Kenya Safari

As of 1 January 2024, Kenya allows all foreign nationals to enter the country without a traditional visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. However, travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before arrival.

The eTA is a simple online application that replaces the old visa process and must be approved before travel. It helps streamline entry while maintaining border security.

Be sure to apply for your eTA in advance through the official Kenyan government website to avoid any delays at the border.

The only compulsory vaccine for Kenya is yellow fever, but only if you're arriving from or transiting through a country where it's found. If you're flying directly from places like the UK, the US, or South Africa, you don’t need the certificate. Other vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies are recommended but not required.

Yes, there’s malaria in Kenya, but the risk depends on where you go. It’s higher in places like the coast and around Lake Victoria, but much lower in Nairobi and high-altitude areas. If you’re heading to a risk area, it’s smart to take anti-malarials and use mosquito protection.

At Follow Alice, we only send travellers to places we’d happily visit with our own families — and Kenya is one of them.

Kenya’s top safari destinations are safe, welcoming, and well set up for tourism. The country’s main game parks and coastal areas have strong security and excellent infrastructure. Travelling with a professional safari guide not only enhances your experience but also adds an extra layer of safety. Check the latest stats on the Global Peace Index shows that Kenya.

We do advise avoiding the far northern region near the Somali border, and, as with any major city, staying alert in urban areas is wise. But when it comes to safaris, Kenya is a safe and unforgettable destination.

Kenya has two main international airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi and Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa. For most travellers, especially those planning a safari, flying into Nairobi is the best option as it offers the most international flights and easy connections to the country’s national parks.

If you plan to end your trip with a beach holiday, you might consider flying out of Mombasa, which provides access to Kenya’s beautiful coastline. Getting around Kenya is straightforward, with good transport options connecting airports to popular destinations.

The Great Migration is one of nature’s most spectacular wildlife events, happening every year across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, travel in a huge loop following the rains in search of fresh grazing and water.

This journey covers around 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometres) and involves river crossings, predator encounters, and incredible herd dynamics. It’s an inspiring spectacle that draws safari lovers from around the world.

The Big Five refers to five of Africa’s most iconic and sought-after animals to see on safari. They are:

1. Lion – The powerful king of the jungle.
2. Leopard – A big cat that is quiet and hard to see.
3. Elephant – The largest land mammal, known for its intelligence and social nature.
4. Buffalo – Also called the African buffalo, a formidable and hardy herbivore.
5. Rhinoceros – Usually the black rhino or white rhino, both rare and endangered.

These animals earned the name “Big Five” because they were considered the most dangerous to hunt on foot — today, they’re prized highlights of wildlife viewing.

The best months to hit Kenya’s coast are June to October and January to early March. These are the dry seasons, offering plenty of sunshine and ideal beach weather.

The rainy seasons November to December and late March to early June, can bring heavier showers, especially in the afternoons. That said, the Indian Ocean stays warm all year, so swimming is always an option, rain or shine.