Kenya Safari Travel Guide

From January 2024, travelers to Kenya are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization, commonly known as eTA. This replaced the previous eVisa system and applies to most international travelers, including children and infants.

Travelers are advised to apply after confirming their flights, accommodation, or safari package. Applications may usually be submitted up to three months before arrival.

You will typically need:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date
• At least one blank passport page
• A recent passport-style photo or clear selfie
• Your email address and phone number
• Arrival and departure details
• Accommodation or safari itinerary details
• A debit card, credit card, or accepted online payment method
• Yellow fever certificate, if arriving from a yellow fever risk country

Once submitted, applicants should monitor their email for updates. After approval, you will receive confirmation with a reference number that can be used to check your application status.

Most major roads in Kenya are tarmacked, especially those connecting Nairobi to major towns and safari routes. However, the condition of roads can vary depending on the destination, weather, traffic, maintenance, and distance from major cities.

Roads inside national parks and game reserves are usually untarmacked and can be dusty during dry seasons or muddy during rainy seasons. This is part of the authentic safari experience, especially in destinations such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo, and Lake Nakuru.

Driving times are approximate and can change depending on traffic leaving Nairobi, road conditions, weather, park entry procedures, and stopovers along the way.

NLS Safaris uses safari vehicles that are suitable for long-distance travel, game drives, wildlife viewing, and photography. Most safari vehicles are designed with raised seating and pop-up roofs, allowing guests to enjoy better visibility during game drives.

Because safari involves long hours on the road and inside parks, the quality of the vehicle and guide matters. A good safari vehicle should be comfortable, reliable, spacious, and suitable for both highway driving and park terrain.

Our driver-guides help with wildlife spotting, route planning, park procedures, and general safari coordination throughout the trip.

Safari accommodation in Kenya may include hotels, lodges, tented camps, luxury camps, or premium safari properties depending on your selected package. Accommodation is usually chosen based on comfort, location, service quality, scenery, access to wildlife areas, and overall safari experience.

Safari lodges and camps are often located close to or inside national parks and reserves. Many have restaurants, lounges, swimming pools, gardens, viewing decks, bars, and comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Tented camps are usually permanent safari-style tents built on firm foundations. Many include proper beds, private bathrooms, hot showers, mosquito nets, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Accommodation standards vary from budget-friendly and midrange options to luxury and high-end safari camps. NLS Safaris will always indicate the selected accommodation options in your safari itinerary.

Avoid drinking water directly from the tap while on safari. Bottled drinking water is normally provided in the safari vehicle. Additional drinks such as sodas, beers, wines, spirits, fresh juices, and specialty coffees can usually be purchased directly at lodges and camps.

Most safari packages include meals as stated in the itinerary. In many cases, meals begin with lunch on the first day and end with lunch on the final day, depending on the package structure.

During full-day game drives or long travel days, lodges may provide packed picnic lunches. These are convenient when guests are spending the day inside the park or travelling between safari destinations.

Dietary requests such as vegetarian meals, allergies, halal meals, gluten-free options, or other special requirements should be shared in advance so that arrangements can be made with the lodges.

Safari packing should be practical, light, and comfortable. You will spend a lot of time in the safari vehicle, so clothing should be easy to wear, breathable, and suitable for both warm afternoons and cool mornings.

• Lightweight safari clothing
• Neutral colors such as khaki, beige, olive, brown, and cream
• Warm jacket or fleece for early morning and evening game drives
• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
• Hat or cap for sun protection
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Swimwear, as many lodges have swimming pools
• Personal medication
• Small flashlight
• Universal travel adapter
• Camera, memory cards, charger, and extra batteries
• Binoculars for wildlife and bird viewing

Keep important items such as passport, travel documents, money, insurance details, medication, and electronics in your hand luggage.

Kenya has strict restrictions on plastic bags. Visitors are advised not to pack items in ordinary plastic carrier bags or bring plastic shopping bags into the country.

Use cloth bags, reusable toiletry bags, fabric pouches, or waterproof non-plastic alternatives when packing. If you arrive carrying prohibited plastic bags, you may be required to surrender them.

Kenya offers excellent opportunities for wildlife, landscape, cultural, and lodge photography. You do not need the most expensive camera to take beautiful safari photos. Good photos often depend on patience, timing, practice, lighting, focus, and positioning.

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses is useful, especially for wildlife photography. A telephoto lens is helpful for animals at a distance, while a wider lens is useful for landscapes, lodge scenes, and animals in their environment.

• Camera or smartphone with good photo quality
• Telephoto lens for wildlife
• Wide lens for landscapes
• Extra batteries
• Battery charger
• Power bank
• Extra memory cards
• Lens-cleaning cloth and blower
• Protective camera bag
• Binoculars

Safari conditions can be dusty, so keep your camera equipment protected when not in use.

Kenya is a year-round safari destination. Each season offers a different experience, and the best time to travel depends on what you want to see, your budget, and your preferred travel style.

