Kenya has no shortage of places to visit. With so much variation in its geography, there are a lot of spectacular areas in the country. Here are what I consider to be the top 5 places to visit in Kenya:

1. Masai Mara – Famous for its safaris, the Masai Mara is one of the most popular places to visit in Kenya. Visitors can stay in a safari lodge and go on game drives to see lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and other African game. If you are visiting Kenya during the annual wildebeest migration, you can see thousands of the animals make their yearly crossing from Tanzania into Kenya and back.

2. Lamu – Lamu Island is one of the most popular places for beach holidays in Kenya. The beautiful isle in the Indian Ocean is a great place for fishing, diving, dhow cruises, and relaxing in the sun. Visitors to Lamu can stay in Lamu Town, Shela, or on neighboring Manda Island.

3. Mombasa – Like Lamu, Mombasa is a great location for beach holidays in Kenya. Popular with visitors and locals alike, it is one of the top 5 places to visit in Kenya. Mombasa is famous for its beautiful beaches as well as its historic Arab-influenced old town and famous sixteenth century Fort Jesus.

4. Nairobi – Most people that visit Kenya skip the capital. It is worth spending a day or two in Nairobi, though, as the city is home to attractions like the Giraffe Centre, the Elephant Orphanage, the Karen Blixen House, and the Mamba Village. Visitors can also go on safari in Nairobi National Park, take tours of the Mathare slum, and visit local markets and museums. The capital is also home to famous restaurants like Carnivore and Talisman, which serve some of the best food in the country.

5. Rift Valley – Located close to Nairobi, the Rift Valley is one of the top 5 places to visit in Kenya. Home to attractions like Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Hell’s Gate National Park, the area is full of beautiful natural monuments and is a great place for adventure travel in Kenya.

Flights from Mombasa to Zanzibar are a great way to get from one of Kenya’s most popular beach holiday destinations to Tanzania’s beloved Indian Ocean archipelago.

There are several airlines that offer flights from Mombasa to Zanzibar. Some are regional East African airlines, some are Kenyan low-cost airlines, and others are larger European airlines.

The list of airlines that fly from Mombasa to Zanzibar includes Condor, which flies from Frankfurt to Zanzibar via Mombasa, Fly540, a budget airline that offers cheap flights to Zanzibar, as well as Jetairfly, Precision Air, and ZanAir.

There are good, reliable airlines that fly to Zanzibar, and there are not-so-good ones. Low-cost airline Fly540 is a good airline that flies high-quality planes and offers cheap flights. The airline is a good option for flights from Mombasa to Zanzibar.

On the other hand, Precision Air is not a very good airline. It has a habit of overbooking its flights and rebooking people on later flights. Most of the time they do not notify passengers of these changes until they arrive at the airport. In light of this, only book with Precision Air if you have to.

All flights from Mombasa to Zanzibar take off from Mombasa’s Moi International Airport (MBA). They land at Kisauni Airport in Tanzania, which is also named Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). The Zanzibar airport is on the island of Unguja and is located just south of Stone Town.

Flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar are a great way to get from Kenya’s capital to Tanzania’s most famous islands.

All flights that travel on this route depart from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and arrive at Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), which is also called Kisauni Airport. The airport is located on Unguja Island several miles south of Stone Town.

Flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar are operated by a number of different airlines. These include both large international airlines and smaller regional ones, including Air Uganda, Fly540, Kenya Airways, and Precision Air.

Some airlines that offer flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar are more reliable than others. Fly540 is generally one of the better airlines and offers good prices compared to the others. Precision Air is one of the worst. It is notorious for overbooking flights and bumping passengers to later flights without notifying them. Avoid it if you can.

Flights from Nairobi to Malindi are a great way to get from the capital of Kenya to one of its best loved coastal resort towns on the Indian Ocean.

Daily flights from Nairobi to Malindi are operated by a number of airlines. Fly 540, Air Kenya, and Kenya Airways offer flights that depart from either Wilson Airport (WIL) or the domestic terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. All flights land at the small airport in Malindi (MYD).

The total travel time on flights from the Kenyan capital to Malindi is 1 hour.

The planes that are used on flights from Nairobi to Malindi are small propeller planes that do not have a lot of space in the overhead bins. As such, if you do not want to check a bag at the desk or plane-side, make sure to bring only a small carry-on.

The best day trips from Nairobi are well worth doing while you are visiting Kenya.

Not far from Nairobi is Lake Nakuru. There you can go birding, explore the national park to look for the elusive white rhino, and enjoy the views of the Great Rift Valley. This is one of the most popular day trips with people traveling to Nairobi.

Another good day trip to a lake is Lake Naivasha. During wet years, the lake is a great place for birding, boat trips, and lunch. The drive to the lake is scenic, and there are rest stops and small shops that you can stop at along the way.

Not far from Lake Naivasha is Hell’s Gate National Park. The beautiful area offers great places to go hiking, trekking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

Another great day trip from Nairobi is a visit to Mount Longonot. If you plan to climb Mount Kenya or Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, you can get acclimatized by hiking Mount Longonot. Trips here can be combined with visits to Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate as well.

Another good option is to go white water rafting on the Tana River. The river is located just 1.5 hours from Nairobi, and makes for a great day out for those visiting Africa for adventure sports.

If you are a serious mountain climber, a trip to Mount Kenya is also a good day out. It is a great way to prepare for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, but getting to the top of Mount Kenya is also an accomplishment in itself.

Whatever day trip from Nairobi you choose, you can get there by hiring a car or by taking an organized tour or excursion. Many companies offer day trips, so make sure to shop around and compare what is included in each tour package before making a booking.

Buses from Nairobi to Moshi are a great way of travelling from Kenya to Mount Kilimanjaro.

There are many companies that offer buses between these places. For example, Riverside, East Africa Shuttles, and Scandinavia Express all operate regular buses on this route.

Not all buses from Nairobi to Moshi are of the same quality. Some companies operate luxury buses to Tanzania, while others offer basic ones. Additionally, some buses pick passengers up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, and some don’t.

The listed travel time on this route is 5.5 to 9.5 hours one way. However, road construction is known to slow the trip down, making journeys of 10 hours or more commonplace.

The fare of a single coach ticket for buses from Nairobi to Moshi is US$13 to 40, depending on the company and the quality of bus.

Buses from Nairobi to Arusha are a good way of travelling from Kenya to Tanzania.

A range of companies offer bus services on this route, including East Africa Shuttles, Riverside, and Scandinavia Express. Each company operates buses on a regular basis.

Not all buses are equal, though. Some companies run luxury buses from Nairobi to Arusha, while other companies run basic ones. Some buses pick up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, while others do not.

The stated travel time on this journey is 4.5 to 5.5 hours each way. That said, road works often slow things down, making journeys of 7 or 8 hours common.

The price of a single shuttle ticket for buses from Nairobi to Arusha is US$14 to 35, depending on the type of bus you choose. Prices are set, so don’t bother trying to negotiate.

Many people visiting Kenya wonder how to choose a Kenya safari company. With so many options and new Kenya tour operators popping up every year, it can be intimidating.

In order to choose a Kenya safari company that is best for you, follow these important steps:

1. Make sure their prices are competitive when compared with other Kenya safari companies

2. If you do not get immediate responses to your e-mails or phone calls, or if your questions are not adequately answered, look elsewhere

3. Look for a Kenya safari company that has a good attitude and personalized service

4. Make sure the company you choose has experienced guides and drivers that speak English

5. Check online reviews and websites to read about others’ experiences before you choose a Kenya safari company

The Masai Market in Nairobi is one of the highlights of visiting Kenya.

