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KENYA

DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Kenya in a way like no other. Kenya is quintessential Africa, from the ancient Maasai tribes, to the open savannahs home to great migrations and Africa’s Big Five. The landscapes are iconic, with lone acacia trees silhouetted against blazing red sunsets, and the Great Rift Valley cracking through the continent. Dripping jungles give way to palm-fringed beaches, and you can go from snowy mountains to vast deserts in a day. Our Kenya travel experiences are filled with pinch-me moments, from seeing the spectacular pink flamingos in Lake Nakuru, to watching hippos rolling in a watering hole near your lodge in the Maasai Mara. It’s one of the best countries in Africa to see wildlife, thanks to pioneering conservation initiatives, and we’ll also get to the heart of Kenya’s communities. Meet local farmers at a coffee plantation and sample their delicious brews, and visit a Maasai village where you’ll watch the traditional jumping dance of the Maasai warriors.Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.

"Kenya is what most people imagine when they think of Africa, with incredible wildlife populations, burning red sunsets, and colourful Maasai villages"

Travel Director

Kenya at a

glance

Currency

Kenyan shilling

Winter avg temp

26°C

Summer avg temp

25°C

Time Zone

GMT +3

Capital City

Nairobi

Language

Swahili

 

Good Morning

Habari za asubuhi

Good evening

Habari za jioni

Image by Annie Spratt
Image by sutirta budiman
Image by David Clode

From the ancient Maasai tribes and local coffee farmers, to the open savannahs home to great migrations, Kenya is quintessential Africa. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and explore the Great Rift Valley, the pink flamingos of Lake Nakuru and the Big Five wildlife of the Masaai Mara.

Image by David Clode
Image by Randy Fath

Our top 3 things to do in Kenya

We’ll show you what to do in Kenya, from visiting a Maasai village and spotting the Big Five in the Maasai Mara, to seeing the pink flamingos of Lake Nakuru.

Go on a game drive at Maasai Mara National Game Reserve

A game drive through the Maasai Mara is one of the most incredible things to do in Kenya, and we’ll take you through the wilderness in search of Africa’s Big Five. You’ll spot the famous animals with the help of local experts, and even stay at a lodge with a watering hole frequented by hippos.

Connect with local farmers at a Kenyan coffee plantation

A trip to Wales offers the chance to dive into Celtic culture with our Local Specialists. They’ll show you the way of the Celts through food, music and humour, with traditional Welsh dinners and an evening of Welsh music performed by magical harpists and the finest local singers.

Visit a Maasai village

When you embark on a Kenya safari with Trafalgar, we’ll delve deeper into the culture of the country. We’ll visit a Maasai community, where you’ll meet a village elder and gain insights into their daily life. Explore a traditional cultural boma and see the red-cloaked warriors display their jumping prowess.

Best museums in Kenya

When you visit Kenya with Trafalgar, we’ll reveal the country’s history through its museums, from the prehistoric Hyrax Hill, to the history of Karen Blixen, author of ‘Out of Africa’.

Karen Blixen Museum

The Karen Blixen Museum commemorates the famous Danish author who wrote the globally renowned novel, ‘Out of Africa’. She lived in Kenya from 1917 to 1931 and ran a coffee farm from a bungalow in the Ngong Hills. The book went on to become a film, and you can see many of the props at the museum.

Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site & Museum

This incredible museum and former farmhouse displays over 400 artefacts found on Hyrax Hill, ranging from hunting tools to musical instruments. It’s a momentous historical site, where archaeological excavations have unearthed evidence of life dating back 5,000 years.

Fort Jesus

Located on the coastline of Mombasa, Fort Jesus was built in the late 1500s by the king of Portugal. The fort switched ownership many times throughout history, as countries battled for the lands of Kenya, and today the well-preserved grounds are a UNESCO-listed national park.

Best food in Kenya

Kenyan food is full of flavour, and our Local Specialists will show you the best places to try the favourites, from the classic Kenyan barbecue, to omelettes with potato fries.

Ugali

Ugali is the quintessential side dish of any Kenyan meal. It’s a doughy cornmeal porridge, typically used to dip into curries and tangy sauces, or served with salads. It’s also a classic part of Luhya wedding customs, and is traditionally served with other Kenyan delicacies on the bride’s table.

Chips Mayai

Chips mayai is Kenya’s delicious version of the omelette. It’s a popular street food across East Africa, made from an egg omelette filled with potato fries. It can also be cooked with onions, bell peppers and meat, and it’s traditionally eaten with a toothpick.

Nyama Choma

Nyama choma, or Kenyan grilled meat, is a beloved dish commonly served at Kenya festivals and family celebrations. The name means ‘roast meat’ in Swahili and goat meat is the most commonly used. You can find it everywhere from street stalls to fine restaurants, and it’s best eaten with your hands.

Mosquito repellent

Be sure to pack a strong mosquito repellent with DEET, to protect you from mosquito bites and other insects when you visit Kenya.

An adaptor plug

Voltage in Wales is 230V and the sockets are of Type G, with standard British 3-pin plugs.

Binoculars

Bring your binoculars for wildlife spotting when we take you on a safari through some of Africa’s best wildlife destinations, including the Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru.

Biodegradable bags

Plastic bags are banned in Kenya, so you’ll need to use carry bags made with biodegradable materials such as cotton. Be sure to avoid using Ziploc bags when passing through the airport.

Versatile clothing

Pack a variety of long, light-coloured layers so you can easily go from chilly morning game drives, to scorching afternoon sunshine on your Kenya safari.

What to pack for Kenya

Image by Alice Donovan Rouse

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Road Trip Adventures

Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!

Guide to Kenya Visa Application

Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for Kenya and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.

  This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.

Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience! 

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