Kenya
Kenya straddles the equator where savannah grasslands meet snow-capped peaks, coral coastline meets arid northern desert, and Nairobi's glass towers rise within sight of open wildlife corridors.
Overview
Kenya occupies roughly 582,650 km² in East Africa, bordered by Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan, with a long Indian Ocean coastline to the southeast. Nairobi serves as the capital and commercial hub. Swahili and English are both official languages, and the Kenyan shilling is the currency. The country's cultural identity is woven from more than 40 ethnic groups, a strong tradition of long-distance running, and one of Africa's most significant wildlife conservation legacies.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities can obtain an East Africa Tourist Visa or a single-entry Kenyan visa on arrival, though Kenya has progressively expanded its electronic visa system. Most travellers are encouraged to apply in advance through the official eCitizen portal before departure. Requirements and fees vary by nationality, so consulting that platform or the nearest Kenyan embassy well ahead of travel is advisable.
Airports in Kenya
19 airportsAirlines based in Kenya
7 airlines
Famous Attractions in Kenya
The Maasai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya hosts one of the world's most documented wildlife spectacles, the annual wildebeest migration from Tanzania. Amboseli National Park offers unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro across the border. The old town of Mombasa preserves centuries of Swahili and Portuguese architecture around Fort Jesus. Lake Nakuru in the Rift Valley is known for its flamingo populations and rhino sanctuary. Mount Kenya, the country's highest peak at 5,199 m, draws trekkers year-round.
Weather & Climate
Kenya's climate varies considerably by altitude and region. The coastal strip is hot and humid, averaging 27–32 °C year-round. Nairobi, at roughly 1,700 m, stays mild at 14–26 °C. The highlands experience long rains from March to May and short rains in October–November. The driest, clearest months — June through September — are generally considered the best time to visit for wildlife viewing. Lightweight layers are useful even on warm days at elevation.
Interesting Facts About Kenya
- Home to the world's oldest-known human footprints.
- Kenyan runners have won over 80 Olympic medals.
- The Great Rift Valley bisects the entire country north to south.
- Nairobi is the only city with a national park inside its limits.
- M-Pesa, launched here in 2007, pioneered mobile money globally.
Official Resources
- tourism.go.ke — Kenya Tourism Board, official travel and destination information
- ecitizen.go.ke — government eCitizen portal for visa and travel permit applications
- kws.go.ke — Kenya Wildlife Service, national parks and conservation areas
- meteo.go.ke — Kenya Meteorological Department, weather forecasts and climate data