The Masai Market days and hours change regularly, so the best way to find out when and where it takes place is to ask your hotel or driver when you arrive in Kenya.

A lot of the time the Masai Market is open on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On Tuesdays it takes place on Kijambe Street, which is on the outskirts of the city center.

On Saturdays the Masai Market takes place in the heart of the city center on City Hall Way. It is located right across from the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi. There is also one at the Galleria Mall in Karen.

On Sundays many of the market vendors also sell goods at the YaYa Center.

The Masai Market in Nairobi is a great way to purchase Kenyan souvenirs as well as to support the local tribes.

Make sure to bargain when you shop, and don’t get taken in by a ‘guide’. These people usually offer to take you around the market, but are really out to make a commission on everything you purchase. Instead, just enjoy the Masai Market in Nairobi at your own pace and find the artisan goods that you prefer.

The boutique hotels in Nairobi are some of the best places to stay in Kenya.

While there are many hotels in the city, Nairobi’s boutique hotels are some of the most luxurious accommodations in the city.

The best boutique hotels in Nairobi are the Tribe hotel and the Sankara hotel.

The both hotels are ideally located in upscale parts of Nairobi, and both are contemporary in design and decor.

The Tribe and the Sankara Nairobi both have large swimming pools, stylish guest rooms with lots of space, and chic restaurants and bars.

Staying at a boutique hotel in Nairobi is a great choice for accommodation in Kenya, and the Tribe and Sankara are perfect choices.

Nairobi airport taxis are a good option if you are visiting Kenya and spending time in the capital.

There are both official and unofficial Nairobi airport taxis at Jomo Kenyatta Airport. The domestic arrivals area has a desk where you can arrange for an official taxi, or you can exit the terminal to haggle with an unofficial taxi driver.

Crime is unfortunately a big problem in Nairobi, so it is advisable to take an official Nairobi airport taxi to your final destination.

Alternately, most Nairobi hotels will arrange for a car to pick you up at the airport for a reasonable fee (usually around 1,500 KES).

Make to use an ATM in the airport so that you can pay your Nairobi airport taxi driver in KES. Some drivers do not accept other currencies, or demand a surcharge if they do.

The best hotels in Lamu are located in both Lamu Town and Shela.

With tourism as the major industry in Lamu, there is no shortage of hotels and guest houses on the island.

Below is a list of what I consider to be the best hotels in Lamu.

The hotels and guest houses vary in price and location, but they are all high quality and provide comfortable accommodation in Lamu.

Baitil Aman Guest House in Lamu

Kijani House Hotel in Lamu

Peponi Hotel in Lamu

Msafini Hotel in Lamu

Below is my list of the top 10 things to do in Lamu, Kenya.

10. Take a dhow cruise at sunset

9. Go to a local Kenyan dance show performance in the evening on Manda island

8. Drink sundowners at the Peponi Hotel (just beware of the unfriendly staff!)

7. Go shopping for souvenirs, gifts, and local handicrafts in Lamu Town

6. Go fishing for yellowfin, sailfish, red snapper, and other local fish

5. Get lost in the tiny alleys of Lamu Town

4. Walk through the pleasant lanes of the picturesque town of Shela on Lamu island

3. Eat a rooftop dinner of Hot and Spicy Crab at the Baitil Aman Guest House in Shela

2. Take a day-long snorkeling trip in a dhow

1. Walk along the beautiful Shela beach

Malindi airport serves flights to Malindi from other cities in Kenya.

These include Nairobi, Lamu, and Mombasa airports.

Malindi airport is more of an airstrip than an airport, so there is not much to it.

However, it does have a permanent building with small shops, vending machines, and indoor waiting areas.

All of these things make Malindi airport a bit more comfortable for people visiting Kenya.

Malindi airport is located near the beaches and close to most resorts.

This makes it easy to get from the airstrip to your final destination in Malindi.

Lamu Airport is a small airstrip that serves flights to Lamu from Nairobi, Malindi, and Mombasa.

Lamu airport is located on Manda island just across the channel from Lamu Town.

Facilities are very basic and include bathrooms and a small duty free shop.

When your flight to Lamu arrives at Lamu airport, your hotel can arrange a boat or you can get a private boat transfer to Lamu island.

Even if you don’t book ahead, there are plenty of willing boat operators at the airport when every flight lands, so don’t worry about not finding transportation to Lamu.

Lamu airport is in the process of being modernized, and there is currently a building project under way to construct a more permanent structure.

Buses from Lamu to Mombasa are operated by multiple carriers. Tickets for buses from Lamu to Mombasa can be purchased from the ticket offices in Lamu Town.

Since there are no buses on Lamu island, you must first take a 30 minute motorized dhow ride to a point on the mainland, then board the bus to Mombasa there.

There are several buses a day from Lamu to Mombasa, all of which stop in Malindi and allow passengers to alight and stretch their legs. Buses are not supposed to stop elsewhere, but often do so anyway to let passengers on or off.

The road from Lamu to Mombasa is in disrepair. It starts out as a dirt road, making the bus ride uncomfortable. The bus also travels through territory that the Kenyan government considers to be dangerous, so armed guards travel on the bus for part of the ride.

The total driving time from Lamu to Mombasa on the bus is supposed to be 6 hours, but it usually ends up being at least 8 hours. Some buses from Lamu to Mombasa take much longer. It’s not rare for buses to take up to 13 hours.

Buses from Lamu to Mombasa are generally old and in poor condition, and often break down or have to stop to repair a flat tire.

Because buses from Lamu to Mombasa are so unpredictable, it is advisable to take a flight from Lamu, Nairobi, or Malindi to Mombasa instead.

Dhow cruises in Lamu are a popular sunset activity in Lamu.

Dhow cruises in Lamu, Kenya set off just before sunset and sail around the channel between Lamu island and Manda island.

Most dhow cruises in Lamu last for an hour and a half, or longer if you would like a longer ride.

Dhow cruises around Lamu island cost about 2400 KES for two people.

Make sure to negotiate with the dhow operator before agreeing on a price; they never give you the best rate the first time.

You will probably be approached by a dhow owner before you have to look for one.

If you aren’t, you can find them on the beach in front of the Peponi Hotel in Shela or on the waterfront in Lamu Town.

Fishing in Lamu s a popular activity to do on the island.

Many visitors return to Lamu year after year to take advantage of the great fishing off the coast of the island.

There are plenty of guides and fishing tour companies in Lamu.

They can take you out for a day of fishing, or just for a few hours.

Lamu Town’s port and Shela’s beach are good places to find willing skippers and boat operators.

Additionally, most Lamu hotels can give you information about fishing in Lamu.

Commonly caught fish in Lamu include yellowfin, sailfish, and red snapper.

Snorkeling is a popular activity in Lamu, and there is no shortage of snorkeling guides and tour operators to choose from.

The most common way to go snorkeling in Lamu is to hire a guide with a boat for a day or part of a day. Guides can be found along the coast in Lamu Town and Shela. Make sure to negotiate a price up front.

The guide will take you out in a dhow (the traditional wooden boats in Lamu) and bring you to an area where you can snorkel.

After snorkeling in Lamu, many guides will bring you to a beach for lunch or a snack. You can have your hotel prepare this for you before your departure.

For a snorkeling day trip in Lamu you can expect to pay around 8,000 KES for a boat for up to four people.

If you’re planning a trip to Lamu, you have several options for where to stay while you’re on the island.

Lamu Town

Lamu Town is the main city in Lamu. As such, it is the busiest, most bustling place to stay on the island. If you like being in the heart of the action and among the city, Lamu Town is a good option for you. If you like peace and quiet and want to be near the beach, Lamu Town is probably not where you want to stay.

