Ultimate Guide to Tourism in Kenya (Travel Guide)

KENYA is one of the major tourist centers in Africa. If you’re looking for an authentic African experience, Kenya is the place for you. It’s a country full of diverse landscapes and cultures, along with some unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Why Kenya?

Other nations may boast of high mountains, big game reserves, exclusive lodges, and exotic culture, but Kenya’s decades of experience puts it at the top of many travelers’ lists. With an understanding that its people are as important as its wildlife, the East African nation creates the perfect holiday with her vast grasslands which are safari-classic.

Where to visit?

Many tourists start their journey in Nairobi, the capital city, but few linger where there are more attractive cities along Kenya’s sun-kissed coast. Whether you settle for the interior or the coast, you can be sure to find a national park or reserve close by! To experience the romance of Kenya’s most evocative and exciting destinations, visit:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve (also called Masai Mara) is one of Africa’s most magnificent game reserves. The park is famous for providing excellent predator sightings, thanks to its relatively large populations of hippos, crocodiles, lion, cheetah, and leopard – especially in the dry months from December through February. Thanks to the park’s altitude, the weather here is mild and gentle year-round.
• Amboseli National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most popular tourist parks. The reserve is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Other wildlife commonly spotted in the park includes big cats, such as lion and cheetah, as well as giraffe, impala, eland, waterbuck, gazelle, and more than 600 species of birds.
• Nairobi:

• Maasai Mara National Reserve (also called Masai Mara) is one of Africa’s most magnificent game reserves. The park is famous for providing excellent predator sightings, thanks to its relatively large populations of hippos, crocodiles, lion, cheetah, and leopard – especially in the dry months from December through February. Thanks to the park’s altitude, the weather here is mild and gentle year-round.
• Amboseli National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most popular tourist parks. The reserve is one of the best places in Africa to view large herds of elephants up close. Other wildlife commonly spotted in the park includes big cats, such as lion and cheetah, as well as giraffe, impala, eland, waterbuck, gazelle, and more than 600 species of birds.
• Nairobi: Craving some cultural attractions in Kenya? You’ll find several worthwhile places to visit in Nairobi. The Nairobi National Museum is a great one-stop spot to see exhibits on Kenya’s history, and contemporary art. Another popular tourist attraction is the Karen Blixen Museum, the restored residence of the famous Danish author of the book Out of Africa, also known by her pen name, Isak Dinesen. To see wildlife without going far from the city center, visit Nairobi National Park, now a black rhino sanctuary and also home to a diversity of other African wildlife.

Kenya Visa Price

There is currently no-issuance of visas at Kenyan embassies or at points of entry. Visa to Kenya can be obtained through the official eVisa website. N.B. Children under the age of 16 years and accompanying their parents are exempted from payment of visa fees and are not expected to make visa applications. Only their valid travel documents will be required at the point of entry.

Distance from airport to cities

By car: The distance from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport to the center of the city (Nairobi Central Business District) is 18 kilometers/11.2 miles. Travel time via the busy Mombasa Road is 30 to 60 minutes.

Public transport (Bus to Nairobi): From Terminal 1 you can travel by bus to the center of Nairobi. Bus number 34 operated by Citi Hoppa connects the airport with the city. (The buses can be recognized by the green-yellow colors and are slightly larger than the “matatu” buses you’ll find everywhere in Kenya.) Bus number 34 runs every 20 to 30 minutes in the direction of the city center and Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport. Travel time to the terminus “Ambassadeur” is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, this bus stop is located in the city center close to Ambassadeur Hotel and Kencom House. The last bus from the airport leaves at 21:00 hours, the first bus from the city departs at around 06:00 hours. Tickets are available from the bus driver and cost 50 KES (Kenyan shilling) for a single journey.

Train/Commuter Rail Service to Nairobi: Since December 2020, it became possible to travel by train service JKIA Express from the airport to Nairobi, even though the airport does not have its own train station. From Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, you can take the shuttle bus to Embakasi Village railway station via Airport South Road, Taj Mall Roundabout, and Airport North Road. The BRT Bus Rapid Transit shuttle buses are operated by Nairobi Commuter Rail Service and are only accessible to rail passengers. A bus ride takes 15 minutes, from Embakasi Village it is a 20 to 25 minutes train ride to Nairobi Central.

Train/Madaraka Express to Mombasa: Nairobi Terminus railway station is located 6 kilometers/3.7 miles southwest of the airport, where you can catch a train to the port city of Mombasa. The Madaraka Express train runs twice a day between Nairobi Terminus and Mombasa Terminus, a direct train (travel time: 5 hours) and a commuter train (travel time: 6 hours). 

Overall, here are 10 things to know before traveling to Kenya:

1. Bartering is mostly accepted
2. Keep in mind that the roads are not like those in the U.S
3. Don’t Miss Out On Nairobi
4. Watch Out For Insects
5. The Food Might Affect Your Stomach
6. Don’t Draw Attention To Yourself
7. You’ll Need To Get Your Injections
8. You Will Probably Need A Visa
9. Be Sure To Go On Safari
10. There Are Two Rainy Seasons

Enjoy your trip.