Kenya Tips: What Travellers Must Know For a First-Time Visit
I remember stepping out of Nairobi airport on arrival in Kenya, sweating from the heat, confused about transport, and already trying to calculate how many safari excursions I could squeeze into eight days.
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place!
In this guide I’m sharing my best Kenya tips – everything I wish I’d known before my visit, with real examples from my own trip. I’ll cover culture and etiquette, health, money, visas, packing, transport, safari tips, safety, mobile data, and eco rules like the single-use plastic ban. There’s also a quick FAQ at the end for those last “oh help, I fly tomorrow” checks.
I plan for people who cram a lot into short trips and care about both cost and convenience, so expect lots of “is this worth the faff” style honesty. I’ll touch on Kenya’s seasons too, from the short rains around October to December, the long rains from March to May, and the drier months in between. This is for all first-timers, wherever you’re flying from, though some of my health and visa examples are based on current UK advice.
Let’s get you ready for Kenya without the pre-trip panic.
Quick snapshot: what first-time travellers should know about Kenya
Here’s the fast version before we get into the detail:
- Climate:
- Short rains: roughly Oct–Dec, usually warm with showers.
- Long rains: roughly March–May, wetter, cloudier, very lush.
- Drier months: June–Oct and Dec–March, cooler or hotter depending on region.
- Languages: English and Swahili are both widely spoken.
- Money: Kenya uses the Kenyan shilling (KES), though some touristy places take US dollars.
- Entry: Most visitors now need an online eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) instead of a visa on arrival.
- Health: Vaccines, malaria tablets, and mosquito protection are important in many areas.
- Getting around: Uber is great in Nairobi, patchy in smaller towns, and traffic can be intense.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, but often expected and warmly appreciated.
- Eco rules: Single-use plastic bags are banned, and some parks also restrict plastic bottles.
If health prep, money, or visas feel confusing or overwhelming, you’re not alone. I’ll break it all down next.
When to visit Kenya: tips on seasons, weather, and the best time for your trip
Kenya’s seasons explained
Here’s the simple pattern:
- Dec to March: Hotter, mostly dry, great for safari and beaches, can feel very warm at the coast.
- March to May: Long rains, heavier showers, cloudy spells, lush landscapes, muddier tracks.
- June to Oct: Cooler and drier, especially nice for safari, comfy for city breaks.
- Oct to Dec: Short rains, often sunny with afternoon or evening showers.
Nairobi feels springlike most of the year, while coastal spots like Diani and Watamu feel sticky and tropical. Weather shifts by region and time of year, so I keep plans flexible and pack light layers.
For deeper month-by-month detail, I like this clear guide on the best time to visit Kenya for safari.
Best time to visit for safari, beach days, and city exploring
For safari, I usually point friends to visit June to October or December to March. Grass is shorter in the drier months, so spotting wildlife is easier, and roads are less muddy.
For beaches like Diani, Watamu, and Malindi, Dec to March brings hot, bright days that feel perfect for swimming and snorkelling. June to Oct is still lovely, just a touch cooler.
Nairobi often feels mild, almost like a warm British spring, though the sun still bites. I visited in December, and found it’s a brilliant time if you want both wildlife trips and beach stays, but expect higher prices and more crowds.
Visa and entry tips: getting into Kenya without stress
How the Kenya eTA works and what you need to apply
Most visitors now apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying. There’s no old-school visa on arrival any more for many nationalities.
I applied through the official Kenya government eTA website, which costs 30 USD per person. You’ll need to upload proof of your return flights and hotel bookings, and fill in all relevant dates and addresses, so have these to hand before you start.
My other top tip is to apply for everyone in your group at once. I did this and only had to type all the trip details once, which was a relief!
Rules and fees can change, so always cross-check the latest entry rules for your passport. UK travellers can check the UK government Kenya entry requirements page.
Documents to carry: passports & eTA print-outs
I always carry my passport and proof of eTA, either printed or saved on my phone. Kenya authorities expect visitors to have ID and proof of visitor status on them, and it’s checked more often than you might think.
