Essential Kenya Travel Guide

Your Kenya Travel Guide

From bucket list safari experiences to relaxing sunny days on stunning beaches, Kenya has something to offer every traveller. In this guide, you will find inspiration for places to visit within the country as well as tools to help you plan your travels.

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Baraka the Blind Rhino

Kenya Travel Guide

Hi!

I am a Nigerian who is now living in Kenya and who loves to explore the country every chance I get!

In this guide, I will give you a general overview of the country and some required information to visit. If you'd like to read more in-depth guides about places to visit, click on the button below to explore blog posts about Kenyan living and travels.

I can also help plan your Kenyan holiday for an affordable fee. Contact me at [email protected]

Explore with Me

Getting In and Around Kenya

Getting into Kenya

The fastest way to get to Kenya from Nigeria is via a direct flight on Kenya Airways. It takes about 5 hours to fly directly. Other airlines, such as Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir also operate flights to Kenya.

Getting a visa to Kenya

Kenya offers an e-visa to Nigerians seeking to visit for tourism. You may apply for a visa through this site. The ETA costs $30, excluding the card processing fee.

Best time to visit Kenya

Kenya is an all-year-round travel destination but be aware that it has two seasons - the rainy and dry seasons.

Generally, April and May are the wettest months and the dry seasons (which fall between the months of June to September and December to March, sans climate change) are better for safaris and viewing the great migration.

Getting around in Kenya

Getting around in Kenya is easy. Uber and Bolt operate in the bigger cities and you can easily hop into a vehicle or a "boda boda" (motorcycle) to get to your destinations. You'll also find lots of bodas around the country.

Alternatively, renting a car or jumping in a matatu (public bus) are options available to you.

Explore Kenya Travel Blog Posts

Hells Gate National Park Cycling

A Safari Unlike Any Other in Kenya

Rhinos at Ol Pejeta

48 Hours in Nanyuki: What to See & Do

Elephant Hill

The Never-Ending Hike to Elephant Hill

Crystal Bay

The Non-Travel Life of a Nigerian in Nairobi

The Last Two Northern White Rhinos on Earth

A Race Against Time to Save a Species from Extinction

Ngare Ndare Blue Pools

Visiting the Magical Ngare Ndare Forest

About the Blog

Travel with a Pen is a Nigerian Travel Blog showcasing Nigeria and Africa Travel. On this blog, I share budget-friendly tips and breakdowns for travel within Africa and the rest of the world. I hope that by reading the articles here, you’re inspired to travel more and differently too!

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Explore These Destinations!

Giraffe Centre Kenya

Nairobi

Plan your stay in Nairobi by checking places to visit, what to do, where to eat and more travel tips to optimize your stay.

Giraffe Centre Kenya

Outside Nairobi

Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and immerse yourself in nature by exploring these weekend destinations. 

Giraffe Centre Kenya

The Coast

Explore the gorgeous Kenyan Coast. From Mombasa to Lamu. Find all the details you need to plan the ultimate beach getaway!

