Practical information Kenya

Yes, Kenya has replaced its old visa with an electronic travel authorization (eTA) that must be requested online on the official website etakenya.go.ke before departure. The cost is approximately 30 USD for a 90-day tourist stay, and processing time varies from a few hours to three business days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date and have two blank pages. We recommend printing the eTA confirmation received by email, as some border agents still request it. No extension is possible on-site without prior procedures, so plan ahead if you are planning an extended trip.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a risk country (tropical areas of Africa or South America), with presentation of your international certificate. We also recommend being up to date with DTP, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and depending on the duration of stay, rabies and meningitis vaccinations. Malaria is present below 2,500 meters, particularly on the coast, around Lake Victoria and in the Mara and Samburu reserves: preventive treatment (atovaquone-proguanil most commonly) is advised following medical consultation. Nairobi and the central highlands are considered malaria-free areas. Also plan for mosquito repellents and long clothing in the evening.

For a custom-organized circuit excluding international flights, budget between 250 and 350 euros per day and per person in the comfortable range (standard lodges and tented camps, 4x4 with driver-guide), 400 to 600 euros in the superior range (charming camps, private conservancies), and more for exceptional lodges. Park entrance fees represent a significant expense: 100 USD per person and per day for Masai Mara in high season, 60 to 80 USD for Amboseli or Tsavo. A meal in a local restaurant costs 8 to 15 euros, a coffee 2 euros. Plan for 10 USD per day as a tip for the guide and 5 USD for lodge staff.

The two dry seasons offer the best safari conditions. From January to March, temperatures are warm and animals gather around water sources; this is also the ideal period for the coast. From July to October, the great migration crosses the Masai Mara, with a cooler climate on the highlands (10 to 22°C). The long rains in April-May make certain tracks impassable and several lodges close. The short rains in November are brief and do not prevent travel, with the advantage of lower rates and green landscapes. To climb Mount Kenya, prefer January-February or August-September.

Distances and track conditions make domestic flights very useful. Safarilink and AirKenya operate daily services to Masai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli, Lamu and the coast from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, with luggage limited to 15 kg in soft bags. For combined itineraries, we work with 4x4 Land Cruiser vehicles and experienced driver-guides who remain with you throughout your trip. The SGR express train connects Nairobi to Mombasa in five hours, offering a comfortable alternative to reach the coast. Matatus (shared minibuses) and bodabodas (motorcycle taxis) are best avoided by travelers unless accompanied by a local guide.

Kenya welcomes over one million visitors each year, and traditional tourist areas (reserves, southern coast, highlands) are safe under normal travel conditions. In Nairobi and Mombasa, apply standard urban precautions: no visible valuables, taxi or ride-sharing rather than walking at night. Border areas with Somalia in the northeast (Garissa, Mandera, Lamu county beyond the archipelago) are advised against by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the parks, following your guide's instructions is sufficient to observe wildlife safely. Frédéric and our team monitor the situation daily and adapt itineraries if necessary.