Worldpart Africa
Climate Tropical
Number of inhabitants 50 million
Number of international tourists per year 2 million
Flight travel time (direct flight) 10 hours
Currency Kenyan Shilling
Language Swahili and English
Time difference with the Netherlands 1 hour later in the summer
Price level Length
Best travel period Winter
Activities Culture, nature, history, beach
Travel type Group trip, alone, families
Visum Yes
Inoculate DTP, Hepatitis A and Yellow Fever

2. Travel tips tour Kenya

The country has a lot of beauty to offer. It is only advisable to travel in Kenya with a guide or organized tour. After all, Kenya is not Europe and the infrastructure is not optimal. However, if you are open to a different culture and don't mind adjusting a bit, you will have a fantastic holiday. In this article we list all the information you need to know for a holiday in Kenya. Good to know:

  • Kenia is not cheap compared to other countries. Especially around tourist attractions, life can be described as expensive.
  • There are about 40 different peoples living in Kenya. The Masai are probably best known in the Netherlands. In terms of clothing and customs, these people still live quite traditionally.
  • You need a travel plug or adapter for your electrical appliances. In Kenya they use a different type of plugs.
  • You're not allowed to photograph just anywhere in Kenya. Government and military buildings, airfields and, for example, the presidential palace are forbidden to be photographed. Your guide or driver can give you advice about this.
  • It is customary to give a tip, both in the hospitality industry and to guides and drivers. In the hospitality industry you can keep a tip of 10-15%. In hotels you can give a tip of 1 or 2 dollars a day. And for a guide and driver you can keep a tip of 10 to 10 euros per person per day. At the end of the trip you give this in one closed envelope.
  • You can't drink the water from the tap in Kenya. Avoid ice cubes in drinks, unless it is explicitly stated that they are made of filtered water.
  • Don't forget to pack a jacket and long pants for your Kenya vacation. If you go on safari in Kenya, it can be chilly early in the morning. Clothes in light, camouflaging clothes are recommended for a visit to the nature parks.
  • The use of plastic bags is forbidden in Kenya. Also pay attention to this when packing your suitcase or your purchases at Schiphol Airport.

2.1. Vaccinations Kenya

If you go on holiday to Kenya, vaccinations against yellow fever, diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DTP) and Hepatitis A are strongly recommended. You can make an appointment at a vaccination agency in the neighbourhood to discuss this in person. Depending on your situation, other vaccinations may be recommended. Think of a vaccination against mumps, measles and rubella if you never had the disease. Or not (well) vaccinated.

It is recommended to make an appointment for the vaccinations at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to the trip. The costs for this intake interview are around €24. The costs change per place. Vaccinations can usually be placed on the spot. The yellow fever vaccine costs about €39, DTP about €29 and Hepatitus A about €55.

2.2. Travel advice Kenya

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports security risks for Kenya. For certain provinces or areas you have to be careful or avoid them altogether. Check the latest advice and warnings before departure so that you have the latest information about the security situation in Kenya.

You can always ask the tour guide or, for example, the hotel staff for the latest security on site. Always follow the advice of the authorities.

3. Best travel period Kenya

Kenia actually offers a high temperature all year round. In the hot season the temperature rises above 30 degrees Celsius. Its location close to the equator and Indian Ocean provide a tropical climate. The days are almost always the same length. And it's almost as long light as dark. It's important to look at the rainy seasons and plan your journey around them. These do differ within Kenya.

In general, December to February is the best travel time. In these months the temperatures are higher than in the dry season. Are you going specially for a safari to Kenya? Then it is best to go in the dry season from June to September. The animals then have fewer watering places and there is a greater chance that you can spot them at the wetlands.

The rain periods in Kenya are from March to May and from October to December. Usually these are short downpours or a storm that is clearly recognizable by the gathering of clouds. But it can also rain for a long time in Kenya. Inland, the air is dry and the nights can be described as cold. If you go to the coast you will experience a constant high temperature and humidity.

4. Visa required

If you want to visit Kenya, you need a visa. You can apply for it in advance. The Kenyan government gives you the possibility to handle the whole process online. The application takes about 2 working days and costs about €46 (51 USD). You will receive an evisum which you have to take with you and show when you enter Kenya. The visa is valid for 3 months before you travel. Once you arrive in Kenya the visa is valid for 90 days.

5. Transport to and in Kenya

From the Netherlands there are several direct flights to Kenya. The country has several airports. The most important are those of Nairobi and Mombassa. Flight time to Nairobi is about 8.5 hours, to Mombassa it is about 9.5 hours. In addition, the airports on the coastal towns of Malindi and Lamu archipelago are mainly used for domestic flights. Inland you will also find some small airports or runways that are mainly used to increase the accessibility of some national parks.

5.1. Domestic flights

5.2. Organised tour highly recommended

In general it is recommended to travel around Kenya with an organized tour. The bad road surface and corrupt police officers make it quite an undertaking to travel around.

