Kenya Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Kenya?
December
Semi-high
season
January
Semi-high
season
Did you know?
The surface area of Kenya is 224.1 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 49 in terms of the area in the world.
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
Country Comparison
Compare Kenya to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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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
| Miles | Nairobi | Mombasa | Nakuru | Mount Kenya National Park | Aberdare National Park | Lamu | Pate Island | Hell's Gate National Park |
| Nairobi | - | 275 | 86 | 87 | 63 | 291 | 299 | 42 |
| Mombasa | 275 | - | 360 | 314 | 326 | 148 | 164 | 317 |
| Nakuru | 86 | 360 | - | 88 | 44 | 361 | 366 | 47 |
| Mount Kenya National Park | 87 | 314 | 88 | - | 47 | 287 | 290 | 88 |
| Aberdare National Park | 63 | 326 | 44 | 47 | - | 318 | 323 | 46 |
| Lamu | 291 | 148 | 361 | 287 | 318 | - | 15 | 330 |
| Pate Island | 299 | 164 | 366 | 290 | 323 | 15 | - | 337 |
| Hell's Gate National Park | 42 | 317 | 47 | 88 | 46 | 330 | 337 | - |
A Brief History of Kenya
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
6 million B.C.
First humansEarly humans appear in East Africa. Fossils of human ancestors dating from this period have been found in the Rift Valley.
500 B.C. - 1000 A.D.
The beginnings of settlementBantu-speaking people settle in the region. Bantu is modern Kenya's largest language group. About 700 Arabs settle in coastal Kenya and set up trading posts.
1498
Portuguese settlersPortuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reaches Kenya. Portuguese settlers later try to take control of the coastal region. By the late 1600s, they are driven off.
1830 - 1880
SlaveryThe slave trade flourishes.
1895
British East AfricaBritain takes over Kenya. It is known as British East Africa.
1940s
Fight for independenceKenyan Africans form groups to fight for independence from Britain. A secret society called the Mau Mau favors violence against white settlers.
1952 - 1956
Mau Mau rebellionMore than 13,000 people are killed in the Mau Mau rebellion.
1963
Independence from BritainOn December 12, Kenya wins independence from Britain. Jomo Kenyatta becomes Kenya's leader.
1978
Presidency of Daniel arap MoiKenyatta dies. Vice President Daniel arap Moi begins his long reign as President. In 2002, Mwai Kibaki becomes President.
2004
Nobel Peace PrizeWangari Maathai wins the Nobel Peace Prize for her work to improve the environment.
2004 - 2006
Food crisisDrought causes a severe food crisis. In 2009, drought grips Kenya again.
2010
New constitutionA new constitution is put into effect. It limits the powers of the President.
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
MoreBackpacker'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
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
Currency
MoreKenyan Shilling (KES)
- EUR
- GBP
- KES
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- KES
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Kenya.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
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
Areas with malaria
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
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Kenya for tourism
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
Type GFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 27 / 231 Ranking | 53 771 296 Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15% |
Area | 49 / 230 Ranking | 224.1 thous. mi² It is approximately 6% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 150 / 196 Ranking | 69.3 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 67.7women 71 |
Median age | 24 / 157 Ranking | 20 Average age of population expressed in years.men 19.9women 20.1 |
Population growth | 36 / 172 Ranking | 2.15% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 80 / 131 Ranking | 81.5% Ability to read, write and count.men 85%women 78.2% |
GDP | 149 / 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. |
South Sudan