Welcome to my Kenya page! Kenya is one of the most unforgettable places I’ve ever visited—from incredible wildlife encounters to some of the friendliest people I’ve met while traveling. Between Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Mt. Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara, my Kenya trip was equal parts adventure and chaos (including multiple flight issues before we even arrived).
Since travel in Kenya can be unpredictable, and I got pretty sick during our trip, I always recommend looking into travel medical insurance. While I haven’t used SafetyWing personally yet, I’ve spent a lot of time researching them, and their Nomad Essential plan consistently stands out for international trips like this.
They’re affordable, flexible, and designed for people who spend a lot of time abroad, including digital nomads and long-term travelers. After all the chaos on my trip, I really wish I’d had coverage! If you’re preparing for your own adventure, you can explore SafetyWing’s plans here.
Below, you’ll find a helpful overview of what to expect when traveling to Kenya: what to know before you go, what to pack, and practical tips that will make your safari trip go a lot more smoothly. As always, this guide is not comprehensive, so please do additional research before your trip!
Our Kenya Blog Posts
If you’re planning a Kenya safari, you can find all of my detailed itineraries and experiences here:
- A 12 Day Action-Packed Safari Trip to Kenya
- A Two-Day Visit to Samburu National Reserve
- How to Explore Mt. Kenya National Park
- Experience the Magic of Lake Nakuru & Lake Elmenteita
- How to Spend 3 Days in Maasai Mara National Reserve
- How to Spend One Day in Nairobi
Before Traveling to Kenya
Here are some important things to know before your trip:
Check Travel Advisories & Entry Requirements
Always review the Travel.State.Gov U.S. Department of State website for current travel advisories, required vaccinations, and visa information. When we traveled, Kenya was under a Level 2 advisory, which meant exercising increased caution.
Yellow Fever & Other Vaccinations
Yellow Fever vaccination is technically “recommended,” but immigration officers may ask for proof—two people in our group were checked. Because this vaccine isn’t offered everywhere, book your appointment early. Many travelers also take malaria pills; your doctor can help you determine what’s best.
Kenya eVisa
A Kenyan visa is required for U.S. travelers. You can apply online through the official eVisa website. A few things to know:
- Approval is not a guarantee of entry (though it’s extremely rare to be denied).
- Processing can take time—apply in advance (but not too far in advance, since single-entry visas are typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue).
- Print your visa and carry it with your passport (and email a copy to yourself or take photos of both on your phone as back-up).
- The payment system can be glitchy; our group had to try multiple times before it worked.
Packing Documents & Essentials
Make sure to bring:
- Passport
- Printed visa
- Vaccination records
- Prescription medications (you may need proof to bring them into the country)
- Copies of documents stored separately and digitally
No Plastic Bags Allowed
Plastic bags are banned in Kenya—including shopping bags, Ziplocs, and grocery bags. Bring reusable packing cubes, laundry bags, and silicone pouches instead.
Currency Tips
We ordered Kenyan Shillings (KES) from our banks and brought $200 USD as backup. Request crisp, clean bills no older than five years—Kenya is very particular about currency condition.
While You’re in Kenya
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind once you’ve arrived:
Language
Swahili is the official language of Kenya. Here are some phrases our guide taught us that you might also find useful:
- Jambo – hello
- Asante Sana – thank you very much
- Karibu – welcome
- Hakuna Matata – all is well
Currency
Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). The current exchange rate is roughly 100 KES = 0.77 USD. Local currency is essential for tips, small purchases, and markets, but USD is also widely accepted.
Water Safety
Don’t drink tap water or use it for brushing your teeth. You’ll need to stock up on bottled water daily, and it’s not included in the price of your stay at most camps or hotels unless otherwise stated.
What to Carry Daily
Your day-to-day safari essentials include:
- Water & snacks (I bring my own snacks on every trip!)
- Bug repellent (bracelets, spray, and/or lotion)
- Lip balm & sunscreen (the sun is extra hot near the equator!)
- Sunglasses (these also help protect your eyes from dust)
- Hat with a tie or chin strap (so it doesn’t blow off in the safari vehicle)
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues or travel toilet paper
- Small cross-body bag or money belt to keep your cash hidden and secure
- Reusable water bottle (fill it up at breakfast at your hotel)
Bathroom Expectations
Bathrooms during long drives can be basic—or nonexistent. You may need to use squat toilets or even stop roadside between reserves. A female urination device is extremely helpful if you’re not comfortable with squat toilets.
Safety Tips
- Keep small amounts of cash in your day bag; split the rest between your luggage, purse, and money belt.
- Don’t flash valuables or leave your phone on restaurant tables—theft can happen quickly.
- Be alert in Nairobi; it’s safe for tourists, but petty theft is common.
Tipping Guidelines
Kenya’s tourism industry heavily relies on tips. General guidelines:
- Driver/Guide: $10 USD per person per day
- Hotel/Camp Staff: $5–10 USD per person per day
- Porters: $1–2 USD per bag
- Restaurants: 5%–10% unless service charge is included
Kenya Packing List
Here are some of my must-haves for a successful Kenya safari:
Electronics & Gear
- International travel adapter with USB ports
- Good camera or smartphone
- Binoculars (trust me, these are a must!)
- Backpack or daypack for daily excursions
- Flashlight or headlamp for walking around camps at night
- TSA-approved locks for luggage during transfers
Clothing
Safari clothing deserves its own category. Here’s what you should consider packing:
- Neutral-colored layers (avoid black or blue, since they attract tsetse flies)
- Tank tops and leggings/elephant pants
- Layers and a warm jacket for early mornings (we visited in February, and mornings were chilly!)
- Comfortable clothes for long drives
- A lightweight scarf or shawl
- 2-3 nicer outfits to repeat for dinners
- One pair of waterproof tennis shoes + one pair of comfortable sandals
- Bathing suit(s)—most camps have pools
Many camps offer laundry service, so don’t overpack! We also brought along some Tide Travel Sink Packets to hand wash in our rooms.
Toiletries & Health
- Medicine + feminine products (Kenya may not have the ones that you’re accustomed to)
- Sunscreen & SPF lip balm
- Bug spray + insect repellent lotion
- Hand sanitizer
- Anti-nausea medicine (Nauzene saved me on those bumpy rides!)
Extra Tips
If you’re visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, you must complete an orphan adoption online before visiting (it was $50 USD per couple during our trip). Bring a printed copy of the confirmation.
Final Thoughts on Traveling to Kenya
Kenya is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve flown home. The wildlife, natural landscapes, and culture are truly special—even if the journey getting there can be a little chaotic (our missed flights and unexpected detours make for some of my favorite stories now).
Whether you’re planning a safari adventure, exploring Nairobi, or hopping between national parks and reserves, I hope these travel tips help you prepare for an unforgettable trip of your own.
Feel free to leave your own Kenya tips in the comments—I love learning from other travelers! And, don’t forget to pin this post to save it for later.
👉 Check out more of my travel tips here (especially for women)!
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads