Kenya: The Great Plains, Sanctuaries & Living Wilderness
Living Wildlife Corridors & Indigenous Sanctuaries
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.
"Community conservancies in the Mara and Samburu ensure that local pastoralist families directly benefit from luxury wildlife conservation while protecting critical migratory corridors."
Money, Plugs, Internet & Flights
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Time to Visit & Seasons
Maasai Mara Mega Migration
Over 1.5 million animals fill the Mara plains. Dramatic river crossings and unparalleled predator activity.
Clear Skies & Birding
Warm days, fantastic wildlife viewing under Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, and vibrant migratory bird flocks.
Green Season Sanctuary
Lush landscapes, fewer safari vehicles, dramatic photographic lighting, and private wilderness retreats.
Coastal Diani & Lamu Window
Calm turquoise seas, coral reef snorkeling, and historic Swahili architecture in Lamu Old Town.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Official entry rules for international travelers
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.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages.
Border officers require proof of your return or onward flight and safari lodge booking confirmations.
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.
Every safari booking includes 100% emergency medical evacuation coverage by air ambulance across all parks.
Top Places to Visit in Kenya
Handpicked national parks, reserves, and coastal retreats.
GAME_RESERVEMaasai 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).
NATIONAL_PARKAmboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya is famous for its elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro behind them. It suits photographers, families and first-time guests who want one classic image and easy game viewing on flat open ground. A normal day starts early, when Kilimanjaro is often clear before clouds build up. Drives cross dry plains and green swamps where elephants, buffalo, hippos and many birds gather. Observation Hill gives a wide view over the park. Maasai communities live around the park. The trade-off is dust and clouds. In the dry months the ground can be very dusty, and Kilimanjaro is often hidden by midday. Predators are present but less reliable than in the Mara. Amboseli suits a two or three night stay. Amboseli sits on the Tanzanian border, so it can be combined with a Kilimanjaro climb or a Tanzania safari, and a flight from Nairobi leads on to Zanzibar (direct flights take about 1 hour 30 minutes).