Kenya – Travel Information

Are you planning a trip to Kenya and want practical information about this beautiful country? You’re in the right place. Here, you will find all the essential travel information you need to visit Kenya, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your adventure.

Get insights on Kenya’s location, climate, currency, languages, transportation options, and the best time to visit, among many other things that I include in this post.

Kenya is a vibrant and diverse country in East Africa, famous for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Big Five to the lesser-known species, Kenya’s wildlife is a sight to behold. Whether you’re planning an exciting safari, exploring bustling cities like Nairobi or relaxing on the stunning beaches of Mombasa, having the right travel information is essential.

I usually start my articles with general details about the place to visit and continue with the itinerary. However, on this occasion, as my trip encompasses two different countries, and to make it short, in this post, I will only give you practical information about Kenya.

Don’t miss my article, The Big 5, with the route through both countries (Kenya and Tanzania).

You can also read all the practical information about Tanzania in Tanzania – Travel Information.

Here is the list of everything you will find in this post:

Index

A. General Information

Location

The Republic of Kenya is located in East Africa. It shares borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia to the north, Tanzania to the south, Somalia and the Indian Ocean to the east, and Uganda to the west.

The country is divided in two by the equator.

Area

Kenya has a total area of 591,958 km2 (according to the United Nations), of which about 13,400 km2 correspond to lakes, mainly Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria.

The coastline with the Indian Ocean is 333 miles (536 km).

Its capital is Nairobi, located in the south of the country, and known as the ‘Safari Capital of the World’.

The highest point in Kenya is Mount Kenya, with an altitude of 5,199 m. It is, in turn, the second-highest mountain in Africa, only behind Kilimanjaro.

Population

According to the United Nations Population Fund (2023), the Republic of Kenya has a population of 55.1 million inhabitants, of which about 5 million live in its capital, Nairobi.

Demonym

Kenyan.

Flag

The national flag, which has been in use since 1963, consists of three horizontal stripes:

Black, representing Kenya’s ethnic majority.
Red, symbolising the bloodshed in the fight for freedom.
Green, illustrating the country’s natural wealth.

These three stripes are separated by two white lines that were added later as a symbol of peace and unity.

In the centre, there is a traditional Masai shield with two crossed spears representing the defence of freedom.

B. Practical Information

Language

The official languages of the Republic of Kenya are English and Swahili.

However, there are 65 other languages spoken in the country, 60 of which are indigenous.

Remember that you can check the language spoken in each country using the tables that I attach to my posts: Countries by Language and Best Time to Go.

Currency

Kenya’s national currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). However, US dollars are widely accepted.

ATMs in Kenya are less widespread than in Europe and often don’t even work, so I don’t recommend relying on them. They also tend to charge high fees. It’s best to carry the cash that you’ll need.

In my post Currency exchange, cards and cash abroad (Complete Guide), there is a table that allows you to see the currency used by entering the name of the country you are interested in. Additionally, this article provides all the essential information you need to know about money and travelling.

Plugs and Voltage

In Kenya, the plugs you will find are of type G (English). They have three flat pins arranged in an inverted T shape, with the top one being the ground connection.

The voltage is 240 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Remember that you can refer to my post Plug Types by Country to find out about the different types of plugs used in each country and the corresponding voltage. This will help you determine if you need an adapter and the specific type required.

This information, along with everything else you might need to ensure your trip goes smoothly, is available in the Travel Logistics section.

Best time to visit Kenya and How long you should stay

*️⃣ The climate in the Republic of Kenya is monsoonal, with significant territorial variations.

In short, it is hot and humid along the coast, temperate in the highlands, and dry and hot in the lowlands.

The “long rains” season occurs between March and May, with very humid days, so I would not recommend visiting during this period. November and December are also part of the wet season, but it is the “short rains” period.

Thus, the best time to go on safari is between June and October because the parks are dry, the weather is sunny, and the animal life is excellent. In addition, this is when the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra takes place.

Keep in mind that the Great Migration, while it generally occurs at a certain time, is not a guaranteed event due to its dependence on the rains.

If you want to pick a different travel destination based on the most suitable time to visit, see my posts Best Time to Go and Where to Travel Each Month. It will help you plan your trip better.