Shela

Shela is Lamu Town’s smaller counterpart. Located 4 kilometers away from Lamu Town, Shela is quieter and more peaceful than Lamu Town. It is also adjacent to a 7 kilometer stretch of beach that is perfect for sun worshippers. If you want a quiet place to stay that is still in a town, Shela is the best place to stay in Lamu.

Manda Island

Across a small channel from Lamu is Manda Island. The Lamu airport is on Manda Island, which makes it an easy place to stay. There are several private homes and all-inclusive resorts on Manda Island that are good places to stay if you like privacy, peace, and want to get away from it all.

Flights from Malindi to Lamu operate daily and are run by several different airlines. Air Kenya, Fly 540, and SafariLink all offer flights from Malindi to Lamu.

Flight time from Malindi to Lamu is 25 minutes.

Most flights from Malindi to Lamu originate in Nairobi, stop in Malindi, and then continue to Lamu. As such, short delays are common on this route.

The Malindi airport is small and consists of only a few rooms. You are advised to arrive an hour prior to your flight, but check in and security don’t take long.

The planes that fly from Malindi to Lamu are prop planes and don’t have much overhead storage space for luggage. As such, be prepared to check your bags or do a plane-side bag check.

Baitil Aman Guest House
Address: Shela, Lamu, Kenya
Phone: +254 (0)733 37 53 80

The Baitil Aman Guest House in Lamu, Kenya is located in the idyllic town of Shela. Away from the bustle of Lamu Town, the guest house is located a few minutes’ walk from the beach. It is also just down the street from the Peponi, the hotel that is famous for being the happy hour spot of choice for visitors to Shela.

The Baitil Aman Guest House is situated in a 200 year old traditional house on a quiet street in Shela. The guest house is full of great antiques and picturesque doors, and is a photographer’s dream come true.

Rooms at the Baitil Aman are huge and offer great views of Lamu. Some rooms come with extra beds. Each room at the Baitil Aman Guest House has an ensuite bathroom (bring your own toiletries), mosquito nets, a desk, and wireless Internet access (one of the few places in Lamu to have it).

There is plenty of hot water for showers at the guest house, although water pressure can sometimes be low. Power outages in Shela are frequent during the day and in the middle of the night, but are rare in the mornings and evenings. Bring a flash light just in case, but don’t be too worried about needing it at the guest house.

The roof terrace at the Baitil Aman Guest House is the perfect place to enjoy dinner under the stars. The restaurant serves up amazingly good food, including Hot and Spicy Crab (1200 KES), and a delicious whole lobster (2000 KES). Other good menu items include the jumbo prawns (1500 KES) and vegetarian curry (600 KES).

In the mornings and afternoons you can relax in the beautiful garden or the pillow-filled lounge area. Breakfast is included in the room rate and there is a great breakfast menu of omelettes, pancakes, Swahili tea, fresh tropical fruit, and more.

The staff at the Baitil Aman are friendly and helpful, and are willing to go the extra mile to do things like laundry or fulfil other one-off requests.

Rack rates for rooms at the Baitil Aman Guest House are 180 USD per night in the high season for a double room (120 in mid season and 100 in low season), but you can negotiate at 15% discount when booking. Laundry is free.

Miti Mingi Guest House
Address: Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 20 4448585 or +254 (0)750 204984

Miti Mingi Guest House is located in Nairobi’s leafy Westlands neighborhood, a pleasant and quiet location that is perfect for a stay in Nairobi.

Miti Mingi Guest House consists of several rooms, all with comfortable single or double beds, mosquito nets, ensuite bathrooms, desks, and free wireless Internet.

There is a common kitchen with free coffee, tea, and filtered water as well as other food for purchase. Breakfast is included, and is not to be missed. Fresh fruit, toast, coffee, tea, eggs, yogurt, and all kinds of other food are cooked or brought to order.

Miti Mingi also features a beautiful outdoor terrace and garden where guests can eat breakfast and relax with the birds and the butterflies.

Rooms at Miti Mingi Guest House cost 90 USD per night. The guest house arranges airport transfers for 1500 KES each way and can also arrange for drivers in Nairobi for around 3000 KES per day.

The only drawbacks to a stay at the Miti Mingi Guest House are the lack of much hot water for showers and occasional short power outages. However, there are lamps and torches provided in case of power failure, and the outages usually last only for a few minutes.

Car hire at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport is available for those visitors that want to travel independently through Nairobi and Kenya.

There is a range of car hire companies at Nairobi airport.

These include international rental car brands and local Kenyan car hire companies.

Car hire companies at Nairobi airport include Avis, Europcar, Budget, Hertz, Rent a Car, and Sixt.

When deciding whether to rent a car in Nairobi or use shuttle or taxi transport, make sure to calculate your costs.

Car hire at Nairobi airport can be very expensive, ranging from 4,000 KES for a mid size car to 10,000 KES for a larger 4X4.

If you plan to do a longer term car hire in Nairobi, make sure to negotiate a discount.

Below is my list of the top 5 things to do in Nairobi.

Most people visiting Kenya don’t spend much time in Nairobi.

If you have a spare day or two in the Kenyan capital, though, there are some great sights to see.

Here is the list of the top 5 things to do in Nairobi.

5. Eat dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant

4. Visit the crocodiles at Mamba Village

3. Go on safari through Nairobi National Park

2. Feed the giraffes at the Giraffe Centre

1. Visit the Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi

Mamba Village in Nairobi
Address: P.O Box 74760, Langata North Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Entry Fee: 700 KES or 10 USD

The Mamba Village in Nairobi is a good place to spend a few hours in the Kenyan capital.

Mamba Village is a great place to see crocodiles, ostriches, giraffes, and even rabbits in Nairobi.

Upon arrival you can hire a guide to take you around the village or just walk around at your own pace.

The crocodile ponds are the highlight of any trip to Mamba Village.

The crocodiles are separated into different groups, including one enclosure for the small baby crocs.

Beyond Mamba Village’s crocodile population, there is an ostrich enclosure and a giraffe pen.

There is also a large lake in the middle of Mamba Village where you can rent paddle boats or take boat rides (100 KES for adults, 50 KES for children).

Mamba Village offers a range of gift and souvenir shops, as well as a restaurant, a club, and a buffet lunch on the lawn by the lake.

There are event and function spaces available as well.

Mamba Village is close to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi and can be easily combined with it for an afternoon outing in the city.

Giraffe Centre, Nairobi
Address: P.O. Box 15124, 00509, Langata, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 20 891658
Hours: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm daily
Cost: 700 KES for adults, 250 KES for children

Feeding giraffes in Nairobi is one of the highlights of any trip to the Kenyan capital.

Giraffe Centre, run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), is a non-profit centre where visitors can feed three species of giraffes in Nairobi.

Giraffe Centre is situated on a large 60-acre plot of land in Nairobi.

After entering the centre, visitors can get feeding pellets from staff members to feed the giraffes.

There is a raised platform for feeding giraffes at full height as well as a ground level where giraffes lean down to eat the pellets out of visitors’ hands.

Giraffe Centre is not just limited to feeding giraffes in Nairobi.

There is also an education centre with information about giraffes in Kenya.

Additionally, there is a cafe, a gift shop that sells traditional African handicrafts, an outdoor craft market, a picnic area, and a turtle enclosure.

For a special treat, consider staying at the adjacent Giraffe Manor, a stately home luxury hotel where guests can mingle freely with the giraffes.

Buses from Mombasa to Lamu are operated by Falcon Bus.

