Kenya holiday
Travel tips, best time to visit & highlights for your Kenya holiday in Africa
Kenya is the ultimate safari destination: the Masai Mara with the great animal migration, Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, flamingo lakes, and the Swahili coast along the Indian Ocean. Additionally, there is the Maasai culture, Nairobi's emerging scene, and some of the best safari lodges in Africa.
Capital
Nairobi
Language
Swahili, English
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time zone
UTC+3
Flight time from DE
approx. 8–9 hours
Entry requirements
Passport, e-visa required
Top hotels & accommodations in Kenya
Selected hotels and holiday accommodations in Kenya — with images, reviews, and direct booking links with our partners.
Hotel Lion Hill Lodge
Nakuru, Kenia
The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel
Diani Beach, Kenia
Salt Lick Safari Lodge
Mwatate, Kenia
Baobab Beach Resort & Spa
Diani Beach, Kenia
Hotel Sarova Stanley
Nairobi, Kenia
Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort
Diani Beach, Kenia
Ashnil Samburu Camp
Isiolo, Kenia
Leopard Beach Resort & Spa
Diani Beach, Kenia
Top 5 highlights in Kenya
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Masai Mara
The great animal migration (July–October): millions of wildebeests cross the Mara River – pure nature.
Amboseli National Park
Herds of elephants against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Diani Beach
White sandy beach along the Indian Ocean – perfect safari-beach combination.
Lake Nakuru
Thousands of pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru, along with rhinos and giraffes.
Lamu Island
Car-free Swahili island with centuries-old culture, dhow boats, and donkey taxis.
Hotels in Kenya
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Kenya
Prepaid-SIM mit Datenvolumen für Kenya. Einfach einlegen und sofort lossurfen – keine Roaming-Gebühren.
* Weiterleitung zu travSIM.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reiseversicherung abschließen
Rundum-Schutz ab 9,90 € auf TravelSecure.de
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to visit Kenya
Recommended travel time
July–October (great migration), Jan–Feb (dry)
Summer
22–28°C
Winter
20–26°C
How much does a holiday in Kenya cost?
Average cost per person per day (excluding flight)
Budget
60–100€ (including safari)
Hostel, street food, public transport
Mid-range
120–250€
Hotel, restaurant, excursions
Luxury
250–700€
Boutique hotel, fine dining
5 travel tips for Kenya
Insider knowledge to make your holiday better.
Safari in July–October for the great migration in the Masai Mara
Discuss malaria prophylaxis and bring mosquito spray with DEET
Group tours are significantly cheaper than private safaris
Sunscreen and a hat are a must – even on cloudy days
Nairobi has an emerging food and art scene – don't skip it
Food & drink in Kenya
These dishes you must try!
Discover Kenya
8 regions, cities and highlights in Kenya
Cities
Kakamega
Kakamega is the capital of Kakamega County in western Kenya and the gateway to the Kakamega Rain Forest — the last remnant of a tropical rainforest in Kenya that once covered all of Central Africa. This unique forest lies directly on the equator and is a biodiversity hotspot of global significance. The Kakamega Forest is home to over 380 bird species, 400 butterfly species, and 7 species of primates, including the rare blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Many of the species living here are found only in this forest area and are otherwise only found in the rainforests of West Africa — a living fossil of Earth's history. The hiking trails through the forest lead past giant trees, ferns, orchids, and massive buttress roots. The Isiukhu Waterfall in the midst of the forest is a popular excursion destination. Birdwatchers come from all over the world to spot endemic species such as the Turner’s weaver or the blue-headed coucal. The Luhya culture shapes the region: The Luhya people are the second-largest ethnic group in Kenya. Their traditional music with the famous Isukuti drums, bullfighting as a cultural tradition, and warm hospitality make Kakamega an authentic experience away from the safari tourist routes.
Kisumu
Kisumu is the third largest city in Kenya and is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Victoria — the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world. The city on the equator was historically the western terminus of the British Uganda Railway (Lunatic Express) and developed into a significant trading port. The Kisumu Impala Sanctuary is located right on the outskirts by the lakeshore and offers a unique combination of wildlife observation and urban experience: Impalas, hippos, crocodiles, and over 100 bird species live in this small but fine reserve. From the waterfront promenade, you can watch hippos grazing at dusk. Ndere Island in Lake Victoria is a national park accessible by boat from Kisumu: hippos, crocodiles, impalas, and a spectacular birdlife on an untouched island. The boat ride offers views of the fishing boats of the local Luo fishermen, who catch tilapia and Nile perch using traditional methods. Kit Mikayi (Weeping Stone) is an impressive natural rock formation about 30 km west of the city: three balanced granite rocks that play a significant role in Luo mythology. The Dunga Wetlands on the lakeshore are a Ramsar protected area with papyrus swamps, rare bird species, and boat tours through the channels.