On one drive back to Watamu, our car was stopped at a police road block and the officers asked to see our passports and eTAs. I was very glad I hadn’t left mine in the hotel safe.
I also keep booking confirmations, travel insurance details, and emergency contacts in a simple folder in my day bag. It feels over-organised – until you need it.
Health in Kenya: vaccines, malaria, and staying well
I’m not a doctor, so this is just my own personal experience. Always speak to your own GP or healthcare professional.
Vaccines and malaria tablets: what I did before my Kenya trip
Before we travelled from the UK, our GP advised us to get up-to-date on our polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis, and cholera jabs. These were free at the surgery.
We then paid £112 at Superdrug for a yellow fever vaccine (which comes with a certificate that lasts a lifetime) plus anti-malarial tablets for an 8-day trip. If you’re going via countries like Tanzania, that yellow fever certificate can be legally required.
Malaria risk varies across Kenya, but in many regions tablets and mosquito control are strongly advised. Please check your own health needs with a professional.
Mosquitoes, bites, and bug control
My mosquito experience was very mixed. I barely saw any in Nanyuki or Watamu, then got bitten in Nairobi like I’d personally offended them. Either that or I’m just super tasty!
I used repellent spray, wipes, and a citronella bracelet on my wrist and ankle. I also took antihistamines daily for two weeks before and during the trip, with advice from my GP, to help my body cope with bites. And this did really help as I had noticeably fewer, and less angry bites than usual.
I also wore long sleeves in the evening, slept under nets where provided, and brought a repellent plug-in to use next to my bedside.
Safe water, food, and staying stomach-happy
I followed the classic rule: don’t drink the tap water. I only drank bottled or filtered water, which was provided by all the hotels we stayed in.
I was a bit relaxed about teeth brushing, plus ice, salad, and peeled fruit in established restaurants, and I had no problems, but everyone’s risk comfort is different. I avoided street food that looked like it had been sitting out a while, and mostly stuck to established hotels and restaurants for meals.
I also packed rehydration sachets “just in case”, and washed or sanitised my hands often.
Sun, heat, and what I always carry in my day bag
Kenya sits near the equator, so the sun means business even when it feels breezy or cloudy. I used high-SPF sunscreen, reapplied often, and tried to wear a hat and sunglasses as much as I could. Even with that, I still managed to get sunburn – apply cold water for 20 minutes and apply after-sun regularly, and thank me later!
In my day bag I always carry sunscreen, a hat, hand gel, tissues, and I never venture out without my trusted power bank. I found that public toilets often weren’t well stocked, and taking hundreds of photos on safari will drain your phone faster than you think.
Culture, etiquette, and Swahili phrases that make locals smile
Everyday manners: greetings, clothing, and respect
In Kenya, rushing straight into a demand without greeting feels rude. A simple “hello, how are you” goes a long way, especially when said in Swahili. This gains you respect, and it’s common for locals to encourage you to use at least some simple phrases.
People often greet with a handshake (but always use your right hand!) and a smile, and respect for elders is important. I dressed a bit more modestly in rural or religious areas, then slightly more relaxed in Nairobi and coastal resorts, but never super-skimpy. Public affection can raise eyebrows, so always keep things low key.
Haggling, street sellers, and how to say no politely
Markets and tourist spots like the Maasai Market can feel intense. Sellers are persistent, friendly, and very focused on closing a deal. It’s also common for people to beg by telling you stories of hardship.
I’ve been guided around stalls and had people help with bags, then be asked for payment. During my trip I learnt to carry smaller notes and negotiate on souvenirs, aiming for a price that feels fair for both sides. It’s part of the culture, and can be fun once you become more confident.
When I don’t want something, I smile, say “No thank you, not today” a few times, then walk away. If you have a big note in my hand, you’ll almost always end up being talked into “adding just one more item”, so having the exact change is easier.
Simple Swahili phrases that help every day
These are the basic phrases you should try to learn and use, and they really do go a long way:
- Jambo – hello
- Habari – how are you
- Asante – thank you
- Asante sana – thank you very much
- Karibu – you’re welcome / welcome
- Pole pole – slowly / take your time
- Hakuna matata – no worries (but you knew that from watching the Lion King, right!)
