Kenya Holidays

Best time to go to Kenya

Early January through to the end of February signals the warmest period in Kenya, with high numbers of animals congregating in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli, for example. There are two rainy seasons in Kenya: the long rains which run from March to May, and the short rains in autumn. The long rains cause most disruption, with fewer opportunities to spot animals, quite a lot of flooding which makes travel difficult and many hiking routes inaccessible, and some accommodation shuts down too. June marks the start of the dry season, which spans until the end of August. This is peak season, with the famous wildebeest migration and animals gathering conveniently around watering holes, so expect prices to go up accordingly. September and October are great options for good animal spotting and sub-peak prices. November through to December can be a wonderful time to visit with refreshing, but not as disruptive, rainfall starting around November and giving the grasslands a much-needed green-up.

If you’re visiting the coast, you’ll find it hot, humid and with some rainfall year-round – it’s a tropical coast after all. Kenya’s sea temperatures range from 25°C in August to 30°C in March (averaging 28°C throughout the year). The best time to dive in Kenya is October to March when seas are calm and visibility can reach 30m. Plus, it’s also divers’ best chance to spot whale sharks.

How to get to Kenya

Most flights from the UK to Kenya involve at least one stop, but you can fly direct, for example, from London Heathrow to Nairobi, in around nine hours. One-stop flights to Nairobi can be found from Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, stopping in various places such as Istanbul, Frankfurt, or Doha, depending on your airline. You can also fly to Mombasa from Manchester (with one or two stops) or from London Heathrow with one stop.

Getting around Kenya

There are two real ways to make your way around Kenya; with a tour or driving yourself in a hire car. You can, of course, get trains or buses between some destinations, but your options are limited and you’re beholden to the transport’s schedule and quality. However, it would be a budget-proof way to get from, for example, Nairobi to Mombasa. If you’re renting a car, you should carefully consider the type of terrain you’ll be tackling, for example if you’re going to a national park, and whether you’ll need a 4x4 and additional insurance. You could also hire a car with a driver, which is a luxurious option in Kenya but makes for a thoroughly relaxing day or multi-day trip. For example, if you just want to get from the city to your safari park, it can be most convenient to hire a car and driver. Equally, you can book onto a tour for the parts of your trip where you’ll need transportation – that way, everything is organised for you.

Things to do in Kenya

Kenya is best known for one, truly epic type of holiday – the safari holiday. Whether you opt for one or several-day safaris or a full week or two of immersive safari holidays, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Besides the best-known ‘game’ safaris in a jeep, with the chance to spot the Big Five or witness natural spectacles like the wildebeest migration, you can try other safaris in Kenya, such as bird and wetland safaris or water-based safaris. Walking safaris are also a wonderfully immersive experience, or you could try a horseback safari. You may also like to take this opportunity to meet Masai people or stay in a Masai-owned lodge.

Many people often overlook the coast here. Kenya’s gorgeous Indian-ocean coastline is an idyllic place for some R&R. The scuba diving here is world-famous too, with the chance to spot whale sharks and manta rays in the right season. Or, if you prefer something more active, you can try your hand at numerous water sports.

Nature & Outdoors in Kenya

Kenya remains one of the best-known and loved safari destinations on the African continent. The country is home to myriad protected species and proudly boasts of a network of 65 protected national parks and reserves, as well as private and community conservation spaces. Here are a few of the top safari destinations:

• The Maasai Mara: Kenya’s best-known and most iconic safari location. It’s here you’ll witness the spectacle of the wildebeest migration as well as a multitude of other natural wonders and fascinating creatures. Expect it to be a little busy, due to its fame.

• Nairobi National Park: A large conservation area on the outskirts of the capital that’s often overlooked for more blockbuster destinations. You can take public transport to some parts and follow marked trails and boardwalks. You can also self-drive or book a jeep tour. You’ll have the surreal experience of getting close to exceptional wildlife, like rhinos, lions and buffalo, with a city skyline as your backdrop.

• Lake Nakuru: One of Kenya’s best wetland and bird safaris, famed for its vast flocks of pink flamingos. It also has grasslands, acacia woodlands and rocky escarpments to explore.

• Amboseli National Park: Promises fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro across the border. The elephants here are fantastic, almost posing for their postcard moment and there are plenty of opportunities to see conservation and environmental projects first-hand.

• Samburu National Park: In this rugged, half-forgotten national park in Kenya’s north, you’re sure to escape the crowds. The semi-desert wilderness is home to large groups of elephants migrating in search of water, as well as cheetahs and ostriches roaming the rust-red plains.

• **Aberdare National Park: **A popular hiking destination, which is rare among the safari parks (since many of them are home to beautiful, but dangerous, animals). Here you’ll witness dense, montane jungle and high, bleak (quite cold) moorland. Not your classic Kenya safari, so perfect for those seeking an experience that’s a little different.

• Ol Pejeta (Bush Camp): An area equivalent to the Isle of Wight has been set aside as a conservancy in northern Kenya. This thoroughly family-friendly camp has a junior ranger activities programme, electric-vehicle game drive, cycling safaris and bush jogs with a ranger guide. It boasts the largest black rhino sanctuary in east Africa and a chimpanzee rescue centre.

• Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: Established by a family who still live here, this conservancy is a vast swathe of savannah home to elephants, black and white rhino and giraffe, as well as zebras, cheetahs, lions and more.

