Practical Information A-Z

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, single entry
• Required documents: Passport (valid for at least 6 months), passport photo, travel dates, accommodation booking
• Processing time: Usually 24–72 hours

Important

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry
• Yellow fever vaccination proof is required when entering from yellow fever areas (not for direct flights from Germany, but bring it just in case)
• Exit: No exit visa required
• Transit: When changing planes in Nairobi (e.g., to Tanzania), you may need a transit eTA

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 and national parks are often quoted in USD. Park fees must be paid via KWS SmartCard (prepaid) — at the gates or online in advance
• EUR: Less common than USD, but accepted in exchange offices in Nairobi and Mombasa

M-Pesa — Mobile Payment

M-Pesa is Kenya's universal payment method. Almost every Kenyan uses it — from taxi drivers to vegetable vendors. As a tourist, you can buy a Safaricom SIM card and have M-Pesa set up. Extremely practical for small payments, Uber/Bolt, and tips.

Credit Cards

Accepted in upscale hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets (Visa > Mastercard). In small shops and markets: cash or M-Pesa only. Amex is rarely accepted.

Kenya requires careful health preparation — especially malaria prophylaxis is important!

Vaccinations

🦟 Malaria Prophylaxis — IMPORTANT!

Malaria is a serious risk in Kenya, especially on the coast, Lake Victoria, and low-lying areas (below 1,500 m). Nairobi and the highlands are considered malaria-free.

• Medicinal Prophylaxis: Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) is the best option — well-tolerated, start 1 day before, continue 7 days after return. Alternatively: Doxycycline (cheaper) or Lariam (Mefloquine, only if intolerant to others)
• Mosquito Protection: DEET-containing spray (at least 30%), long, light clothing in the evenings, impregnated mosquito net. Safari lodges provide nets
• Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache after the trip? See a doctor immediately and mention your Kenya trip!

Travel Pharmacy

• Malaria prophylaxis (prescription required!)
• Diarrhea medication (Imodium + electrolyte powder)
• Sunscreen SPF 50 (equatorial sun!)
• Insect repellent (DEET 30%+)
• Band-aids, disinfectant, thermometer
• Motion sickness tablets (for bumpy safari tracks)
• Antibiotics (prescribed by a travel doctor)

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, do not hold your phone openly in your hand
• Safe neighborhoods: Westlands, Karen, Gigiri, Lavington — you can also go out for dinner here in the evening
• Taxis: Only use Uber/Bolt or taxis ordered by the hotel. No street taxis

On Safari

• Stay in the vehicle! Never get out except at designated spots (picnic spots)
• Minimum distance: 25 meters from most animals, more for elephants and rhinos — your guide knows best
• At night: Never walk from tent/room to lodge without escort — wild animals are in the camp!
• Hippos: Never get between a hippo and the water — deadly!

On the Coast

• Do not walk alone on the beach at night — applies to all beaches
• Beach Boys (beach vendors) can be persistent — politely but firmly decline
• Lamu and the northern coastal region: Follow the travel advice of the Foreign Office

General

• Copies of passport and eTA always carry with you (digital + paper)
• Emergency numbers: Police 999/112, Ambulance 999, Tourist Police Nairobi: +254 20 2722346
• Travel insurance: Absolutely take out with repatriation coverage!

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

1. Buy a Safaricom SIM: At the airport or any Safaricom shop (passport required). SIM costs about 1 USD
2. Register M-Pesa: The seller sets it up for you (takes 5 minutes)
3. Load money: At any M-Pesa agent (green Safaricom signs everywhere!) with cash. Or via credit card in the app
4. Pay: Vendor has an M-Pesa number (Paybill/Till-Number), you enter the amount — done!

What you need M-Pesa for

• Uber/Bolt rides (faster than credit card)
• Small restaurants and shops
• Tips
• Matatu rides
• Entries and tours

Tip: Load 5,000–10,000 KES (30–60€) at the start — that's enough for a week of small expenses. You can find M-Pesa agents everywhere, even in the smallest villages.

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 about 100 KES, data packages from 500 KES (~3€) for 1 GB / 7 days
• Registration: Passport required, done on-site
• M-Pesa: Automatically activated with the Safaricom SIM

Internet in the Parks

Most safari lodges and camps have Wi-Fi — though often slow and unreliable. In the Masai Mara and Amboseli, Safaricom's 4G works surprisingly well. In remote areas (Turkana, Samburu), the network is patchy.

Tip: Download offline maps on Google Maps and use WhatsApp messages instead of calls — this saves data volume on safari.

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 accommodations, the power supply can be irregular — a power bank (20,000 mAh) is a must for the safari
• In remote camps, electricity is often generated at specific times by generator (e.g., 6:00–22:00)

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) — fleece jacket or warm sweater is a must! It gets warm at midday (25–30°C)
• Long pants/sleeves: Against mosquitoes in the evening and sun during the day
• Comfortable closed shoes: For game drives and camps (no flip-flops in the bush!)
• Sun hat/cap
• Rain-windbreaker: Light, packable

Equipment

• Binoculars: Indispensable! 8×42 or 10×42 — without binoculars, you miss half the action
• Camera + telephoto lens: At least 200mm, ideally 100–400mm
• Power bank: 20,000 mAh — power is scarce in camps
• Headlamp/flashlight: Camps are pitch dark at night
• Soft travel bag: Required for bush flights (no hard-shell suitcases!), max. 15 kg
• Dust protection: Ziplock bags for camera and electronics

Health

• Malaria tablets
• DEET insect spray (30%+)
• Sunscreen SPF 50
• Lip care with SPF
• Diarrhea tablets + electrolytes
• Travel pharmacy (see health chapter)

Tipping is expected and important in Kenya's tourism industry — it makes up a significant part of the income for many employees.

Safari Tipping

Outside of Safari

Tip: Bring small USD bills (1s, 5s, 10s) from home — they are worth gold as tips. Or use M-Pesa!