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East Africa Safari Destination

Kenya: The Great Plains, Sanctuaries & Living Wilderness

Kenya lies on the equator between Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean. The Great Rift Valley runs through the middle of the country, and Mount Kenya, at 5,199 metres, is the second highest mountain in Africa. Nairobi, the capital, has a national park on the edge of the city.

The Masai Mara is the best known reserve. It borders the Serengeti in Tanzania and shares the same wildebeest migration. Amboseli faces Kilimanjaro across the border, Tsavo East and Tsavo West together cover a very large area in the southeast, Samburu lies in the dry north, and Lake Nakuru is known for rhino and flamingos. 

Wildlife viewing is good all year. The migration herds usually reach the Mara around July and stay until October, when the river crossings draw the most visitors. Samburu has species that are rare further south, such as Grevy's zebra and the reticulated giraffe. Kenya has its own coast, from Diani to Lamu, but many safari guests fly on to Zanzibar instead. 

Direct flights connect Nairobi with Zanzibar, so a Masai Mara safari followed by a week on a Zanzibar beach is a simple plan to put together.
exploreInteractive Map: Kenya
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Kenya Hub1 Key Places
📍 Coordinates: -1.2864° S, 36.8172° EGateway: Nairobi
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Country CodeKE (Kenya)
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Calling Code+254
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Capital CityNairobi
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CurrencyKES
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LanguagesEnglish, Swahili
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TimezoneEAT (UTC+3)
pin_dropCoordinates: -1.2864° S, 36.8172° EpowerPlugs & Sockets: Type G, 240V 50HzshieldProtected Parks: 18% Protected Land
Kenya
Kenya

KE • Protected Sanctuary

Kenya

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East African Panorama

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Country Overview & Safari Guide

Living Wildlife Corridors & Indigenous Sanctuaries

Protected Wilderness: 18% Protected Land

Kenya represents one of the world's most vital biodiversity strongholds. Through comprehensive conservation protocols and community partnerships, vast ecosystems remain contiguous, enabling the ancient rhythms of predator and prey to unfold without barrier.

From the dramatic fault lines of the Great Rift Valley to ancient baobab savannas and pristine coral coastlines, the territory transitions seamlessly between wilderness realms. Guided game drives, private walking trails with indigenous trackers, and low-impact eco-lodges ensure an intimate safari experience.

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"Community conservancies in the Mara and Samburu ensure that local pastoralist families directly benefit from luxury wildlife conservation while protecting critical migratory corridors."

KE
Kenya Wildlife Service & Mara Conservancies Council
Ecosystem Stewardship Board
Essential Travel Tips

Money, Plugs, Internet & Flights

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Currency, Cards & Cash

US Dollars, local currency & credit cards

  • ✓Currency & eTA: Kenya Shillings (KES) and US Dollars are accepted. Kenya requires electronic travel authorization (eTA) prior to boarding.
  • ✓Cashless Parks: Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) national parks are completely cashless. Park fees are prepaid by our team in all confirmed packages.
  • ✓Credit Cards: Major credit cards accepted widely in Nairobi and premier safari lodges. M-Pesa is also ubiquitous across Kenya.
  • ✓USD Currency Note: US Dollars should be series 2013 or newer, clean and untorn.
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Plugs, Sockets & Charging

Type G plugs, lodge solar & camera charging

  • ✓British Standard: Plugs use British 3-pin Type G, 240V / 50Hz. Standard travel adapters work seamlessly.
  • ✓Solar Camp Energy: Leading Mara and Samburu conservancy camps operate on solar inverter systems with charging stations.
  • ✓Continuous Medical Power: Inverter-backed power for medical CPAP devices is provided in all luxury partner lodges.
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Internet & SIM Cards

Local SIM cards, 4G coverage & lodge Wi-Fi

  • ✓Safaricom & Airtel: Safaricom provides the widest coverage across the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Rift Valley lakes.
  • ✓eSIM Setup: Fast digital eSIM activations available upon arrival at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO).
  • ✓Starlink Wi-Fi: Partner wilderness camps feature satellite broadband connectivity in guest lounges and private suites.
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Flights & Getting Around

