Kenya Tours & Holidays

With over 40 years of tour operating expertise, Newmarket Holidays offers meticulously crafted itineraries that provide exceptional value for money. Our Kenya tours include thrilling game drives in renowned reserves like the Maasai Mara, opportunities to witness the Great Migration, and cultural experiences such as visits to Maasai villages. We ensure seamless travel arrangements, comfortable accommodations, and 24-hour emergency support, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Kenya's breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Home to great savannahs and sweeping lakes, including the Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli National Park, Kenya is famous for its fantastic wildlife and safaris. Capital city Nairobi is also a popular destination, boasting many cultural attractions.

Kenya offers exciting experiences all year round. The dry season from July to September is particularly popular due to optimal safari conditions and the incredible spectacle of the Great Migration, with wildebeest and zebra crossing the Maasai Mara. The shorter dry season in January and February also provides good wildlife viewing opportunities. December sees some rainfall, but landscapes are lush, green, and often less crowded. The ‘long rains’ occur from March to May, making some roads less accessible but offering dramatic scenery and fewer visitors.

British nationals travelling to Kenya require a visa for entry. You can apply online for an eVisa prior to travel, which is recommended for convenience, or obtain one upon arrival at major entry points. Ensure your passport has at least six months' validity remaining from your arrival date, and contains at least two blank pages.

The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling, abbreviated as KES. US dollars are also widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas, hotels, and lodges. It's advisable to carry smaller denominations for ease when tipping or making small purchases. For the latest exchange rates, visit www.xe.com.

Costs in Kenya can vary depending on your itinerary and accommodation choices. Generally, safari experiences, accommodation within national parks, and guided tours can be relatively expensive. However, booking an escorted tour can offer excellent value, as flights, transfers, accommodation, activities, and some meals are usually included, helping to manage your budget effectively.

Kenya is renowned for its spectacular wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Highlights include the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, known for thrilling wildlife safaris and the annual Great Migration; Amboseli National Park, with its impressive elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro; and Lake Nakuru, famed for its flamingos and rhino population. The vibrant capital city, Nairobi, offers numerous cultural attractions, including museums, markets, and bustling nightlife.

Kenyan cuisine is diverse, flavourful, and varies by region. Staple foods include fresh vegetables like beans, corn (maize), and kale. Ugali, a thick maize-flour porridge, is widely eaten alongside grilled meats, stews, and curries. Rice dishes are common, as are chapatis, Indian-style flatbreads enjoyed with meals. Barbecued meats, known locally as Nyama Choma, are particularly popular and are usually served with a variety of side dishes.

Kenya has two official languages: Swahili and English. English is widely spoken and understood, especially in tourism and business sectors, making communication easy for British travellers. Numerous indigenous languages are also spoken throughout different communities and regions.

It's recommended to consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least six to eight weeks before departure. Common vaccinations suggested for Kenya include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus, and in some cases, rabies and yellow fever. Malaria is present in many regions, so appropriate prophylactic measures should be taken.

Kenya is generally considered safe for tourists, especially when visiting popular safari destinations and major cities. However, it's advisable to stay vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, and be cautious after dark. It's also recommended to stay updated with the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Kenya uses the British standard Type G electrical plug with a voltage of 240V and a frequency of 50Hz. Travellers from the UK will not need an adaptor.

It's advisable to drink bottled or filtered water in Kenya to avoid potential stomach upsets. Bottled water is widely available and affordable.