Think of Kenya, and your mind instantly fills with exquisite scenes of safari jeeps and beautiful beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean
If you are planning a trip to this East African gem, here is everything you need to know to make the most of a trip, from clothing and useful phrases to what travel documents you will need.
The New ETA system
The Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) has replaced the Kenya eVisa and is a semi-automated system that establishes a visitor’s eligibility to travel to Kenya. All visitors visiting the country must be in possession of an eTA before beginning their journey. The Government of Kenya mandates that eTA applications be submitted at least three days before travel to ensure enough time for authorization. To be on the safe side (things happen), we advise travellers to submit their applications three months before travel or as soon as they’ve booked their transport and accommodation tickets.
Here is the key information required for an eTA application:
- Valid Passport
- A recent passport picture OR a selfie taken during the application process
- Travel information and flight itinerary (arrival flight number, date of departure of initial flight in case of connecting flights).
- Proof of booking for the hotel you will be staying at (if staying with friends, a letter of invitation is accepted).
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic countries (please check the WHO website for the updated list of countries).
- Contact details (home address, telephone, email).
- Credit or debit card information for payment, if applicable
Please note that at present, eTAs are non-transferable and require reapplication for each visit.
Single Use Plastic in the country
Please note that plastic bags are banned in Kenya so you should avoid bringing plastic bags into the country. Being in possession of a plastic bag is an offence and offenders could be penalised. Visitors are advised to avoid packing any plastic bags in their suitcases or in carry-on hand luggage before flying to Kenya. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should also be removed from plastic bags. All single-use plastics, such as plastic water bottles and straws, are banned in all national Parks, forests, beaches and conservation areas.
Travellers coming into Kenya with plastic duty-free shopping bags will also be required to leave them at the airport. Please check hand luggage before disembarking, and any plastic bags (including the transparent ziplock plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, toiletries, etc) should be left on the plane. This does not apply to people in transit.
What to pack and wear
To take the stress out of packing, our Somak Safari specialists have shared their essentials to pack for an African safari, having explored Africa extensively, and these are as follows:
- A Sarong, which can double up as a scarf
- Sunglasses
- Antibacterial gel
- A hat
- T-shirts and cotton shirts
- Shorts/skirts
- Long trousers/linen trousers
- Good comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals
- A swimming costume – there are amazing pools at some hotels and lodges
- Light waterproof jacket for the evening
- Smart/Casual clothing to wear to the dining room in some resorts
- Camera and video equipment, memory cards and spare batteries. If you have a GoPro or similar action camera, these would be great tool
- Binoculars
- Malaria tablets
- Sun block lotion
- Insect repellent
- Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and anti-histamine cream, etc.)
- Tissues and wet wipes
- A good torch and spare batteries
Please note that the standard voltage in Kenya is 240 volts with a standard frequency of 50Hz and the associated plug type is G so if you are travelling from the UK you won’t need a travel adaptor plug.
Malaria – Basic info for every traveller
Malaria precautions are essential when planning your trip. Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets and how far in advance of your trip to take them. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers, especially after sunset. Apply insect repellents to exposed skin, and, when necessary, sleep under a mosquito net.
Some helpful phrases to know
Kenya is a multilingual country, with English and Swahili being the official languages. While many locals speak both languages fluently, learning a few Swahili words will impress the Kenyan people. Your effort, regardless of whether you are pronouncing it the right way, will be received with a big smile.
Here are some words to get you started:
- Hujambo or simply Jambo = means Hello
- Habari = Hello, how are you? (a common way of greeting)
- Poa sana or mzuri sana = I’m good/fine
- Hakuna Matata = It’s alright / no problem
- Asante (sana) = thank you (very much)
- Karibu = welcome
- Hatari = danger
- Pole = sorry
- Hapana = no
- Ndio = yes
Now that you’re in the know about travel to Kenya, we have an amazing safari offer for travel in a few months for a 7-night safari covering five of Kenya’s prime game-viewing areas, paired with a 5-night all-inclusive Zanzibar beach holiday.
12 Nights: Kenya’s Incredible Cheetah Safari & All-Inclusive Zanzibar Holiday from £4089 per person
Enjoy the best of Kenya’s world-famous game viewing with this amazing week-long tour of diverse safari destinations encompassing stunning landscapes ranging from rolling hills and mountainous areas to dry deserts and lush savannahs.
Your safari will begin in the picturesque Aberdares Range, then move on to an area with some of the most unique wildlife in Kenya, Samburu. You will also visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy on the foothills of Mount Kenya, home to sanctuaries for chimpanzees and rhinos.
Next is the amazing Lake Naivasha, known for its amazing bird life and pods of hippos, until you finally reach the famous Masai Mara, known as one of the best places to see the big cats, as well as a wide range of other game such as zebra, wildebeest, elephant, and rhino.
After your thrilling safari is over, you still have five nights of blissful beach holidays ahead of you at Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa on the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar along the Ziwengwa shoreline, which offers an idyllic locale for relaxation.
- Meet and Greet on arrival in Nairobi
- 1 Night in Aberdares at Ark Lodge
- 2 Nights in Samburu at Ashnil Samburu Camp
- 1 Night in Aberdares at Aberdare Country Club
- 1 Night at Lake Naivasha in Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
- 2 Nights in Masai Mara at Ashnil Mara Camp
- Varied meals plans
- Safari game drives in 4×4 vehicle on shared basis
- All Transfers Included
- All Park fees, game drives
- AMREF Flying Doctors
- 5 Nights Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa – Deluxe Garden Side Partial Ocean View Room- All Inclusive
- All Transfers Included
- Return International Flights on Kenya Airways Heathrow – Nairobi – Zanzibar – Nairobi – Heathrow
- Airport taxes and surcharges included. Regional supplements apply
Please enquire for up to date Prices