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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When reality exceeds expectations 🪄✨️ In a trip filled with many highlights, the landscapes in Sossusvlei stand out. Here's a mini guide if you plan to visit ⤵️ 🛻 How to Get There: The best way is to rent a car and drive down to Sesriem. Google Maps is pretty accurate in terms of directions (not time 🚫). So leave Windhoek early ⚠️ 🚍If you do not have a car, then joining a tour or shuttle service is the only other option. From Sesriem entrance gate, Sossusvlei is another ~1hr drive to reach the 2WD parking lot. You can continue driving to the 4WD parking lot or take a shuttle from here if you're not comfortable driving on sand 🏜. 🛏 Where to stay: Budget camping ⛺️ - NWR Sesriem Campsite, Sesriem Oshana Camp. Luxury 💰 - Dead Valley Lodge, Sossus Dune Lodge ⏳️ Best Time to Visit: May to September. Plan to visit at sunrise🌤or later in the evening for the best weather conditions and light. A detailed guide is available on my blog: www.travelwithapen.com. Leave me a comment below if you'd like to receive the link. #explorenamibia #sossusvlei #dunesofnamibia #sossusvleisunrise #desertdreaming #namibiatravel
amarachiekekwe
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When reality exceeds expectations 🪄✨️ In a trip filled with many highlights, the landscapes in Sossusvlei stand out. Here's a mini guide if you plan to visit ⤵️ 🛻 How to Get There: The best way is to rent a car and drive down to Sesriem. Google Maps is pretty accurate in terms of directions (not time 🚫). So leave Windhoek early ⚠️ 🚍If you do not have a car, then joining a tour or shuttle service is the only other option. From Sesriem entrance gate, Sossusvlei is another ~1hr drive to reach the 2WD parking lot. You can continue driving to the 4WD parking lot or take a shuttle from here if you're not comfortable driving on sand 🏜. 🛏 Where to stay: Budget camping ⛺️ - NWR Sesriem Campsite, Sesriem Oshana Camp. Luxury 💰 - Dead Valley Lodge, Sossus Dune Lodge ⏳️ Best Time to Visit: May to September. Plan to visit at sunrise🌤or later in the evening for the best weather conditions and light. A detailed guide is available on my blog: www.travelwithapen.com. Leave me a comment below if you'd like to receive the link. #explorenamibia #sossusvlei #dunesofnamibia #sossusvleisunrise #desertdreaming #namibiatravel
5 hours ago
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1/9
A beautiful country with the friendliest people! 🛺🇹🇭🪷🐘🌺
amarachiekekwe
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A beautiful country with the friendliest people! 🛺🇹🇭🪷🐘🌺
19 hours ago
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2/9
If South Korea is on your travel wishlist for this year or the future, I've got a minor about the visa application process. 🗞📰 When I applied for a South Korean visa in 2022, I had to submit my documents and passport to the embassy, and the visa was processed in 6 working days. After that, I had to return to the embassy to pick up my passport, but I didn't get an endorsement in it. Instead, I received an e-visa that I could download from the website. However, as of 2025 (not sure how long this change has been in place, though), the embassy no longer keeps your passport ❌️ While you still need to visit the embassy or VAC in person to submit your application, the process seems to be moving towards a more streamlined e-visa system 🤞🏼
amarachiekekwe
amarachiekekwe
•
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If South Korea is on your travel wishlist for this year or the future, I've got a minor about the visa application process. 🗞📰 When I applied for a South Korean visa in 2022, I had to submit my documents and passport to the embassy, and the visa was processed in 6 working days. After that, I had to return to the embassy to pick up my passport, but I didn't get an endorsement in it. Instead, I received an e-visa that I could download from the website. However, as of 2025 (not sure how long this change has been in place, though), the embassy no longer keeps your passport ❌️ While you still need to visit the embassy or VAC in person to submit your application, the process seems to be moving towards a more streamlined e-visa system 🤞🏼
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Because, how do you do it? 🤔 I'm watching the prices go higher💸💸, but I can't bite the bullet cos I don't know if that approval is coming for sure! 🥲 ✅️ I've been fortunate with my visa applications so far, but I approach each new one with the same level of apprehension. One of the things I hold back on is booking a flight ✈️ without having my visa in hand. I've done this once, though - when the Thai visa requirement included "paid flights." In this case, I booked a fully refundable flight and rebooked that flight once I got my visa in 2 days. Apart from this instance, I use the hold ✋🏽 option on Qatar or ET for my flight reservation needs. So far, I've gotten every visa I've applied for using this. I'd love to know your approach. Which team are you on?
amarachiekekwe
amarachiekekwe
