Kenya Travel Guide: All You Need Know

Pack casual, comfortable clothes for your safari—jeans or shorts work fine. Bring layers for changing weather, and avoid overpacking since laundry is often available

The deposit required will be 50% of the total price of the tour. You can pay the deposit using a credit card (Visa and MasterCard are accepted) or a bank order directly to Memphis Tours. Our representatives will be willing to provide any additional information or support you need to complete this payment. If payment of the deposit in one transaction is not possible, please contact Memphis Tours to enquire about the possibility of making the payment in installments.

Yes, Kenya is generally safe to visit, especially in popular tourist areas like Nairobi National Park, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and coastal regions such as Diani and Mombasa. Tourism is one of the country’s main industries, and the government places strong emphasis on keeping visitors safe.

Africa certainly has an impressive selection of tropical and other diseases, but you’re most likely to get traveler’s diarrhea, or a cold rather than anything exotic. If you stay up-to-date with your vaccinations and take some basic preventive measures, you’d be pretty unlucky to succumb to most of the other health hazards on offer.

While it may be tempting, to leave your vaccines for the last minute, most immunization shots don’t take effect until two to four weeks after receiving them. It is advised that you visit your doctor four to eight weeks prior to your trip and also ask for your immunization record. This is mandatory for the African countries that require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry, which includes Kenya and its neighbors, but it’s a good idea to carry it anyway wherever you travel.

Tanzania is generally safe, hassle-free and a relaxing country; it can be a welcome relief if you've recently visited some place like Nairobi. However you do need to take the usual precautions and keep up with government travel advisories. Avoid isolated areas, especially isolated stretches of beach. Road accidents are the other main threat to your health. Never travel at night, and choose buses or private transport over dalla-dallas to minimize the risk.

• Visa: Available online or on arrival—check requirements in advance.
• Health: Yellow fever proof may be needed; carry repellent and consider malaria meds.
• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling is local, but USD is widely accepted.
• Packing: Light clothes, hat, sunscreen; bring a jacket for cool evenings.
• Culture: Dress modestly and learn simple Swahili greetings like Jambo.
• Best Time: Dry seasons (June–Oct, Dec–Feb) are best, especially for the Great Migration.

 The most common vaccinations would be Hepatitis B , Hepatitis A , Typhoid , Yellow Fever and last but not least Rabies. These are the basic vaccinations you need to cover before you start your African adventure. It is also highly advised that you advise your local medical center or institution to give you more insights in the matter.

Yes, Uganda is generally safe to visit, especially when traveling with a trusted tour operator. Popular destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, and Kampala are well-visited by tourists each year.

As with any destination, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings, follow local guidelines, and avoid isolated areas at night. Most visitors experience Uganda as welcoming, safe, and unforgettable—thanks to its friendly people, rich culture, and incredible wildlife encounters like gorilla trekking.

Regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa, it may be surprising as there was a mass genocide in recent history. However the country has moved beyond this and has become a rising star in Africa for environmental safety. Please make note to avoid bringing plastic with you during your trip, as customs will confiscate it. Like most of the region there are no major health concerns be up to date with your immunization record and take a copy (yellow fever shots included), as well extra prescription medicines.

The check out and in rules across Africa will vary according to the country you’re in and the policies of hotel you’re staying in. Mostly check-ins usually start either at 12 and 10 AM or 12 and 2 PM. Usually check-outs start at 12 AM or 10 AM or last until 10, 11 AM or 12 Pm .Naturally is possible other arrangements can be arranged with the place of accommodation.

There are strict laws that prohibit taking wildlife products out of Kenya. The export of products made from elephant, rhino and sea turtle are totally prohibited. Also, the collection of coral is not allowed. Ostrich eggs will be confiscated unless you have a proof that you bought them from a certified ostrich farm. Always check to see what permits are required, especially for the export of any plants, insects and shells.

Most travelers need an eVisa to enter Kenya. You can apply online through the official Kenyan eVisa portal before your trip. The process is simple: complete the application form, upload your documents, and pay the fee. Approval usually takes a few days, and you’ll receive your visa electronically to present on arrival. Always check the latest requirements before you travel, as regulations may change.
 