I just said them how they look and people understood. Even a tiny bit of Swahili made chats warmer and service friendlier. If you don’t use these, you’ll likely be reminded, so try to make the effort pro-actively.
Money, M-Pesa, tipping, and what to pay with in Kenya
Kenyan shillings, US dollars, cards & cash for your trip
The main currency is Kenyan shillings (KES). Some hotels and tourist places also take US dollars, usually for bigger payments.
I brought US dollars for known big costs and a small amount of KES from a UK bureau, even though the rate wasn’t great. Once in Kenya I used a KCB ATM inside a bank, which felt secure and only charged a small local fee.
Most cafes and shops in buildings took card, but contactless sometimes failed, so I carried my physical card too. I always hid my PIN and covered the keypad.
M-Pesa basics and when cash still wins
M-Pesa is Kenya’s famous mobile money system. Locals use it for almost everything, from coffee to rent and you’ll notice it advertised EVERYWHERE.
Travellers can often use M-Pesa if they have a Safaricom SIM and it’s set up properly, but this usually takes extra steps and time at the counter. For my trip, I liked having a mix of card and cash, and didn’t need to use M-Pesa at all.
Small stalls, markets, and rural spots still love cash, and small notes keep life simple.
Tipping in Kenya: what I actually gave
Tipping isn’t compulsory, but when service is good it’s pretty much expected and very appreciated.
My rough guide: around 10% in restaurants, and a few dollars or a few hundred shillings for hotel cleaners, luggage porters, drivers, and safari guides. Sometimes I could add a tip on the card machine, but not always, so I kept a stash of cash just for tips.
Packing for Kenya: what to bring and what to carry each day
Smart packing list for Kenya’s mix of city, safari, and beach
My packing list had to work for Nairobi, safari, the cooler mountainous region and the hotter coast in one trip. Here are some of the essentials I packed:
- Light cotton or linen tops and shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts and trousers for evenings and game drives
- Long sleeve maxi dresses for evening meals
- A light jumper or fleece for cool mornings
- Comfy closed trainers, boots and sandals
- A lightweight rain jacket or umbrella
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Safari-friendly colours like olive, beige, and grey
I also packed copies of travel documents, a basic first-aid kit, and all medication in my hand luggage.
My everyday day-pack: what I never leave the hotel without
In my day bag I carried my passport, an eTA print-out or screenshot, some cash, and one bank card in an anti-theft bag or money belt.
My phone lives on a wrist strap, which saves it from both thieves and clumsy moments. I also added a mini bottle of sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, pocket tissues, hand gel, a power bank and cable, and a refillable metal water bottle (great for refilling from water coolers or larger bottles). It sounds like a lot, but it still felt light once it’s on my back.
Getting around Kenya tips: local transport, traffic & my Uber stories
Uber, traffic, and choosing the right car option
In Nairobi, Uber worked really well for me. Cars appeared fast, and fares are low-cost compared to UK prices. However, traffic can be painful, so I sometimes paid extra to use the faster toll road, which only took cash.
In Nanyuki and Malindi, Uber was much patchier. On the odd time we managed to get a driver, they sometimes asked to cancel the app booking and agree a higher cash price instead. We also negotiated with local drivers, and booked our airport transfer in advance via Google on WhatsApp.
I liked Uber’s Chap Chap option for short city hops with no luggage. It’s the cheapest option, but the cars are tiny, so they’re not a good idea if you have big bags or suitcases.
Buses, matatus, flights, and trains, including Nairobi to Nanyuki
Matatus are the colourful minibuses you’ll see everywhere. They’re cheap and very local, but crowded and not always comfy for first-timers.
For longer journeys, I preferred private transfers (we used internationally-trusted provider Daytrip for our Nairobi to Nanyuki transfer), domestic flights, or the SGR train between Nairobi and Mombasa.