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Because, how do you do it? 🤔 I'm watching the prices go higher💸💸, but I can't bite the bullet cos I don't know if that approval is coming for sure! 🥲 ✅️ I've been fortunate with my visa applications so far, but I approach each new one with the same level of apprehension. One of the things I hold back on is booking a flight ✈️ without having my visa in hand. I've done this once, though - when the Thai visa requirement included "paid flights." In this case, I booked a fully refundable flight and rebooked that flight once I got my visa in 2 days. Apart from this instance, I use the hold ✋🏽 option on Qatar or ET for my flight reservation needs. So far, I've gotten every visa I've applied for using this. I'd love to know your approach. Which team are you on?
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Picking from where we left off, here are 4 more incredible weekend getaways close to Nairobi! 🐘 Amboseli National Park: for numerous elephant sightings and a sneak peak of Mount Kilimanjaro! 🍃 Aberdares Cottages and Fishing Lodge: for its beautiful campsite by the river 🌊 Ngare Ndare Forest: famous for its gorgeous azure waterfals and pools, canopy walkway above the forest floor, and elephant sightings. 🦏 Ol Pejeta Conservancy: for a chance to spot the big 5, as well as to see earth's last two surviving Northern White rhinos + learn about conservation efforts... #weekendtrip #nairobi
amarachiekekwe
amarachiekekwe
•
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Picking from where we left off, here are 4 more incredible weekend getaways close to Nairobi! 🐘 Amboseli National Park: for numerous elephant sightings and a sneak peak of Mount Kilimanjaro! 🍃 Aberdares Cottages and Fishing Lodge: for its beautiful campsite by the river 🌊 Ngare Ndare Forest: famous for its gorgeous azure waterfals and pools, canopy walkway above the forest floor, and elephant sightings. 🦏 Ol Pejeta Conservancy: for a chance to spot the big 5, as well as to see earth's last two surviving Northern White rhinos + learn about conservation efforts... #weekendtrip #nairobi
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
One of the things I love about Nairobi is the endless options for quick weekend getaways. Here are a few of my top picks for escapes from the city!🍃 #nairobi #weekendtrip #thingstodoinnairobi #kenya
amarachiekekwe
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One of the things I love about Nairobi is the endless options for quick weekend getaways. Here are a few of my top picks for escapes from the city!🍃 #nairobi #weekendtrip #thingstodoinnairobi #kenya
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
amarachiekekwe
amarachiekekwe
•
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Trip or destination combinations can be as easy as looking at a map 🌏 and figuring out which countries border each other + how easy it is to move from one country to the other. And if you're Nigerian, there's also the visa element to consider. On this list, places like Kenya, Seychelles, Rwanda, and Uganda have fairly favourable visa and entry conditions, plus 3 of these countries have direct flights to Nigeria ✈️ This makes them good bases for a combo-trip. If you're not looking to go far, a great combination from Nigeria is the route from Nigeria 🇳🇬 to Ghana 🇬🇭 via Benin 🇧🇯 and Togo 🇹🇬 ___________________ PS: While trip combinations can be fun + could help save money/build your travel history, some destinations require more time to have a more enriching experience. So weigh your options and choose carefully 💙 Share your favourite combo destinations in the comment section! ⤵️
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
🧳✈️ What kind of traveller are you? My travel style is constantly evolving, but this is where I'm at right now! 🚦I'll take a lovely train ride 🚆 over a plane ride ✈️, even if the journey is longer.. I don't have plans to visit all countries in the world 🌎 - it would be pretty cool if that happened, but I'm happy to just return to places I love over and over again! 🥰 💸 These days, my travel style in terms of budget is a mixed bag. I appreciate more privacy and unique experiences, but I'm also down for a hostel stay if necessary. 🐌 Slow travel is my preference - as much as work and life permits, and I'll always try to choose an overnight trip over a day trip 😊
amarachiekekwe
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•
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🧳✈️ What kind of traveller are you? My travel style is constantly evolving, but this is where I'm at right now! 🚦I'll take a lovely train ride 🚆 over a plane ride ✈️, even if the journey is longer.. I don't have plans to visit all countries in the world 🌎 - it would be pretty cool if that happened, but I'm happy to just return to places I love over and over again! 🥰 💸 These days, my travel style in terms of budget is a mixed bag. I appreciate more privacy and unique experiences, but I'm also down for a hostel stay if necessary. 🐌 Slow travel is my preference - as much as work and life permits, and I'll always try to choose an overnight trip over a day trip 😊
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
He's the best! 😅🥰
amarachiekekwe
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He's the best! 😅🥰
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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