Kenya travel guide for first-time visitors

Kenya is an easy country for a first safari: international flights land in Nairobi, the Masai Mara, Amboseli and the Rift Valley lakes are within reach by road or light aircraft, and the coast at Diani makes a relaxed finish. Most visitors need an eTA and, from 5 October 2026, Kenyan government travel health insurance. Seven to twelve nights is a comfortable first trip.

Who Kenya suits

Kenya suits first-time safari travellers who want strong wildlife sightings without complicated logistics, photographers drawn to big cats and elephants, families who want to mix parks with a beach, and couples planning a honeymoon. Walkers can add Mount Kenya, and history lovers can explore the Swahili coast. See the Kenya destination page for an overview of regions.

Entry and visa overview (as of November 2026)

• Rules depend on your nationality. Most visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling through the official Kenya eTA portal; citizens of several East African countries and some other nationalities are exempt for set periods.
• Apply at least two weeks ahead; the portal says applications are usually processed in about three working days.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival and, according to the UK Foreign Office, have at least two blank pages.
• Most visitors staying under 12 months must buy Kenyan government travel health insurance, through the eTA application or the eCitizen insurance portal. Costs are covered in our Kenya trip cost guide.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Gateway airports

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi: the main international gateway.
• Wilson Airport, Nairobi: light-aircraft and domestic flights, including many safari flights to the Masai Mara.
• Moi International Airport (MBA), Mombasa: for the coast, including Diani, Watamu and Fort Jesus.
• Airstrips inside or near the parks, such as Kimana for Amboseli, are served by light aircraft.

Practical essentials

Getting around

Most safaris use a 4x4 or pop-top vehicle with a driver-guide. Kenya Wildlife Service puts Amboseli around 204 km from Nairobi by road via Emali, and road transfers to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha are straightforward. The Masai Mara is a long drive, so many travellers fly from Wilson Airport instead. The Madaraka Express railway links Nairobi and Mombasa, and domestic flights connect the capital with the coast.

The UK Foreign Office advises using the Mombasa Road or Nairobi Expressway between the airport and the city, driving with doors locked and windows closed, and avoiding night driving where possible. It notes that long-distance buses and matatus (minibuses) have had serious accidents.

Suggested routes by trip length

Before you fix the order, check our best time to visit Kenya guide; the Mara is busiest and most expensive from July to October.

Etiquette and culture

• Greet people before asking for anything; a simple jambo (hello) goes a long way.
• Ask before photographing people, including in Maasai villages, and agree any fee in advance.
• On the coast and in Lamu, dress modestly in town, covering shoulders and knees, and be respectful during Ramadan.
• It is illegal to photograph official buildings, including embassies, and airports.
• Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and public displays of affection could lead to arrest, according to the UK Foreign Office.
• Buying or trading products made from protected wildlife is illegal.

Health and safety

• See a travel-health adviser well before you go to discuss malaria prevention and vaccinations, and carry proof of yellow fever vaccination if required.
• Follow park rules: walking near wildlife is risky, and swimming in rivers and lakes inside national parks is illegal.
• The UK Foreign Office warns of a heightened terrorism threat across Kenya and advises against all travel to some border areas, including Mandera County, parts of Wajir and Garissa counties and Lamu County except Lamu Island and Manda Island.
• None of those warnings name the main safari parks, but check the official maps if your route goes beyond the usual circuit.
• In Nairobi, avoid walking alone in isolated areas and do not resist if someone tries to snatch a bag.
• Read the latest UK Foreign Office advice for Kenya or your own government's equivalent before travelling.

Practical tips

• Pack layers: Nairobi and early game drives are cool, while the coast is hot and humid.
• Use a soft bag for light-aircraft flights and ask your specialist about weight limits.
• Book popular experiences, such as the Giraffe Centre or a Mara balloon flight, before you arrive in busy months.
• Carry small notes for tips and markets, and keep your eTA and insurance documents on your phone and on paper.
• Combine Kenya with Tanzania or Rwanda if you have time; our Rwanda page covers gorilla trekking.

Ready to plan? Tell us when you want to go and what matters most, and we will shape a Kenya itinerary for you, or send a custom request for a multi-country trip.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. GOV.UK (FCDO) — Kenya travel advice: entry requirements
2. Republic of Kenya — Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) portal
3. Republic of Kenya eTA — General information and exemptions
4. GOV.UK (FCDO) — Kenya travel advice
5. GOV.UK (FCDO) — Kenya travel advice: safety and security
6. US Department of State — Kenya international travel information
7. Kenya Wildlife Service — Amboseli National Park
8. Wikipedia — Mains electricity by country (background)