They run from the Mombasa city centre to a port on the Kenyan coast, at which point you can board a motorized dhow for a 30 minute ferry to Lamu.

There are several buses a day from Mombasa to Lamu, all of which stop in Malindi and allow passengers to alight and stretch their legs.  \

Buses are not supposed to stop elsewhere, but often do to let people on or off.

The road from Mombasa to Lamu is also in bad shape, and becomes a dirt road towards the end, so the bus ride is not very comfortable.

The bus also travels through territory that the government considers dangerous, so armed guards travel on a portion of the bus ride.

The total driving time from Mombasa to Lamu on the bus is supposed to be 6 hours, but usually ends up being at least 8 hours.

Some buses from Mombasa to Lamu take much longer, and it’s not unheard of for buses to take up to 13 hours. Buses from Mombasa to Lamu are generally old and in poor condition, and often break down or have to stop to repair a flat tire.

Tickets for buses can be purchased from the ticket office at the bus stop in Mombasa.

Because buses from Mombasa to Lamu are so unpredictable, it is advisable to take a flight from Mombasa, Nairobi, or Malindi to Lamu instead.

The best time of year to visit Lamu in Kenya is from July to August and from mid December to early March.

Lamu is equatorial, and as such experiences a fairly even climate throughout the year.

July and August experience cooler temperatures than the rest of the year, but are still warm and pleasant.

Late March and April, on the other hand, are generally very hot times of year in Lamu.

There are often light rains in November and early December, but from mid December to early March the weather is clear, breezy, and hot (35-40 Celsius).

In April there are light rains, but generally the weather is pleasant, if a bit hot.

The only time that is not a good time of year to visit Lamu is from May to July.

This is the rainy season in Lamu and most resorts are closed for part or all of this time.

Kijani House Hotel
Address: P.O.Box 266, Lamu, Kenya
Phone: +254-42-4633235

Kijani House Hotel in Shela is one of the best hotels in Lamu.

The Kijani House Hotel is nestled among 3,000 square metres of lush gardens.

The hotel features two swimming pools and a path to the sea.

Owner Pierre Oberson created the Kijani House Hotel to resemble a traditional Swahili stone house.

As such, all 10 rooms at the hotel feature private balconies, beautiful dark wood furniture, and local and international antiques.

Food at the Kijani House Hotel is cooked fresh daily with local fish and fruits and vegetables from Kijani’s own farm in the centre of Lamu. Most meals at the hotel feature seafood, Swahili dishes or Italian cuisine.

Room rates at the Kijani House Hotel in Lamu range from 125 to 290 euros per night, depending on the type of room you select and whether you choose a meal plan or not.

Airport boat transfers are included in all room rates.

Peponi Hotel in Lamu, Kenya
Address: P.O. Box 24 80500 Lamu Kenya
Phone: +254 (0)42 4633421/2/3

The Peponi Hotel is one of the best hotels in Lamu, Kenya.

The Peponi Hotel is located in Shela, a beach town just a few kilometers from Lamu Town, the island’s main port.

The hotel is run by the Korschen family, who opened the hotel in the 1960′s.

The 24 rooms at the Peponi Hotel all feature ocean views, mosquito nets, ensuite bathrooms, and ceiling fans.

Superior rooms at the Peponi Hotel have private balconies.

The Peponi Hotel has a restaurant that has been written up in the New York Times for its outstanding cuisine.

It also features the most popular beach front bar in Lamu, which serves alcholic beverages (a rarity in Lamu).

The bar is a great place to have a sunset cocktail on the beach, but make sure to stay on the non-guest side of the bar if you’re not staying at the hotel. Staff at the Peponi can be quite hostile to visitors that stray into the guest-only area.

An ocean front pool and lush gardens round out the Peponi Hotel’s offerings, and make it one of the best hotels in Lamu.

Rooms at the Peponi Hotel start at 200 euros per night for a standard room (breakfast included). The hotel is closed in May and June, which is the low season in Lamu.

Flights from Mombasa to Lamu fly via Malindi.

Mombasa Air Safari operates seasonal flights from Mombasa to Lamu via Malindi.

The flight from Mombasa to Lamu departs from Mombasa airport at 16:30 and arrives in Malindi at 16:55.

The flight then departs from Malindi at 17:00 and arrives at Lamu airport at 17:40.

The return flight from Lamu to Mombasa departs from Lamu airport at 18:00 and arrives in Malindi at 18:30.

The flight then departs from Malindi at 18:40 and arrives at Mombasa airport at 19:05.

Flights from Mombasa to Lamu on Mombasa Air Safari cost $100 USD for a one way flight, and $200 USD for a round trip flight. These fares are inclusive of taxes.

Flights from Nairobi to Lamu operate daily and are run by several different airlines.

Air Kenya, Fly 540, and SafariLink all offer flights from Nairobi to Lamu.

Flight time from Nairobi to Lamu is 1h30m to 1h45m.

Some flights from Nairobi to Lamu, including those offered by Air Kenya and SafariLink, depart from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and not from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is where international flights to Nairobi arrive.

Make sure to check where your Lamu flight departs from, and arrange a taxi between airports if you land at Jomo Kenyatta airport and your connecting flight from Nairobi to Lamu departs from Wilson Airport.

Most flights from Nairobi to Lamu have a stop in Malindi.

Flights are flown on prop planes with very little overhead bin space, so be prepared to check your luggage even if you are carrying small bags.

Msafini Hotel
Address: P.O BOX 226 Shella, Lamu, KENYA
Phone: +254 720223043

The recently opened Msafini Hotel in Shella on Lamu island, Kenya is one of the best mid range hotels in Lamu island.

Msafini Hotel features large, spacious guest rooms, a beautiful pool, a balcony on every room, sea views, a relaxing rooftop lounge, and great food.

Msafini Hotel has great staff that are friendly and helpful.

Rama and Faraj are particularly commendable for their great service and welcoming attitudes.

Room rates at Msafini Hotel in Lamu are flexible.

Make sure to negotiate a good deal if you are going to stay more than one night.

Breakfast is included in the room rate at the Msafini Hotel in Shella.

Castle Royal Hotel
Address: P.O.Box 82326 Mombasa, Kenya
Phone: +254 41 2228780

The Castle Royal Hotel in Mombasa Kenya is the best mid range hotel in Mombasa. Housed in a beautiful historic building in Mombasa, the Castle Royal Hotel is just 10 minutes from the Old Mombasa Town and Fort Jesus.

Rooms at the Castle Royal Hotel in Mombasa feature electric door locks and safes, air conditioning, TVs, sound proofing, and en-suite bathrooms.

The Castle Royal Hotel has a coffee bar and a restaurant/bar called Long Bar and Restaurant.

Room rates at the Castle Royal Hotel in Mombasa are around US$50 per night. Room rates include a buffet breakfast.

Reservations at the Castle Royal Hotel in Mombasa are not necessary, but if you want to ensure that you have a room waiting for you, it’s a good idea to book your hotel accommodation in Mombasa in advance.

Trains from Nairobi to Kisumu are operated by Kenya Railways Corporation.

Trains from Nairobi to Kisumu operate as overnight sleeper trains. The train time from Nairobi to Kisumu is officially 15.5 hours, but can be much longer. Make sure to book a couchette in a sleeping car in advance of your train journey.

Trains from Nairobi to Kisumu run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Trains depart Nairobi at 18:30 and arrive in Kisumu at 10:00 the following morning.

Return trains from Kisumu to Nairobi run on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Trains depart Kisumu at 18:30 and arrive in Nairobi at 10:00 the following morning.