5.3. Driving your own car is strongly advised against

Driving your own car in Kenya is not recommended. The road network is often bad. In the south of the country you may come across some asphalted roads, but inland there are only dirt roads. These turn into mud pools after a rainstorm. Furthermore, the roads are not well maintained so there are many potholes in them. The reckless driving behaviour of the Kenyans themselves doesn't make transport on the roads safer.

5.4. Matatu

A popular means of transport of the locals is the matatu. This is a shared taxi. If you choose this means of transport, pay close attention to your belongings, robberies regularly occur. And wearing a seatbelt is mandatory. You recognize the minivans by the white color with yellow stripe. They do not only drive within cities, but also between cities and villages. In a city you can keep them everywhere. If you choose a long distance matuta, they often have fixed boarding and disembarking places. There are no fixed travel times for these shared taxis - they leave when they are full.

5.5. Train or bus

You can also choose to travel by train or bus in Kenya. Travelling by train is often quite an adventure and not a must. Take into account long travel times and carriages of poor condition. Booking a first class ticket is really necessary. Buses in Kenya cover both short and long distances. It is best to buy a ticket one day prior to your trip. A bus trip is just not a relaxing trip. You will often not be able to sleep and sellers may bother you during the trip.

6. Sightseeing tour Kenya

What are the real highlights of Kenya? And what can you really not miss when you go on holiday to this country? We have listed a top 20 of local attractions that you should see before you go home. For a holiday in Kenya with safari you will find plenty of tips in this top 20.

6.1. Rift Valley

The Rift Valley (the great creek) is a valley that runs from Syria to Mozambique. It is an enormous fault line in the earth's surface. Rift Valley lies on the border of two tectonic plates. These move apart. The width differs and in Kenya the widest point can be seen of zo'n 100 kilometers. The area is volcanically active and the soil is very fertile. So you can enjoy salty lakes, valleys, gorges and hot springs.

6.2. Lake Turkana

In the Rift Valley you will find the Lake turkana. This is the largest permanent desert lake in the world. The water from three rivers flows into the lake, only no river flows out of it. By evaporation the water level changes. Did you know that you can even drink the water in Lake Turkana? Around the lake you will find many rocks, these are of volcanic origin. These offer a home to scorpions and vipers. Around the lake you will also find Nile crocodiles. This popular destination is dangerous for tourists without a guide or experience. Be aware that sudden and violent storms regularly occur.

6.3. Loisaba Conservancy

In the north of Kenya the Loisaba Conservancy is located. In the nature reserve Loisaba you will find an abundance of wildlife, excellent accommodation and adventurous activities. From the Loisaba Star Beds you can enjoy a beautiful view over the valley and a well visited by the animals. And of course over the endless African sky. You will be welcomed by a team of traditional Samburu & Laikipiak Maasai warriors.

6.4. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is located in the middle of Kenya. It offers an unforgettable combination of views, animal spotting, hospitality and conservation education. In this natural park you will find one of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya. 12% of the country's white and black rhinos live in this park. You will also find the world's largest population of Grevy zebras in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. On a visit to the park you may also encounter elephants, giraffes, lions and over 400 bird species. Not only will you enjoy a fantastic adventure in the park, you'll also help directly with nature conservation and community development.

6.5. Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park. On clear days you can see the top that is covered by snow. More often, however, it is surrounded by clouds. In the park you can spot wild boar, elephants and leopards.

6.6. Meru National Park

In the middle of Kenya lies the Meru National Park. Where once it was known as a notorious poaching area, it has now grown into a special nature park. The Meru National Park consists largely of swampy areas. This is not because there is a lot of rain, but because of the no less than 15 rivers that poach through the park. These originate on Mount Kenya and flow into the Tana River. This is the longest river of Kenya.

For a holiday Kenya safari you can visit this park flora. It is known for its flowers and plants. There are wild animals living in the park, but these are often difficult to spot. The many water in the park provides high grass, which obstructs the view of for example zebras and leopards. In the park you can go hiking or rafting through the Tana River.

6.7. Nairobi

Nairobi National Museum. The house of writer Karen Blixen where she wrote her book ´Out of Africa´ you can also visit in Nairobi. If you feel like shopping, visit one of the shopping malls. A special attraction is the national park adjacent to the city.

In Nairobi you can enjoy a mix of nature, culture and architecture with, for example, high skyscrapers. From Nairobi you can make various day trips, including to the Bombas of Kenya, a traditional village. The village is specially established as a tourist attraction. You will get acquainted with Kenyan society and can enjoy daily shows with ritual dances.

6.8. Nairobi National park

In the city you will find the Nairobi National Park. This is the only safari park in the world in a big city. This popular landmark is the figurehead of Nairobi. From the park you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the city skyline.

6.9. Sheldrick Wildlife trust

Nairobi National Park is home to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This organization is known for their work to protect elephants. They run the most successful rescue and rehabilitation program for elephant orphans in the world. And they offer the opportunity to adopt an elephant, rhino or giraffe orphan. The centre is open to visitors for one hour every day. You can then see how the elephants enjoy their mud bath and are fed. A visit is both informative and educational. All sorts of things are told about the threats to elephants, as well as about the work of the foundation.

