Kenya Travel Planner

Where is Kenya?

  1. Approximate Population of Kenya: 52,573,973


Hotels in Nairobi


Nairobi is the capital of Kenya

Nairobi has an approximate population of around 4,397,073 people and you can typically expect to pay around £1.62p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.

About Nairobi in Kenya: Nairobi, the capital of Kenya is situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean, serving as the junction for East and West Africa. Along with its urban centre, the city includes Nairobi National Park, an enormous game reserve renowned for housing giraffes, lions and elephants. Further to this is a well-known elephant orphanage run by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an attraction that draws hundreds of safari enthusiasts every year. To the north lies Lake Nakuru, one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa, which acts as a feeding ground for many migratory birds.

A major part of what makes Nairobi such a wonderful place to visit is its stunning coastline. On the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya lies the Kenyan coast. The coastal city of Mombasa has become a popular visitor's destination in recent years due to the availability of a number of luxury resorts and other forms of accommodation. Mombasa is also home to Lake Naivasha, which serves as another vital gateway to the equator. Across the Indian Ocean and onto the Indian mainland is the majestic Zimani National Park. Here tourists can view elephant, giraffe and hippo safaris and take part in activities including diving, snorkelling, swimming and camping.

The coastal city of Mombasa was until very recently largely neglected, but following the building of a swanky marina in the city in the late 1960's business boomed and the city quickly gained a reputation for being a hot tourist destination. Mombasa's harbor has a large wharf that caters to both yachts and cruise ships. Swimming here is highly recommended and there are several sport fishing charters in the area. Visitors who wish to shop can stop by at the Boma Shopping Mall, which offers top notch western goods and gifts from around the world. Other stores in the mall include a giant supermarket, hotels, bars and restaurants.

What vaccinations do I need before travelling to Kenya

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Kenya are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel to Kenya

For up to date information around safety and security in Kenya read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Kenya.

Kenya Flights


Best time to visit Kenya?

The best wildlife viewing months in Kenya are during the Dry season from late June to October. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Festivals in Kenya

The Jade Sea, a popular name for Lake Turkana, is the setting for the annual Pawa Festival, an outdoor, cultural celebration. The festival aims to promote a healthy film industry in Kenya and foster cinema going culture among locals. It also debunks the popular misconception that Kenyans do not enjoy local content. Besides celebrating indigenous culture, the Pawa Festival also features dance and song performances, and a traditional Swahili wedding.

The Tom Mboya Mausoleum is the site of the festival. This celebration is held to honor the outstanding statesman of Kenya. It draws people from more than 14 different communities to celebrate their customs and way of life. The festival is also a great place to experience Swahili cuisine and dhow sailing. Its location makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers, and there are no shortage of places to enjoy the festivities.

If you're looking for a fun-filled festival in Kenya, you should try one of the country's many cultural celebrations. Many of the festivals are held in the national capital, Nairobi. The main reason behind the popularity of such events is that they provide excellent entertainment for local residents. As such, these celebrations are announced widely on TV, radio, and social media. Some of these festivals even have dedicated websites. For more information, contact the festival organizers for further details.

One of the most popular festivals in Kenya is the Lake Turkana Festival. It's known for its colour, magnificent displays of ethnic diversity, and overall atmosphere of happiness. The festival was established to promote community harmony and break a long history of hostility between eight pastoral tribes. Its aim is to foster cross-cultural cooperation. If you're looking for a unique experience, the Maralal International Camel Derby is for you.

Some of the most popular and colorful festivals in Kenya are held in Lamu and Kisumu. Visitors to Kenya should plan their trip around the dates of the festival. If you're visiting Kenya during a special festival, consider a visit to the Lamu Old Town, which is one of the country's oldest towns. This city, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001, is famous for its narrow streets and palatial stone buildings with striking curved doors. The town is located in a remote area, so you can reach it by dhows, handcarts, and walking.

While you're in Kenya, take time to visit the Mombasa Carnival. The city is one of the most famous in the world, with colourful parades and incredible costumes. You'll love the music, dance, and food. The Koroga Festival takes place in November, and is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. The festival is held at the port of Mombasa and is the most popular in Kenya. There's no better way to experience the diversity of ethnic groups and cultures in the country.

Kenya Trips & Guided Tours


Kenya Tourist Attractions

Do I need a Visa?

You need a visa to enter Kenya. You can either get a visa on arrival at the airport, or before you travel.You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the evisas website.

See which forms you may need for entry into Kenya.

What currency do i need for Kenya?

The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Kenya you can grab amazing Kenyan Shilling deals via Wise.com (GBP to KES).

What wildlife live in Kenya?

Elephant, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, lion, rhinoceros, giraffe, hyena, jackal, antelope, warthog, wildebeest, baboon, monkey, zebra, hippopotamus, giraffe, Grevy's zebra, vervet monkey, Colobus monkey, leopard.

What is the traditional food of Kenya?

Swahili food? Although there is not a specific national cuisine, there are two national dishes: ugali and nyama choma. Maize (corn) is a Kenyan staple and the main ingredient of ugali , which is thick and similar to porridge. Many Kenyans eat this on a daily basis.

What Languages are spoken in Kenya?

Swahili serves as a national language of Kenya. You can learn some basic Swahili before you travel to Kenya and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip in Kenya?

The currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (Tip what you feel is appropriate and what has been deserved, and please tip in Kenyan Shillings as most staff find it difficult to change foreign currency, and they lose some of their hard earned tip in commission to the money changer. Also please note they cannot change foreign coins at all.).

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Useful Numbers

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 999
  • Ambulance: 999
  • Fire: 999
  • UK Embassy: +254 20 2873000

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    Time Difference

    What is the time difference?

    The GMT time difference is 3 hours

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    Learn Swahili

    How can i learn Swahili?

    Learn some Swahili before your trip to Kenya


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