Depending on what class you travel in, there are dining cars that serve meals during the train trip.

NB: Trains from Nairobi to Kisumu are unreliable and break down frequently. Make sure to be prepared for a long journey if you choose to take the train to Kisumu.

Malaria in Kenya

There is malaria risk in all of Kenya at altitudes below 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). There is no malaria risk in Nairobi, but there is malaria risk in the Masai Mara and other game reserves in Kenya.

Malaria Pills for Kenya

In order to protect yourself against malaria while you are visiting Kenya, you should visit a travel clinic before you travel to get antimalarial pills (often called ‘malaria pills’) and any vaccinations you need. Do not buy malaria pills in Kenya, as they are not always reliable or safe.

The most common type of malaria pill is Malarone, but others are available as well. Do not take chloroquine as an antimalarial in Kenya, as it is not effective in preventing malaria there.

Other Ways to Prevent Malaria in Kenya

Malaria is carried by mosquitoes that come out at night. In order to protect yourself against mosquito bites, make sure to wear plenty of insect repellent when traveling in Kenya.

Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and closed-toed shoes with socks at night if you will be outdoors or in a building that has mosquitoes inside.

Pack a mosquito net to hang over your bed if you are staying in a hostel that has mosquitoes in the rooms. Most high-end hotels in Kenya will have mosquito nets over the beds.

Kenya Vaccination Information

There are no vaccinations required for entry to Kenya.

However, there are a number of vaccinations that are highly recommended.

Vaccinations Recommended for Kenya

Below is a list of vaccinations recommended for people traveling to Kenya.

Yellow Fever
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
MMR
Meningococcal (Meningitis) – if visiting Dec-June
DPT

Polio
Rabies
Malaria (pills to take prior to, during, and after your trip to Kenya if you travel to a malarial area)

To have the maximum benefit, go to a travel clinic at least four to six weeks prior to traveling to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.

Other Vaccinations and Additional Information

Kenya requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to carry proof of vaccination against yellow fever.

In addition to getting vaccinations for Kenya, it is a good idea to pack plenty of anti-diarrheal tablets, OTC pain relievers, and a small first aid kit for Kenya.

Below is a list of airlines that fly to Mombasa’s Moi International Airport (MBA):

African Air has flighs to Mombasa from Nairobi

Air France has flighs to Mombasa from Nairobi

Air Kenya has flighs to Mombasa from Nairobi

Belair has flighs to Mombasa from Zurich

Condor Airlines has flighs to Mombasa from Zanzibar and Frankfurt

Corsairfly has flighs to Mombasa from Paris

East African Safari Air has flighs to Mombasa from Nairobi

Edelweiss Air has flighs to Mombasa from Zurich

Eurofly has flighs to Mombasa from Milan

First Choice Airways has flighs to Mombasa from London and Manchester

Fly540 has flighs to Mombasa from Nairobi

Kenya Airways has flighs to Mombasa from Nairobi

KLM has flighs to Mombasa from Nairobi

Livingston Airlines has flighs to Mombasa from Milan

LTU has flighs to Mombasa from Düsseldorf and Munich

Martinair has flighs to Mombasa from Brussels and Amsterdam

Neos has flighs to Mombasa from Milan

Precision Air has flighs to Mombasa from Dar es Salaam

Star Air has flighs to Mombasa from Nairobi

Swiss Air has flighs to Mombasa from Nairobi

Utair has flighs to Mombasa from Nairobi

Flights from Nairobi to Mombasa operate daily and are run by several different airlines.

There are over a dozen daily flights from Nairobi to Mombasa on weekdays.

There are slightly fewer flights to Mombasa on weekends.

Flight time from Nairobi to Mombasa is approximately one hour.

For information on airlines that fly this route, see the Airlines that Fly from Nairobi to Mombasa page.

Airlines that fly from Nairobi to Mombasa

Buses from Nairobi to Mombasa are operated by several different bus companies in Nairobi, Kenya.

The most reputable bus companies with buses from Nairobi to Mombasa are Crown Bus company and Coast Bus company.

Their buses from Nairobi to Mombasa are generally clean and well-maintained.

Tickets for buses can be purchased from kiosks at the Nairobi bus station.

The total bus time from Nairobi to Mombasa is approximately 8 hours, but the trip could take longer if there is traffic or road delays en route.

Trains from Nairobi to Mombasa are operated by Kenya Railways Corporation.

Trains from Nairobi to Mombasa usually operate overnight.

The train time from Nairobi to Mombasa is officially 15 hours, but can be much longer.

Make sure to book a couchette in a sleeping car in advance of your train journey.

The best way to get from Nairobi to Mombasa is to take a flight or bus.

That said, some people prefer the train, as it is a more ‘romantic’ journey.

Flights from Nairobi to Mombasa operate daily and are run by many different airlines.

Flight time from Nairobi to Mombasa is 1 hour.

Buses from Nairobi to Mombasa are operated by several different bus companies.

Buses are generally clean and well-maintained. The total bus time from Nairobi to Mombasa is 8 hours.

Trains from Nairobi to Mombasa are operated by Kenya Railways Corporation.

Trains usually operate overnight and break down frequently.

Make sure to be prepared for a long journey if you choose to take the train to Mombasa.

The train time from Nairobi to Mombasa is officially 13 to 14 hours, but the actual journey can take much longer.

When booking a safari in Kenya, many visitors want to find the best Kenya safari tour company for their budget.

There are many safari companies to choose from in Kenya, but not all are reliable.

You can work with an international safari tour company or a local one, but make sure that you shop around to get the best prices and best quaily service.

Below is a list of some of the best Kenya safari tour companies.

MICS Safaris

MICS Safaris is a good, consistently reliable tour operator. They offer competitive prices for Kenya safaris and services are great.

Kuldips Touring Co.

Kuldips Touring Co. is a great family-run Kenyan safari tour company. The patriarch of the family was an early safari pioneer. Kuldips Touring Co. is still in the family and provides great safari services.

Asili Adventure

Asili Adventure is a great Kenya safari tour company. Joyce is great to work with when you are making your reservations. Joseph, the driver, is fantastic, and Migwi, the cook, is experienced and makes great cuisine.

Wildlife Kenya Safaris

Wildlife Kenya Safaris is an excellent Mombasa-based Kenya safari tour company. Wildlife Kenya Safaris offers safari tours from both Mombasa and Nairobi. Their services are well-priced and provide excellent value for money. Sammy is a knowledgable guide who tells great stories while driving through the Kenyan game reserves.

Karen Shopping Centre, Nairobi
Address: Ngong Road, Karen, Nairobi

Located in the city’s upscale neighborhood of Karen, Karen Shopping Centre in Nairobi is made up of two adjoining shopping centres that are separated by a road.

One side is called Crossroads and is a more modern shopping centre with a large grocery store.

This part of Karen Shopping Centre is fairly small, with restaurants, clothing and shoe stores, and boutiques.

There are also several cafes at the shopping centre that serve coffee, pastries, pizza, burgers, and Mexican food.

The other side of Karen Shopping Centre in Nairobi is an older shopping centre, but also has a grocery store.

Additionally, it has a small row of shops selling traditional Kenyan handicrafts, as well as a local message board with information about events and space for locals to advertise.

This side of Karen Shopping Centre features the well-known Nairobi restaurant The Horseman.

The Horseman Restaurant, Nairobi
Address: Karen Shopping Centre, Ngong Road, Karen, Nairobi

Located in Nairobi’s upscale Karen neighborhood, The Horseman Restaurant in Nairobi is a well-loved restaurant by locals and visitors alike.

