What is the best time to visit Kenya?

The best months to visit Kenya are Jul, Aug, Sep. During these months you can expect the most favourable weather and fewer weather-related disruptions.

How much does a trip to Kenya cost per day?

Daily budget in Kenya ranges from $50 (budget/backpacker) to $130 (mid-range) and $450+ (luxury). Costs cover accommodation, food, local transport, and activities.

Is Kenya safe for tourists?

Kenya is generally safe for tourists - exercise normal precautions. Safety rating: 3/5. Always check your government's current travel advisory before visiting.

What are the top things to do in Kenya?

The top experiences in Kenya include: Masai Mara Great Migration, Hot Air Balloon over the Mara, Nairobi National Park. Kenya in Kenya offers a mix of culture, nature, food, and adventure for every type of traveller.

← All destinations

Explore Kenya

Kenya · Africa

Kenya

Masai Mara safaris, Rift Valley lakes, and vibrant Nairobi culture

from $50/day Generally safewildlifeadventure

Quick Facts

Capital

Nairobi

Best airport

Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)

Visa

eTA required for most nationalities - $30, available online

Migration peak

July–October (Masai Mara)

Avg temp

20–28°C / 68–82°F (varies by altitude)

Safety

Generally safe

Vibes

wildlifeadventureculturenature

Best Time to Visit

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Best months This month

Daily Budget

Backpacker

$50

per day

Mid-range

$130

per day

Luxury

$450

per day

Top Experiences

🦁

Masai Mara Great Migration

July–October: over a million wildebeest and zebras thunder across the Mara River with crocodiles waiting below

$150–400/day safari

🎈

Hot Air Balloon over the Mara

Float above the savanna at dawn watching herds move below - one of Africa's iconic experiences

$450–550

🦒

Nairobi National Park

Africa's only national park inside a capital city - lions and rhinos with city skyscrapers as a backdrop

$45 entry

Must-Try Food

Nyama Choma

Slow-roasted goat or beef over charcoal - Kenya's national dish, always served with ugali

Ugali

Dense maize porridge - the Kenyan staple, eaten with every meal using your right hand only

Mandazi

East African fried doughnut spiced with cardamom - breakfast staple with chai tea

$0.50

Getting Around

🚌

Matatu (minibus)$0.30–3

Colourful shared minibuses cover most routes - cheap but unpredictable schedules and safety

🚗

Uber / Bolt$3–15

Works well in Nairobi and Mombasa - always safer than hailing taxis on the street

🚙

Safari 4WD$80–150/day

Non-negotiable for national parks - book through reputable operators with experienced guides

🚂

SGR Train$30–50

Standard Gauge Railway from Nairobi to Mombasa - comfortable, 5 hours, book in advance

Cultural Tips

Learn a few Swahili phrases - 'Habari?' (how are you?) and 'Karibu' (welcome) go a very long way

Do not photograph Kenyan people without asking first - always ask permission, always respectfully

Left hand is considered unclean - pass money and food with your right hand

Nairobi street crime is real - do not walk with visible phones, cameras, or jewellery

Wildlife park fees support conservation directly - pay them without negotiating

Tipping safari guides $15–20/day is the norm and makes up most of their income

Hidden Gems

Lake Bogoria - bright pink flamingo flocks, boiling hot springs, and almost no tourists

Samburu National Reserve - home to the 'Samburu Special Five': Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich

Watamu Marine National Park - Kenya's best snorkelling reef, uncrowded and full of turtles

Going beyond the trip?

Explore the Kenya country profile

Cost of living, visas, healthcare, taxes, expat life and everything you'd need to actually move and stay long-term.

Open country profile More guides