January, February, and March are generally warm and good for safari. The grass is often not too high, making wildlife easier to spot. This is also a good period for birdlife and general wildlife viewing.

April and May are part of the long rainy season. Safaris are still possible, and the scenery is often green and beautiful. Rain usually comes in bursts, but some roads may be affected.

June is a good month after the long rains. The parks are fresh, and wildlife viewing improves as the landscape begins to dry.

July to October is peak safari season, especially in the Masai Mara, because of the Great Migration. Huge herds of wildebeest and zebra move between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, although exact timing depends on weather and natural movement.

November and December bring short rains. The parks become greener again, and it can be a beautiful period for guests who prefer fewer crowds.

Safari clothing should be casual, comfortable, and easy to layer. Neutral colors are recommended because they blend well with the safari environment and do not show dust as easily.

Early mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in highland areas and during early game drives. Afternoons can be warm, so layered clothing works best.

Avoid overly bright colors where possible. Comfortable shoes are recommended because most of the safari is spent in the vehicle, with occasional short walks around lodges, viewpoints, or designated safe areas.

Most safari lodges and camps have a relaxed dress code. Smart casual clothing may be useful if you are spending time in Nairobi, Mombasa, or premium hotel properties before or after your safari.

Kenya’s local currency is the Kenyan Shilling. Major cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted in many hotels, lodges, restaurants, malls, and tourism establishments. However, it is still advisable to carry some cash for tips, local markets, small purchases, and optional activities.

USD is commonly accepted in many tourism-related businesses, especially for park fees, tips, and some optional experiences. Smaller denominations are useful for tipping and minor expenses.

You can exchange foreign currency at the airport, forex bureaus, banks, and some hotels. Exchange only what you need, and keep money secure while travelling.

Before travelling to Kenya, speak to your doctor, travel clinic, or medical specialist for current health guidance. Requirements may depend on your country of origin, travel history, and personal medical situation.

A yellow fever certificate may be required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country. Malaria prevention advice should also be discussed with a qualified medical professional.

Nairobi has good medical facilities, including international-standard hospitals. Many safari lodges and camps have access to a doctor on call or emergency support networks, but remote safari areas may have limited immediate medical facilities.

Carry personal medication in your hand luggage and bring enough for the entire trip.

Kenya uses 240V electricity and British-style three-pin plugs. Guests should carry a universal travel adapter, especially if travelling from North America, Europe, Asia, or other regions using different plug types.

In remote safari lodges and camps, electricity may be powered by generators or solar systems. Some properties switch off power during certain hours, often late at night or during the day when guests are out on game drives.

Charge phones, cameras, power banks, and other devices whenever electricity is available. Carrying extra camera batteries and a power bank is highly recommended.

Your safari guide is one of the most important parts of your safari experience. A good guide helps you understand wildlife behavior, identify animals and birds, follow the best routes, and experience the parks in a deeper way.

NLS Safaris works with knowledgeable local driver-guides who understand Kenya’s parks, roads, cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. Your guide will also help coordinate park entries, game drive timing, lodge arrivals, and route planning throughout the safari.

Kenya is a popular safari destination, but visitors should use the same common sense they would use when travelling anywhere in the world. Keep valuables secure, avoid displaying large amounts of cash, and use hotel or lodge safes where available.

Do not leave cameras, phones, bags, jewellery, or money unattended in public areas. In towns and cities, be aware of your surroundings and follow the advice of your guide or hotel staff.

While inside parks, always follow your guide’s instructions. Do not get out of the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe, and never attempt to approach or feed wildlife.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all safari guests. Your insurance should ideally cover medical emergencies, hospital care, emergency evacuation, cancellation, flight delays, lost baggage, and personal belongings.

Safaris often involve remote locations, and while serious emergencies are rare, proper insurance gives peace of mind in case unexpected situations occur before or during the trip.

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated when good service is provided. Safari guides, lodge staff, porters, waiters, and other service providers may be tipped at your discretion.

Many guests tip their safari guide at the end of the safari based on the quality of service, professionalism, knowledge, and overall experience. The amount is entirely up to the guest.

NLS Safaris can arrange airport transfers, Nairobi hotel pickups, and safari departures depending on your package. To coordinate transfers smoothly, guests should share arrival and departure flight details in advance.

Transfers may be arranged from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport, Nairobi hotels, residences, or other agreed pickup points.

Safari driving times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, weather, and park procedures.

A Masai village visit can be arranged during a Masai Mara safari. This gives guests an opportunity to learn about Maasai traditions, homes, dances, dress, community life, and cultural practices.

Village visits usually involve a direct community fee or donation paid locally. Your safari guide can advise you on the arrangement during the safari.

Kenya offers many beautiful souvenirs, including beadwork, baskets, carvings, textiles, coffee, tea, artwork, jewellery, and handmade crafts. Local markets and curio shops are popular places to shop.

Avoid buying products made from protected wildlife materials such as ivory, rhino horn, animal skins, or other illegal wildlife products. These are prohibited and can cause serious legal issues.