• Mount Kenya National Park: Loved for its mountainous scenery and Africa’s second-highest peak. Breathtaking hiking and climbing options, as well as the chance to spot some 130 species of bird and other favourites like elephants, elands and – rarely – leopards. Entry is only permitted with a certified park guide, who will lead you through tropical jungle, bamboo jungle and on to a rock-and-ice wilderness carved by glaciers. Most tourists climb to Point Lenana, which is challenging enough at 4985m. Only advanced technical climbers are allowed to attempt the other two peaks.

Most popular beaches in Kenya

Many visitors to this vibrant country like to combine a safari or hiking trip with a relaxing beach break in or near Mombasa – and it’s easy to see why. With swaying palms, sugar-white sand and azure sea, Kenya’s southern coast promises the epitome of an Indian Ocean beach break. Some of the most popular tourist spots include:

• Nyali – Just five kilometres from Mombasa town, this beach is infinitely popular with tourists. It promises calm waters, protected by a coral reef and is surrounded by inviting accommodation and hotels. Here, people windsurf, scuba dive, kitesurf, SUP and head out on sailing or jet-ski tours, as well as glass bottom boat excursions and sunset dhow cruises.

• Diani – This is one of the classic beach-holiday destinations in Kenya, with plenty of beachside hotels and offshore reefs. It’s often dubbed the ‘Maldives’ of Kenya, with 17 kilometres of flawless white sand sandwiched between lush green forest and bright-blue sea. Watersports enthusiasts can partake in windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, snorkelling, jet skiing and kayaking while others prefer to simply soak up the sun and swim. It’s surrounded by forests interlaced with a network of walking and biking trails and the nearby Shimba Hills National Park offers a quieter, lesser-known safari experience and is home to sable antelope, elephant, monkeys and birdlife.

• Galu Kinondo Beach – As you head south, Diani blends seamlessly into the equally paradisical Galu, and then Kinondo beach. Here you’ll find diving and kitesurfing schools, and a wild and beautiful beach where the palm trees almost extend down to the water itself. It’s slightly quieter than Diani and has lots of accommodation with private beach access.

• Watamu and Malindi – Norther of Nyali lies Watamu Marine National Park – considered one of the best diving and snorkelling areas on the Kenyan coast. The shore is a picture-perfect dream of endless white sand backed by hotels and eco-lodges and there are numerous options for exploring the fascinating sea beyond. You can dive under, snorkel or ride the waves, or even get the experience while keeping your toes dry on a glass-bottomed boat. It’s known as the sunset coast because of its dramatic colour palette as the sun sinks.

Local dishes in Kenya

Kenya, a country with a rich tapestry of cultures, offers an eclectic array of local dishes that promise to tantalise your taste buds. One cannot talk about Kenyan cuisine without mentioning Ugali, a staple made from maize flour, often accompanied by succulent meats or refreshing vegetable stews. For those seeking comfort food with a twist, Sukuma Wiki, a lightly sautéed kale dish, often served alongside Ugali, provides a nourishing meal. Seafood lovers are in for a treat with Samaki wa Kupaka, a coastal delicacy of fish marinated in an aromatic blend of spices and coconut milk, grilled to perfection.

Some typical dishes

Exploring further, Nyama Choma, Kenya's answer to barbecue, is a must-try. This dish features meat, typically goat or beef, slow-roasted over an open flame, offering a smoky and unforgettable flavour. Another gem is Githeri, a hearty and healthy mix of boiled maize and beans, often spiced or added to a vegetable stir-fry for an extra kick of flavour.

Street food

Kenya's street food scene is vibrant and diverse, offering everything from quick bites to substantial meals. Mandazi, a fluffy, slightly sweet deep-fried bread, makes for a perfect snack or breakfast item. For a truly local experience, Chapati rolled with vegetables or meat is both satisfying and portable. And no street food tour would be complete without trying Kenyan Masala Chips, French fries taken to the next level with a coating of spicy masala seasoning.

Typical drinks

To quench your thirst, Kenya has a variety of traditional drinks that are as refreshing as they are unique. Chai, Kenyan tea brewed with milk, spices, and sometimes ginger, is a staple beverage enjoyed throughout the day. For those hot afternoons, nothing beats Maziwa Mala, a fermented milk drink akin to kefir, offering both a tangy flavour and probiotic benefits. Beer enthusiasts might enjoy exploring local brews like Tusker, a popular Kenyan beer that captures the spirit of the savannah.

Food markets

Kenya's food markets are a feast for the senses, offering an abundance of fresh, locally-sourced produce, exotic spices, and handmade goods. The Maasai Market in Nairobi is not just a place to find traditional artefacts but also a spot to sample local foods and spices. For a more comprehensive food shopping experience, City Market provides a wide array of meats, vegetables, fruits, and spices, allowing visitors to gather ingredients for a true Kenyan meal.

Water sports in Kenya

As mentioned in the beach section, Kenya’s coast has something for everyone. Thrill-seekers can windsurf, kitesurf and try various boat-based activities like jet-skiing and parasailing, while those looking for a more sedate day on the water can opt for kayaking or paddleboarding. Guided boat tours are also a wonderful way to explore the marine parks here. By far the most popular water sports activity in Kenya is scuba diving and snorkelling. You can try cave diving, wreck diving and reef diving on PADI-certified dive trips and explore places like Watamu Marine National Park, home to green sea turtles. You might also spot morays, octopus, dolphins and manta rays, alongside a plethora of small, colourful fish. Whale sharks pass through the coastal waters each year from October to February, with good sightings of these majestic giants reported each day.