Kenya should be on your travel list if you enjoy amazing scenery, top-notch beaches, wonderful trekking, and numerous options for safari. Before you travel to Kenya, In this article we’ll discuss a few things you need to know before You Travel to Kenya.
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1. Kenyan people are Friendly
First and foremost, Kenya is wonderful because of its open and hospitable people. They are friendly and outgoing. So you don’t have to be afraid to approach them and start a conversation. According to my personal experience, the people of Kenya are more than happy to provide you with the assistance and support you require.
2. Language
Kenya is a multilingual country and the two most commonly spoken languages are Swahili and English, Locals also speak their respective tribal languages, Here are a few Swahili phrases that we suggest you learn before you visit Kenya
- Jambo! – Hello
- Asante (sana)- Thank you
- Karibu – Welcome
- Pole – Sorry
- Hakuna Matata – Don’t worry
- Habari – How are you?
- Mzuri – Fine, Good
- Hapana – No
- Ndio – Yes
- Kwaheri- Goodbye
Kenya is generally a safe country! Kenya has suffered significantly from terrorism during the past few years. As a result, many tourists are scared to visit the country and have opted to visit its neighbours Tanzania and Uganda. But Kenya has recently been safer for foreign tourists than in the past. You can stay on the main tourist path if you still want to feel secure.
Below are Some safety tips for you
- If you’re travelling from the airport, consider using Uber or a private taxi rather than a public transportation option.
- Watch out for pickpockets
- After nightfall, avoid walking the streets. Hire cab drivers to drop you off within a gated community.
- When visiting the bank or an ATM, be cautious of persons who are loitering nearby. Use ATMs located inside commercial malls if possible.
- Avoid areas with poor sanitation and always drink bottled or boiled water.
3. Currency used
One of the most important things you need to Know before you travel to Kenya is the currency used. The Kenyan shilling is used as money /currency in Kenya. One Shilling is equivalent to 100 Kenyan(Ksh) cents. There are many, easily accessible banks, ATMs and bureaux de change. Money can also be exchanged in your hotel, lodge, or camp, although the rate might not be the greatest. But it’s also a good idea to have some Kenyan shillings on hand.
4. Insurance
It is highly advised to get insurance when visiting Kenya with coverage that includes medical needs and, in the event of an emergency, transportation for medical care back home.
5. Vaccinations
Yes, a vaccination certificate is required for entry into Kenya for all visitors over the age of 12 for COVID-19. Although not required, The destinations you intend to visit and the length of your stay will largely determine the vaccinations and immunizations you need for your trip to Kenya.
Travellers to Kenya are advised to get vaccinated against Polio, tetanus, hepatitis, Typhoid and yellow fever.
6. You need a Visa
You may need a visa to enter Kenya depending on the country you are coming from. There are various types of tourist visas available if you want to visit Kenya i.e the Kenyan Tourist e-Visa(Single entry) and the East African Visa. . Due to Kenya being in the East-African community, most people prefer to get the East Africa Tourist Visa as it grants you multi-country access. In addition, it is far less expensive than getting individual visas for countries like Uganda, and Rwanda. Online applications are required if you want to obtain this visa. Applying online has the advantage of saving you a ton of time when you get to the airport, You can apply here.
7. Road Security
The majority of drivers know and adhere to the traffic laws, and although most roads are kept in good condition. However, due to potholes, poorly lit roads and animals that may suddenly cross the road, always drive defensively and slowly, lock your doors, and avoid driving after dark. Plus, never leave valuables in your car, and always keep cash, water, and a fully charged phone on you.
8. Budget Airlines
It’s important to know that Kenya has a variety of low-cost airlines that are all reliable, affordable, and effective. You can travel with Kenya Airways, which offers domestic flights. Additionally, it offers flights to a variety of numerous locations across the world. It is also fairly priced.
9. What to pack
Some things will make your trip to Kenya more enjoyable. On your next trip to Kenya, we urge you to bring the following items:
- Walking Comfortable shoes
- Clothing for the day and warm evening
- A hat, Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Pills for malaria and other medications
- Insect repellant
- Camera and Lenses (be sure to pack a spare battery)
- Power bank (Power cuts can occur occasionally)
10. Train to Mombasa
You can take a train from Nairobi to Mombasa if you don’t want to fly there. The train trip used to take about 14 hours back then. However, a Chinese corporation now runs a high-speed version that has replaced this outdated version and takes about 6 hours.
It’s vital to remember that reservations are required for tickets. As an alternative, you can purchase your ticket at the railway station, albeit doing so would take a little longer.
In conclusion, these are just a few suggestions that you might want to have in mind if this is your first time visiting Kenya.
We advise visiting Visa Kenya if you require a Kenyan visa to travel to Kenya.
11. You are not allowed to take photos in some places
It is forbidden to take pictures of military or governmental buildings. This will have you behind bars in milliseconds, or at the least, have your camera confiscated.
