Kenya is one of the world’s most memorable destinations—their slogan, “Magical Kenya,” is an absolute must add to your bucket-list trip.

Kenya has it all: Cultural diversity and a thriving art scene. It also has a fun nightlife, amazing wildlife, and landscapes. Additionally, it features pristine beaches. Planning a trip to this bucket list-worthy locale can be overwhelming. Where does one even start?

Fortunately, I’m here to give a quick cheat sheet!

Travel Planning

Most American travelers can expect to spend 16 to 20 hours in the air. This depends on where you live and the airport from which you initiate your travel. Major airports in U.S. cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and New York can expect their flight itineraries to be divided into two legs. Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles travelers can expect this as well.

This involves a flight from the Continental U.S. to Continental Europe (or maybe London, England), followed by a flight from your European hub to Kenya. Nairobi is Kenya’s largest city and the economic hub of East Africa.  

Flights into Jomo Kenyatta International are available year-round.

Be sure to secure a visa before finalizing your trip. A single-entrance visa will cost you around 51 USD per person. The application is simple, decisions are quick, and it can all be done online. 

Budget

Most travelers will find that the flight to Kenya is the most expensive element of the trip. Hotel costs are much more affordable than in the US or Europe. The median hotel price is about 75-100 dollars. Restaurants are moderately priced, and one can expect to eat well for about 10 – 12 dollars per meal. Tours, excursions, and safaris are generally expensive, especially for non-Kenyans. Travelers looking to reduce costs should book their trip during the shoulder tourist season. These seasons are March to June and October to December. Flights and lodging tend to be cheaper during shoulder seasons as well.

A one-week trip to Kenya usually costs around $981 (KES126,672) for one person and $1,962 (KES253,344) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two-week trip to Kenya on average costs around $1,962 (KES253,344) for one person. It costs $3,925 (KES506,688) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Most of Kenya is accessible by credit/debit card, so you can get away without using cash in several cases. However, many locally owned shops and retail markets are cash-only. Be sure to find an ATM with the best exchange rate to pull out cash during your stay. I recommend doing that as soon as you land.  

Weather

Kenya, especially the lowland, grassland, and coastal areas, is hot. Kenya’s “winter” occurs from May to August. This is also the Kenyan rainy season. Don’t be intimidated, however. The coastal regions are warm year-round and are beautiful despite the occasional one-hour rain shower. 

Packing

What you pack is contingent on your plans. Pack clothing appropriate for warm weather and lots of walking – there are tons to explore. Winter can be a tad chilly, with lows in the upper 50s Fahrenheit. I’d recommend bringing a sweater or a light jacket if you plan to be there during that time of year. For beachgoers, pack or purchase insect repellent. Outdoor adventurers should remember to bring beach and outdoor wear. 

Getting Around

Ride-share apps like Uber abound in Kenya and are relatively inexpensive compared to what US consumers are accustomed to. They are reliable ways to traverse urban hubs like Nairobi and Mombasa. I recommended coordinating travel to and from the airport with your hotel. The hotel likely has a complimentary service. Traveling to and from Nairobi to the coast will require an intra-Kenya flight. The flight prices to beach destinations like Diani shouldn’t exceed 200 USD for a round trip. The flight should last under two hours. 

Getting around in smaller coastal areas like Diani Beach means a few options. You can book a driver with your hotel. Another option is to call a taxi. Alternatively, you can hail a cab or tuk-tuk. In all of those cases, no ride should exceed 5 dollars. Make sure to ask your hotel concierge about reasonable local rates. This will help you avoid the implicit “tourist tax” some drivers will attempt to charge. Haggling for the best prices is a cultural expectation.

Driving in Kenya may not be wise for American travelers. The winding, often confusing streets have a left-lane orientation. They are congested with vehicles and pedestrians of all types. The road infrastructure conditions are unlike what most native American drivers are used to. But, if you are an adventurous traveler, Nairobi is famous for its fun and loud buses. These buses service residents into the wee hours of the morning. I recommend asking your hotel or host about the safest night bus to try. 

Things You Have to Do!

Kenya has something for every type of traveler. You can curate an experience that suites your travel tastes and budget.