Right in the Karen Shopping Centre in Nairobi, The Horseman serves up good international fare, including sandwiches and pizzas, Indian food, juicy steaks, Chinese food, pan-African food.

In the back of The Horseman Restaurant is a bar that looks like something out of Arabian Nights. There are mirrors on the walls, comfy couches and pillows, and large swaths of fabric hanging from the ceilings. It is definitely worth a visit for those visiting Nairobi.

The best Nairobi restaurants are spread across the city.

Nairobi has a wide range of restaurants to choose from, and food from all over the world is on offer.

Whether you are looking for traditional Kenyan food, vegetarian food, or an all-you-can-eat meat lover’s meal, Nairobi has something for everyone.

Below is my list of what I consider the best Nairobi restaurants.

Talisman Restaurant

Carnivore Restaurant

The Horseman Restaurant

The best safari lodges in the Masai Mara are spread out across the game reserve.

There are quite a few safari lodges in the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya, but a few stand out above the rest.

The best safari lodges in the Masai Mara are listed below.

Keekorok Lodge

Karen Blixen Camp

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Governors’ IL Moran Camp

Kichwa Tembo

Karen Blixen Camp is situated on the northwestern border of the Masai Mara safari park in Kenya.

The camp is one of the top safari lodges in the country and is a member of Eco Tourism Kenya and the Africa Travel and Tourism Association.

Consisting of 22 luxury tents, each with its own veranda, the Karen Blixen Camp also has a swimming pool, restaurant and day spa.

Animals such as giraffes and elephants live right near the Karen Blixen Camp and can be seen grazing throughout the day.

The Karen Blixen Camp can be reached by driving from Nairobi (5 hours in good conditions, 7 in bad) or flying from Nairobi to the Masai Mara.

Lake Baringo is a 130 sq/km lake located in Kenya’s Rift Valley. It is the northernmost lake in the valley and is accessible from Lake Nakuru and Nairobi.

The freshwater Lake Baringo is known for its myriad bird species, and is a great place to visit for any avid birdwatcher. From flamingos to storks, from pelicans to cormorants, Lake Baringo has a lot of bird life.

Additionally, Lake Baringo has its share of fish and crocodiles as well as hippos. Visitors to Lake Baringo can take boats out on the water to see the various species that live within the lake.

The traditional home of the Njemps tribe, Lake Baringo’s Ol Kokwe Island is located at the center of the lake. Visitors to Lake Baringo can rent boats at Kampi-Ya-Samaki to visit the island.

Accommodation at Lake Baringo is most easily found on the western side of the lake at Kampi-Ya-Samaki. There are hotels and campsites there, and it makes a good base for exploring the lake.

Located in the Rift Valley 140km northwest of Nairobi, Lake Nakuru is a great place to spend a few days before or after a safari in the Masai Mara or a trip to Mombasa. Nakuru is a 150km drive from Nairobi on the A104 highway.

Lake Nakuru is a great place to see the elusive white rhino in Kenya. Nakuru National Park is comprised of grasslands, stunning rock cliffs, marshes, woodlands and forests. The area also features the stunning Makalia waterfalls.

Home to thousands of flamingos, Lake Nakuru is also a great place for birdwatching in Kenya.

Park fees for Lake Nakuru are 200 shillings for adults, 100 for children, and 50 for students.

The Kenya money is the Shilling, or KES (KSh for prices).

Kenyan shillings are divided into cents. Each shilling is worth 100 cents.

Kenya money comes in bills and coins, denominated as follows:

Kenya shilling coins: 50 cents, 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 Kenya shillings

Kenya shilling notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Kenya shillings

There is not just one Kenya language, there are two official languages in Kenya.

Kenya’s two official languages are Swahili and English.

Swahili is the native Kenyan language, while English was introduced by the British during the colonial period in Kenya.

Both are spoken widely throughout Kenya.

Road and street signs in Kenya are all in English.

Almost everyone you will encounter in Kenya will speak English well.

The Kenya time zone is GMT/UTC +3.

This means that Kenya’s time is three hours ahead Greenwich Mean Time.

Kenya’s time zone makes it two hours ahead of cities like Paris and Rome, three hours ahead of London and Monrovia, eight hours ahead of New York City, and eleven hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Talisman Restaurant
Address: 320 Ngong Road, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya

Located in Nairobi’s upscale Karen neighborhood just down the road from Karen Shopping Centre, Talisman Restaurant is a great place for lunch or dinner.  It is popular with local and expats from all over the world, as well as with visitors to Nairobi.

Lunch guests at Talisman Restaurant can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the outdoor patio and garden while dining on excellent meat or vegetarian dishes.  In the evening, there are lots of small indoor rooms, smoking and non-smoking, where you can enjoy international cuisine and wine.

The food at Talisman Restaurant in Nairobi consists of a large range of dishes from all over the world.  The Thai and Indian are particularly good, as are the vegetarian options.  Particularly good are the corriander and feta samosas with chili dipping sauce, the Thai coconut chicken with rice, and the chicken tikka kebabs with rice, naan, and yogurt and tamirind dipping sauces.  Most main dishes at Talisman cost around 1000 KES.

The Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi is a popular destination for people visiting Kenya.

Located in the leafy neighborhood of Karen about 10km from the Nairobi city center, the Karen Blixen Museum is the former home of the Danish expat writer who ran a coffee plantation in Nairobi from 1914-1931.

Karen Blixen’s wooden house is open for guided tours.

The tour circuit includes the bedrooms, library, living room, dining room, and separate kitchen.

There is a gift shop on the premises that sells Karen Blixen memorabilia and other souvenirs

Admission price for the Karen Blixen House Museum in Nairobi is 200 shillings.

Opening hours for the Karen Blixen House Museum in Nairobi are 9:30am – 6:00pm every day.

The Mathare slum in Nairobi, Kenya is home to half a million people living in abject poverty.

Pamoja Tunaweza, a group of single mothers who live in the Mathare Slum, gives tours to people visiting Kenya.

The Mathare tours raise money to help the community as it struggles to pull itself out of poverty.

Tours of the Mathare Slum with Pamoja Tunaweza last six hours.

The tour includes visits to Mathare slum schools and orphanages, a traditional Kenyan lunch with a family in the Mathare slum as well as optional dancing classes and hair braiding sessions.

The Simba Saloon is a restaurant and nightclub adjacent to Nairobi’s famous Carnivore Restaurant.

The Simba Saloon restaurant has an a la carte menu, so is a good option for visitors that don’t want an all you can eat meal.

The menu has items like pizza, salad (salad bar), tacos, steak, burgers, and fish and chips.

The Simba Saloon is great for families, as there is a children’s playground on the premises.

The Simba Saloon nightclub runs from Wednesday to Sunday night.

There are theme nights that feature various types of African music, rock, jazz, and soul music.

The Saloon regularly features live performances, so check their calendar before your visit.

Due to civil unrest in Kenya in recent years, many people visiting Kenya wonder about Kenya travel safety.

Currently Nairobi, the Masai Mara, Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, the lakes, and other popular travel destinations in Kenya are safe for visitors.

The violence of the elections in Kenya a few years ago is not a threat for those visiting Kenya at this time.

That said, make sure to check up on the Kenya travel safety situation before you leave your home country.

Visit your country’s Kenya embassy website or other travel safety warning site for up-to-date information on Kenya travel safety.

These now include road and street maps of major cities, including Google Maps Nairobi.

Check out Google maps of Nairobi below.

View Larger Map

Kenya tea is grown at high altitudes (usually near the Rift Valley) and the tea is harvested year round.

Kenya tea is usually blended with other teas, such as Assam, Darjeeling and Ceylon teas.