How many days I need to visit each country/ Cuántos días necesito para visitar cada país

*️⃣ The number of days to visit Kenya logically depends on how many national parks you want to see.

Based on my experience, a trip lasting 5-7 days is the perfect duration to fully enjoy the beauty of Kenya.

The itinerary I followed included 6 and a half days in Kenya, which I combined with another 5 and a half days in Tanzania. You can find more details in my article The Big 5.

In my posts, How Many Days I Need to Visit Each Country and How Many Days I Need to Visit Each City, I explain the number of days needed to visit each country and the most touristic cities.

How to Get Around Kenya

There are several options for getting around Kenya, and the best one depends, as always, on what you are looking for from your trip.

🅰️ If you want to take a route through several national parks to see the animals, the best thing to do is to book a safari.

Keep in mind that local agencies offer significantly more affordable options, and you won’t be short of choices with the multitude of agencies available.

🅱️ You can also rent a car with or without a driver. Remember, for the national parks, you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle, and driving is on the left.

If you are considering renting a car, I recommend reading my post, Car Rentals (Complete Guide), where I provide all the necessary information and tips to avoid any surprises.

Other options for transportation between cities or within the same town include the following:

Matatu. These minibuses are the most popular means of transport among locals and also the cheapest, although I warn you, their drivers are known for their recklessness behind the wheel 😨

Bus. They operate regularly and are an economical way to get around Kenya and reach neighbouring countries.

Taxi. Before you hop in, make sure to agree on the fare to avoid any chance of overcharging. Remember, it’s totally okay to negotiate, so don’t be shy about haggling a bit.

Travel Logistics

Remember to take a look at the Travel Logistics section, where I will detail all the necessary preparations for your trip to Kenya.

There, you will find helpful information such as the documentation you will need, health and vaccinations, communications, travel insurance, and much more.

C. Cultural Data

Origins and Brief History of Kenya

The country is named after its highest mountain, Mount Kenya, which means “luminous mountain”, and is also the second-highest peak in Africa.

Below, I will provide a summary of Kenya’s history:

Early Inhabitants: Kenya’s earliest residents were hunter-gatherer communities, with evidence of human activity dating back millions of years, including the earliest hominid fossils found in the Great Rift Valley.

Bantu and Nilotic Migrations: Around 2000 BC, Bantu-speaking communities and later Nilotic pastoralists migrated to Kenya, shaping the country’s ethnic diversity.
Arab and Swahili Influence: In the 8th century, Arab traders settled along the coast, establishing trading ports and influencing the development of Swahili culture, a mix of African, Arab and Persian elements.

Portuguese Rule: In the late 15th century, the Portuguese arrived, seeking control of trade routes. They dominated the coast until the Omani Arabs drove them out in the 17th century.
British Colonisation: In 1895, Kenya became part of British East Africa—the British established settler farms and exploited local resources, leading to tensions with indigenous communities.

Mau Mau Rebellion: In the 1950s, the Mau Mau Uprising marked resistance against colonial rule, driven mainly by the Kikuyu people, which eventually led to Kenya’s independence.

Independence (1963): Kenya gained independence from Britain on December 12, 1963, and Jomo Kenyatta became the country’s first president.

Post-Independence Era: After independence, Kenya went through periods of political and economic challenges but remained a regional hub for trade, tourism, and diplomacy in East Africa.

Interesting Facts about Kenya

Kenya has 23 national parks, 28 national reserves and 160 conservation areas.

In 2004, the remarkable Kenyan Wangari Maathai made history as the first African woman to be awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

Kenya proudly holds the record for the highest number of world-class runners per average population. Examples include Eliud Kipchoge and Catherine Ndereba.

The Republic of Kenya is a world leader in the export of flowers, mainly roses.

The largest slum in Kenya, one of the largest in the world, is in Nairobi. It is called Kibera and is home to more than 1 million people.

Polygamy is legal. However, not all Kenyans practise it, it depends on the tribe.

People here have a different rhythm, and if they see you getting stressed, they will say the famous “Hakuna matata”, which in Swahili means “no problem”.

Now that you know the general information about the country, don’t miss my article, The Big 5, which includes a route through both countries (Kenya and Tanzania) to photograph their majestic animals.

You can also read all the practical information about Tanzania in Tanzania – Travel Information.

I hope you enjoyed this article.