Holidays to Kenya
Top destinations in Kenya
Mombasa
Visit Kenya's best beaches, experience traditional Swahili culture and explore historic sites. You’ll encounter East Africa’s nature underwater and on land in Mombasa.
Nairobi
Before heading on a safari adventure, linger a while in Nairobi. Kenya’s capital boasts artisan markets, a dynamic food scene and fascinating museums dedicated to African culture.
Malindi
Dreaming of the sun-kissed shores of Africa? Kenya’s tropical paradise lets you snorkel to coral kingdoms, explore 15th-century ruins and savour Swahili seafood. Welcome to Malindi.
Kenya: fast facts
| Language | Swahili, English |
|---|---|
| Currency | Kenyan shilling (Sh) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (EAT) |
Kenya holiday highlights
Go on safari
Going on safari is the number one thing to do in Kenya, home to countless national parks and reserves. See the famous elephants of Amboseli or follow the migration of the wildebeest across the Maasai Mara. You can even catch black rhinos and big cats on the outskirts of the capital city at Nairobi National Park.
Take an epic hike
Kenya’s nomadic tribes have inhabited the Great Rift Valley for centuries, and you can follow in their footsteps. For breathtaking scenery, head to the highlands, where the grass-covered savanna meets volcanic mountains like the snow-capped Mount Kenya and the majestic Mount Longonot. Explore dramatic gorges and hot springs at Hell’s Gate National Park. Or cool off in the natural pools of Ngare Ndare Forest.
Soak up tribal culture
Between 40 and 70 different ethnic groups are represented in Kenya. Discover Swahili history in the winding streets of Lamu Old Town, settled in the 14th century. Head north to Lake Turkana where an annual festival celebrates the culture of the desert tribes. And enjoy the famed hospitality of the Maasai, whose singing and dancing ceremonies are a must-see.
Things to do in Kenya
Top attractions
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the ultimate safari spot, its endless plains dotted with lions, gazelles, hippos and more. Go between July and October to see the wildebeest migration. For wildlife encounters just a short drive from the capital, head to the Nairobi Giraffe Centre. Craving paradise beaches? With dazzling white sands and an offshore coral reef, Diani Beach near Mombasa steals the show.
Beaches
Kenya’s 490 kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline begin in the north with the laid-back Lamu archipelago, whose dozens of coral islands offer excellent diving and snorkelling. And Mombasa is a popular holiday destination with plenty of attractions and family-friendly resorts. Get off the beaten track at Watamu, a favourite spot for kitesurfers, or Diani, which is known for its nightlife.
Nature
Lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes — Kenya’s great plains are home to some of the planet’s most magnificent creatures. But its other habitats, from sacred mangrove forests and alpine moorland to saltwater lakes, are just as rich. Lake Victoria is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and the coral reef running almost the length of the coast teems with marine life like dolphins and turtles.
Culture and museums
With its indie cinemas and art galleries, Nairobi is a buzzing cultural hub that hosts one of the best museums in Kenya. The National Museum celebrates natural and human history and features a skull collection tracing back to humankind’s earliest ancestors. You’ll find more ancient wonders at the Hyrax Hill archaeological site, plus a riveting introduction to Swahili culture at the Lamu Museum.
Cuisine
The hippest restaurants in Kenya are in Nairobi, where the foodie scene has taken off recently. In more traditional places, you’ll find beef, goat and mutton on the menu — often roasted or folded into a stew and served with the cornmeal staple ‘ugali’. Don’t overlook roadside treats. Corn on the cob and fresh fruits like papayas, guavas and coconuts are just the beginning.
Family friendly
Don’t miss seeing the midday mud bath at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, which rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants. Or learn more about Maasai culture at a Maasai village or community camp such as Oldarpoi Mara Camp. Older kids in your group? Take a boat tour from Wasini Island for a day of snorkelling and dolphin spotting.
Find the best time to visit Kenya
Weather in Kenya
January – February: The weather is warm and dry, and the landscapes are lush this time of year. Plus, prices for Maasai Mara game drives are lower than in peak season.
March – May: The longer of Kenya’s two rainy seasons starts in late March, bringing about two months of heavy showers. In early March, you’ll enjoy good weather and better deals.
June – October: Kenya’s dry season is the best time to witness the annual wildebeest migration. Be prepared for high-season rates and book ahead.
November – December: The short rainy season welcomes afternoon showers, usually starting in November and tapering off around mid-December. Wildlife viewing picks up again in the second half of the month.
Events in Kenya
Lake Turkana Cultural Festival (June): Known locally as Tobong’u Lore, this festival brings El Molo people to Loiyangalani for three days in June. Expect dance performances, Turkana music, plus a fashion show with beaded and feathered outfits.
Mombasa Carnival (November): This vibrant street party celebrates Kenya’s multicultural heritage with floats, costumes and performances representing different cultures and communities. Don’t miss the local craft stalls and Swahili street food.
Lamu Cultural Festival (November to December): Each year, the island of Lamu comes to life for a three-day celebration of Swahili heritage. Enjoy traditional music, dance, poetry and sailing races around the islands.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
A handshake is the standard greeting in Kenya — always with your right hand, as the left is considered impolite. Avoid pointing with your index finger. Meals are often shared and eaten by hand, so wash up first. Dress modestly, especially at religious sites. And always ask before taking someone’s photo.
Health and safety
Most travel advisories recommend getting hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid vaccinations. Depending on where you’re travelling, other vaccines like rabies, yellow fever and hepatitis B may be worth considering. Check with your doctor and make sure routine vaccinations are up to date before you go. Protect against mosquito bites by using insect repellent and covering exposed skin.
LGBTQ+ travel
Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya and can lead to imprisonment. Regardless of your orientation, it’s a good idea to steer clear of public displays of affection. Many international hotel chains and safari lodges will accommodate LGBTQ+ couples with double rooms, but it’s worth doing some research before you go. For added peace of mind, consider booking through an experienced LGBTQ-friendly tour provider.
Budget
While luxury safaris can be expensive, it’s not hard to have a cheap holiday in Kenya. You can enjoy a meal in an inexpensive restaurant for as little as 500 Kenyan shillings (KSh), and the street food is even cheaper. A short taxi ride costs around KSh1,000.
Getting around Kenya
Public transportation
Buses: Most of Kenya is accessible by bus. Private companies like Dreamline, Modern and Easy Coach run long-haul services with comfortable, air-conditioned coaches. ‘Matatus’ (shared minibuses) are an option for shorter journeys, although they can get overcrowded.
Trains: Kenya has a few spectacular long-distance rail routes. One highlight is the six-hour Madaraka Express between Nairobi and Mombasa, which passes through national parks and offers glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Boats: There aren’t many passenger ferries in Kenya, except for some small boats between the Lamu islands and a ferry service between Mombasa Island and the south coast. For a scenic and tranquil way to explore the Kenyan coast, book a ‘dhow’ cruise on a traditional Arabian sailing boat.
Domestic flights
Flying is the quickest way to get around the country. Kenya’s major cities, top beach destinations and a few safari spots are all accessible by plane. The main domestic airlines include Kenya Airways, Safarilink and AirKenya.
Driving
You’ll need an international driving licence to hire a car in Kenya. A 4x4 is best if you plan to travel outside of the main urban areas. Many operators allow you to hire a driver-guide upon booking.