Shoppers

You will find plenty of options for those who love bright colors and patterned clothing. Be sure to save space to bring home fabulous conversational souvenir pieces. Kenya’s cultural diversity makes shopping an endless adventure. Youth culture is pushing fashion boundaries. Don’t leave Nairobi without visiting a retailer selling Kenyan-designed clothing. 

Foodies

Like many East-African nations, Kenya is a melting pot. Several regional culinary traditions meld with Western, Arab, and Indian influences to create truly unique eating experiences. Nairobi’s status as a robust international city means several Michelin-starred restaurants provide world-class dining experiences. However, the truly memorable eating experiences happen where the locals eat and with street vendors.  

Nightlife

Nairobi NEVER sleeps. There, dance clubs saturate the airways with Afro-beats and dance music into the wee hours of the morning. Beach destinations like Diani have resorts with built-in clubs. These clubs entertain guests. The area also has a strip rife with bars and nightspots. Kenya is a great place to drink and dance the night away!

Culture

Kenyan artists are in the vanguard of new music and artistic expression. Mombasa has been a port city throughout urban areas like Nairobi for centuries. It has attracted merchants from the West, like Spain, and from the East, including places like the Arab world. Tribal influences in different geographical regions create a tapestry of ethnic diversity. History buffs and culture lovers alike will find Kenya endless, interesting, and challenging. 

Nature Lovers

Kenya is a nature lover’s paradise. From the Virunga mountains to the Serengeti, you’ll find breathtaking vistas and wildlife unique to the area. Kenya is among the best places to see the “Big 5”. These include Elephants, Cape Buffalo, Rhinos, Leopards, and Lions. You can also see Giraffes, Zebras, Hippopotamuses, and a host of other near-mythical wildlife species.

Visiting during June – July means visitors can take a safari to witness the great migration. Amboseli National Park boasts one of the world’s highest densities of wild African Elephants. It also offers a postcard-worthy view of Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Beach Bums: Diani is Paradise. The Indian Ocean is lined with miles of unspoiled beaches. Plenty of chain and boutique lodgings accommodate any traveler. Excursions to exciting Kenyan day trips and safaris can be booked on-site.

A hidden gem attraction is a day trip to the site where the Kongo River meets the Indian Ocean.  

Kenya Map Guide: Key Stops & Highlights

Nairobi

• Giraffe Centre – Feed endangered Rothschild giraffes
• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Visit baby elephants
• Nairobi National Park – Safari experience near the city
• Karen Blixen Museum – Learn about “Out of Africa”
• Maasai Market – Buy local handicrafts

Drive or Fly to Maasai Mara (Approx. 5-6 hours by road or 1 hour by flight)

Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Big Five Safari – Spot lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos & buffaloes
• Great Migration (July-Oct) – Witness thousands of wildebeest crossing
• Hot Air Balloon Safari – Unforgettable sunrise views
• Cultural Visit – Experience Maasai traditions

Fly to Lake Nakuru (1 hour) or Drive (5 hours)

Lake Nakuru National Park

• Flamingo Viewing – Thousands of pink flamingos
• Rhino Sanctuary – See both black and white rhinos
• Game Drive – Spot giraffes, lions, and baboons

Drive to Lake Naivasha (1.5 hours)

Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate National Park

• Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha – Hippos & birdwatching
• Crescent Island – Walk among giraffes and zebras
• Hell’s Gate National Park – Cycling safari & geothermal landscapes

Drive or Fly to Amboseli (5-6 hours by road / 1-hour flight)

Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Park

• Red Elephants of Tsavo – Unique to this park
• Mzima Springs – Clear pools with hippos & crocodiles
• Shetani Lava Flow – Stunning volcanic rock formations

Drive to Mombasa or Diani Beach (2-3 hours)

Diani Beach / Mombasa

• Relax on White Sandy Beaches
• Snorkeling & Diving – Kisite Marine Park
• Fort Jesus (Mombasa) – Explore Swahili history
• Dhow Cruise at Sunset – Traditional sailing experience

Fly back to Nairobi or Home from Mombasa International Airport

Simplified Route Summary

• Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Lake Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Tsavo → Diani Beach/Mombasa

For more travel experiences captured, shared, and written by Dexter Strong, check him out here.

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