Bush airstrips, luggage rules & light aircraft

  • ✓Wilson Airport (WIL): The dedicated safari aviation hub in Nairobi connects directly to airstrips throughout the Maasai Mara, Samburu, and Amboseli.
  • ✓Direct Bush Corridors: Daily cross-border air links connect the Mara and Serengeti through Migori/Tarime customs points.
  • ✓Soft Luggage Rule: Cessna bush flights enforce a 15kg soft duffel luggage limit per traveler.
Weather & When to Visit

Best Time to Visit & Seasons

July – Octobersunny

Maasai Mara Mega Migration

Over 1.5 million animals fill the Mara plains. Dramatic river crossings and unparalleled predator activity.

December – Marchcruelty_free

Clear Skies & Birding

Warm days, fantastic wildlife viewing under Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, and vibrant migratory bird flocks.

April – Mayrainy

Green Season Sanctuary

Lush landscapes, fewer safari vehicles, dramatic photographic lighting, and private wilderness retreats.

October – Februarysurfing

Coastal Diani & Lamu Window

Calm turquoise seas, coral reef snorkeling, and historic Swahili architecture in Lamu Old Town.

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Visa & Entry Requirements

Official entry rules for international travelers

Official Consular Briefing
travel_exploreOnline Visa / Travel Authorization
Mandatory Pre-Travel

Kenya no longer issues tourist visas to most visitors. Instead, apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) on the official government portal at least three days before you fly. The fee is around USD 30 plus a processing charge, and it covers one trip of up to 90 days. Citizens of East African Community countries are exempt.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have blank pages. If you plan to use the East Africa Tourist Visa, check first that it is still accepted for your route. Travel health insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors except East African Community citizens. It costs USD 44 and is charged when you apply for the eTA at etakenya.go.ke. You can also buy it at insurance.ecitizen.go.ke/dashboard/travel, which lists the approved insurers. Each traveller needs their own policy. Checked on 16 October 2026.

contact_pagePassport Validity (6+ Months)

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages.

confirmation_numberReturn Flight & Lodge Bookings

Border officers require proof of your return or onward flight and safari lodge booking confirmations.

vaccinesYellow Fever Certificate
Health Advisory

A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Exempt are infants under 9 months, pregnant women (except during an outbreak), and people with a severe egg allergy or a severely weakened immune system.

Keep the certificate with you if you continue to Tanzania or Zanzibar, because Tanzania requires it from travellers arriving from Kenya.

Malaria is present below about 2,500 metres, including the coast and most parks; the risk in Nairobi is low. Drink bottled or filtered water. Checked on 16 October 2026.

emergencyAir Ambulance Evacuation Included
100% Complimentary In All Bookings

Every safari booking includes 100% emergency medical evacuation coverage by air ambulance across all parks.

Sanctuary Portfolio

Top Places to Visit in Kenya

Handpicked national parks, reserves, and coastal retreats.

Maasai Mara National Reserve
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Maasai Mara National Reserve

Maasai Mara National Reserve in south-western Kenya is the best known wildlife area in the country and the Kenyan end of the wildebeest migration. It suits first-time safari guests, families and photographers who want big cats on open grassland, and it is the usual choice for a classic Kenya safari. A game drive day starts at sunrise and returns for a late breakfast, with a second drive in the late afternoon. Lions, cheetahs and leopards are seen on most days, along with elephants, giraffes and large herds of zebra. Some guests add a sunrise hot-air balloon flight [ADD: balloon operator and price]. The honest trade-off is crowds in the migration months. The herds usually arrive around July and leave around October, and the river crossings can draw many vehicles. Private conservancies next to the reserve limit vehicle numbers and allow night drives and walks, but cost more. Pick the area for your month. Most guests fly from Nairobi to a Mara airstrip, which takes under an hour, or drive for most of a day. A Mara safari fits well before a flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar for a week on the beach (direct flights take about 1 hour 30 minutes).

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