Kenya tea is black tea, and it is known for its brightness, color, strong flavor and texture, and fragrant leaves.

Most Kenya tea is harvested using the CTC method (CTC stands for “cut, tear, curl”), which gives it the strong, brisk flavor it is famous for.

Kenya is the third largest producer of black tea in the world, and Kenya is a leading exporter of black teas.

High-End Hotels in Nairobi:

Giraffe Manor – Giraffe Manor is a historic manor house turned hotel. Giraffes are known to stick their heads through the windows and doors to say hello. Rooms are US$360 per person per night for full board.

Ngong House, Nairobi – Ngong House is located 30 minutes from the city center on land that was originally a coffee estate. Houses are around US$650/night. Meals included.

Mid-Range Hotels in Nairobi:

Miti Mingi Guest House – Miti Mingi Guest House is located in the pleasant Westlands district and offers nice rooms and a peaceful garden.  Rooms are US$90/night. Breakfast included.

Country Lodge, Nairobi – Country Lodge is located on Nairobi’s Upper Hill. Single rooms are around US$65/night. Breakfast included.

Margarita House Hotel, Nairobi – Located in Karen, the family run Margarita House hotel offers nice rooms, good cooking, and free Wi-Fi. Triple rooms are US$125/night. Breakfast included.

Cheap Hotels in Nairobi:

Upper Hill Campsite, Nairobi – Located close to the city center, the hotel has cabins and rooms. Single rooms are around US$13/night.

Nairobi National Museum is located in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Nairobi National Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Kenya.

The museum is home to many fossils, stuffed birds and animals, prehistoric artifacts, ethnic displays, rocks and minerals, and local art exhibits.

Nairobi National Park is located just outside of the city of Nairobi and is close to the Nairobi international airport.

Nairobi National Park is a great place for visitors to see zebras, buffalo, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, hippos, rhinos and many species of birds.

Nairobi National Park is also home to Nairobi Safari Walk, the famous elephant orphanage, and the Giraffe Centre, where visitors can feed three species of giraffes.

The Nairobi National Park is a great place for visitors who do not plan to go on a safari to see Kenya’s game animals close-up.

It is also a good place to visit for those that are going on safari. Visiting the park allows those that have a day or two in Nairobi before they go on safari in Kenya to get a taste of what’s to come.

Kenya safari flights are normally included in Kenya safari packages.

Most Kenya safari flights leave from Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Wilson Airport is Nairobi’s domestic airport.

Make sure to check your tickets for the correct airport when traveling from Nairobi to your safari destination.

Kenya safari flights are flown on small-ish propeller planes.

Normally the flights land at several safari camps before returning to Nairobi, so you may have to take off and land a few times before you get to your final destination.

African airlines that fly to Kenya:

Air Kenya
Kenya Airways

Airlines that fly from Europe to Nairobi, Kenya:

British Airways
KLM
SN Brussels Airlines
Swiss/Crossair

Airlines that fly from non-European cities to Nairobi, Kenya:

El Al
Egyptair
South African Airways
Ethiopian Airlines
Emirates

Air Malawi
Air Zimbabwe
Qantas

Airlines that fly from Munich to Mombasa, Kenya (Moi International Airport):

LTU Airlines

Airlines that fly from Frankfurt to Mombasa, Kenya (Moi International Airport):

Condor Airlines

Kenya Visa and Passport requirements vary by country.

Everyone traveling to Kenya needs a passport. Citizens of certain countries need to obtain visas prior to traveling to Kenya.

Unless you are transiting in Kenya (not leaving the airport), you are required to have the following visas if you are from one of the countries listed below.

Kenya visa for UK Citizens
Kenya visa for US Citizens
Kenya visa for Canadian Citizens
Kenya visa for Australian Citizens
Kenya visa for EU Citizens (ex-UK)

In addition to a Kenya visa, a passport that is valid for three months from the date of entry is required.

Some Kenya visas can be obtained at the airport upon arrival in Kenya.

Make sure to check with your country’s Kenya Embassy or Consulate prior to traveling to make sure you have the most updated information on Kenya visas.

Kenya Visa Fees:

Kenya Transit Visa: US$20 (reduced to US$10 until further notice)
Kenya Single Entry Visa: US$50 for three months (currently reduced to 25 USD / 20 EUR / 20 GBP until further notice) (extendable for a similar period)
Kenya Multiple Journey Visa: US$100

Visas can be paid for in cash at the airport.  Exact change is appreciated, although the airport can provide change if you need it.

Mamba Village
Address: Links Road, P.O. Box 85723, Nyali, Mombasa, Kenya

Mamba Village is a crocodile farm in Nyali, Kenya, near the popular beach resort town of Mombasa.

Mamba Village is the largest crocodile farm in all of East Africa. Visitors to Mamba Village can take tours of the crocodile farm to learn about the life cycle of crocodiles.  There are daily feedings that allow guests to see the crocodiles snapping their jaws, and a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.

For those wanting to taste crocodile meat, Mamba Restaurant is located in Mamba Village and serves up fresh grilled crocodile.

Mombasa’s Old Town is a popular destination for visitors to Kenya’s east coast.

The Old Town in Mombasa has narrow streets and beautiful historic architecture.

Mombasa’s Old Town is a great place for people visiting Kenya to take a walking tour.

The Old Town has a heavy Arab influence, as its original settlers were Arabs.

Today visitors to Mombasa can tour and shop for souvenirs in Mombasa’s Old Town.

Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Kenya is a popular destination for visitors to Mombasa.

Located near the Old Town on the coast of Mombasa, Fort Jesus is a sixteenth century Portuguese edifice.

Today visitors can walk through Fort Jesus and view military artifacts and chambers that were once used in Mombasa’s slave trade.

Mombasa, Kenya is famous for its beaches. Mombasa beaches are white sand beaches with coral reefs that make great places for diving and snorkeling.

Diani beach is the most popular beach in Mombasa.

Lined with resorts and lounge chairs, it is a great place for visitors that want to relax in style.

For those that prefer more seclusion, the beaches north of Mombasa are a better fit.

Several famous beaches north of Mombasa include Nyali beach, Bamburi beach, Shanzu beach, Kikambala beach, and Vipingo beach.

Be aware that Mombasa’s northern beaches sometimes get overrun with seaweed.

Mombasa, Kenya is located on the east coast of Kenya, on the Indian Ocean.

Best known for its beaches, Mombasa boasts of beautiful coastline and great water activities.

Mombasa’s Old Town and Fort Jesus are also popular destinations for people visiting Kenya.

The center is home to steam vents and hotsprings, many of which have been used by power stations for their energy.

Hell’s Gate National Park is home to many species of bird and other game.

Visitors to Hell’s Gate National Park can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

Lake Simbi in Kenya is located 1 km south of the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria.

Lake Simbi is a volcanic lake that is known for birding.

The lake is home to a large flamingo population and it has a path around it for visitors to walk on.

Lake Sonachi is cut deep in a crater basin with high walls where the lake was carved into the earth.

Located near Kenya’s Lake Naivasha is the beautiful Lake Oloidien.

Smaller and less touristed, Lake Oloidien is a great destination for travelers wanting to get away from the crowds.

Lake Oloidien was once part of Lake Naivasha, but is now its own lake.

It is known for the thosuands of flamingos at Lake Oloidien that feed on organisms in the water.

Known as ‘lesser’ flamingos, they are a threatened species.

Lake Naivasha is a great day trip from Nairobi, Kenya.

Lake Naivasha is located northwest of Nairobi.

The lake is a shallow freshwater lake measuring 13km across.

