---
title: "Kenya: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Kenya? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Tsavo-Kenya.jpg
---

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# Kenya: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Kenya: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Tsavo-Kenya.jpg)

### About Kenya

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/kenya#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/kenya#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/kenya#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/kenya#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/kenya#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/kenya#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/kenya#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/kenya#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/africa/kenya#other-if-needed)

#### 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](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/harshil-gudka-pU-9BYqjhyo-unsplash%20(1).jpg)

![Zebra (1)](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Zebra%20(1).jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Great for long days on your feet and comfort on those trails. Since you will be trekking through the bush, we recommend closed-toes shoes.

**Layers** - For camping, a good rule of thumb is to pack for colder temperatures than you're expecting and in layers. Always bring a warm insulating layer, a light rain shell, and a warm hat, even if it isn't expected to be windy or rainy.

**Lightweight Long-Sleeved Shirts** - For warmth and to help prevent insect bites.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine is key for motion sickness.

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn. Remember to pack sunblock with SPF to protect your skin while outside.

**Sunglasses ** - Choose a model with UVA/UWB protection.

**Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more?

**Bug Spray** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Towel** - Quick dry is our go-to.

**Waterproof Toiletry Bag** - Keep your clothes dry inside basic camp shower structures. Plastic bags are banned in some African countries.

**Headlamp** - Dont forget the spare batteries.

**Binoculars** - Great for spotting animals on safari.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Toilet Paper & Wet Wipes** - The bathroom facilities can be very basic, come prepared.

**Travel Adapter** - A universal plug is your best option.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Sleeping Bag** - A 3–4 season sleeping bag because it can get very cold at night in winter months in the desert and mountainous regions.

**Travel Pillow** - A soft place to rest your head after a long day of adventuring.

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank ** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### 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**](https://translate.google.com/)

![Falls-Kenya](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Falls-Kenya.jpg)

#### Weather

[NAIROBI WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/n1d2936d82/nairobi/?unit=us)

#### 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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/kenya-travel-advisory.html) 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](https://www.kenyanevisa.com/requirements/us-citizens/#:~:text=Yes%2C%20citizens%20of%20the%20United,in%20just%20a%20few%20minutes.). 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.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya)

 

**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](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) 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](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

### Book With Confidence

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