Question 1

When is the best time to visit Kenya?

Accepted Answer

Kenya has two dry seasons that are ideal for safari: the long dry season from late June to October (peak wildlife viewing and the Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara from July to October) and the shorter dry season from January to early March (excellent for the Mara, Amboseli and Laikipia, with great weather for the coast). Avoid the long rains (April–May) when many camps close. The short rains (November) are brief and rarely disrupt safaris.

Question 2

How many days do I need for a Kenya safari?

Accepted Answer

A classic 7–10 day trip combines the Maasai Mara (3 nights), Amboseli or Laikipia (2–3 nights), and a 3–4 night beach extension to Diani or Lamu. For a deeper experience add Samburu, Lewa or Mount Kenya for a 12–14 day itinerary. Most visitors fly between camps on light aircraft as road transfers are long.

Question 3

Do I need a visa to visit Kenya?

Accepted Answer

Most international visitors require an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before arrival, applied for online at etakenya.go.ke. The eTA costs USD 30 and replaces the previous visa-on-arrival system. Apply at least 3 days before travel. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.

Question 4

What currency is used in Kenya?

Accepted Answer

The Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted at safari lodges, hotels and for park fees. Most lodges quote in USD. Carry small denomination USD bills for tipping and the local Shilling for meals, taxis and curio shopping. Cards are accepted at major hotels and in Nairobi but cash is essential in remote areas.

Question 5

Is Kenya safe for travellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — tourist areas in Kenya (Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Laikipia, Samburu, the coast) are safe and well-managed. Standard urban precautions apply in Nairobi and Mombasa (avoid walking at night, keep valuables secure). Most safari travel is by light aircraft directly into camps, bypassing any urban concerns. Kenyans are widely known as warm and welcoming hosts.

Question 6

When is the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara?

Accepted Answer

The wildebeest migration arrives in the Maasai Mara from July through October, with the famous Mara River crossings typically peaking from late July to September. Around 1.5 million wildebeest, plus zebra and gazelle, cross the river in dramatic fashion — pursued by crocodiles and the Mara's exceptional lion populations. Book conservancy camps for the best access without crowds.

Question 7

What's the difference between the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the conservancies?

Accepted Answer

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the public park (run by Narok County) with no off-roading, no night drives and busier game viewing. The surrounding private conservancies (Mara North, Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, Mara Triangle, etc.) are leased from Maasai communities and offer off-road driving, walking safaris, night drives and far fewer vehicles per sighting — at premium pricing that funds conservation and community livelihoods.

Question 8

Can you walk on safari in Kenya?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Laikipia, the northern conservancies (Borana, Lewa, Loisaba, Sosian) and several Mara conservancies offer excellent walking safaris led by armed Maasai or Samburu guides. Walking is also possible in parts of the Aberdares and around Mount Kenya. Most national parks (Mara Reserve, Amboseli, Tsavo) restrict walking but conservancies do not.

Question 9

Is Kenya a malaria area?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most of Kenya's safari areas (Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, the coast) are malaria zones. Speak to a travel doctor about prophylactics (commonly Malarone or doxycycline). Use DEET-based repellent, sleep under treated mosquito nets (provided in all camps), and cover up at dawn and dusk. Nairobi and the high-altitude Aberdares and Mount Kenya are largely malaria-free.

Question 10

Should I add the coast to my Kenya safari?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Kenya's Indian Ocean coast is world-class. Diani Beach (south of Mombasa) offers white sand, warm waters and easy logistics. Watamu and the Lamu Archipelago to the north offer culture, dhow sailing and exceptional snorkelling. A 3–4 night coast extension after a Maasai Mara safari is a classic combination, with daily flights from the Mara to Diani or Lamu via Nairobi or Mombasa.

Question 11

How do I get to Kenya?

Accepted Answer

Most international visitors fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, with direct connections from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Addis Ababa and Johannesburg. Mombasa (MBA) handles direct flights from Europe (seasonally) and the Gulf. Light aircraft from Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi connect Nairobi to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Laikipia, Tsavo and the coast.

Question 12

Can I combine Kenya with Tanzania or Rwanda?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Kenya combines beautifully with northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro), accessible via Kilimanjaro Airport or by light aircraft direct into the Serengeti. Kenya also pairs well with Rwanda for gorilla trekking, and with Uganda for chimpanzees and gorillas. Many itineraries pair the Maasai Mara with the Serengeti to follow the migration year-round.

Question 13

How do I book a Kenya safari through SafariStays?

Accepted Answer

Kenya camps and lodges are enquiry-only on SafariStays at launch — submit an enquiry and our team responds within 24 hours with availability, a tailored quote, and suggested combinations across the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Laikipia, Samburu and the coast. We work directly with the camps and arrange all internal flights, transfers and park fees.

Question 14

Are SafariStays prices the same as booking direct?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SafariStays passes through camp rates with no markup. You pay the same rate as direct, with the benefit of a single trusted point of contact, multi-camp itinerary planning, and combinations with Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda or southern Africa.

Question 15

Are park fees included in the rates?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the camp. Most fly-in safari camps include park or conservancy fees, all meals, drinks (excluding premium imports) and twice-daily game activities. Some properties exclude park fees — we'll always confirm exactly what's included in your quote.

Kenya Travel FAQ

Planning Your Trip