One of the most magical and achingly beautiful countries in the world, Kenya is an incredible travel destination known for its diverse landscapes, dazzling light, spectacular variety of animals and friendly people. Kenya is considered a safe destinations but nevertheless this is a detailed guide for you especially if you are visiting Kenya for the first time.

Kenya Visas

You will need a visa when visiting Kenya if you are a citizen of the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada or any other EU country. As with most travel destinations, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date out of Kenya, with at least two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport. Kenya visa costs around £30 or $50 and can be bought on arrival in Nairobi.

Mandatory Medication and Vaccinations Needed

1. Malaria

Whilst Nairobi and some other highland areas are relatively low-risk malaria zones, malaria in Kenya (as well as many areas of East Africa) is endemic so it is recommended that you obtain anti-malaria medication before you depart from your medical doctor or other health authority.

2. Vaccinations

If you are travelling around Africa you will need to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever and you may even be required to show your Yellow Fever certificate on entry in Kenya, so be sure to get one before you depart on your travels! The Yellow Fever jab lasts 10 years and must be administered at least 10 days before departure. This vaccine is recommended for children 9 months and older.

3. Medications

It’s always a good idea to pack your own small medical kit to have on hand for any minor travel-related ailments such as headaches or hay fever. If you need to take prescription medication please ensure that you pack enough supplies to last your entire holiday, as it may be difficult to get hold of specialized medication in remote areas.

Things you should know about Kenya

1. Language

Kenya is a multilingual country with Swahili and English being spoken as the two official languages.

2. Weather

Kenya is situated close to the equator so does not experience a real winter or summer season. The country has a pleasant tropical climate but can vary greatly depending on several factors, particularly altitude. The hottest time of the year is from mid-December through to March, with the coolest period from late June until October. The long rains fall from late April throughout May to early June, with the short rains falling from November until mid-December.

3. Currency And Credit Cards

Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KSh) which comprises of a 100 Cents. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Make sure to check with your bank that your Visa or MasterCard has no foreign transaction fees.