Kenya Pre-Departure Information

Country Information

• Ethnic Diversity: Kenya is home to approximately 42 distinct ethnic groups, though there are over 68 living languages spoken across the country. The population, which is projected to reach over 57 million by 2025, is comprised of major groups including the Kikuyu (8.1 million), Luo (5.0 million), Luhya, Kalenjin (4.6 million), and Kamba (4.7 million).

• Language: Swahili serves as the national language and a unifying lingua franca, while English remains the official language for commerce, schooling, and government.

• Religious Diversity: The nation is religiously pluralistic, with Christianity and Islam as the most prominent faiths, though indigenous beliefs remain culturally significant in many communities.

• Indigenous Heritage: Communities maintain deep connections to their land through music, storytelling, and art, such as the world-renowned beadwork of the Maasai and Samburu.

• Wildlife and Conservation: Tourism is a pillar of the economy, contributing approximately 10% of Kenya's GDPand supporting over one million jobs. The country’s commitment to conservation is reflected in its vast network of national parks and private conservancies, which protect 25% of the country's wildlife within the Maasai Mara ecosystem alone.

• Agriculture: This sector remains the backbone of many livelihoods, with tea accounting for 26% of annual export earnings and employing roughly two million people. Kenya is currently the world's third-largest tea producer, while coffee and horticultural products also serve as critical foreign exchange earners.

• Rapid Urbanization: Kenya is experiencing swift urban growth, with the capital, Nairobi, reaching an estimated population of 6 million in 2026. This "Green City in the Sun" is one of Africa's fastest-growing hubs, where modern tech and business sectors coexist with traditional marketplaces.

  
  

• Education: Kenyan society places a high premium on education, achieving a literacy rate of 82.88% as of 2022. Recent efforts have pushed primary school completion rates to nearly 100%, with the government transitioning toward a Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) to better prepare students for the modern workforce.

Kenya is often hailed as the "Cradle of Mankind," with hominid fossils discovered near Lake Turkana dating back millions of years. Its early history was shaped by successive migrations of Cushitic, Nilotic, and Bantu peoples, who introduced pastoralism, agriculture, and ironworking to the region between 2000 BC and 1000 AD. Along the coast, a vibrant Swahili culture emerged by the 8th century as local communities traded with Arab and Persian merchants, introducing Islam and a unique maritime identity to city-states like Mombasa and Lamu.

The 15th-century arrival of the Portuguese marked the beginning of European influence, though they were later displaced by Omani Arabs. British interest intensified in the late 19th century, following the 1885 Berlin Conference and the 1895 establishment of the East African Protectorate. Colonial rule was marked by the displacement of indigenous groups for white settlers and the construction of the landmark Uganda Railway.

Resistance grew throughout the early 20th century, culminating in the Mau Mau uprising during the 1950s. Kenya finally achieved independence on December 12, 1963, with Jomo Kenyatta as its first president. Since then, the nation has navigated various political transitions, evolving into a vibrant multi-party democracy and a leading regional economic hub.

Entry Conditions

Kenya has replaced its traditional visa system with a digital authorization process called ETA

• Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): Australian passport holders must apply for an eTA online before travel. This replaces the old visa and is required for all visitors, including infants and children.

• Yellow Fever Vaccination: You will need a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (proof of vaccination) for entry into Kenya; without this, you will not be allowed entry.  

  
  

• Passport: Your Australian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have at least two blank pages.

Weather

The Cool-Dry Season (June to October)

• Conditions: Skies are clear and sunny, but mornings and evenings on safari can be very chilly (sometimes near freezing in higher altitudes).

  
  

• Temperatures: Highs of 21°C–25°C; Lows of 10°C–15°C.

The Short Rains (November to mid-December)

• Conditions: You’ll see short, afternoon bursts of rain, but it rarely ruins a full day of travel.

  
  

• Temperatures: Highs of 23°C–27°C; Lows of 13°C–16°C.

The Hot-Dry Season (January to February)

• Conditions: It is very hot and dry, especially along the coast and in the northern regions.

• Temperatures: Highs of 28°C–32°C; Lows of 13°C–18°C.

The Long Rains (March to May)

• Conditions: Expect heavy, daily rainfall. Many secondary safari roads become impassable due to mud, and some smaller bush camps actually close during this period.

  
  

• Temperatures: Highs of 24°C–28°C; Lows of 14°C–18°C.

Currency and Banking

Currency

For tourism purposes the main currency used in Kenya is US Dollars.

Credit Cards

Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Visa and MasterCard are most commonly accepted.

Mobile Phones & Wifi

Mobile

Network Providers: The market is dominated by Safaricom, which provides the most extensive coverage, followed by Airtel and Telkom.

Remote Areas: While network signals are surprisingly resilient in many national parks, coverage can become intermittent or non-existent in more remote wilderness areas or deep within private conservancies.

International Roaming: You current phone data provider may have roaming agreements in Kenya which can be a efficient method if you are using data purely for communications with family back home. However, it is advisable to check your specific provider's "Travel Pass" or daily roaming rates before departure to avoid unexpected costs.

Local Data Providers

• Local SIM Cards: For the most cost-effective data, you can purchase a local Safaricom SIM card upon arrival at the airport or in town. You will need your passport for the mandatory registration process.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Wifi

The vast majority of hotels and safari lodges offer complimentary Wi-Fi for their guests. Connectivity is usually stronger in the main common area. While urban hotel Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable, many remote safari camps utilize satellite internet, which may be slower and sometimes restricted to communal areas like the main lounge or dining tent.

High-speed public Wi-Fi is common at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and within large modern shopping malls in major cities.

Adapters & Power

Plug Type G: Kenya exclusively uses the Type G electrical plug.

This is the standard British-style plug, featuring three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern.

Unlike some other regions that use multiple socket types, Type G is the standard found throughout Nairobi hotels, coastal resorts, and most safari camps.

Gratuities and Tipping

In Kenya, it is customary to tip your guides and hotel staff. Tipping is discretionary and should always reflect the level of service you feel you have received.

That said, there are some general guidelines, and expectations can vary depending on the type of accommodation and the style of safari you are undertaking.

For this reason, we recommend that all guests travelling with us reach out for a personalised tipping guide. We’re happy to break down where tipping is customary, who to tip, and provide realistic guidance on appropriate amounts, ensuring you feel comfortable and well prepared during your journey.