Ancient customs go hand in hand with contemporary culture in the heart of Africa. Sail along waterways in an ancient dhow. Explore the urban world of Mombassa and Nairobi. And camp under a canopy of stars, close to the ‘big five’, in an exclusive, luxury safari tent. If luxury camping isn’t your thing, our hand-picked collection of the best hotels in Kenya is guaranteed to make your visit impossible to forget.
Capital city
Nairobi
Currency
Kenyan shilling (in 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 Ksh notes).
Cuisine
Expect rice and fish, often flavoured with coconut, tamarind and exotic spices.
Tipping etiquette
Tipping isn’t common, and in tourist-oriented businesses service charges are usually added to your bill.
Saying hello
Kenyans speak both English and Bantu Swahili, so say “hello” or “hujambo”.
Mountains, beaches and sprawling savannah in between – Kenya’s diverse terrain means there’s rarely a bad time to visit. To witness the unforgettable sight of the annual wildebeest migration, aim for June to October. The rains come throughout the year in different areas, but the wet season is usually between March and May. At this time you’ll find the national parks quieter and the landscape even more vibrant as the soil turns rust red.
Be prepared to haggle when you browse the local markets– soapstone carvings and Masai beaded mementos make excellent gifts.