Kenya Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
🦁 Safari & Wildlife
1. Which is better: Maasai Mara or Serengeti? They are the same ecosystem; the Mara is on the Kenyan side. Travelers often prefer the Mara for its higher density of animals and lower costs.
2. When is the Great Migration? Typically from July to October, but it depends on the rains.
3. Is 3 days enough for a safari? Yes, for a “taster.” Most Redditors recommend 3 days in the Mara specifically.
4. Should I book a safari online or in person? Booking in Nairobi is often cheaper, but booking online via SafariBookings or TripAdvisor ensures your spot during high season.
5. Do I need a 4×4 Land Cruiser or a van? Land Cruisers are better for rough terrain and comfort; vans are the budget-friendly option.
6. Is Nairobi National Park worth it? Absolutely. It is the only park in the world within a capital city. Great for a half-day trip.
7. Can I do a self-drive safari? It is possible but not recommended for first-timers. Drivers know the radio codes to find animals.
8. What is the “Big Five”? Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino.
9. Are conservancies better than National Parks? Yes, they are private, less crowded, and allow off-roading and night drives.
10. What should I tip my safari guide? The standard is $10–$20 per day per group.
11. Is Amboseli worth the drive? Yes, for the iconic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and massive elephant herds.
12. Can I see rhinos in the Mara? They are rare there. Go to Ol Pejeta or Lake Nakuru for guaranteed sightings.
13. What is “African Massage”? A local joke referring to the bumpy, unpaved roads during game drives.
14. Are night drives safe? Only in private conservancies. They are illegal in National Parks.
15. Can I walk in the parks? Only in specific areas like Hell’s Gate or with an armed ranger.
16. What is the Giraffe Centre? A conservation center in Nairobi where you can hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes.
17. Do I need binoculars? Yes. While guides have them, having your own makes the experience much better.
18. Best park for bird watching? Lake Nakuru or Lake Naivasha.
19. Is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust open to everyone? Only for one hour daily (11 AM–12 PM) and requires advance booking.
20. Can I visit a Maasai Village? Yes, but be prepared for a very “touristy” experience and expectations to buy crafts.
🛡️ Safety & Health
21. Is Kenya safe for tourists? Generally yes, especially in tourist hubs. Use common sense as you would in any major city.
22. Is Nairobi safe at night? Avoid walking at night. Use Uber or Bolt.
23. Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccine? Required if you are coming from a country with risk. Recommended for all for peace of mind.
24. What about Malaria? Kenya is a high-risk zone. Most travelers take prophylactics like Malarone.
25. Is the tap water drinkable? No. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
26. Are there “snatch and grab” crimes? Yes, especially in Nairobi CBD. Don’t hold your phone out in traffic or near open windows.
27. Is it safe for solo female travelers? Yes, but stay alert. Avoid late-night solo travel and ignore persistent “beach boys” at the coast.
28. What is “M-Pesa”? A mobile money service. It’s the primary way Kenyans pay for everything.
29. Do I need a physical SIM card? Yes, get a Safaricom SIM at the airport to use M-Pesa and have reliable data.
30. Are there plastic bag bans? Yes, strictly enforced. Do not bring plastic carrier bags into the country.
31. What is the emergency number? 999 or 911 (both work, but response times vary).
32. Is sun protection necessary? The equator sun is brutal. Wear SPF 50+ and a hat.
33. Should I worry about Ebola? Currently no. There are no outbreaks in Kenya.
34. Are there “tourist scams” to watch for? Overcharging for taxis and “friendship” scams in Nairobi where people try to lead you to “local markets.”
35. How is the healthcare? Excellent in Nairobi (Aga Khan or Nairobi Hospital). Limited in rural areas.
36. Can I use my credit card? In malls and hotels, yes. For everything else, use M-Pesa or cash.
37. Is the coast safe? Diani and Watamu are very safe. Be cautious in parts of Old Town Mombasa at night.
38. Do I need travel insurance? Yes, specifically one that covers medical evacuation from safari camps.
39. Are mosquitoes bad in Nairobi? Less so due to the altitude, but they are very active at the coast and on safari.
40. What is a “Matatu”? Local minibuses. They are cheap and iconic but can be driven recklessly.
💰 Money & Logistics
41. What is the currency? Kenyan Shilling (KES).
42. Should I bring USD? Yes, but they must be “big head” bills printed after 2013 or they may be rejected.
43. Can I use ATMs? Yes, they are everywhere in cities. Standard Chartered and I&M are reliable for foreign cards.
44. Is Kenya expensive? Safari and high-end hotels are expensive. Local food and transport are very cheap.
45. Do I need a visa? As of 2024, Kenya moved to an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system. Apply online before flying.
46. How do I get from the airport to my hotel? Use Uber or a pre-booked hotel shuttle. Avoid random airport taxis.
47. Is there a train from Nairobi to Mombasa? Yes, the Madaraka Express (SGR). It’s fast, clean, and highly recommended.
48. How do I book the SGR train? Online via the Kenya Railways website, but it requires M-Pesa. Most tourists ask their hotel to book it.
