Kenya
A safari vacation is different from any other trip you will ever take. Africa has exotic animals, fascinating culture, and incredible landscapes that cannot be found anywhere else on earth. It’s easy to see why Africa is at the top of many traveler’s bucket list.
Planning a safari trip is quite a challenge when you are presented with the options of Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. But if you want to experience the Great Migration in the famous Maasai Mara, Kenya is the place for you. Imagine taking a game drive through endless Kenya plains and clicking pictures of the same Big Cat dynasty line as seen on television. Or perhaps dreaming of a Lake Nakuru road trip to witness thousands of pink flamingos as far as the eye can see. Whatever your Out of Africa fantasy is, Kenya will deliver.
Besides being a world class safari destination, Kenya has an amazing coastline. Beyond the wilderness travelers can enjoy sandy white beaches with the best snorkeling and diving in Africa. Kenya has something for the explorer in us all!
Things to See and Do in Kenya
Explore Nairobi City
Get Kissed by a Giraffe
Adopt a Baby Elephant
Street Market Shopping
Eat Nyama Choma
Seek out the Big 5
Camp under the Stars
Meet the Maasai People
Witness the Great Migration
See Lake Nakaru's Pink Flamingoes
Indulge in a Beach Escape
Hike Through Hell’s Gate
Climb Mount Kenya
Gaze at the Great Rift Valley
My first game drive at the Maasai Mara National Reserve
What can I expect from Kenya?
Location – Kenya is located in East Africa, in between Somalia and Tanzania. It shares borders with the Indian Ocean and three other countries: South Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia.
Climate – The coast is always hot with an average daytime temperature between 80 – 90 degrees. While the average daytime temperature in Nairobi is between 69 – 78 degrees. Temperatures elsewhere depends on the altitude. July and August mark the Kenyan winter, with June-September and January-February considered the dry seasons. In contrast, the wet seasons are October-December and March-May.
Language – Swahili and English are spoken in Kenya. English is common in metropolitan areas, but don’t expect to hear it spoken in rural regions of Kenya.
Health Tip – Before you go to Kenya, make sure all your routine vaccinations are up to date. There’s a very high risk of malaria in Kenya, so talk to a doctor before using malaria pills.
Water – Don’t drink tap water unless it has been boiled or purified. Carry a reusable water bottle and purification tablets just in case purified bottled water is not available for purchase.
Accommodation – Kenya offers an extremely wide range of accommodation options. A safari trip can cost anywhere between $125 and $1500 per person / per night. A budget safari averages $150 per night, mid-range $350 and luxury $750. The extreme luxury safaris can easily go up to $1,500 per night, or more.
Currency – The country uses the Kenyan Shilling as currency. One Shilling is equal to 0.0097 United States dollars. USD is accepted, but you should be prepared to pay cash for certain small-ticket items and services such as meals and souvenirs.
$100 USD = 10,309.27 KES (Kenyan Shilling is divided into 100 cents or 1/100).
For accurate exchange rates, use this online converter.
Money Saving Tips
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Safari Cost
If you want to save money, visit Kenya during the off season. For the adventurous, taking a safari in the rainy season saves money and is less crowded. The bush will be green and full of life. You will also see more birdlife and young wildlings coming into the world.
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Market Shopping
Haggling is expected in Kenya and hunting for bargains can be a real highlight. Your best buys are soap stone and hard wooden carvings as well as batiks (wall hangings), sarongs, Maasai blankets, hats, and of course tee shirts.
I didn’t but you should!
I regret not taking the hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara. Imagine floating over the African plains just as the sun rises. Looking on with a bird’s eye view of giraffes grazing from the top of acacia trees. And below you in the distance emerges a great herd of wildebeest through an incredible landscape. Taking your safari to the sky seems like a magical experience for the adventurous. No two hot air balloon rides are the same because the wind sets the direction of your trip. And best of all, the balloons fly over areas that a 4X4 vehicle can’t reach.
Note: A hot air balloon experience is approximately $450 USD per person. I’m sure it’s worth every cent if you visit during the great migration (July-August). In fact, that is the best time to do it and the best value for the money.
Fly into the sunrise overlooking the Big Five at the Mara
Don’t Miss Out!
Although Kenya is known as a safari destination, the country’s best kept secret is its spectacular beaches! Surrounded by the breathtaking Indian Ocean, soft white sands, and lush greenery, makes the Kenyan coast the perfect beach safari. You can go snorkeling, water skiing, diving, sailing, and kayaking through any local beach resort. There is plenty of things to do, with affordable accommodation options to choose from.
If you fancy a beach vacation in Kenya, I highly recommend Diani Beach. This tropical retreat has the best beaches in Kenya! The waters are crystal clear and is protected by an offshore coral reef barrier. The reefs around Diani are home to an abundant fish life and sea turtles, which can be seen during snorkeling along the coastline. You can also visit the marine national park, dive with the dolphins, spot whale sharks, or enjoy the local nightlife. Diani offers a range of activities for all ages.
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July 3, 2020
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