Visiting Kenya

Entry requirements vary by passport; check your specific requirements on the Kenya destination page at Yoogo.

Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Currency exchange is available at airports and major banks on arrival. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants in cities, but carrying local cash is essential for smaller towns, markets, and rural areas. US Dollar notes printed before 2006 are widely refused, so bring newer bills if exchanging USD.

Kenya is a popular destination, though travellers should exercise increased caution. Violent crime, including carjacking and mugging, can occur, particularly after dark. Avoid travelling at night where possible, stay alert in crowded areas, and keep valuables out of sight. The Kenya-Somalia border counties and parts of the northern coast carry higher risk and are best avoided. Most tourist areas, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and the safari reserves, are visited safely with sensible precautions.

Domestic flights connect Nairobi to major reserves and coastal towns and are the most efficient option for longer distances. Matatus (minibuses) are the main form of local public transport and are cheap but can be crowded. Long-distance buses and shared taxis cover routes between cities. Car hire with a driver is recommended for safari trips and rural areas. Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber operate in Nairobi and Mombasa.

The dry seasons, from late June to October and from January to February, are generally considered the best times to visit. Wildlife viewing is at its peak during the dry months when animals congregate around water sources. The Great Wildebeest Migration through the Maasai Mara typically runs from July to October. Kenya has two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December.

Kenya's two official languages are Swahili (Kiswahili) and English. English is widely spoken in cities, tourist areas, hotels, and government offices. Swahili is the national lingua franca used across the country. Learning a few basic Swahili phrases, such as 'Jambo' (hello) and 'Asante' (thank you), is warmly appreciated by locals.

A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Kenya. Additional vaccinations strongly recommended by travel health specialists include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. Kenya is a malaria-endemic country, so antimalarial medication is advisable; consult your doctor before travelling. Carry mosquito repellent and consider a mosquito net for stays in rural or coastal areas. Access to medical care outside major cities is limited, so comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance is strongly advised.