Your journey to Kenya starts here.

QUICK FACTS

Time Zone: UTC+3 (East Africa Time)

Languages: English & Swahili

Currency: Kenyan shilllings

Power: 240V, Type G plug (UK standard)

GETTING TO KENYA

International Airports

Kenya’s main international gateway is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Mombasa’s Moi International Airport (MBA) is the second major entry point, ideal if your safari or beach stay is on the coast. Kisumu Airport (KIS) serves the Lake Victoria region. Kenya Airways offers direct flights to Kenya from over 30 to 45 countries worldwide.

ON ARRIVAL

Local Flights

Nairobi’s airport is well signposted and English is widely spoken throughout. You will be collected by a representative holding a sign at the arrivals and transferred directly to your accommodation. Clearing immigration on international flights can take time, so factor this in when planning onward connections. If you are connecting to a domestic flight on arrival, please allow sufficient time. 

Check-in for domestic flights closes 40 minutes before departure and boarding gates close 20 minutes before , late passengers may be denied boarding without a refund. If you are taking a domestic flight, please note that the baggage weight limit is typically 15 to 20kg checked and 5kg carry-on, strictly enforced. A portable luggage scale is a helpful addition to your packing list.

Local Travel

A 4×4 safari vehicle will be assigned to your group for tours and game drives from Nairobi. Please keep to the agreed timings to ensure you do not delay and to make the most of your time in the parks. Your guide’s instructions should be followed at all times for your safety and comfort.

You will be assigned a vehicle for your tour around Nairobi. You will be assigned a boat/ dhow cruise when on the Coast for various Island tours as per your itinerary. You will also use a vehicle in Pate Island and walk a lot within the Islands while exploring the beautiful sceneries.

YOUR 6-STEP JOURNEY

1. Passport and Visa

Since January 2024, Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for most visitors , there is no visa on arrival. Apply at etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before you fly (we however suggest you apply at least one week before your trip in case of any public holidays and other eventualities). Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date and has a minimum of three blank pages. Keep your approved eTA PDF on your phone and print a copy just in case.

2. Health

Commonly recommended vaccinations for Kenya are Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid Yellow Fever and Malaria prophylaxis. A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you are arriving from a country where there is Yellow Fever. Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. 

If you are entering from a country without Yellow Fever, vaccination is not required, however, returning back to other countries or traveling to other destinations might require the vaccination. If transiting through a Yellow Fever country (for example Ethiopia) for less than 12 hours, vaccination is not required. In some areas visited there is a small risk of malaria. Prophylaxis tablets offer only partial protection and must be combined with physical precautions. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active from sunset. 

Wear long sleeves and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, especially to exposed skin such as ankles. As we are not medically trained, we advice you to visit your doctor for detailed medical advice on any other needs. All travellers should visit a doctor or travel clinic approximately three months before departure, and no later than two weeks before departure for personalised advice. 

3. Insurance

We do not provide insurance coverage. For those travelling outside Nairobi for wildlife safari in remote areas, we include during your safari an AMREF flying doctors coverage in case of any air emergency evacuation needed. Please note this isn’t medical insurance but only covers medical emergency evacuations during the safari. AMREF Benefits include: Access to their 24-Hour Medical Helpline for professional medical consultation. 

Evacuation flights or ambulance per subscription period. We advice guests to make sure they take travel insurance from their home countries and leaving a copy of your policy with a friend or relative, and share a copy with us for our records. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and must cover full medical expenses, emergency medical air evacuation, and repatriation. 

4. Money Matters

The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling. US dollars are also widely accepted for larger transactions such as hotels and tours, however bills printed in 2006 or earlier are not accepted, you will however need Kshs for everyday purchases, taxis and local markets.

• Credit & Debit Cards: Do not rely solely on credit or debit cards as many places visited on safari will not have card facilities. Bring more than one card as not all ATMs accept all cards; Visa is generally the most reliable. Notify your bank of your travel dates before you leave to prevent your card from being blocked. 