49. Is tipping mandatory? Not mandatory, but highly expected in the service industry (10%).
50. Can I haggle? Yes, in markets and with street vendors. Do not haggle in supermarkets or malls.
51. What is the best way to get around Nairobi? Uber and Bolt are very reliable and cheap.
52. Are drones allowed? Technically yes, but the permit process is expensive and difficult. Don’t fly them in parks.
53. How is the Wi-Fi? Good in Nairobi/Diani hotels, but spotty in safari lodges. 4G/5G coverage is surprisingly good.
54. What power adapter do I need? Type G (UK-style three-pin).
55. Can I use my phone’s GPS? Yes, Google Maps is fairly accurate in cities.
56. Is there a “departure tax”? Usually included in your flight ticket.
57. How much should a meal cost? Local “Nyama Choma” (grilled meat) is $5–$10. A nice restaurant meal is $20–$30.
58. Are there laundry services? Most safari lodges offer laundry (often free or low cost) because of limited packing space.
59. Should I buy a Maasai Shuka? Yes, they make great blankets/souvenirs. Buy them at Maasai Markets, not at the airport.
60. When are the rainy seasons? “Long rains” in April–May; “Short rains” in November–December.
🌍 Culture & Etiquette
61. What is the national language? Swahili and English. Most people are bilingual.
62. What does “Jambo” mean? Hello. (Though locals often use “Sasa” or “Habari”).
63. What is “Hakuna Matata”? No problems/no worries. It is used frequently in the tourism industry.
64. Can I take photos of people? Always ask first. Some tribes may request a small fee.
65. Is Kenya a conservative country? Relatively. Dress modestly in cities and coastal towns (especially Lamu).
66. What is the staple food? Ugali (maize flour porridge), usually eaten with Sukuma Wiki (kale) and meat.
67. Is alcohol available? Yes, widely. Try “Tusker” beer.
68. Can I smoke in public? Nairobi has strict public smoking bans. Use designated smoking zones.
69. What is “Nyama Choma”? Roasted meat, usually goat or beef. It’s a national pastime.
70. Is it okay to eat with my hands? Yes, especially when eating Ugali. Use your right hand.
71. Are there many Muslims in Kenya? Yes, especially at the coast. Be respectful of calls to prayer and dress codes.
72. What is “Pole Pole”? Slowly, slowly. Life moves at a different pace here.
73. Can I bring gifts for local children? Redditors suggest school supplies or books rather than sweets or money.
74. Is LGBTQ+ travel safe? Kenya is legally conservative. Discretion is advised as public displays of affection (regardless of orientation) are generally frowned upon.
75. Do I need to learn Swahili? Not necessary, but “Asante” (Thank you) and “Tafadhali” (Please) go a long way.
76. What is the most famous tribe? The Maasai, known for their distinct red clothing and warrior culture.
77. Is there a “plastic bottle” ban? Single-use plastics are banned in protected areas (parks/beaches).
78. What is the “Kenyatta” name everywhere? Named after Jomo Kenyatta, the first president and founding father.
79. Can I visit a church? Yes, visitors are usually very welcome, especially on Sundays.
80. What is “Dawa”? A famous Kenyan cocktail made with vodka, honey, lime, and sugar.
🏖️ Destinations & Activities
81. Is Diani Beach better than North Coast? Diani is generally considered more beautiful and less crowded.
82. What is Lamu like? A car-free island with Swahili culture and donkeys. Very quiet and spiritual.
83. Can I hike Mt. Kenya? Yes. It takes 3–5 days. It is more technical and scenic than Kilimanjaro.
84. What is Hell’s Gate? A park where you can cycle among zebras and giraffes. The inspiration for Lion King.
85. Is Lake Naivasha worth a stop? Yes, for the boat safaris to see hippos and fish eagles.
86. What is “Carnivore” restaurant? A famous Nairobi spot for all-you-can-eat meats (though no longer serves wild game).
87. Can I see whales in Kenya? Yes, humpback whales migrate past Watamu from July to September.
88. Where can I see chimpanzees? Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ol Pejeta.
89. Is Eldoret worth visiting? Mainly for marathon fans; it’s the “Home of Champions” for long-distance runners.
90. What are the Gede Ruins? The remains of a 12th-century Swahili town near Watamu.
91. Can I go skydiving? Yes, Diani is one of the best spots in the world for beach-landing skydives.
92. Where is the best nightlife? Westlands in Nairobi or the beach bars in Diani.
93. Can I visit tea plantations? Yes, in Limuru (near Nairobi) or Kericho.
94. What is the “Mara Triangle”? The more remote and strictly managed section of the Maasai Mara.
95. Is Watamu good for snorkeling? It has one of the best Marine National Parks in East Africa.
96. Can I do a day trip to the coast from Nairobi? Technically yes via flight, but it’s not recommended. Stay at least 2 nights.
97. What is Karura Forest? A massive forest in Nairobi perfect for hiking, running, and seeing waterfalls.
98. Can I see the “Devil’s Kitchen”? Yes, also known as Marafa Depression near Malindi—a stunning sandstone canyon.
99. Is it worth visiting Kisumu? Yes, to see Lake Victoria and the stunning sunsets at Dunga Hill Camp.
100. Should I choose Kenya or Tanzania? Kenya is generally more accessible, better for solo travel, and has better infrastructure. Tanzania is more “raw” and expensive. Both are incredible.