Mombasa
Mombasa is Kenya's second-largest city and the gateway to the paradise beaches of the Kenyan coast. The historic port city on a coral island in the Indian Ocean combines African, Arab, and Portuguese influences into a cultural mix that is unique in East Africa. The old town is a fascinating labyrinth of narrow alleys, carved Swahili wooden doors, and coral stone houses that reflect centuries of Arab and Portuguese trade. Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in 1593 and a UNESCO World Heritage site, overlooks the old harbor and tells the tumultuous history of the coast — from Portuguese conquerors to Omani sultans to British colonial rule. The beaches north and south of the city are among the most beautiful in East Africa. Diani Beach, 30 kilometers south, is a 17-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand with turquoise water and coral reefs for snorkeling. Bamburi and Nyali Beach in the north offer beachfront resorts with ocean views. The water temperature ranges between 25 and 29°C year-round. The Wasini Island day trip includes Dhow sailing on traditional boats, snorkeling with dolphins, and a Swahili seafood feast on the car-free island. Haller Park offers encounters with giant tortoises and the famous hippopotamus Owen, and the Mombasa Marine National Park protects coral reefs with impressive underwater life. Mombasa is also the endpoint of the legendary "Lunatic Express" — the railway line from Nairobi to the coast, which today operates as the modern Madaraka Express (SGR) and takes 4.5 hours through Tsavo National Park, where you might see elephants and giraffes from the window if you're lucky. The combination of safari vacation and beach days makes the Mombasa route the most popular travel itinerary in Kenya.
Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is the only major city in the world that has a real national park within its city limits: In Nairobi National Park, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos graze against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers — a surreal image that perfectly symbolizes Nairobi's unique position between wilderness and urbanity. The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi National Park rescues orphaned baby elephants and offers daily public feedings, where the playful youngsters frolic in the mud — a heartwarming experience. The Giraffe Centre in Langata allows close encounters with the endangered Rothschild giraffes, which can be fed and even kissed at eye level. The Karen Blixen Museum in the former farmhouse of the Out of Africa author takes you back to the colonial era. Nairobi is the economic and creative heart of East Africa: The Maasai Market offers artisanal treasures, and the Kazuri Bead Factory produces handcrafted ceramic jewelry. The Westlands neighborhood pulses with restaurants that modernize East African cuisine — Nyama Choma (grilled meat) and Ugali are must-try dishes. Nairobi is the ideal starting point for safaris to the Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Park. June to October offers the best safari season.
Watamu
Watamu is a small coastal town on Kenya's north coast that has established itself as one of the best beach destinations in East Africa — with a surprisingly large Italian community that gives the place a Mediterranean flair. Here, you can find excellent pizzerias alongside Swahili street food and Chianti next to Tusker beer. The Watamu Marine National Park is one of the oldest marine protected areas in Kenya and is home to spectacular coral reefs, sea turtles, and dolphins. The Bio-Ken Snake Farm and the Watamu Turtle Watch program are exemplary conservation projects. Between October and March, you can observe whale sharks off the coast. The Gede Ruins — just 15 minutes away — are the atmospheric remains of a medieval Swahili town from the 12th century, overgrown in tropical forest with monkeys and butterflies. Mida Creek is a protected mangrove channel that invites relaxation during kayak tours and bird watching. Sardinia 2 Beach, Turtle Bay, and Garoda Beach offer powdery white sand and warm, calm waters — ideal for families. At low tide, natural pools form in the coral reefs where you can splash around like in a bathtub in the Indian Ocean.
Complete guide for Kenya
Regions, attractions, food, routes, costs & practical tips — all in one digital guide.
Open guidePlan a holiday in Kenya
Kenya is one of the most popular travel destinations in Africa, offering Safari, Nature, Beach and much more. The best time to visit Kenya is July–October (great migration), Jan–Feb (dry), when the weather is ideal for exploration and relaxation. With a daily budget starting from 60–100€ (including safari) (Budget) to 250–700€ (Luxury), Kenya is suitable for various travel budgets.
From the capital Nairobi, Kenya can be excellently explored. The official language is Swahili, English, and the currency is Kenyan Shilling (KES). From Germany, you can reach Kenya in approx. 8–9 hours. Whether you want to try culinary highlights like Nyama Choma, Ugali, Pilau, visit top attractions, or simply enjoy the atmosphere: Kenya has something for every type of traveller.
Use our free travel tools to prepare your Kenya holiday perfectly. With the holiday finder, you can discover if Kenya is the right destination for you. The budget calculator helps you plan costs realistically, and with the packing list, you won't forget anything.
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