View Trips
View Trips
View Trips
Log In

Kenya: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

Print this page as PDF.
Kenya: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Kenya

Overview

Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya (Swahili: Jamhuri ya Kenya), is a country in Eastern Africa. It's the landscape many people imagine when they think of Africa and is known for the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration. It's also known for its world record-breaking athletes, its rich biodiversity, and great safari destinations. Kenya's terrain rises from a low coastal plain on the Indian Ocean to mountains and plateaus at its center. Most Kenyans live in the highlands, where Nairobi, the capital, sits at an altitude of 5,500 feet (1,700 meters).

 

For Camping Itineraries, please note, this is a participatory camping trip, where all travelers will assist in setting up camp and cooking meals. Guides will teach you the best methods for quick set up and take down of tents and will lead the cooking, providing clear instructions and oversight. If you’ve never set up camp or cooked outdoors before, this is the perfect opportunity to learn under expert supervision!

 

 

Population: 54,685,051

Capital City: Nairobi

Time Zone: UTC+3 (East Africa Time)

Currency: Kenya Shilling KES

Emergency Numbers: Police: 999 Ambulance: 911 Fire:112

Outlet: Type G

Giraffe
Zebra (1)

Packing List

Speak the Language

Language: Swahili is the official language of Kenya

 

  • Hello - Hello
  • Goodbye - Kwaheri
  • Thank you very much - Asante (sana)
  • Do you speak English? - Unaongea kiingereza?
  • I don't understand - Sielewi
  • How are you? - Habari Yako?
  • I'm fine, thank you - Niko sawa, asante
  • What is your name? - Jina lako nani?
  • My name is ____ - Jina langu ni ____
  • Sorry - Samahani
  • Where is the bathroom? - Bafuni iko wapi?

  

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click here

Falls-Kenya

Weather

NAIROBI WEATHER

Fun Facts

  • Kenya has been described as the “cradle of humanity” and “birthplace of humankind as evidence of some of the earliest human tools have been found in Kenya from around 3.3 million BC. It is believed that Kenya is where humankind’s descendants moved out to populate the world.
  • Kenya is named after Mount Kenya (the country’s highest peak). The meaning of the name is unclear but may derive from the Kikuyu, Embu, and Kamba words “kirinyaga,” “kirenyaa,” and “kiinyaa” – all of which mean “God’s resting place"
  • The name of the capital city, Nairobi, stems from the Maasai phrase meaning “cool waters” and refers to a cold water stream that flowed through the area during the 19th century.
  • Kenya is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife, including the celebrated Big Five - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.
  • Kenya is home to more than 40 tribes with over 60 tribal languages spoken.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $5-10 per person/per day
Drivers USD $3-4 per person/per day
Restaurants(full service)  10% if total bill

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use the safe on the overland truck to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

 

Is the water safe to drink? The quality of tap water in Kenya is inconsistent and should not be trusted for drinking unless it is boiled.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

 How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What does public transportation look like? There are taxis and buses in the major towns. The Kenyan road network is very efficient and covers the vast majority of the country and all major cities. Uber is available in Nairobi.

 

 

Luggage Restrictions

Luggage Restrictions purple
Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1

1% Promise

Cool-Effect-Logo-1-gray

In partnership with The Cool Effect, 1% of Trova's revenue will be donated to reduce carbon emissions through community-based initiatives around the globe.

Book With Confidence

TrovaTrip-Trova-Pledge
ethicalTourism
USTOA-Member-Logo-gray
IGLTA_Member
ATTA Member Badge vertical GreyReverse