Kenya

For a trip to Kenya, you need a valid visa. Which type is suitable for your travel plans and whether you can also enter Kenya with an E-Visa depends on a number of factors. We support you in applying for your electronic travel authorization (eVisa) for Kenya.

Are you planning a vacation in Kenya? Then look forward to adventurous safaris in the African bush, unforgettable encounters with the "Big Five" animals, and the rich culture of the indigenous people! But first, get some useful travel tips for Kenya.

• Location: East Africa
• Area: 580,367 km²
• Currency: Kenya Shilling (KES)
• Official languages: Swahili, English
• Population: approx. 48 million
• Capital city: Nairobi

The climate in Kenya is divided into different zones but is mostly tropical. The highlands are refreshing with cool nights and extended periods of rain, while the southeast and Lake Victoria area are hot, with average temperatures around 30 °C.

The coasts have more rain than the inland areas, but the rain usually only comes in the evening or at night. The warmest time in Kenya is from October to May.

In Kenya, you will see a variety of landscapes. These include tropical beaches with turquoise waters, flat and dry plains, imposing mountain ranges, tropical rainforests, and vast lakes that are sometimes hard to spot because of the many flamingos.

You can personally get up close with all of Africa's wildlife in Kenya by visiting nature reserves such as the Masai Mara Wildlife Reserve or Lewa Downs. A camel safari or a drive up the majestic Mount Kenya is also worthwhile.

For a trip to Kenya, you need an eVisa or visa. Also, check the current entry requirements for Kenya before you travel.

The best way to get around in Kenya is to rent a car. However, on the typical gravel roads, your progress is usually slow, which is why you need to schedule extra time for your trips.

For longer distances, there are domestic flights or rail connections available. However, delays and train cancellations are common.

Buses, minibusses, motorcycle cabs (boda-bodas), and regular cabs are available in most major towns and cities in Kenya. Nevertheless, be prepared for vehicles not in perfect condition and speeding drivers.

During your trip to Kenya, you should always carry enough cash. In addition to the local currency Kenya Shilling, also bring some US dollars notes, which you can use, for example, to pay cab drivers.

Credit card payments are widespread in Kenya, but they are not possible everywhere. You will find plenty of ATMs in larger cities and tourist areas.

Since the local security situation can change spontaneously, keep up to date with current events and forecasts during your trip with the help of news and weather reports.

You will need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Kenya if you are coming from a yellow fever area or spending 12 hours or more in transit at an airport within a yellow fever area.

Long-term travelers who spend more than four weeks in Kenya must also undergo vaccination against polio. For journeys under four weeks, the vaccination is not mandatory but recommended. Other vaccination recommendations for Kenya include:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Dengue fever
• Typhoid fever
• Rabies
• Meningococcal disease (ACWY)

Endless savannahs, majestic mountains, gigantic lakes, magnificent national parks, untouched reserves: there is hardly a country that embodies the African continent as much as beautiful Kenya. The scenically diverse country in East Africa has a total of 60 national parks and nature reserves that will enchant you with breathtaking flora and fauna.

One of the most famous national parks is Amboseli National Park in Southwestern Kenya. In the unique nature reserve, you will not only encounter wild animals such as elephants, gnus, and zebras, but also have a fantastic view of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Only a few kilometers away extend the savannahs, swamps, and acacia forests of the extensive Tsavo National Park. A very special natural spectacle occurs in Lake Nakuru located in the East African Rift Valley. The salt lake is home to almost a million flamingos, which cover the water surface with their rich pink color.

Kenya is not only the perfect country for a safari, but also has some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa along the coastal regions. Not far from the capital Mombasa, for example, the lively Diani Beach awaits with white sand, giant palm trees, a colorful underwater world, and many water sports opportunities. Just a few kilometers away, the paradisiacal Tiwi Beach awaits travelers who want to enjoy the deep blue waves of the Indian Ocean in peace and quiet.

North of Mombasa is the popular beach town of Malindi, which is an exciting mix of historic old town and modern resort: explore the 14th century ruined town of Gedi, sunbathe on the white sands of Watamu Beach, and discover the wealth of species on the coral reefs of the Malindi and Watamu Marine National Parks.