Est. 1970
Kenya
As a holiday destination, Kenya has it all. There are beaches of the best sort - dazzling sand, palm trees and the gentle, warm Indian Ocean. There are the cool highland regions, temperate despite their tropical location. There are lush forests blanketing the ancient bedrock of the Aberdare mountain range, with treetop lodges among them. There's snow on the equator, on the imperious crags of Mount Kenya. There's the devastatingly dramatic sight of the Great Rift Valley, where the ground falls away and stretches out in miles of savannah and where the lakes are coloured white by pelicans and pink by flamingos.
The wildlife in Kenya is legendary - this is the home of safari. There are a large number of national parks to choose from, each distinctive from the next thanks to Kenya's vast range of habitats; red dust and elephants in Tsavo; the stunning silhouette of Kilimanjaro serving as a backdrop to wildlife in Amboseli; cheetahs and their chases over the immense plains of the Masai Mara; lions amidst the fever trees in Meru - home to Elsa of Born Free fame; leopards along the river in the otherwise stark and arid Samburu.
All this and culture too - the coast in particular is rich in history. It's where all visitors once arrived. Arab and Indian traders reached the Kenya coast in the 9th century, and their mingled heritage led to the distinctive Swahili culture that characterises the coast to this day. The history of the interior is equally compelling, both tribal and national, and there are stories to be heard at every bar in every town, in edgy, buzzy Nairobi or relaxed, charming Mombasa.
The main problem for travellers to Kenya is how to fit it all in. Beach holiday or luxury safari? It would be a tragedy to have one without the other.
Kenya Luxury holiday
Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Kenya, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0611.
Amboseli
Great Rift Valley
Kenya National Parks & Reserves
Kenyan Coast
Lake Naivasha
Lake Nakuru
Masai Mara
Mombasa
Mount Kenya
Nairobi
The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0611.
Weather
March to May is rainy season, October to December is also rainy to a lesser extent. Coastal areas are hot and humid all year, the higher regions are more temperate. January and February are hot and dry.
Festivals
Nairobi hosts a Cultural Music Festival in August. A food festival, the Uhondo Africa, is held in July, featuring world and Kenyan cuisine. The Dugong festival is held in May in Lamu, to raise money to save the dugong: activities include dhow racing, watersports and feasts. Nairobi and Mombasa hold autumn Carnivals.
Food & drink
Strong on meat, including game. Nyama choma (charcoal grilled meat, usually goat) is extremely popular. Ugali (maize meal porridge) is a staple. Chai (tea) and beers (particularly Tusker) are popular.
Etiquette
Western habits are a hangover of British influence in the country. Friendly people. Casual dress.
Safety
Generally safe, although there are high crime rates in the capital. Avoid travelling at night and to border reasons as there is an increased risk of banditry. Political demonstrations or public gatherings should also be avoided. In 2008, the elections led to tribal and political clashes. Seek latest advice.International airport
Nairobi (NBO) 13 km from the city, Mombasa (MBA) 13 km from the city.
Internal travel
Extensive network of domestic flights. Train between Nairobi and Mombasa. Buses, matatus (mini-buses) and shared taxis. Car hire available.
Visa
(UK/US) Required.Vaccination
BCG, Cholera, Diphtheria, Hep. A, Hep. B, Malaria, Meningitis, Polio, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever3.Driving
If bringing your own vehicle a free three-month permit will need to be obtained at the border, as long as you have a carnet de passage for it. Full British driving licence valid, otherwise an International Driving Permit.Capital
Nairobi.Language
Swahili and English.People
About 70 different ethnic groups, with the Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin and Kamba most prominent. Europeans and Asians form 1% of the population.Religion
Largely Christian (Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%), also Muslim and indigenous beliefs.Size
582,650.Population
36,913,721.Population density
63.3.Life expectancy
M 55.24, F 55.37.Currency
Kenya shilling (KSh) = 100 cents.Finance
Major credit cards and traveller’s cheques widely accepted.Business hours
0800-1300, 1400-1700 Monday-Friday.Time difference
+3.Voltage
240 AC, 50Hz.International dial code
254.The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Kenya. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0611.
The Wild North & The Masai Mara
Kenya Air Safari
Kenya Safari and Coast
Kenya Safari and Beach break
Amboseli, Meru & the Mara
East Africa Safari
Kenya & Tanzania Adventure
Classic Kenya Safari
Gorillas & Masai Mara
Masai Mara Long Weekend
The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Kenya. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Kenya, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0611.
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Satao Elerai Camp, Amboseli
Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Masai Mara
Kinondo Kwetu, Kenya
Elephant Pepper Camp, Masai Mara
Joy's Camp, Kenya
Saruni Samburu, Kenya
Serena Mountain Lodge, Mount Kenya
Olonana Tented Camp, Masai Mara
Kicheche Mara Camp, Masai Mara
Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara
The types of holiday listed below are just a flavour of the experiences available in Kenya. We can also suggest and plan alternative types of holiday to take into account your individual interests. To start planning what to do whilst away, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0611.
Activity & adventure holidays
History and culture
Spa breaks
Belinda Gillings - Africa Specialist
To make an enquiry or to start planning your trip talk to our team of specialists on 020 7590 0611
WHEN TO GO
- BEST
TIME - GOOD
TIME - SOME LIMITATIONS
Essential Experiences (8)
Recommended Itineraries (5)
Africa Africa
