Enchanting Kenya holidays

Yes, Kenya is generally safe for travellers, especially in established safari areas such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Laikipia and the coast. These regions are stable, well-regulated and welcome thousands of international visitors each year.

We suggest taking the same sensible precautions you would anywhere else: use registered guides, avoid isolated urban areas at night and keep your valuables secure.

Safari regions, lodges and private conservancies maintain strong security, and Kenya’s main tourist areas remain calm and well-patrolled even during periods of wider political tension. Such tensions tend to be brief, centred around election cycles or demonstrations in Nairobi and other cities, and they seldom impact established safari circuits.

To visit Kenya, most travellers will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This costs from US$30 and must be completed before arrival.

For multi-country safaris, the East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) allows travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda on a single 90-day visa. Citizens of East African Community countries enter Kenya visa-free.

Kenya is a year-round destination. The best time depends on your interests. The dry season (June to October and January to March) is favored by some as the vegetation is clearer and wildlife is easier to spot. If you’re here for The Great Migration, this occurs sometime between July and October, depending on rainfall. The wet season offers a lush landscape, making it a popular time of year with photographers, birders and those who prefer their travel a little more unpredictable.

Coastal areas such as Lamu and Diani stay warm year-round, with the best beach conditions from January to March and July to October, and wetter, more humid weather during the April to June long rains.

Most travellers consider malaria prophylaxis, routine vaccinations (such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles-mumps-rubella and hepatitis A) and, depending on travel history, a yellow fever certificate. There are plenty of pharmacies but we do suggest that you bring all medication you may require with you.

Kenya’s safari areas are well served by medical facilities and most lodges have first-aid staff. Outside the lodges, towns and cities have clinics and private hospitals with good standards of care, though remote areas may require medical evacuation for anything serious.

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for all travellers and we recommend consulting a travel-health professional before your trip.

Masai Mara for big cats and the Great Migration, Amboseli for elephants and ‘big tuskers’, Laikipia for conservation-focused experiences, Samburu and Tsavo for experiences off-the-beaten-path. Each region offers a different style of safari and we suggest exploring two (or more if you can!).

Safari prices have many variables, including season, lodge, logistics, conservancy fees, and group size. Most safari rates include game drives, meals, park fees and guiding, so the essentials of your experience are covered. You might want to add something extra special, such as a hot-air balloon ride!

As a general guide:

Backpacker (US$150 to 250 per night) — Basic accommodation outside the parks, larger group vehicles and a simple, no-frills way to experience Kenya’s wildlife on a tight budget.

Budget (US$250 to $350 per night) — Simple camps, shared vehicles and an affordable way to explore Kenya’s top parks.

Mid-range (US$350 to $600 per night) — Comfortable lodges, thoughtful touches and a strong balance of comfort and cost.

High-end (US$700 to $1,500+ per night) — Boutique camps, private conservancies for a more intimate safari experience, elevated service and exclusivity.

Ultra-luxury (US$1,500 to $3,000+ per night) — Kenya’s finest lodges, private vehicles, and fly-in access to some of Kenya’s most remote wilderness.

To blend into the landscape and avoid the dust and insects, we suggest you wear light or neutral-coloured clothing, with a warm layer for chilly early mornings, comfortable walking shoes and long socks, a brimmed hat and sun protection.

If you’re taking bush flights, you’ll need to use a soft-sided bag. Binoculars, a reusable water bottle and a light rain jacket are also useful. Many lodges provide toiletries, drinking water and laundry service.

A thoughtful approach to travel helps ensure Kenya’s wildlife and communities thrive. Our partners prioritise conservation, restoration and community, ensuring your trip has a positive footprint. It’s important to respect wildlife-viewing guidelines, avoid exploitative encounters and, if you want a souvenir, to purchase crafts directly from local artisans.

This will depend on your itinerary, which we’ll provide in detail. Usually, your guides, vehicles, accommodation, park entry fees, many meals and soft drinks are included.

Yes! We specialize in creating multi-country journeys and gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience we highly recommend. Extend your holiday in Kenya with a trip to Rwanda (or Uganda) to see the world’s only mountain gorillas in the wild.