Kenya is a beautiful country named after Mount Kenya, the tallest mountain in the country and the second highest in Africa. This African country is blessed with stunning beaches all on the warm Indian Ocean and also has one of the largest wildlife populations on the continent. If you're planning on Traveling To Kenya, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip
Kenya is mostly famous for the Masai Mara, the best safari destination where the great wildebeest migration has been voted one of the wonders of the world.
The beauty of this country enhances by its diversity. Around 44 tribes blessed with unique culture and captivating nature live here in Kenya.
Well, a country with such beautiful features must be the top-listed safari destination for wildlife lovers. So, here in this article, we have mentioned some important things that you should consider while Traveling To Kenya.
Top 8 things to consider when traveling to Kenya
Visiting Kenya is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that one can’t afford to miss. Here we have tried to make your Kenya safari easier by providing some necessary information to consider.
Kenya’s currency-
The currency of Kenya is known as the Kenyan shilling (KES). Travelers can withdraw the local shillings from the ATM after reaching Kenya. Otherwise, you can exchange your currency at the airport with the established bureau de change.
Many businesses accept credit card payments but it’s suggested to have some Kenyan Shillings for the local market.
Learn some local language for better communication:
Kenya is a diverse country and people generally use two languages- Swahili, the national language of Kenya, and English. In addition, local tribes also talk in their different tribal languages. To communicate with the local people better you can learn some local language that to be used in everyday conversation. Here is the list given below-
| Swahili Language | Meaning in English |
| Jambo! | Hello! |
| Karibu | Welcome! |
| Habari | How are you? |
| Mzuri | Fine/Good |
| Asante | Thank You |
| Pole | Sorry! |
| Ndio | Yes |
| Hapana | No |
So, these are some local daily-speaking lines that will help mingle with the local people.
Covered by travel insurance:
Always remember to have travel insurance while traveling. You need Kenya Travel insurance to protect against theft, illness, injury, or accident.
Take a policy that covers health requirements and also medical transportation if any emergency comes.
Road safety in Kenya:
Kenya is one of the safe countries in Africa. You can travel safely alone or in groups. But you need to be careful as you are in a different land.
The roads in Kenya are well-developed and in good condition. You can go on a road trip with a local taxi, or local buses or you can hire a car to visit Nairobi and other near cities.
But to rent a car to explore Kenya by self-drive, you must be 23 or older. You also need to carry a valid driving license with you.
Kenya Visa needed:
To visit Kenya, you need a valid e-visa. If you are a citizen of the US, Australia, or Europe, getting a visa for travel to Kenya can be slightly difficult, and you have some limited options.
- If you have to pay and get your e-visa upon arrival, we would suggest you apply for an East-African visa. It will access you in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya and save you a high amount of money!
- You have to apply for this East-African Visa before your travel and you will pay $150 for it.
- If you are not willing to travel to other East-African countries, you can apply only to Kenya. For only Kenya, you have to pay a $50 + $30 service fee.
Remember to double-check your visa for your nationality if anything has changed.
Vaccination for yellow fever:
While Traveling To Kenya, always give priority to your health. Because Kenya has a risk of Yellow fever. So, a yellow fever vaccine must be needed.
You should be vaccinated 10 days before your arrival to get the visa. So, make sure to visit your local travel clinic to get the needed vaccine for yellow fever.
How much does it cost to travel to Kenya?
Generally, the cost of traveling to Kenya is expensive. It also covers your accommodations, food, transportation, travel guide/driver and park fees.
Kenya will be expensive for those who travel with Kenya budget safari packages. But if you prefer comparatively cheap accommodation, eating in a local place and using public transportation, you will cost $30-$50 a day.
But the travelers with the more luxurious budget can find any facilities they want which cost $300 per person per day.
Internet and calling in Kenya-stay connected with family:
As you are going too far away from your family and friends, always stay connected with them. For this, you have to keep your phone on roaming mode or you can purchase a local SIM card after arriving there.
You can easily purchase a local SIM card at the airports in Nairobi and Mombasa. A local Kenyan SIM card with 500 minutes and 20 GB of internet for 30 days of validity costs about €25.
Is it safe to visit Kenya?
Kenya is a safe country to travel to and explore Kenya’s Wildlife. But no country in the world is 100% safe and Kenya has also its fair share. Though it’s relatively safe, you should use some common sense and take care of your own safety.
Just take care of some basic things while visiting Kenya.
- Plan your Kenya trip with a reputed safari company so that you will be helped throughout your journey.
- Don’t take anything from strangers
- Don’t wear expensive ornaments while visiting the streets of Kenya
- Be careful about your valuable documents and keep them in a safe place in your hotel.
- Stay alert for pickpockets.
- Don’t go out at night alone. Rather go with a group or with your local guide.
Traveling to Kenya is a wonderful experience and you can also explore alone whether you are a female traveler. You just have to be a bit careful and your Kenya Safari will be going to be unforgettable.
Plan your Kenya trip perfectly to enjoy it fully!
Well, with eye-captured natural beauty, and a vast landscape with enormous wildlife Kenya Safari is a rewarding journey. Visited by thousands of tourists every year Kenya is listed as the top-visited country in Africa. This is the charm of Kenya. If you are excited about Visiting Kenya, contact our Kenya travel guide by visiting Diwaka safaris. We will be glad to help you.