East Africa · Kenya

Kenya Travel Guide

Dust-gold plains thundering with a million hooves, a lion’s roar across the dark, and then white sand and warm sea. Kenya is where safari and beach meet.

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Highlights Feel it Journey Plan ahead FAQs

Where to go

The highlights of Kenya

Nairobi

Kenya’s capital and gateway

Most Kenya trips start in Nairobi, home to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and a city that pairs wildlife, with Nairobi National Park minutes from downtown, with museums, restaurants and a growing business and tech scene.

Read the Nairobi guide →

The Maasai Mara & safari

Kenya’s signature experience

The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s best-known safari destination, especially July to October during the wildebeest migration. Amboseli, with its Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop, and Lake Nakuru are also popular add-ons for a multi-park itinerary from Nairobi.

Read the Maasai Mara guide →

The coast

Mombasa, Diani & the Indian Ocean

Kenya’s coast, including Mombasa, Diani Beach, Watamu and Malindi, offers white-sand beaches, coral reefs and a distinct Swahili culture, and pairs naturally with a safari for travelers who want both wildlife and beach time in one trip.

Read the Diani guide →

Feel it before you fly

Four ways Kenya gets under your skin

👁️SightWildebeest pouring across the Mara, and Kilimanjaro rising behind Amboseli elephants.

🎧SoundA lion’s roar after dark, and Swahili rhythm on the coast.

🍷TasteSizzling nyama choma and fresh Kenyan coffee.

🏖️FeelCold dawn air on an open-top game drive, then warm Indian Ocean water at Diani.

A journey to start from

How the trip could unfold

1NairobiA few days with the city, the park and the museums.

2Safari3 to 5 days in the Maasai Mara or Amboseli.

3Fly to the coastDomestic flights make the connection quick.

4Beach stayDiani, Watamu or Mombasa for sand and Swahili culture.

Beyond the safari circuit

Western Kenya: seven counties worth the detour

Lake Victoria, South Rift tea country and the quiet Luo heartland: three counties most itineraries skip entirely, worth a detour for travelers who have already done the safari-and-coast circuit.

KisumuLake Victoria’s lakeside city BometSouth Rift tea country SiayaKogelo and the quiet shore KisiiSoapstone & the Gusii Highlands Homa BayFish markets & Kendu Bay MigoriThimlich Ohinga stone fortress Kakamega ForestKenya’s only rainforest

Before you go

Practical planning

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Visa requirements

Most visitors need a Kenya eTA (electronic travel authorization) arranged online before arrival. Requirements and processing times can change, so confirm current rules with Kenya’s official immigration portal before you book flights.

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Currency & payments

Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (KES). Cards are accepted at hotels, lodges and city restaurants; M-Pesa mobile money is widely used locally but generally requires a Kenyan SIM to set up. Carry some cash for markets, tips and rural areas.

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Getting around

Domestic flights connect Nairobi to Mombasa, the Maasai Mara and other regional airstrips quickly. In Nairobi, ride-hailing apps and matatus cover the city, while safari transfers are typically arranged through your lodge or tour operator.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Kenya?

July to October is peak safari season and covers the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara. See our month-by-month East Africa safari guide for a fuller breakdown by region and month.

Can I combine Nairobi, a safari and the coast in one trip?

Yes. A common itinerary is a few days in Nairobi, 3 to 5 days on safari (Maasai Mara or Amboseli), then a beach stay on the coast. Domestic flights make the connections quick.

Is Kenya good for a family trip?

Many safari camps welcome children and some specialize in family stays. See our family safari guide for age-appropriate options.

Will I have phone and internet access?

Coverage is generally strong in Nairobi and most lodges. Set up an eSIM before you fly, see our eSIM guide.

Keep exploring

More Africa travel guides

Africa Travel GuideThe full continent Southern AfricaKeep exploring Africa West AfricaKeep exploring Africa North AfricaKeep exploring Africa Indian Ocean IslandsKeep exploring Africa

Plan it

What to book

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