For most travelers, a single-entry Tanzania visa costs around $50 USD, valid for 90 days. Citizens of the U.S. are required to obtain a multiple-entry visa, which costs $100 USD. Transit visas are usually $30 USD for short stays.

Most travelers  need a visa to enter Uganda. A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD and is valid for up to 90 days (though you may be granted only 30 or 60 unless you request 90). Multiple-entry visas are not issued on arrival but can be obtained from Ugandan embassies abroad ($100 USD for six months).

Uganda also participates in the East Africa Tourist Visa, which costs $100 USD, allows multiple entries, and covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days.

Swahili is the most widely spoken language across East Africa, especially in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. English is also common, particularly in cities, tourism, and business.

On safari, you’ll find everything from luxury hotels like Fairmont to affordable budget stays. Lodges in reserves offer comfort with stunning natural views, while campsites provide a safe, authentic way to connect with nature.

Africa’s climate varies by region, so packing depends on where you go:

• Kenya: Tropical along the coast, drier inland. Warm year-round, with rains in March–June. Hottest July–Aug, coolest Feb–Mar.
• Rwanda: Cooler due to elevation. Temps range 12–27°C year-round. Two rainy seasons (Feb–Jun, Sep–Dec) and two dry seasons.
• Tanzania: Highlands range 10–20°C, lowlands mostly 25–31°C. Hot Nov–Feb, cooler May–Aug. Rainfall patterns vary by region.
• Uganda: Mild equatorial climate. Dry seasons: Jun–Aug and Dec–Feb. Rainy seasons: Mar–May and Sep–Nov. Temps usually 16–28°C.

Currency converters are readily available as well as ATM machines in all major cities that make it easy for you to withdraw cash. You can also make your dealings in dollars, euros or sterling pounds if you hadn’t converted your money to the local currency.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, it’s common to tip safari guides about $10–$20 per day, and hotel staff or drivers a few dollars. Always tip in the local currency or USD, and give directly to the person you want to thank.

Road transport is the most common mode of transportation in Africa. Buses, minibuses, and shared taxis connect cities, towns, and rural areas, while trains and domestic flights serve longer distances. In major cities, ride-hailing apps and private taxis are also widely used.

The best time for an African safari is during the Great Migration, when wildlife moves from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara—an unforgettable sight. Timing depends on rainfall and seasonal patterns: January–March in the southern Serengeti is calving season, while July–August brings dramatic river crossings. Ultimately, the ideal safari period depends on both destination and season. For instance, Uganda and Ivory Coast are great between November–December, while July–August is also excellent for Uganda.

Most African countries use their own national currencies, such as the Kenyan Shilling (KES), Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), Ugandan Shilling (UGX), and Rwandan Franc (RWF). However, the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted in many East African safari destinations, especially in lodges, hotels, and tourist areas. It’s always best to carry a mix of local currency for day-to-day expenses and US dollars for larger payments.

Flight times to Africa vary depending on where you’re flying from and your destination. From Europe, flights to East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda) usually take 7–9 hours nonstop. From the U.S., expect 15–20 hours with one or more layovers. Within Africa, regional flights between countries are often just 1–3 hours.

Going on a Safari is truly a once in a lifetime experience for adults and youngsters alike. With our tours some of the game parks or natural reserves that will be explored include but are not restricted to game parks such as the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro conservation among other. All of these previously mentioned parks include special activities for children plus safety is highly regarded and considered on these tours for both the young and the old of age.

Although Africa’s safaris are enough to leave you wanting more and with our guided tours, well-crafted itineraries it is a truly exciting and engaging experience. However Safari tours are not the only thing Africa has to offer, there are many other equally riveting and interesting activities including but not limited to relaxing on one of the many pristine and exotic beaches that Africa has to offer, Scale towering mountains such as Kilimanjaro, mount Kenya and the atlas mountains in morocco like a true mountaineer. Not into physical activity? Don’t worry the black continent is filled to the brim with historical monuments from the days of old such as Mamuno Monument, Fort Jesus, Larabange Mosque and many more. In conclusion Africa is a treasure trove of culture,art,traditions, amazing cuisine, exotic animals and scenery and so much more.