Several years ago Lake Naivasha dried up due to drought in Kenya, but in recent years heavy rainfall has restored Lake Naivasha.

Lake Naivasha is a great location for birding in Kenya, as many species of birds flock to the lake.

Boat trips on Lake Naivasha are a great way to see the wildlife in and around the lake.

Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi is Kenya’s large international airport.  It is one of two airports in Nairobi, the other being Wilson Airport, which mainly serves domestic flights and safari flights in Kenya.

Jomo Kenyatta Airport is a hub for international flights to Kenya and Africa.  Served from all over the world by airlines like British Airways, KLM, Delta, and others, Jomo Kenyatta Airport is an important regional connecting airport in Africa.

Jomo Kenyatta Airport Tips:

The Nairobi airport security measures can be extremely time-consuming, so make sure to leave plenty of time when traveling.  Arriving two hours prior to international flights is a good idea, as you will have to go through security at least twice before you board your plane.

Keep in mind that some regional airlines in Kenya (Precision Air in particular) overbook all of their flights and regularly bump passengers to later flights. Make sure to arrive at the airport extra early to ensure your place on the plane.

When you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport on a long haul flight, there are often long lines at customs and and the Kenya visa desk.  If you want to avoid the queues, go down the hallway to your right or left to get to the other customs and visa area.  You will pass by the Kenya Airways lounge, a prayer room, and some airport health offices, and then you will see an identical customs area to the one where you were originally waiting, only the lines will be a lot shorter.

Nairobi Airport Layout:

Jomo Kenyatta Airport has several terminals, called Units.  There is a domestic unit and several international units that are divided by airlines.  All units are in walking distance of one another.

Jomo Kenyatta Car Hire:

There are both international and domestic car hire options from Nairobi airport.  For a list of car rental companies and prices, click here.

Jomo Kenyatta Buses and Public Transport:

There are buses that go from Nairobi airport to the city center throughout the day.  Buses depart from outside the terminal buildings.  Note that there are many stops along the way, so if you are in a hurry, a bus is not the best transport option.

Taxis from Jomo Kenyatta Airport:

There are both official and unofficial taxis at Jomo Kenyatta Airport.  See the Nairobi airport taxis page for for additional information.

Jomo Kenyatta Airport Shopping and Restaurants:

There are plenty of shops in the Nairobi airport, including Duty Free shops selling everything from Tusker t-shirts to jewellery to Amarula.  Alcohol prices are higher than the average Duty Free prices, but are better than prices outside the airport.

Restaurants abound both inside and outside the airport.  Simba Restaurant on the fifth floor of Jomo Kenyatta Airport is a good place for a meal if you have a long layover.  Their buffet lunch is particularly good.

There is also a Starbucks-style coffee shop at one end of the international unit at Nairobi airport.

The annual wildebeest migration happens from July to September. The migration goes between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.

Thousands of wildebeest and zebras make the seasonal migration in search of food during this period of the year.

Predators such as lions take advantage of their movements, making it likely that visitors on safari in the Masai Mara will see kills during this period.

The wildebeest usually arrive in Masai Mara in August and September and leave in October and November, but the timing is slightly different every year.

The best time of year for Kenya safaris is during the annual wildebeest migration.

The migration goes from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

The wildebeest migration takes place from July to September.

Outside of the annual wildebeest migration, July to February is the best time to go on a Kenya safari.

The best time of year for flowers in the Masai Mara is March to June and again in September and October.

The best time of year for birdwatching in Kenya is October to April.

Keekorok Lodge is in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya (it is sometimes misspelled Keekorock Lodge).

Keekorok Lodge was the first lodge built in the Masai Mara, and is in the direct path of the Mara’s famous wildebeest migration.

Keekorok Lodge offers luxury safari accomodations and all-inclusive African safari packages.

Private safari game drives leave in the mornings and afternoons.

In the off-time visitors to Keekorok Lodge can enjoy the pool, buffet meals, bar, gift shop, and beautiful grounds.

Safari flights to Keekorok Lodge leave from Nairobi.

Drivers from Keekorok Lodge meet visitors at the airstrip and transport them to the lodge.

Average room rates at Keekorok Lodge are around 240USD per night, depending on the season.

Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve (also called Maasai Mara Game Reserve) is one of the world’s most popular African safari destinations.

The Masai Mara is known for its vast land and numerous animal populations, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, zebras, deer, wildebeests, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles.

The best time of year for a safari in the Masai Mara is from July to September, when the annual wildebeest migration takes place.

There are many different tour companies that offer Masai Mara safaris, as well as safari lodges that range from basic camps to luxury retreats with all the amenities.

To get to the Masai Mara, you can take a flight on a small plane from Wilson airport in central Nairobi.

Safari flights stop at several airstrips in the Masai Mara, at which point your safari lodge can arrange a pickup.

Nairobi’s crime rate has been rising steadly over the past two decades. Take precautions when visiting Kenya to ensure that you stay safe during your visit.

Below are some simple tips that will help you avoid being the victim of a crime in Nairobi.

Visitors to Nairobi should be careful to avoid dangerous areas and should stay alert to avoid muggings and robbery.

Protect yourself from credit card fraud in Nairobi by making sure you get receipts for all transactions.

Only use licensed taxis and car hires in Nairobi and agree to the price up front. Avoid buses whenever possible.

Car hijacking in Nairobi is becoming increasingly common, so be alert and do not try to resist armed car hijackers, as they usually leave victims unharmed.

Phone: 605933-7 602786
Daily Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm-2.30 pm, Dinner 7pm-10.30 pm

Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi is perhaps Kenya’s most famous restaurant.

Known for its plentiful helpings of meat, Carnivore restaurant is an all-you-can eat meat-eater’s paradise.

Servers come by each table with huge skewers of sizzling meat and carve off as much as you want to eat.

The menu at Carnivore restaurant rotates, but includes everything from ostrich to crocodile.

Carnivore restaurant also has dance performances at night, so try to get a table near the stage.

After dinner make sure to stop by the adjacent Simba Saloon, a great Nairobi nightclub.

The Simba Saloon also serves meals a la carte, so if you’re not in the mood for all-you-can-eat, this is a good option.

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Baby Elephant Walk

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Address: P.O. Box 15555 Nairobi Kenya
Phone: +254 (0) 20 891 996

Located just outside Nairobi in Nairobi Game Park is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage.

The elephant orphanage in Nairobi takes in baby orphan elephants from all over Kenya and raises them together until they are old enough to survive on their own.

Visitors to Nairobi can visit the elephant orphanage to see the young elephants play ball, eat, take mud baths, and interact with their keepers.

Note: The Nairobi elephant orphanage opening hours are from 11am-12pm daily, so plan accordingly.

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi
Address: PO Box 15565, 00503, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 (20) 251 3166

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is a hotel where guests can stay in a historic manor house where giraffes roam freely on the premises.

It is one of the best hotels in Nairobi, and offers a truly unique accommodation experience in the Kenyan capital.

The six rooms in the beautiful 1930′s manor house are furnished to a high standard, and the hotel has a very intimate atmosphere.

Guests can enjoy fine dining while giraffes poke their heads through the windows to say hello.

Room rates at Giraffe Manor are $360 per person per night for full board, which includes wine with lunch and dinner, alcoholic beverages (excluding Champagne), laundry, and sightseeing.

Giraffe Manor is adjacent to the AFEW Giraffe Centre in Nairobi.

Guests at the Giraffe Centre are allowed to feed a group of giraffes, offering a rare opportunity to see three kinds of giraffes up close. Entry is free for guests of Giraffe Manor.