Road options are cheaper, flights save lots of time, and I pick based on how precious my days feel. If you’re unsure, this post weighs up the options in more detail.
Staying connected: mobile data, Wi‑Fi, and why I chose Safaricom
Buying a Safaricom SIM or eSIM and what it really feels like
At Nairobi airport I headed straight for the Safaricom desk. There was a long queue, as expected because you can’t buy online, and we waited almost an hour with only about six people in front.
The process was slow, with passport checks and registration, but we walked away with a local SIM, 10 GB of data for 30 days, and a bill of 1,225 KES (about £7). You can opt for a physical or eSIM to use alongside your normal SIM, and the assistant will install it for you so you’re good to go.
The rival provider’s desk next door was empty, which said a lot about Safaricom’s popularity. I found the coverage was excellent everywhere we went, which made the wait worth it. Just make sure you keep data roaming off on your UK SIM to avoid a horror bill.
I normally recommend getting an aloSIM for travelling, because it has served me well in Europe and (for full transparency) I earn commission for referrals. However, I’m actually encouraging you not to for this trip, because your experience matters more to me than earning a few pounds. Safaricom’s coverage can’t be beaten in Kenya, and they provide a good amount of data for a low price, so stick with that.
Data, Wi‑Fi, and staying online without breaking the bank
Hotels and cafes often have Wi‑Fi, but I found often it can be slow and drop out. I used Wi‑Fi for large uploads and backups when possible, then used my Safaricom data for maps and messaging. Although with a 10GB date bundle to last a week, I didn’t really need to ration it – this is plenty if you’re not constantly video calling or streaming content.
I also recommend you download the areas’s you’re visiting on the Google Maps app, so they’re available offline.
Safari in Kenya: booking smart and enjoying every game drive
How to choose a safari that fits your time and budget
Safari comes in many flavours: budget camps, mid-range lodges, and higher-end tented camps with all the trimmings.
When I compared options, I checked what’s included. Park fees, game drives, and most meals are often bundled, but not always. I also read recent reviews and looked for ethical operators with good feedback on guides.
Parks like Maasai Mara and Amboseli are popular for good reason, though fly-in safaris cost more. For short trips it may be worth paying extra to fly, just to claw back more wildlife time.
Altenatively, consider a same-day safari excursion. We joined this great value packaged tour booked through Get Your Guide, with visits to the Nairobi National Park, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (elephant orphanage), Giraffe Centre and Kobetough bead and leather workshop, plus a stop for lunch and souvenir shopping.
What to expect on game drives and how to enjoy them fully
Most safari days follow a rhythm: early start (so take breakfast!), a long game drive, lazy midday, then an afternoon or sunset drive.
It’s best to dress in neutral-coloured layers, wear a hat, use sunscreen, and pack high-power binoculars, snacks, and spare camera batteries plus a power bank. Be sure to keep your voice low near animals and never stand up or feed anything, even if it comes close.
At the end of a safari, be sure to tip your safari guide generously if they’ve been great. They work long hours and often make the whole trip. Our 1-day safari guides worked almost 12 hours, and, disappointingly, we were the only ones who gave them a tip.
Safety in Kenya: staying street‑smart without feeling scared
Carrying cash, phones, and valuables without stress
I like feeling prepared rather than paranoid. I always use an anti-theft cross-body bag or a money belt and keep extra cash, spare cards, and my passport copy in the hotel safe.
My phone stays on a wrist strap, partly to deter theft and partly to stop me dropping it off balconies, boats, or safari vehicles. This happens more than you’d think!
In Kenya, always avoid waving big notes or fancy jewellery around, stay alert in crowded areas, and use ride apps or trusted taxis instead of random cabs, especially after dark. Much the same as in any unfamiliar city.
Street smarts, hotel safes, and handling persistent sellers
I always lock hotel doors and windows, use the room safe, and take only what I really need for each day.
In busy markets or at attractions, expect to be approached by sellers, guides, or “helpers” who’ll then want payment. A clear but kind “No thank you, I’m ok” usually works after a few repeats. But if any situation feels off, walk away, even if you’ve half-agreed to something, and don’t give in to persistence.
