Kenya

Kenya is a country of sweeping savannahs, vibrant cities, and rich traditions. Nairobi buzzes with life, offering museums, markets, and easy access to nearby wildlife reserves like Nairobi National Park. The Maasai Mara’s endless plains host the Great Migration, while Amboseli sits under the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Kenya’s coast, from Lamu to Diani Beach, blends Swahili culture with white sands and coral reefs. Traditional life thrives in villages, while colorful markets and fresh chapati fill daily scenes.

Kenya is one of Africa’s iconic destinations, a place where open savannahs, snow-capped peaks, turquoise beaches, and ancient cultures collide. Most travelers come for the classic safari experience: game drives across the Maasai Mara during the Great Migration, spotting rhinos in Lake Nakuru, or exploring the red-dust landscapes of Tsavo. But Kenya’s appeal goes way beyond safaris. You can hike the slopes of Mount Kenya, dive coral reefs off the coast near Diani, or wander the Swahili streets of Lamu Island, where life hasn’t changed much in centuries.

Traveling in Kenya is affordable to mid-range, depending on how you plan it. Budget travelers can find campsites and basic lodges near parks, while luxury travelers have their pick of high-end tented camps and beach resorts. Food is hearty and inexpensive: expect nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali (maize porridge), samosas, and lots of fresh fruit. Western food is common in cities and tourist hubs.

Getting around is fairly straightforward. Domestic flights connect safari destinations and the coast quickly. Buses and matatus (minibuses) serve towns and villages, though driving can be chaotic. Private drivers or organized tours are common for safaris. English and Swahili are official languages, and communication is easy for travelers. Kenya is safe in most areas frequented by tourists, but petty theft and scams happen in cities, keep alert, especially in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Why Go to Kenya?

• The Great Migration in Maasai Mara: Watch thousands of wildebeest and zebra crossing crocodile-infested rivers during one of nature’s most epic events.
• Beaches on the Indian Ocean: Relax on stunning white sands at Diani Beach, Watamu, or Malindi, perfect after a safari.
• Mount Kenya Adventures: Trek Africa’s second-highest mountain, a less crowded but equally dramatic alternative to Kilimanjaro.
• Cultural Encounters with the Maasai and Samburu: Visit villages and learn about Kenya’s indigenous traditions, dances, and way of life.
• Lake Nakuru’s Flamingos and Wildlife: See pink-hued flamingos, rhinos, and big cats in a compact, easy-to-visit park.
• Lamu’s Swahili Heritage: Wander through a UNESCO-listed old town where donkeys replace cars and ancient mosques sit by the sea.
• Diverse Safaris Beyond the Mara: Explore unique landscapes and species in parks like Amboseli, Meru, Samburu, and Tsavo.

Who Might Not Enjoy Kenya?

• Travelers Uncomfortable with Security Risks: While Kenya is a popular destination, it has safety concerns, particularly regarding petty crime, terrorism threats in certain regions, and occasional political unrest. Extra caution is needed, especially in major cities and border areas.

• Budget Travelers Hoping for Dirt-Cheap Safaris: Kenya offers budget safaris, but visiting famous parks like the Maasai Mara or Amboseli can still be expensive when you factor in park fees, transport, and accommodation.

• Visitors Wanting Smooth, Polished Travel Experiences: Infrastructure is improving but can be uneven. Road conditions outside major cities vary, domestic flights can be delayed, and services may not always meet Western expectations.

• Tourists Expecting Quiet, Solitary Wildlife Viewing: Popular parks get crowded during peak seasons. Safari vehicles often cluster around wildlife sightings, which can detract from the wilderness experience.

• Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: While Nairobi has an emerging plant-based dining scene, Kenyan cuisine heavily features meat. Finding vegan options in rural areas or traditional lodges can be challenging.

• Nightlife-First Travelers Outside Major Cities: Nairobi and Mombasa have lively nightlife scenes, but elsewhere, entertainment options are minimal. Safari lodges and rural towns are generally quiet after dark.

• Travelers Sensitive to Heat and Dust: Safaris often involve long days in open vehicles under hot, dusty conditions. Coastal areas like Mombasa are humid, especially during the wet season.

• Shoppers Expecting Luxury Retail or Major Malls Everywhere: While Nairobi has malls and upscale boutiques, rural and tourist-heavy areas focus more on craft markets and souvenir stalls.

• Visitors Needing Strong Medical or Internet Access Everywhere: Quality medical care and reliable internet are mostly concentrated in Nairobi. Remote areas often have limited services and poor connectivity.

Highlights

Mara National Reserve: lions, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeests, zebra, and more, all viewed from the safety of a four-wheel drive of course.

Lamu: fine mosques and Arab houses, narrow streets and the museum in Lamu town, or simply soak up the rays on a beautiful beach.

Mombasa: explore the city’s old town with its Arab flavour, street markets and Old Harbour, with some great people watching opportunities.

Lake Nakuru National Park: the flamingos go wild for this shallow alkaline lake, which provides a stunning sight with millions of the pink long-legged creatures.

Amboseli National Park: brilliant views of Mount Kilimanjaro, great wildlife and the best place to see lots of massive African elephants.

Safari: the number one reason for visiting Kenya, take in the stunning wildlife and before long you’ll be getting blasé about seeing giraffes strolling by.

Cultural sightseeing: don’t miss the chance to see Maasai warriors dancing; lots of very entertaining jumping and noise.

Water sports: scuba-diving, snorkeling, sailing and waterskiing are all popular on Kenya’s east coast, with Diani Beach, south of Mombassa, being one of the best spots.

Eat at Carnivores: not one for vegetarians, the menu here includes things like impala, kudu and crocodile. Think meat, meat and a bit more meat.

Trekking: with Mount Kenya and the hills of western Kenya, the centre of Kenyan running prowess, there is some great trekking here.

Malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and AIDS are present in Kenya, and not at all fun to contract, so take precautions; anti-malarial drugs, cover up at dusk and copious amounts of mosquito repellent. Tap water is best avoided, as is the midday sun, and if you do have a medical problem, hospitals are only good in Nairobi and Mombassa. Nairobi’s a dodgy place at the best of times; don’t walk around at night and keep your belongings close. If something does get snatched, it’s worth considering that shouting for help might get the perpetrator beaten to death for the sake of a lost camera (which should be insured) - worth thinking about. Stay clear of the Northern borders, unless you want a chat with armed bandits.