Travel Info Kenya

KENYA

PASSPORT VALIDITY AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Kenya. Visitors should obtain their visa before arrival in the country. Travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least three months past the intended date of departure.

VACCINATIONS:

Vaccines are recommended or required for Kenya. We recommend going to your local travel health services provider, like Passport Health for individual recommendations. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations are recommended for Kenya:

• typhoid

• cholera

• hepatitis A

• polio

• yellow fever

• chikungungya

• rabies

• hepatitis B

• influenza

• pneumonia

• meningitis

• chickenpox

• shingles

• measles

• Covid -19

• mumps and rubella (MMR)

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)

SAFETY IN KENYA:

We recommend enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before traveling aboard and to stay up-to-date on the latest information.

The US government has issued a travel warning affecting travel to the border area between Somalia and Kenya due to threats by the terrorist group al-Shabaab. There is a risk of crime and terrorism throughout the country.

Travelers are advised to avoid large gatherings, as they are also prime sites for incidences of crime and terrorism.

Hundreds of people have died in terrorist attacks in Kenya since 2011. The State Department recommends travelers avoid travel to the following regions:

• Northeastern Kenya – Mandera, Wajir, Garissa

• Coastal Areas – Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi

• Nairobi – Eastleigh

Home invasions, burglaries, armed carjackings, muggings and kidnappings have turned violent or fatal. Travelers should be aware they can happen at any time. Matatus, privately-operated buses, are often targeted.

Forced marriages occur and sexual assaults are prevalent. Scams are also frequent in Kenya.

All travelers should be aware of the risks, particularly from terrorists.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER:

 Kenya is a warm and humid country with a tropical climate. It has two rainy seasons from March to May and October to December. The dry season falls between June and September and January to February. The most popular tourist destinations in Kenya are the coastal region, including Mombasa and Malindi, and the national parks and game reserves, such as Masai Mara and Amboseli.

Along the coast, temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year with average highs ranging from 80 to 90 degrees. The region experiences two rainy seasons, with the long rains typically occurring from April to June and the short rains from October to December. It is generally sunny and dry from January to March and from July to September.

In the national parks and game reserves, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location. The parks experience hot and dry weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night. The long rains occur from March to May, while the short rains fall from October to December. The dry season from June to September offers the best opportunities for wildlife viewing due to the reduced vegetation and animals gathering around water sources.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS:

Summer

Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can range from 30°C to 40°C in some areas. Bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but also don’t forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

Winter

The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg Mountains, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town’s rain falls during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.

Year Round

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there’s no need to go overboard. Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or jersey for early winter mornings and evenings. Layering is key in winter so you can add or remove layers with warm days and cool evenings. Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR KENYA:

It’s normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Kenya - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.

The amount you tip in Kenya will depend on where you are and what type of services you’re buying. As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, say thank you with a tip closer to 15-20%. 

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS ON SAFARI IN KENYA:

While on Safari in Kenya, it is customary to tip at the end. The same goes for any pre-arranged tour. Budget on tipping about US$20 or 2,000 Kenyan shillings per room (or tent) per day. If you’re traveling alone when you visit Kenya, you could tip less – 1,000 Kenyan shillings is acceptable. If you’re a family sharing one room or tent, you might want to increase your tip to around $25 per person, per day.

Kenya is a poor country and safari workers rely on tips to meet basic needs such as food and shelter for their families, so rest assured that the money and tips you spend on your trip to Kenya will go a long way.