7-Day Pure Kenya Fly-in Safari (Classic)

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION

Kenya lies in East Africa, with an Indian Ocean coastline and borders with Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. Nairobi is the capital and a major international gateway. The country's landscapes include open savannah, the Great Rift Valley, highlands, forests, lakes and tropical beaches.

A Kenyan holiday can combine safari experiences with time at the coast, while cultural visits and conservation projects add further depth. The Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo and northern conservancies each offer different settings. Allow enough time in each area to enjoy the landscape rather than spending every day travelling.

NATURE

The Maasai Mara is part of a much larger wildlife ecosystem shared with Tanzania's Serengeti. Wildebeest movements vary with rainfall, grazing and local conditions, so river crossings and migration sightings cannot be guaranteed by a calendar date.

Amboseli is associated with elephant viewing and views towards Kilimanjaro when weather permits. Tsavo offers extensive wilderness, while the Samburu region supports wildlife adapted to drier conditions. Rift Valley lakes, highland forests and coastal marine environments provide additional variety. National parks, national reserves and private or community conservancies have different rules; night drives, walking and off-road driving are not permitted everywhere.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Kenya's history includes early human origins in the Rift Valley, long-established African communities and centuries of Indian Ocean trade. Coastal Swahili culture reflects African, Arab and other maritime connections. Kenya became independent from Britain in 1963.

Kiswahili and English are official languages, alongside many community languages. Maasai, Samburu, Kikuyu, Luo, Kalenjin and other communities contribute to a varied national identity. Ask before photographing people and choose respectful community experiences. In coastal towns and religious settings, modest clothing is appreciated.

PASSPORT CONTROL KENYA. 

• ETA (visa) for Kenya needs to be applied online on https://www.etakenya.go.ke prior to arrival. Visas are not available on arrival. 
• Yellow fever is only mandatory if you are transiting from an endemic country or have been to an endemic country in the last 6months. 

NOTE : If you have connecting flights between Kenya and Tanzania through the border post of Isebania, you must pre-arrange your Tanzania E-visa online due to the short connecting time between flights. This is a mandatory requirement by the airlines. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Passport and authorisation: Prepare a passport valid for at least six months from arrival with two blank pages. Kenya uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation system. Many nationalities must obtain an approved eTA before travel, while exemptions now cover a substantial number of countries. Check the official eligibility tool for each traveller rather than relying on an old visa list. 

Mandatory insurance: From 5 October 2026, most short-term visitors must hold the required Kenyan inbound travel health insurance. Purchase through the eTA process or official eCitizen insurance portal as applicable. An overseas policy does not replace this local requirement. Exemptions include qualifying residents and EAC citizens; confirm your category. Keep comprehensive personal travel insurance as well.

Supporting documents: Carry your approval, accommodation bookings, itinerary, return or onward ticket and required insurance certificate. Check the authorised stay on arrival.

Health and children: Yellow fever certification depends on previous travel and transit. Check current health screening measures. Each child needs their own passport and any required eTA or exemption documentation; carry relevant parental consent and relationship documents.

BANKING AND CURRENCY

The currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Cards are accepted by many hotels, safari properties and established businesses, while local currency remains useful for smaller purchases and tips. ATMs are readily available in main cities, but should not be relied on in remote safari areas.

Mobile money, especially M-Pesa, is widely used. Visitors must meet the provider's registration requirements to use it; keep another payment option available. Use banks or authorised exchange offices and check whether your lodge accepts cards and charges a fee. Do not assume that every locally quoted price can be paid in a foreign currency.

TRAVEL TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND

Traffic drives on the left. Most safari itineraries use a professional driver-guide, allowing you to enjoy the journey while someone familiar with roads, park rules and wildlife handles the driving. Domestic and bush flights can link safari areas and the coast.

Check baggage restrictions for each flight, especially on small aircraft, where soft bags and low weight limits may apply. Use reputable airport transfers and licensed transport in cities. Nairobi traffic can be heavy, so allow generous time for international departures and domestic connections.

CONNECTING ROADS AND DIRECTIONS

Road quality varies from major highways to rough tracks. Short distances within reserves can take considerable time, and rain can make tracks slippery or temporarily impassable. Avoid driving after dark outside areas where your operator has made suitable arrangements.

For self-drive travel, confirm the vehicle's suitability, insurance, park permissions and recovery arrangements. Do not enter restricted roads or follow an online shortcut without local advice. If your itinerary includes Lamu, confirm the current recommended flight and transfer arrangements rather than assuming an overland route is appropriate.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL INFORMATION

Arrange a travel-health consultation for your exact itinerary. Malaria prevention may be advised for coastal and many lower-lying areas; highland risk differs. Mosquito protection also helps reduce exposure to other infections. For Mount Kenya or other high-altitude activities, discuss acclimatisation and ensure your insurance covers the planned altitude.

Current health notice checked on 20 October 2026: Kenya has reported an imported Ebola case and introduced public-health measures, including screening and contact tracing. Follow Ministry of Health updates and check onward-country rules before departure. 

Medical facilities and evacuation access vary considerably outside major centres. Carry medication, prescriptions and emergency contacts. Insurance should cover your activities, treatment, evacuation and repatriation; the mandatory local policy may not cover every personal need.

