Country guide
Kenya
Kenya covers 580,367 km2 and its 2026 estimate counts 54,227,015 people, but the number worth knowing is how unevenly the land divides. The western Rift Valley counties carry snow on their highest peaks, forest below that and fertile farmland below that again, while much of the north and east is arid, semi-arid or outright desert. Nairobi, the capital, is where nearly every trip begins. Mombasa is the second city and the oldest one, a port sitting on its own island on the Indian Ocean, and choosing between highland and coast is the first decision a visitor here actually makes.
Cities
Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.
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Nairobi
Photograph · Daryona · CC BY-SA 3.0
Nairobi 2,717 places
Practical information
Practical information
- Language spoken
- Swahili and English
- National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
- Dialling code
- +254
- International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
- Currency
- Kenyan shilling (KES)
- Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
- Emergency number
- 999 or 112
- Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
- Plug type
- Type G · 240 V
- Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
- Tap water
- Not recorded
- No verified nationwide visitor drinking-water statement was recorded
Planning a visit
- No data recorded for this month
- The current month
- January: no seasonality data recorded
- February: no seasonality data recorded
- March: no seasonality data recorded
- April: no seasonality data recorded
- May: no seasonality data recorded
- June: no seasonality data recorded
- July: no seasonality data recorded
- August: no seasonality data recorded — this month
- September: no seasonality data recorded
- October: no seasonality data recorded
- November: no seasonality data recorded
- December: no seasonality data recorded
Top things to see
Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.
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Common questions
How long should a first trip to Kenya be?
Ten to fourteen days allows Nairobi plus one safari circuit or coast extension without turning every day into a transfer. Combining several reserves and the Indian Ocean requires additional nights because road and flight links are not interchangeable.
What entry documents are needed for Kenya?
Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation service is the official place to determine pre-travel permission. Submit through that government portal and verify passport, transit and supporting-document requirements for the individual journey.
What is the best way to travel around Kenya?
Nairobi is the main international and domestic hub, and scheduled flights connect safari airstrips and coastal airports. Road transfers remain central to many circuits; the final park, lodge or ferry connection should be confirmed with its operator.
When is a practical time to visit Kenya?
July to October is a broad safari window, while the coast and individual reserves have their own rain and wildlife cycles. Select dates around the target ecosystem rather than treating Kenya as one climate zone.
What money and payment basics apply in Kenya?
Kenyan shillings (KES) are used for local prices. Current mobile-money access, cash requirements and card fees for visitors are Not recorded here; ask the operator which method it accepts before a remote transfer or park visit.
What practical safety details should I save for Kenya?
Kenya lists 999 and 112 for emergencies. Type G plugs carry 240 V; the available national source does not record tap-water safety, so seek local advice.