• Changing Money and ATMs: ATMs are widely available in Nairobi; withdraw in bulk to minimise repeated fees of KES about 200-400 per transaction. M-PESA mobile money is widely used across Kenya, including in remote areas. Pick up a Safaricom SIM card on arrival and you can top up and pay with ease almost anywhere. Budget atleast $30 per day all-in for a comfortable trip (not including shopping).

• Tipping: Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated. For guides, $10-20 per person per day is typical for good service. Most camps have a communal tip box. We recommend contributing at the end of your stay rather than tipping individuals throughout. 

5. Packing

Kenya is warm year-round but early mornings and evenings on game drives can feel cool, even in warmer months. Layering is key. Choose mid-tone colours such as olive, green, khaki and beige. Avoid white, bright colours, black and dark blue as these can disturb wildlife or attract insects. Safari environments can be very dusty, especially in the dry season. A light scarf or buff to cover your mouth and nose during game drives is very useful. Zip-lock or waterproof pouches help protect your electronics and documents from dust and moisture.

Pack lightweight long-sleeved layers, a warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives, a waterproof rain jacket, and solid walking shoes or boots. Soft-sided or duffel bags are strongly recommended over hard cases or trolley bags, as they are far easier to pack in safari vehicles and on smaller domestic aircraft.

When on the Coast, keep your clothes light and airy to help bear the heat. When in the historic old towns, especially in Lamu, keep in mind that it is a predominantly conservative Muslim community so modest wear is advised. There are also no cars in Lamu so carry comfortable walking shoes that are waterproof as you will be in and out of the water a lot. 

Suggested Packing List

• Documents & Essentials: Carry both digital and printed copies of your passport, ETA, travel insurance, flight tickets, and vaccination certificates.
• Luggage: Soft-sided or duffel bags are recommended as they are easier to pack in safari vehicles. Bags should be sturdy, waterproof, and lockable. Keep valuables in a separate day pack and avoid bringing items of high sentimental or monetary value. A portable weighing scale is very helpful to help ensure you meet the weight limits for airlines.
• Clothing: Pack for hot days and cool nights. Layering is ideal. Choose mid-tone colours such as olive, green, and khaki. Avoid white, bright colours, black, and dark blue. Evenings at lodges are casual. Bring a waterproof jacket regardless of season. Kenya is a conservative country, especially on the coast which is Muslim majority. Please avoid short shorts and low-cut tops.
• Shoes: Trainers and sports sandals are sufficient for most safaris. Flip flops are useful for showers and around camp, and waterproof shooes for the beach
• Sun Protection: Bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and lip balm.
• Dust Protection: Safari environments can be very dusty, especially in the dry season. A light scarf or buff is useful to cover your mouth and nose during game drives. Zip-lock or reusable waterproof pouches help protect electronics and documents from dust and moisture.
• Personal Items: environmentally friendly toiletries, a reusable water bottle, and avoid plastic bags, which have been restricted
• First Aid (Suggested): Antiseptic ointment, antihistamine cream and tablets, painkillers, eye drops, anti-diarrhoea medication, bandages, plasters, personal medications, insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, and rehydration sachets.
• Photography & Electrical Equipment: Bring a protective camera bag, power bank, spare batteries, at least two memory cards, a Type G adapter, a torch/flashlight, and binoculars.
• Health & Wellbeing: Your anti-malaria pills or other medications. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a spare pair and extra supplies. Motion sickness tablets can also be helpful for long drives on uneven roads. Please also inform your guide of any medical conditions. This information will be received professionally and kept confidential.

IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

1. Climate

Weather patterns in Kenya are increasingly unpredictable, but there’s still a clear contrast between regions and seasons.

June to August (cooler months):
In the highland safari areas like the Maasai Mara, days are mild (around 20–24°C / 68–75°F) while nights can drop to 10–14°C (50–57°F), making early mornings feel quite cold.
On the coast, it remains warm and more comfortable, with temperatures ranging from about 21–29°C (70–84°F).

November to February (hotter months):
In the highlands, days are warmer at around 24–28°C (75–82°F), with cooler mornings and nights between 14–18°C (57–64°F). Along the coast, this is the hottest and most humid period, with temperatures typically between 24–32°C (75–90°F).