6.10. Giraffe Center

About 20 kilometers from Nairobi you will find the Giraffe Centre. This was created to protect the endangered giraffe that only occurs in the grasslands of East Africa. During a visit to the centre, you can not only see the giraffes up close, but also feed them.

6.11. Lake Nakuru National Park

In the southwest, diagonally above Nairobi, lies the Lake Nakuru National Park. This park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. The park is actually all about Lake Nakuru, which lies in the middle of the park. You can see lots of flamingos that are attracted by the abundance of algae in the lake. And if you're lucky, you'll come across white and black rhinos in the park. They roam peacefully in the protected habitat. And use Lake Nakuru for drinking.

6.12. Hell's Gate National Park

The Hell's Gate National Park shows how weather influences nature. For example, this park includes a prehistoric lake that is now completely dry. And in the landscape you come across metre-high walls in various shapes. There used to be a river here, but now it's all dry. And so you can take a beautiful walk there. This nature park offers you the unique opportunity to visit it on foot, or even by bike. The national park is also home to various animals such as cheetahs, hyenas and buffaloes.

6.13. Masai Mara Nature Reserve

In the southwest of Kenya you will find the most famous nature reserve of the country. The approximately 1500 km2 large Masai Mara. An attraction not to be missed. If you want to see the seasonal migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras to the Serengeti Plain in Tanzania, this is the place to be. Twice a year you can see the 'great migration'. The animals go in search of food and water during the dry season. During the trip they have to cross the river Mara. Every year a lot of animals die here, because the river is difficult to cross. Hungry crocodiles around the river try to catch their prey.

Remember that the road network in the Nature Park is not in optimal condition. You will mainly find unpaved roads. During the dry season these can be easily prepared by all kinds of cars. However, in the rainy season they are difficult to pass. If you want to spend the night in the Masai Mara you can choose from different arrangements. From camping in a tent to sleeping in a luxury lodge.

6.14. Gedi ruins

On the coast of Kenya are the Gedi ruins. Here you can still see standing buildings such as mosques, a palace, houses and a fort. All buildings are made of steed and have one floor. This former city is said to have existed between the thirteenth and seventeenth centuries. And the buildings are described as Swahilean architecture. Although you can also discover Persian and Arabic elements.

6.15. Bio-Ken Snake farm

Bio-Ken Snake Farm is a research centre specialized in snakes and snake bites. About 5 minutes drive from the coastal town of Watamu, you can see the largest collection of snakes in East Africa. The emergency number if you have been bitten by a snake is +254 718 290 324.

6.16. Haller Park

A natural park on the Kenyan coast is Haller Park. This park has evolved from a wasteland with time, dedication and local support into a beautiful sanctuary for animals and plants. You can see a great variety of both here. Flora and fauna come together here. In addition, the park is a recreation park for tourists and locals.

6.17. Fort Jesus museum in Mombassa

The second city of Kenya is Mombassa. It is an important port city and you can go there for a wonderful beach holiday along the Kenyan coast. On the coast you will find the tourist attraction Fort Jesus. This fortress was built in 1593 to protect Portuguese interests in the Indian Ocean. In the history of the fortress it has also served as a slave house and prison. At the moment it is a museum and you can see archaeological finds. Often the fort is also the starting point for an excursion through Mombasa.

6.18. Diani beach

If you want to enjoy wide white beaches, you should definitely visit Diani Beach. This is the most popular beach in Kenya, located on the Indian Ocean. Divers can look out over the colourful coral reefs here. Water sports enthusiasts can also enjoy many activities here. From Diani Beach you can also book various excursions.

6.19. Tsavo National Park

One of the oldest and largest national parks in Kenya is the Tsavo East National Park. Tsavo West National Park used to belong to this park. But nowadays the parks are separated by a busy highway. You can find these national parks in the south of the country. In Tsavo East National Park you can enjoy the overwhelming nature and varied wildlife that lives in the park. Tsavo East National Park is flatter than the western park and falls rather dry. In the western part you will find a more mountainous landscape with wetlands. So it is better to spot animals here than in the eastern park. For a safari, Tsavo West is generally recommended instead of Tsavo East.

6.20. Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park

The Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park is located in the water, in the south of Kenya on the border with Tanzania. It was created to protect the picturesque islands and animal life. The park includes 3 small islands. Around them you will find plenty of coral reefs. You can only reach the national park by boat. It is located 11 kilometers from the coast of Shimoni. During a day trip you can dive, snorkel, bird watching or enjoy the sea and beaches. Kisite is described as one of the most beautiful snorkel sites in the area. There are also possibilities to stay on one of the islands.

7. Book a round trip to Kenya: compare providers and accommodations

Kenia is by the many nature parks perfect for a safari holiday. You can also meet the authentic population such as the Masai. And on the coast you can enjoy beautiful beaches and corals for a diving holiday. The combination makes a holiday to Kenya a true experience.

Read more Travel guides...


What would you improve on this page?