SAFETY NOTICES

Use trusted transfers, keep valuables discreet and avoid demonstrations or large political gatherings. In towns, ask your hotel about suitable walking areas and use arranged transport after dark. Do not display phones or cameras through open vehicle windows in busy traffic.

Security conditions vary by region. Government advisories identify significant risks in parts of the northeast, the Somalia border region and sections of the northern coast. Check the exact itinerary against current advice; popular safari and beach areas should not be treated as evidence that all routes are suitable.

SAFETY AND ANIMALS

Stay in your safari vehicle unless your guide permits you to leave at a designated point. Give wildlife space, never feed animals and keep noise low during sightings. Guides must also observe the rules of the reserve or conservancy.

At unfenced camps, animals can move between tents and communal areas. Use an escort after dark where offered and follow instructions about food and walking around camp. Stay away from riverbanks with hippos or crocodiles. Coastal swimming and snorkelling should follow local advice on currents, tides, marine life and protected areas.

FOOD DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE

Kenyan meals often include ugali, a firm maize porridge, with vegetables, beans, meat or fish. Nyama choma is roasted or grilled meat, while sukuma wiki is a familiar leafy-green accompaniment. Pilau, biryani, chapati and coconut-based dishes reflect the rich food traditions of the coast.

Safari lodges usually offer a mix of local and international dishes. Inform us of allergies and dietary requirements before travelling, especially for remote camps. Choose freshly prepared food and well-cooked meat or fish. Nairobi and coastal towns offer many dining styles, from informal local restaurants to more elaborate menus.

DRINKS

Use bottled, filtered or otherwise safely treated drinking water. Confirm the source of ice and juices when eating outside established accommodation, and avoid drinking untreated water from lakes or streams.

Kenya is known for tea and coffee, both widely served at lodges and hotels. Fresh juices and local beers are also common. Carry drinking water on drives and walks, particularly in hot, dry regions. Check whether your safari package includes drinks or only specified beverages.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Kenya straddles the equator, but altitude strongly influences temperature. Nairobi and the highlands can be cool, while the coast is hot and humid and northern regions are often dry and hot. In many areas, the long rains fall broadly March to May and the short rains around October to December.

January to February and June to October are often popular for safaris, depending on the destination. Rainfall and wildlife movements vary annually. Mountain weather can change rapidly, and even near the equator early game drives may feel cold. Plan around your chosen regions rather than a single national season.

• Annual rainfall: 680 mm 
• Average temperature: 25°C - 29°C 

Summer: December-March

• Average in highs: 26°C 
• Average in lows: 16°C 

Winter: July-October

• Average in highs: 21°C 
• Average in lows: 12°C 

* Kenya, due to its equatorial location, does not experience traditional summer and winter seasons. Instead, it has periods that are cooler and drier. The climate is generally characterized by wet and dry seasons.

Best time to visit: Visiting between June and September, during the long dry season, will allow you to experience a milder climate and witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The short dry season, from January to March, provides excellent opportunities for beach visits and outdoor activities. During the rainy seasons, you’ll find fewer tourists and stunning, lush landscapes. The long rainy season runs from March to May, and the short rainy season runs from October to December.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS

Bring lightweight neutral safari clothes, a warm fleece or jacket for early drives, closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Add a waterproof layer and long sleeves for sun and insect protection.

At the coast, pack light breathable clothing and swimwear, with modest cover-ups for towns and villages. Religious sites may have additional requirements. Avoid camouflage clothing. For mountain trips, use the operator's specialist packing list, and check every flight's luggage allowance before choosing bags.

INTERNET AVAILABILITY

Mobile coverage and Wi-Fi are generally more accessible in cities and main tourism areas than in the bush. Safari camps may restrict internet to a lounge or have intermittent service. Download essential confirmations and contact information before remote travel.

Local SIM cards require registration, and eSIM availability depends on provider and device. Check coverage for the actual areas on your route. A power bank is useful, but must be carried according to airline battery rules.

ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS

The supply is generally 240 V and 50 Hz, with type G British-style sockets using three rectangular pins. Bring an adapter and check your equipment's voltage rating. Remote camps may use solar or generator power and may limit charging to certain times or areas.

GENERAL GUIDANCE

Time difference: Kenya uses UTC+3 throughout the year, two hours ahead of Central Europe's winter time and one hour ahead during its summer.

Entry fees and tipping: Park, conservancy and activity fees may be separate and can change. Check your package carefully. Tipping is voluntary; lodges can advise on guide and shared-staff arrangements. Check restaurant bills for service charges before adding a tip.

Public holidays: Key dates include Madaraka Day on 1 June, Mazingira Day on 10 October, Mashujaa Day on 20 October and Jamhuri Day on 12 December, alongside Easter, Eid holidays and Christmas. Confirm the official annual calendar and any additional gazetted holidays.

TOURIST INFORMATION

The Kenya Tourism Board's Magical Kenya website provides destination information. Nairobi is an important international and domestic hub; confirm whether connections use Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport, as a road transfer may be needed.

Emergency medical assistance:

• Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. Save your operator, insurer and booked evacuation provider's direct numbers, particularly for safari and mountain travel. 
• Travel B Tours and Safaris emergency contact: +264 81 449 0582