Overall, expect cooler, crisper conditions inland and hot, tropical weather at the coast—so pack layers for safari and lightweight clothing for beach stays.

2. Local Culture and Laws

Kenya is warm, welcoming, and vibrant and your experience will be all the richer for approaching it with care and respect.  Dress modestly outside of beach resorts, especially in rural or Muslim areas. Even a simple ‘Jambo!’ in Swahili goes a long way. In cities and towns, stay alert: keep valuables out of sight, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and use taxis or rideshares rather than walking alone after dark. Single travellers, especially women, should travel in groups where possible.

Always ask permission before photographing people. Photography of military installations, bridges, airports, and border posts is restricted and can lead to serious trouble. One must have a permit to operate a drone. Narcotics carry approximately 10-year prison sentences under Kenyan law. Homosexual acts are illegal under Kenyan law. Plastic bags have been banned in Kenya since 2017, do not bring them into the country. Always carry a copy of your passport on your person.

We advise against giving money or items directly to children. If you wish to support local communities, please coordinate any donations through your Halal Safaris guide or your lodge, this ensures contributions reach the right people in a meaningful way. Your guide is always on hand to advise on local customs, etiquette and anything you are unsure about so do not hesitate to ask.

3. Wildlife & Safari Etiquette

Please do not feed animals under any circumstances. Keep voices low during game drives, avoid sudden movements, and remain in the car at all times during the safari and follow the strict instructions of your guide at all times. Wear natural coloured clothing (browns, and olive greens) to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Children must remain under supervision at all times on safari.

4. Meals & Drinks

Meals are provided as indicated in your itinerary. Your accommodation is on a full-board basis unless otherwise specified. Soft drinks and bottled water are at your own expense, except for water provided in the safari vehicle. We strongly advise against drinking tap water at any point during your trip. Kenyan cuisine is rich and diverse. 

Staples include ugali, nyama choma (grilled meat), sukuma wiki (greens), chapati, spiced pilau rice and an abundance of tropical fruit. Kindly note many places in Nairobi aren’t halal. On the coast you will find a heavy Muslim presence with Arabic and Indian-influenced dishes so it’s much easier to find halal food there. Coffee and chai (spiced tea) are a daily pleasure. Please inform us in advance of any food allergies, dietary requirements, or sensitivities so we can make the necessary arrangements. 

We usually pick accommodation with 100% halal food. In cases where there are none available, we work with hotel management to create custom halal menus for our clients, so please make sure to check your final itinerary for each hotel to know more about the halal options.

5. Phones & Connectivity

Most lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, but connectivity can be limited in more remote safari areas. Streaming services may not be possible. We recommend downloading any offline maps or content before departure. 

A local Safaricom SIM card with a data bundle is an excellent and inexpensive option for staying connected. SIM cards or e-sims can be purchased in Nairobi and must be registered using your passport (ensure your phone is unlocked before travelling). Your safari vehicle also has charging points for devices.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Travel is a privilege, and we take our responsibility to Kenya’s people, wildlife and environment seriously. We ask that you do the same. Here are some tips below:

• Always ask permission before photographing people, especially seeking consent for taking photos of children from guardians.

• Use environmentally friendly toiletries, learn basic local language and cultural norms, bring a reusable water bottle, and avoid plastic bags, which have been restricted

• Conserve water, do not buy endangered wildlife products, support local businesses, dispose of litter responsibly, respect wildlife and local customs, ask permission before photographing people or sacred places, and dress appropriately, especially around religious festivals.

• We advise against giving money or items directly to children and recommend coordinating donations through guides or lodges.

Learn more about our responsible tayyib values here.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS – SAVE THESE 

+254-700-041-729 – Halal Safaris Office

999 / 112  –  Police, Fire & Ambulance

1199  –  Kenya Red Cross

+254 20 699 2299  –  AMREF Flying Doctors – 24/7 medevac

Thank you for taking the time to read this. We wish you a wonderful and memorable journey through Kenya. Karibu sana – you are most welcome!