Kenya Travel Guide: Visa Requirements, Logistics, And Places To Visit - All You Need To Know

Travel Kenya: From some epic safaris to stunning beaches and unique wildlife, explore this vibrant East African country on a budget and make unforgettable memories.

Kenya's diverse national parks let you witness the world's magical creatures up close.

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Kenya is one of the most visited countries in Africa, by Indian tourists. Often hailed as nature's paradise, Kenya presents an unrivalled opportunity to explore magnificent national parks and discover coral reefs and habitats to some of the world's most abundant wildlife. Its nearly 600 km long coastline, adorned with pristine sandy beaches adds to the allure. From thrilling wildlife safaris to beach holiday vacations, there are many attractions that will make your visit memorable.

Visa Types And Requirements:

For Indian passport holders, Kenya offers Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) which is also known as Kenya e-visa. There are multiple categories of visas depending on the duration of your stay.

• Single Entry Visa
• Transit Visa
• Multiple Entry Visa
• East African Tourist Visa
• Courtesy Visa

Each visa has its purpose, procedure, and requirements. 

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Visitor Visa/ Single Entry Visa

All visitors including infants and children, must apply for an eTA before their journey. It is a single-entry visa issued for 30 days and extendable to 90 days. It serves the purpose of business, tourism, medical, or any other reason requiring a short stay. 

Required Documents: 

• Valid passport for at least six months after your planned date of arrival with at least one blank page.
• 2 passport-size photos.
• Contact information, email address, and phone number.
• Details of your arrival and departure itinerary.
• Accommodation booking confirmation(s).
• Credit card, debit card, or other means of payment.
• Proof of sufficient funds.

The eVisa processing time is at least three working days, although you should keep 7 to 8 working days in your slot before applying.

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Travel Logistics:

Kenya is situated almost 5,000 km from India and can be accessed through various modes of transport. However, taking a flight is the most convenient and logical option. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kisumu International Airport, and Moi International Airport are some of the major airports in Kenya. You will find direct flights- Air India, IndiGo, and Kenya Airways- from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Allahabad. The minimum airfare for a flight from Delhi to Nairobi is around Rs. 20,000 but can go up to Rs. 35, 000, depending on the season and availability. The journey to this wonderland takes approximately 10 hours.

The other option to reach Kenya is a really long drive from Delhi which will take about 5 to 6 days. 

Transportation:

For local travel, you need not worry as Kenya is well connected through roads, airways, and a great rail and bus network. If you want to take budget-friendly options, opt for the bus and rail services. You can also hire taxis or cabs to enjoy the scenic routes.

Accommodation:

Kenya offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. From charming homestays with locals that showcase their timeless culture to Luxurious cottages, hotels, hostels, and Airbnb options, this nation has it all. While you can find your stay on the spot, It's advisable to book in advance.

Best Time To Visit:

With spectacular landscapes and phenomenal biodiversity, Kenya can be visited throughout the year. Most tourists are attracted to the nation during the dry season as it coincides with the great migration of the wildebeest and zebra. At this time you can also experience many cultural and adventurous events telling you tales of Kenya's distinctive heritage.

Mid-December is also a good time if you want to spot newborn giraffes and zebras. However, if you are a backpacker and looking for a longer stay on a budget, January to February is ideal, offering excellent safari experiences. 

Language:

Kenya is predominantly multilingual, but the two official languages are Swahili and English. You will find it easy to connect with people, as English is widely spoken here.

 

Currency:

Kenya is among the most budget-friendly countries for Indians and a ten-day trip is ideal to immerse yourself in the country's incredible wildlife. Its official currency Shilling has an exchange rate of Rs 1 equivalent to KES 1.62. You will need to carry cash, which you can exchange at airports and various places in major cities like Nairobi. 

Top Attractions:

At the heart of Kenya's allure lies its breathtaking wildlife, showcased in national parks and reserves such as the Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo National Park, making it a haven for wildlife photographers.

Kenya also offers a wealth of activities and experiences- whether you want to unwind on a safari or embark on an adventure like hot air balloon rides and more.

Here are a few places you must include in your itinerary:  

Nairobi: The capital of Kenya offers a blend of urban city and wildlife attractions. It is the most visited town, connecting all the other remote areas. Here you can visit the National Museum and the Giraffe Centre to get some insights into history. You can also visit the Nairobi National Park, established in 1946, which is Kenya's oldest park and home to more than 400 bird species and a variety of land animals, including lions and rhinos. 

Maasai Mara National Reserve: This reserve marks the wildlife corridor between Tanzania and Kenya and receives major tourist fall throughout the year. It is home to the big five lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos. Known as the crown jewel of safaris, it offers a chance to witness the breathtaking wildebeest migration and cheetahs along with the other wildlife habitats. 

 

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Mount Kenya: The snowy Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak, is a delight for trekking and adventurers. It offers breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers. Here you can go camping and other mountaineering activities with the permission of the authorities.

Amboseli National Park: It is known for its majestic view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, and the breathtaking sight of large herds of elephants.

Diani Beach: This 10 km stretch of white sand and sparkling water is perfect for surfing and other water sports. Here you can observe colourful and unique fish near coral reefs. 

Mombasa: Kenya's second largest city boasts a beachy port and rich history, with many cultures to embrace.

Some other notable places to include in your wildlife holiday are Tsavo National Park, Watamu Marine National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Lamu Island, which is a world heritage site known for its well-preserved Swahili architecture and centuries-old rich heritage.

You can also enjoy some water sports like snorkelling, diving, and scuba diving at the picturesque beaches.

After knocking at all these places, if you want to shop for souvenirs and rare Jewellery styles of Kenya, Nairobi's flea markets are the places to hit.