Kenya has something to offer everyone, from the wildlife and beaches of the coast to the mountains and deserts in the north. It’s a dream travel destination for many people!
It’s an adventure travel heaven with so much to explore! In this post, we’ll take you through all you need to know about travel visas, travel insurance, packing tips, and more before you go exploring Kenya like a local.
Did you know that Kenya is one of the top places to travel for wildlife? Don’t miss my post with the best Wildlife Holidays in the world.
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Exploring Kenya Like a Local
How to Get There
If you’re looking for a trip to remember, look no further than Kenya.
This country has so much to offer from culture and wildlife; it’s hard to narrow down what you should experience first. So if you have been wondering how to get there, the answer is simple: fly!
The main airport in Nairobi offers flights on major airlines like Delta and Turkish Airlines that will take you all over Africa or bring you home.
The next time your wanderlust needs a fix, we recommend booking tickets ASAP because this destination won’t disappoint!
Visa Requirements in Kenya
Visa requirements can be a tricky thing. The first step is to find out if you need a visa in the first place. Kenya has listed over 160 countries whose citizens must apply for an e-Visa before the planned trip.
Luckily, thanks to the electronic visa system in place, travelers can get their visas online in just 72 hours.
Moreover, you can choose from a tourist, business, and transit visa, depending on the reason for the trip.
How to get the Kenya e-Visa
The first step when handling a Kenya e-Visa is checking the required documents according to the e-Visa type you need.
There are different documents to prepare for a tourist, business, and transit visa. However, all applicants need:
- a valid passport
- a digital photo of their face
For simple tourist visits, you’ll need to prepare your hotel reservations and a copy of the return ticket as well.
With the complete paperwork, you’ll be ready to apply online. Remember to submit your application no later than 72 hours prior to your departure.
Spare just a few minutes and fill the application form for e-Visa Kenya online, and you’ll get the approved document delivered via email.
What to Pack for exploring Kenya
Clothes
When traveling in Africa, you should be sure to pack clothes that are light and comfortable. The weather is generally hot during the day and cools at night, so it’s best to have layers of clothing available.
There’s also a lot of dust in the air so if you’re planning on doing any hiking or biking, bring pants with zip-off legs!
Other than that, the clothes should be in natural colors to avoid attracting bugs and made of natural fabric so that the material is breathable.
Other
It’s best also to pack a few essentials other than clothes, e.g., a camera to capture the best moments, binoculars to see the animals on a safari trip, a basic medical kit, lots of sunscreen, and a hat to protect you from the sun.
Getting Around in Kenya
There are many modes of transportation in Kenya. There are buses, matatus, private taxis, cars for rent, and other. You can even walk or bike if you’re feeling adventurous!
However, most people rely on matatus, which are privately operated minibuses that operate along set routes or taxis. It can be challenging to find these things, so if you’re looking for them, it’s best to ask locals where they might be found.
The taxi drivers will usually wait outside hotels, and the matatu driver will hang out at their stop until they know when their next ride is coming by.
If you want to rent a car, remember that you must be at least 23 years old and have a minimum of 2 years of experience in driving. Moreover, the proper way to ride the roads is using the left side.
Where to Stay in Kenya
There are plenty of options for travelers to choose from when they visit this East African country.
For those looking for an adventure or wanting to explore different cultures, it’s best to stay in one of the smaller towns where you will be able to really interact with locals and their culture.
Kenya offers something for everyone no matter what your tastes are – beaches, mountains, wildlife safaris…the list goes on!
Safari Tips for a Successful Trip
A successful safari requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to make your safari trip seamless:
- Always wear bug spray when outdoors during daytime hours in order to avoid insect bites.
- Pack a mosquito net for sleeping if mosquitoes are known to be present in your destination area.
- Research where you want to go before booking anything. You can find out which national parks or game reserves offer safaris and what they’re like.
- Figure out what you want to see on your safari (elephants, lions, cheetahs…).
- Pack light when possible – traveling with a heavy bag takes away from your sense of freedom while exploring the new territory
- Choose your safari guide wisely.
- Make sure you have all the necessary safari gear with you to see as much as possible, e.g., binoculars.
Are you traveling to Tanzania as well? Don’t miss my complete Guide to the Tanzania e-Visa Application.
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