Kenya
Big-five safari + Diani Beach reset. July-September for the Great Migration.
Quick facts
- Capital: Nairobi. Main airport: Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), 15km east of the city centre.
- Languages: English and Swahili. Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES). 1 AED ≈ 20 KES.
- Best flight time from Dubai: Early morning departures arrive late afternoon, giving you time to settle. Flight duration is 4 hours.
- Visa on arrival available for most nationalities; UAE passport holders get 90 days visa-free.
- Peak season runs June to October and December to February. Shoulder months (April, May, November) offer fewer crowds and better prices.
Visa for UAE residents
UAE passport holders enter visa-free for 90 days. Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino nationals require an eVisa (apply online at ecitizen.go.ke, processing takes 3-5 days, costs around 3,000 KES or 150 AED). British passport holders also qualify for visa-free entry. Always check your passport validity (must be 6 months beyond travel date).
When to visit
June to October is the dry season and peak safari time. December to February brings warm, dry weather and the calving season in the Serengeti. Avoid April and May if you dislike heavy rain, though accommodation prices drop sharply. November can be hit-or-miss with sporadic showers.
Rough budget in AED (7 days, per person)
| Tier | Daily | 7-day total |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 400-550 | 2,800-3,850 |
| Mid-range | 700-1,000 | 4,900-7,000 |
| Comfort | 1,200-1,800 | 8,400-12,600 |
Budget covers basic lodges, matatu (shared minibus) travel, and street food. Mid-range includes decent hotels, private transport, and restaurant meals. Comfort adds safari lodges, domestic flights, and guided experiences.
Highlights
- Masai Mara National Reserve: Game drives yield lions, elephants, giraffe, and zebra. Best June to October for the wildebeest migration. A 3-day safari costs 4,000-8,000 AED depending on lodge.
- Mount Kenya hike: Point Lenana trek takes 3 days, no technical climbing needed, and reaches 4,985m with views across the Central Highlands. Budget 2,500-3,500 AED all-in.
- Nairobi National Park: 30 minutes from the city centre, ideal for half-day game drives without flying inland.
- Diani Beach: 40km south of Mombasa, calm turquoise waters, coral reefs, and excellent seafood. Water sports and diving are strong here.
- Hell's Gate National Park: Walk among zebra and antelope, hike Olkaria Gorge, or kayak Lake Naivasha. Day visits from Nairobi cost 500-1,200 AED.
- Amboseli National Park: Kilimanjaro views dominate the landscape. Smaller, quieter alternative to the Mara.
Local etiquette
Dress conservatively in towns and rural areas, especially around temples and mosques. Swim modestly at beaches in Mombasa. Tipping is not mandatory but 10% in restaurants is appreciated. Alcohol is legal and widely available in bars and hotels. Avoid photographing people without permission, particularly in Maasai communities. Do not discuss politics or make disparaging comments about government officials.
Safety notes
Nairobi and Mombasa have pockets of petty theft and mugging, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas, avoid displaying phones or cash, and use registered taxis or hotel cars. Game reserves are safe and well-managed. Road travel outside major towns carries higher accident risk due to poor road conditions and driving standards.
Getting around
Intra-city movement relies on Uber, Bolt, and registered taxis. Inter-city travel uses domestic flights (Kenya Airways, Safarilink) or long-distance buses (a 6-hour Nairobi-Mombasa bus costs 800-1,500 AED). Within national parks, you'll hire a vehicle and guide. Most visitors book lodges and transport as part of a package through travel agents in Dubai.
Best combined trip
Add Tanzania (Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar) for a 10-14 day East African loop.
Common questions about Kenya
How many days do I need in Kenya?
A 7-day trip lets you do 3-4 days on a Masai Mara safari, 2-3 days exploring Nairobi and Hell's Gate, and a beach day or two in Mombasa or Diani. If you're short on time, a long weekend (3-4 days) works for a single activity like a safari or beach break, but you'll miss the variety. Most people find 10 days ideal to avoid feeling rushed.
Do I need malaria pills in Kenya?
Yes, malaria is present below 2,500m, especially in coastal regions and the western areas. Consult a travel clinic before departure; most doctors recommend antimalarial tablets (often Doxycycline or Atovaquone/Proguanil). Use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves at dusk, and sleep under a net in budget lodges. Higher-altitude areas like Mount Kenya and the Highlands carry lower risk.
Is Kenya family-friendly?
Yes, very much so. Safari lodges cater to families with kids' activities, babysitting, and family suites. Beaches in Diani are calm and safe for swimming. Nairobi has the Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park, and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (famous for orphaned elephants), all excellent for children. Maasai villages offer interactive cultural tours. The main caution is long car journeys, which children find tiring on rough roads.
Can I drink tap water in Kenya?
No. Drink bottled or purified water only. Hotels and restaurants provide bottled water. Brush teeth with bottled water too. Street food is generally safe if cooked fresh in front of you, but stick to established vendors in busy areas. Avoid salads and raw vegetables if you're not confident in the water used. Stick to hot meals at reputable restaurants.
Ask the AI Travel Assistant about Kenya
Get a plan tuned to your dates, budget, and passport - with live weather, flights, and travel-advisory data.
Start the conversation