Eco rules and single-use plastics: how to avoid fines and keep Kenya clean
Kenya’s single-use plastic bans and what they mean for your luggage
Kenya has strict rules on single-use plastic, especially plastic carrier bags. These can be taken off you at the airport, and you might be fined, so leave them at home.
Some parks and conservation areas also ban plastic bottles and straws. I always travel with a foldable tote bag for shopping (like this cute giraffe print one!) and a metal water bottle to refill from dispensers, for cost, convenience and sustainability.
We sometimes received plastic bottles of water during our trip, but just bear in mind you can’t take them into national parks or animal areas.
Other small but mighty tips that made my Kenya trip easier
Power, plugs, and little comforts I was glad I packed
Kenya mostly uses UK-style plugs and similar voltage, which is handy. However, one of our hotels had all EU plug points, so I recommend taking a world travel adaptor rather than having to pack multiple types. Multi-USB chargers are useful, so everything powers up at once off just one plug socket.
Public toilets can be short on supplies, so I always carried tissues, wet wipes, and hand gel. They came in useful, especially in the safari parks and animal centres, and other travellers were very grateful that I offered to share! A sleep mask, earplugs, and a small travel pillow made long drives, overnight flights and hotel noise much easier to cope with too.
Kenya first-timer FAQ: quick answers before you fly
Some quick answers to the most commonly-asked questions about travelling to Kenya!
Do I need an eTA or visa for Kenya?
Most visitors now need an online eTA before flying, using the official government site. Always check rules for your passport and your route.
Is Kenya safe for solo travellers?
I found Kenya people to be friendly, but it’s important to stay street-smart. I avoided walking alone at night, used ride apps, and kept valuables tucked away. Check out more of my tips for solo travellers in this post.
Can I drink tap water in Kenya?
I didn’t drink the tap water, as advised. I stuck to bottled or filtered water for drinking, but used tap water for teeth-brushing and didn’t avoid ice in my drinks in established hotels and restaurants, and personally had no issues. But I’d recommend following local guidance, especially if you have health concerns or a sensitive stomach.
What should I tip in Kenya?
I usually tipped around 10% in restaurants and a few dollars or a few hundred shillings for porters, cleaners, drivers, and safari guides. When we had outstanding service, I tipped more, because it means so much and is really appreciated.
What is the journey from Nairobi to Nanyuki like?
By road it is roughly three to four hours depending on traffic and roadworks. By small plane it is around 45 minutes. Check out my detailed transport comparison post for this journey.
What should I wear on safari?
Light layers in neutral colours (beige, khaki, cream), closed shoes, a hat, and something warm for early mornings work well. Avoid bright white and very brightly coloured fabrics.
When is the best month to visit Kenya?
For safari, I like June to October and December to March. For beaches, December to March is hot and sunny, while June to October is warm but less sticky. It varies by location though. In December, Nanyuki was cooler with short showers, while Watamu was much hotter and sunnier.
Is Uber reliable in Kenya?
In Nairobi, Uber worked really well for me and I found it quick and low-cost, especially for the smaller vehicle Chap Chap option. In Nanyuki and Malindi it was hit-and-miss and drivers sometimes wanted to negotiate cash deals.
Kenya is one of those places that lodges itself in your mind in the best possible way. Once you understand the basics of health prep, visas, money, packing, and safety, it suddenly feels very doable, even for a short, jam-packed trip.
Use this guide as a checklist rather than a strict rulebook, and tweak it to match your own style, whether you love slow days by the pool or back-to-back game drives. Think about which tips matter most for you, then build your route, your budget, and your packing list around them. Preparation and knowledge beforehand really do make things so much easier.
Most of all, give yourself space to enjoy the moments that don’t fit any plan at all. Kenya is full of those, and they’re usually the memories you talk about for years. Before you fly, take a breath, check back over this post, then leave the stress behind and go and have an incredible trip!
Visiting multiple locations in Kenya?
Check out my transport comparison guide to journeying between Nairobi and Nanyuki.
