kenya

Kenya Travel Guide

Today in Kenya: Good Friday (29 Mar)
Trek Zone
Jambo
( Swahili)
Say hello
80°F
Saturday
79°F
Sunday

Tourist season

Are March and April good months to visit Kenya?

3

March

Shoulder
season

4

April

Off
season

Visa Limitations

Visa requirements for citizens of United States visiting Kenya for tourism.

Visa obtained online (e-visa)

A visa is required, but can be obtained through the relevant website.

Daily budget (1 person)

How much will you spend on accommodation, local transport, sightseeing, meals?

Backpacker's budget
from 33 to 41 USD

Tourist's budget
from 65 to 97 USD

Did you know?

The population of Kenya is around 53.77 mil., which puts the country in 103. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).

How far is it?

1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings

The distance between Nairobi (KE) and Washington D.C. (US) is 7543 miles

To calculate distance between your location and Nairobi click here

Nairobi
Nairobi
Eldoret
Kisumu
Mombasa
Nakuru
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C.
Philadelphia
Houston
Chicago
Los Angeles
New York City
7543
mi

Country Comparison

Compare Kenya to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.

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Time Timezone

00:00

Safety

General travel safety level in Kenya on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).

2

Level 2 • Exercise a high degree of caution (plus additional regional warnings).

Update: 25 Mar 2024

Upcoming holidays

1 April 2024• Easter Monday

11 April 2024• Idd ul Fitr

Currency

Kenyan Shilling (KES) - rate compared to selected currencies

100 KES
Rate
Inversion
EUR
0.69936
14299
GBP
0.59794
16724
USD
0.75426
13258
Update: 29 Mar 2024

Get ready for your next trip

With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.

Cities and Top Tourist Attractions

From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Kenya

Map
Distance matrix
MilesNairobiMombasaNakuruDiani BeachMalindiLamuMount KenyaAberdare National Park
Nairobi-275862832652918663
Mombasa275-3602064148314326
Nakuru86360-3693463618644
Diani Beach28320369-84168327337
Malindi2656434684-85288307
Lamu29114836116885-288318
Mount Kenya8631486327288288-45
Aberdare National Park633264433730731845-

A Brief History of Kenya

Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries

Best Ways to Experience Kenya

  • Cuisine
  • Animals

Practical Information for Travelers

  • Budget
  • Currency
  • Vaccinations
  • Visa
  • Electricity

Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country

More

Backpacker's budget

Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).

from 33 to 41 USD

Tourist's budget

Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.

from 65 to 97 USD

You can find out more about travel costs and prices in Kenya via the Prices link

Currency

More

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

EUR
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • KES
  • USD
KES
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • KES
  • USD
 = 
Exchange rates provided by Open Exchange Rates. Last update: 29 March 2024
Kenyan ShillingKenyan ShillingKenyan ShillingKenyan Shilling

Vaccinations

More

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Kenya.

Routine vaccines

Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely

Some travelers

Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.

Cholera

Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.
Prevention
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Prevention
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Kenya

Umiarkowane

Areas with malaria

Present in all areas (including game parks) at altitudes <2500 m (8202 ft) including the city of Nairobi

Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.Infection occurs through droplets - through contact with the secretion of the patient or the host, e.g. when coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing cutlery or dishes.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Reduce your exposure to germs

Rabies

Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Keep away from animals

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease which is transmitted by virus-infected mosquitoes.
Prevention
  • Get vaccinated
  • Prevent bug bites
Vaccination requirements

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥1 year of age.

This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

With or without a visa?

Visa requirements for citizens of

United States
  • United States
  • More

visiting flagKenya for tourism

Updated on 2 March 2023. Based on Visa requirements for United States citizens
Visa obtained online (e-visa)

A visa is required, but can be obtained through the relevant website.

  • Allowed stay: 3 months
  • International Certificate of Vaccination is recommended.
  • All visitors are fingerprinted on arrival and departure

Electricity

240V (50 Hz)

In Kenya the standard voltage is 240V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type G sockets are used.

Click on the socket icon to see more information
socket GType G

Facts and Figures

Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country

Population

103 / 231
Ranking
53 771 296
Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%

Area

104 / 232
Ranking
224.1 thous. mi²
It is approximately 6% of the territory of United States.

Life expectancy

99 / 221
Ranking
69.3
Life expectancy expressed in years.men 67.7women 71

Median age

99 / 222
Ranking
20
Average age of population expressed in years.men 19.9women 20.1

Population growth

98 / 224
Ranking
2.15%
The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss.

Literacy

93 / 210
Ranking
81.5%
Ability to read, write and count.men 85%women 78.2%

GDP

88 / 194
Ranking
4 576 INT$
GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population.
Source: WDI World Bank & CIA World Factbook Country Comparison

Where to next? Discover country icon South Sudan, a country in the region worth visiting, or use the destination finder