Kenya

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Kenya is in the eastern part of Africa and probably the most popular destination in East Africa along with Tanzania. It is known for safari with Masai Mara being the top choice, the same park where the movie Lion King was inspired from. It is one of the best places to see the Big 5. Its capital, Nairobi, is one of the most modern cities in Africa.

Other Info Highlights Unique Experience Type of Travel Least Favorite Planning  Getting here Safety Getting around

Other
Information

CURRENCY

Kenyan Shillings (KSH)
(1 USD is about 100 KSH)

LANGUAGE AND POPULATION

Swahili and English

Capital City

Nairobi is the capital and the country population as
of 2019 is 50.8 million.

Plugs and Sockets

Tanzania uses Type G plugs and sockets.

SIZE

582,644 sqm or about the same size as Spain

Highlights

01 WILDLIFE
02 CONCENTRATION OF BIG 5
03 BEACH
04 MODERN NAIROBI CITY

Top 5 Destinations

01 MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
02 AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
03 MOMBASA CITY FOR THE BEACHES
04 CRESENT ISLAND IN LAKE NAIVASHA
05 KAREN BLIXEN HOUSE AND DAVID SHELDRICK’S ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE IN NAIROBI

Unique Experience

• See how the Masai Mara tribe lives

• See the nightlife in Nairobi

• For meat lovers, try Nyama Choma, grilled meat with Ugali

• Try a Kenyan home-made soft chapati

Type of Travel

• Use of tour operators is recommended in safaris

• Group joining safari tour is common and a tour to Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru is a popular choice

• Lots of hotels in Nairobi city including Airbnb options and some hostels

• Safari destinations have public camping sites, budget tented camps, as well as mid-range and luxury accommodation

• Nairobi city, as well as Mombasa, is easily accessible by public transportation

Least Favorite

• Quality of food for the lunchboxes in safari is “meh”, which are either deep-fried options or boring sandwiches especially for vegetarians

• Traffic in Nairobi

• The quality of mid-range and luxury hotels, in general, is okay but maintenance can be improved. We find Tanzania standards to be better.

Planning Your Trip

Planning Your Trip

BUDGET

Around 1,300-1,600 USD per person for 7 days all-inclusive tour, lodge, meals for mid-range rooms for a safari.

ITINERARY SUGGESTION

Allot at least 5 full days and include at least 2-3 parks to get a better variety in your safari.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

The best time to go for a safari and in general is off-season around September or October or April to May though it might rain in some days.

Getting Here

International flights to Kenya fly into

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Moi International Airport
Most visitors get to Kenya through Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Several major airlines, including Kenya’s own, Kenya Airways offer flights from Europe, the United States, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and of course other African countries.
FROM NORTH AMERICA
Kenya Airways, Emirates Airlines, KLM, British Airways, and Qatar Airways. All flights go from the United States to Nairobi through Europe, so you will have to change planes. During the low season, return tickets from New York to Nairobi can cost as little as US$1100.
FROM EUROPE
Kenya Airways, Swiss Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates Airlines, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways are the most popular carriers. Most flights are non-stop and will land at either of the International Airports.
FROM ASIA, THE FAR EAST
Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Air India, and Emirates Airlines, are popular airlines that fly Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.The most common point of entry is the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi while flights can also come in at its second international Airport, the Moi International Airport located in Mombasa.

Safety & Security

• Kenya is a generally safe destination especially the tourist areas. The capital, Nairobi is one of the most modern cities in Africa and plenty of foreigners and expats live there

• Use your common sense when traveling and don’t venture out in unknown destinations without doing proper research or consulting with a trusted local or tour operator

• Don’t deal with anyone claiming to sell tours. Only book with legally-registered companies with good reviews

• Best to use Uber for your public transportation needs. If you want to try the city buses for the experience, do so in daylight and avoid the rush hour

Getting Around

• Nairobi is the capital and also the starting point of all your trips. From there, a drive to Masai Mara will take about 6hrs. You can drive or take a bus to Mombasa from Nairobi or take a flight. Mombasa has international flights too so you can fly out from there.

• Uber is very common in Nairobi as well as Boda-boda (motorbike taxi), and Chapchap, a smaller private vehicle. All these can be booked through the Uber app

• Matatu (shared minivans) are common for locals but they’re often way too overloaded. It’s great for the experience though

• Land travel between cities is convenient by bus in good condition as well as through local flights. Crossing borders by land to neighboring countries such as a shuttle from Arusha to Nairobi and Nairobi to Kampala or is also easy and common.

Kenya reminds us of the Lion King, so coming here feels like reliving a nice childhood memory

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