About the Kenya visa

Kenya is synonymous with savannah safaris, snow-capped Mount Kenya, and Indian Ocean beaches. Nairobi is the main air hub and a base for short trips to Nairobi National Park, while the Maasai Mara draws visitors for the Great Migration and big-cat viewing. Most British passport holders need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before boarding; allow processing time and keep approval emails accessible at check-in.

The Kenyan shilling (KES) is everyday currency; lodges may quote in USD but settle locally. English and Swahili are official languages, simplifying visa forms and lodge briefings. Pack neutral clothing for bush drives, respect distance from wildlife, and follow guide instructions—park fees and conservancy rules vary by county.

Weather depends on altitude: Nairobi evenings can be cool, while the coast is steamy year-round. July to October aligns with migration drama in the Mara; January and February offer dry skies in many reserves. Internal flights from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta reach airstrips near camps; road transfers can be long and bumpy.

Medical planning matters: malaria tablets for many regions, up-to-date routine vaccines, and travel insurance that covers evacuation from remote camps. Business and work permits follow separate immigration routes from tourism. This overview is guidance only; Kenyan immigration makes final entry decisions at the border.