German citizens require a visa for Kenya. Since January 2024, Kenya has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, replacing the previous eVisa. eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Apply online: etakenya.go.ke — at least 72 hours before departure Cost: 30 USD Validity: 90 days,

Currency & Money (KES)

The national currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Exchange rate: 1€ ≈ 160–170 KES (fluctuates). Cash ATMs: Available everywhere in Nairobi, Mombasa, and larger cities. Barclays, Equity Bank, and KCB have the most ATMs. Maximum withdrawal: usually 40,000 KES (~240€) USD: Prices in safari lodges a

Health & Vaccinations

Kenya requires careful health preparation — especially malaria prophylaxis is important! Vaccinations VaccinationStatusNote Yellow FeverRecommendedMandatory when entering from endemic areas. Bring vaccination proof just in case Hepatitis ARecommendedStandard travel vaccination Hepatitis BRecommen

Kenya is generally safe for tourists, but not carefree. Most safari travelers experience no problems. However, some precautions are important: In Nairobi Do not walk at night in the CBD or remote neighborhoods — always use Uber/Bolt Valuables: No expensive jewelry, show cameras only in the car/bus

M-Pesa — Mobile Payment

M-Pesa (M for Mobile, Pesa for money in Swahili) is Kenya's most ingenious invention and revolutionizes how you pay as a tourist. Over 90% of Kenyan adults use M-Pesa — it is the country's invisible infrastructure. How to use it as a tourist Buy a Safaricom SIM: At the airport or any Safaricom sho

Safaricom is Kenya's largest and best mobile provider — the network covers over 95% of the country, including most national parks. Airtel Kenya is the alternative. Safaricom Tourist SIM Where to buy: Safaricom shops at JKIA airport, in Nairobi (Westgate, Sarit Centre) or in any city Cost: SIM abou

Sockets & Electricity

Kenya uses plug type G (British three-pin plug, rectangular). The voltage is 240V, 50Hz. Adapter needed! German plugs (type C/F) do not fit. Buy a travel adapter beforehand (UK adapter / universal adapter) Many safari lodges have universal sockets or lend adapters — but do not rely on it In budget

The right equipment makes the difference between a good and a great safari: Clothing Earth tones: Khaki, beige, olive, brown — no bright colors (do not scare animals, but you blend in more). NO camouflage pattern (reserved for military!) Layers: It's COLD on the morning game drive (8–12°C) — fleec

Swahili is surprisingly easy to pronounce — every letter is spoken, and the emphasis is usually on the penultimate syllable. No guttural R, no nasalization. GermanSwahiliPronunciation HelloJamboDscham-bo How are you?Habari?Ha-ba-ri I am fineMzuri (sana)M-su-ri (sa-na) Thank you (very much)Asante

On safari, you will constantly hear these Swahili animal names — your guide uses them, and they are often the official names in the parks: GermanSwahiliPronunciation LionSimbaSim-ba ElephantTembo / NdovuTem-bo / N-do-wu LeopardChuiTschu-i RhinocerosKifaruKi-fa-ru BuffaloNyati / MbogoNja-ti / M-bo

Home Travel GuidesKenya

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Travel Guide Kenya

Your complete travel guide for the land of safaris, beaches, and the Great Migration

Capital:Nairobi

Languages:Swahili & English

Currency:Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Entry:eTA online (30 USD)

Best Travel Time:Jul–Oct (Migration) / Jan–Mar (Dry)

Flight Time:~8 Hours (Direct Flight)

Last updated: 11 March 2026 · 15 Chapters · 78 Sections

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Route Suggestions

Safari & Beach Classics

14 Days

The ultimate Kenya tour for first-time visitors — Big Five, Great Migration, and dream beach in two unforgettable weeks.

NairobiAmboseliLake NaivashaMasai MaraDiani Beach

Safari Intensive: Mara, Amboseli & Samburu

10 Days

For safari enthusiasts: three different ecosystems, maximum wildlife diversity — from Samburu's rare Five to the flamingos of Nakuru and the Great Migration.

NairobiSamburuLake NakuruMasai MaraAmboseli

Coastal Adventure: Mombasa, Diani & Lamu

10 Days

Kenya's coast from south to north — beaches, snorkeling, Swahili culture, and the time-travel island of Lamu.

MombasaDiani BeachWatamuMalindiLamu

Mount Kenya & Highlands

7–8 Days

For active travelers: trekking on Africa's second-highest mountain, cycling in the national park, and flamingos at the soda lake.

NairobiMount Kenya (Sirimon Route)Lake NaivashaHell's GateLake Nakuru

Family Safari

10 Days

Perfect for families: pet baby elephants, feed giraffes, child-friendly safari in the Mara, and beach days at Diani Beach.

NairobiLake NaivashaMasai MaraDiani Beach

All Chapters

Planning· 2 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Kenya

5 Sections

Chapter 2

Arrival & Transport

3 Sections

Regions· 6 Chapters

Chapter 3

Nairobi

8 Sections

Chapter 4

Masai Mara

8 Sections

Chapter 5

Coast & Beaches

6 Sections

Chapter 6

Highlands & Rift Valley

7 Sections

Chapter 7

North & Wildlife Parks

5 Sections

Chapter 8

Tsavo & Amboseli — Safari im Süden

6 Sections

Understanding· 5 Chapters

Chapter 9

History of Kenya

5 Sections

Chapter 10

Society & Culture

3 Sections

Chapter 11

Nature & Wildlife

3 Sections

Chapter 12

Food & Drink

4 Sections

Chapter 13

Art & Craft

4 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 14

Practical Information A-Z

9 Sections

Chapter 15

Swahili Language Guide

2 Sections

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Regions at a Glance

Nairobi

Africa's most dynamic capital — with the only national park within a major city, elephant orphanage, giraffe feeding, and a booming food and tech scene.

Nairobi National ParkDavid Sheldrick TrustGiraffe CentreKaren Blixen Museum

Nairobi

Masai Mara

Kenya's crown jewel — the stage of the Great Migration, home of the Big Five, and endless golden savannah with Africa's highest predator density.

Great MigrationBig Five SafariBalloon RideMasai Villages+1

Kenia

Coast & Beaches

Dream beaches on the Indian Ocean, Swahili culture, coral reefs, and UNESCO World Heritage — from Diani Beach to Watamu and the car-free island of Lamu.

Diani BeachLamu IslandFort JesusWatamu Snorkeling+1

Mombasa Kenia