Your Travel Guidelines to Visiting Kenya 2022

Kenyans are world-renowned for their hospitality, vibrant cultures, and safari adventures in the country’s wilderness. One of the best times to visit Kenya is from July to September, during the country’s dry season, which also coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The rainy seasons are also good times to travel, as there are fewer visitors and you can admire the striking emerald vegetation. As you plan your trip to this beautiful country here are a few things you need to know.

WHAT TO DO

Step 1: Book your safari tour, because everything else revolves around that. From planning the duration of your stay, how much you need to budget for activities and the people who would ideally be traveling with you. It is always good knowing the places you want to visit before hand and know the best time to visit.

Step 2: Plan for your transportation means. Kenya is quite developed as compared to other African countries therefore there are many options for moving around the country, be it via train, road, water or air. Do your research and figure out what is most convenient and most budget friendly.

Step 3: Applying for your visa for Kenya. Depending on the counrty you are coming from, It is always a good idea to apply ahead of your trip because the processing time varies. Be it that you are planning a short or long term stay, you would know which visa you would need with proper research and due diligence.

Step 4: Getting your mandatory vaccinations. A traveler’s Kenya vaccine requirements may differ depending on which areas they will be visiting. Some of the routine vaccinations needed would be Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDAP), Chickenpox, Pneumonia but there could be more required if you are traveling to specific locations in the country.

WHAT NOT TO DO

  1. Never refuse hospitality.In most African homes it is regarded as disrespectful to not accept food or a gift given. It is better to acept and not use it rather than not to refuse it.
  2. Do not buy items derived from endangered species. Ivory from elephant tusks, horn of a rhino or even animak hides are not sold openly but could easily land you in jail when found in possession of them. Unfortunately illegal animal hunting is a threat to Kenyan tourism and these are some of the rules put to protect it.
  3. Do not ask people’s tribe.It may be fascinating to you but could easily be misconstrued by locals as a way of defining individuals. A lot of young people would rather identify as Kenyans and only that but it’s not to say some will be happy to share the information with you.
  4. Don’t take people’s picture without their consent or next to official gvernment locations.
  5. Watch what you wear.Kenya although is slightly forward in thinking it is still equally a conservative country. Be cautious of the attire you choose to wear and stay clear of very revealing clothes because people would stare you down or be tempted to start coaxing you along the streets.
  6. Do not explore the city on your own. Your safety should be your number 1 concern,therefore travel with a friend,a guide or translator who would act as your spokesperson to help you familiarise with the area as.
  7. Do not carry valuables around or leave them around in your hotel rooms. Again your safety and security should always be your number 1 priority. Find a local bank or buy a local line such as Safaricom or Airtel that would give you access to services to MPESA and AirtelMoney. Find a safe for your belongings and people you can trust.
5 Places To Visit in Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, derived from the Maasai phrase ‘Enkare Nyrobi’ to mean a place of cool water, is the Capital City of Kenya and one of the many cities one must visit while traveling in Kenya. Nairobi is East Africa’s hub that offers exciting activities and fun places to visit. The following sites will give you insight into Kenya and its beauty.

  1. Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is considered the World’s Wildlife Capital because Nairobi is the only city in the entire world to have a national park in its environs. It’s also sometimes referred to as Kifaru Ark (Rhinoceros Sanctuary) because it is home to some of the few black rhinos left. You also get to see the Big 5 (lion, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino) within the park. The charges for non-residents are USD 50 per person for adults and 25 USD for children and kshs. 500 for citizen.

Nairobi National Park

2. Nairobi National Museum & Snake Park

This venue offers a one-stop shop for anyone willing to learn about Kenya’s rich cultural heritage. It is a great way to spend 2 hours of your day in Nairobi. It is located at Museum Hill which is approximately a 10-minute drive from the Nairobi city center accessible both by private and public means. Admission to the venue is free but there are charges for entering the museum and the snake park that are charged separately.

3. KICC

For a 360 Bird’s view of Nairobi find your way to the KICC rooftop. The management allows access to the rooftop from 9:00 am till 8.00 pm on weekdays, and till 6.00 pm on weekends. Citizens pay Ksh 150, whilst Residents pay Ksh 200, and Foreigners pay Ksh 400. You can stay there and enjoy the view, take photos and videos as you would need to. It is located within City Square, therefore very easy to find your way to.

Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC)

4. Carnivore Restaurant

This is an open-air restaurant located within the Langata suburbs where you get to have an all-you-can-eat buffet. Lunch or dinner at Carnivore Restaurant goes for US$ 40 per person..The menu is not for the faint-hearted but rather those looking to indulge in finger-licking “Nyama Choma’. You also get to enjoy riveting entertainment from Safari Cats dancers and acrobats.

5. Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage 

This is a rescue & rehab center for orphaned elephants, open to the public for viewing mud baths & feedings. Protecting keystone species ensures a plethora of other animals and ecosystems continue to survive and, more importantly, thrive. The most fascinating thing about visiting this place is that you can also get to adopt an elephant. The minimum donation for entry is Ksh 1,500 / US$15 per person 12 years and above, and Ksh 500 / US$5 for those under 12 years of age. This is collected upon entry, in Cash, or via Mpesa, on the day of your visit.

Be it wildlife, trying out new food or meeting new people. There is so much to be explored. Karibu Kenya.