One Week in Kenya

What You Should Know Before Going On A Kenya Tour

Best time to visit Kenya

The best time to visit Kenya is also the most popular time, which is in the dry season, between June and October. This is when the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra occurs. (Read more below about the Great Migration.)

If you're looking for a less crowded experience, consider the rainy season toward the end of the year, where there are fewer visitors. The landscape is still incredible, growing green and lush vegetation from the rain.

December brings an opportunity to see newborn animals. Rainy season does bring out more mosquitoes, though, so make sure you bring a lot of mosquito spray! April and May bring flooded roads, due to the wet weather, and limits the animal sightings.

When to see the Great Migration in Kenya

There are few things that compare to the Great Migration - the movement of over one million wildebeest, and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelle. This happens during the dry season, when the animals cross over the Tanzanian border to Kenya, in search of food and water. For travelers hoping to see the Great Migration in real life, the best time to see it is during the dry season, between July and October. A great viewing point for this action is at Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Travel Tip – consider going on the “should seasons” of the Great Migration to avoid the crowds. The animals are starting to cross in early June and are still making their way in September and October. July and August line up with school holiday schedules, making it an extremely busy period to visit. If the schedule allows, try to visit Kenya either right before July or after August, when schools are back in session.

Weather in Kenya

The temperature in Kenya is pretty consistent throughout the year, with highs in the 60’s to low 80’s. There is a dry and wet season. Expect lows to hover around the 50-degree mark year-round. If you’re looking for warmer, drier weather, the best time to go is between mid-December and March.

Temperatures begin to drop around April, as the rainy and cooler weather begins to roll in, lasting until August. Temperatures start to rise again in September, as the rain begins to clear out. Still expect some rain through early-mid fall. Heading out towards the coast will bring hotter and more humid weather.

Packing list for Kenya

Clothing 

When packing for your Kenya tour, it’s important to bring breathable clothing. Bring items such as t-shirts and shorts for during the day. At night, it’s important to have long pants and long sleeve shirts to cover up your body from the mosquitoes and other disease transmitting insects.

The sun in Africa can be deep and heavy, so make sure you’re protected with sunglasses and a hat, too. If you’re heading on a safari, make sure to pack neutral clothing, such as khaki, so you “blend in” with the surroundings. Bring proper footwear for the savannah, especially if you’re doing a hiking safari that involves a good amount of walking.

Other

Just like any international travel, make sure you have a proper travel adaptor for electrical outlets. If you forget yours, these are available to purchase at airports. Bring chargers for any electronics. You’ll need protection from the intense sun, so make sure to grab some sunscreen.

A first aid kit is advised, with any medication needed, and some anti-malaria medication. Since proof of vaccines may be required upon arrival, bring documentation of vaccinations.

For anyone going on a safari, bring binoculars. Most animals can be seen without binoculars, but if there is an animal in the distance, it may be worth bringing a pair. Don’t forget a camera too. Take plenty of photos to remember this amazing trip!

Other things to keep in mind before traveling to Kenya

1. Visas - Check to make sure you do not need a visa. As of July 2019, Kenya offers single-entry visas that are available upon arrival. Kenyan immigration plans to end that soon. If you need a multiple entry visa (such as you plan on leaving the country, and then coming back), you must apply for a visa prior to traveling to Kenya.

2. Vaccinations – In order to enter Kenya, proof of a yellow fever vaccination should be prepared. For those who are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever, that proof is required. Before traveling, check the Kenya Travel Information to ensure you’re up to date with all required (and recommended) vaccines.

Side Note – Malaria is common in Kenya. Taking precautions, such as covering up at night, and taking anti-malaria medication, can help reduce your chance of getting malaria.

3. Transportation – Kenya offers budget airlines, that can help travelers get to cities across the country (and internationally) for relatively low prices.

Make sure to read the terms and conditions before purchasing. Some budget airlines require check-in before reaching the airport, and require travelers to print their airline ticket at home.

Those who do not print their ticket before reaching the airport will be hit with a fee to print the ticket at the airport. Trains are also an affordable way to travel between destinations.

4. Currency and banking – The Kenyan currency is the Kenyan Shilling. Consider exchanging money through your bank before you leave home. For those who forget, or need to pull out more money, you can draw out Kenyan Shilling from ATMs. Check with your bank and make sure to set any required travel notices.

Failure to notify your bank may result in your card getting denied through the ATMs, meaning you can’t pull out money. Bringing cash is a good idea in case you have trouble withdrawing money. Also, some services allow payment in the form of United States Dollars.

5. Passport/Identification – In Kenya, it is required by law to carry your passport on you at all times. You may be asked to present it if you are stopped by police.