Things to Know Before Traveling to Kenya

I always wanted to visit Kenya. Not just for the safari or some influencer-style trip with perfectly edited sunset photos. No, I wanted the real thing—dust, sweat, unexpected conversations, and the kind of moments that leave you sitting in silence, trying to process what just happened. So when I finally got the chance, I packed my bags (overpacked, actually), and jumped into the adventure headfirst.

If you’re planning a trip to Kenya, here’s what you won’t find in travel brochures. The raw, the beautiful, and the completely absurd moments.

Visa and Entry Requirements: The First Reality Check

Bureaucracy is a universal pain. Kenya is no exception. The e-visa process? Supposedly simple. In reality, it felt like I was trying to apply for a top-secret government job. Forms, fees, waiting. Then more waiting. I got mine in 48 hours, but I’ve heard horror stories.

And don’t even think about arriving with a passport that’s expiring soon. I saw a guy try to argue his way past the six-month rule. He lost. Badly. There was no “Oh, just this one-time” leniency. Straight back to the departure lounge. Brutal.

Health Precautions: You vs. The Mosquitoes

I’m not saying Kenya is out to get you, but the mosquitoes definitely are. Malaria is real, and if you think a little spray is enough, good luck. I was practically bathing in repellent, yet those little demons still found a way. Get the pills, don’t question it.

Yellow fever vaccination? Required. You won’t even get past immigration without proof. And trust me, you do NOT want to deal with a last-minute airport clinic.

Also, drink bottled water. I got cocky one time. Thought, “Oh, a little sip won’t hurt.” Spoiler: it did. Let’s just say I became very familiar with my hotel bathroom that night.

Malaria Prevention Tips

Malaria is one of the biggest concerns when travelling to Kenya, especially if you’re venturing beyond Nairobi into regions with a high mosquito population. The last thing you want is to spend your dream trip battling fever, chills, and exhaustion. Here’s how to protect yourself:

1. Take Anti-Malarial Medication

Don’t play around with this. Malaria isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be life-threatening. Before your trip, visit a travel clinic or doctor to get a prescription for antimalarial tablets. The most commonly recommended ones include:

• Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) – daily pill, minimal side effects.
• Doxycycline – daily pill, that makes you more sensitive to the sun (not ideal for an equatorial country).
• Lariam (Mefloquine) – taken weekly, but may cause vivid dreams or anxiety in some people.

Start taking the medication before you arrive, continue while you’re in Kenya, and for several days or weeks after leaving (depending on the prescription).

2. Use Mosquito Repellent (Generously!)

Forget light dabs of repellent—mosquitoes in Kenya are relentless. Choose one with at least 30-50% DEET or picaridin for maximum protection. Apply it on exposed skin and clothing. Some solid options:

• OFF! Deep Woods (high DEET concentration)
• Sawyer Picaridin Lotion (non-greasy alternative to DEET)

Pro tip: Spray your hotel room, bed net, and luggage with permethrin-based spray to keep mosquitoes away.

3. Wear Protective Clothing (Yes, Even in the Heat)

You might be tempted to wear shorts and tank tops, but covering up is a smart move. Mosquitoes love exposed skin. Opt for:

• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Light colours (mosquitoes are attracted to dark shades)
• Clothes treated with permethrin for extra protection

If you’re on a safari, this also protects against ticks and sunburn—a win-win.

4. Sleep Under a Mosquito Net

Most quality hotels and lodges provide mosquito nets but always check for holes before bedtime. If your accommodation doesn’t have one, consider bringing a portable, treated mosquito net. Better safe than scratching mosquito bites all night.

5. Stay Indoors During Peak Mosquito Hours

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. If possible, avoid being outside during these times, especially near-standing water (puddles, lakes, slow-moving rivers), where mosquitoes breed.

6. Avoid Standing Water and Use Fans

Mosquitoes love stagnant water. If your hotel room has a bathroom leak, puddles, or an open water source, alert the staff. Also, fans help—mosquitoes are weak flyers, so a steady breeze makes it harder for them to land on you.

Malaria isn’t something to take lightly, but with the right precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk. Take your meds, cover up, use repellent like it’s your new fragrance, and sleep under a net. Do that, and you’ll be too busy enjoying Kenya to worry about mosquitoes.

Safety: Fear-Mongering vs. Reality

So, is Kenya dangerous? Well, that depends. If you walk through Nairobi waving your phone around like a tourist beacon, congratulations, you’ve just made yourself a target. Common sense applies here. Don’t flash valuables. Don’t wander into dark alleyways alone.

That said, I never felt unsafe. People were friendly, helpful, and sometimes hilariously blunt. I did see a guy get his phone snatched while taking a selfie in the middle of a crowded street, though. Rookie mistake.

Best advice? Keep your wits about you. And for the love of everything, do NOT get into a random unmarked taxi. Just don’t.

Packing Essentials: What I Thought I Needed vs. Reality

Packing for Kenya is a game of “Will I actually use this?” Spoiler: I overpacked. Here’s what actually mattered:

• Clothes: Lightweight stuff for the heat, a warm jacket for those freezing early-morning safaris.
• Shoes: Hiking boots? Eh, I barely used them. Sneakers were fine. Sandals? Essential for the coast.
• Tech: Power bank (power outages happen), universal adapter (British plugs), camera (your phone won’t capture the full magic).
• Extras: A bandana (dust storms are real), electrolyte packets (trust me, you’ll thank me later), and an extra memory card (safari photos eat up space fast).

And let’s talk about luggage. If you think your suitcase is coming back as clean as when you left—hahaha, no. The dust in Kenya is a different breed. My backpack looked like it had been through a war zone by day three.

The Beautiful, The Brutal, and The Bizarre

People romanticize safaris. Majestic lions, endless golden plains, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of adventure. What they don’t tell you?

• You’re waking up at 5 AM. No exceptions. The animals don’t wait for your beauty to sleep.
• It’s bumpy as hell. Imagine a rollercoaster but without the safety harness. Your spine will hate you.
• Sometimes, nothing happens. We once spent two hours staring at a tree because our guide was convinced a leopard was there. It wasn’t.

BUT. Then you see an elephant family just casually strolling past your jeep, and everything makes sense. The discomfort, the exhaustion—it’s all worth it. Just… bring snacks. No one warns you about the hunger for safaris.

The Culture Shock: Embrace It or Fight It?

Kenya has a rhythm. You either learn to dance to it, or you spend your trip frustrated. Things move at their own pace. “I’ll be there in ten minutes” means anything from ten minutes to an hour. Plans change. Go with the flow, or go crazy.

And haggling? It’s expected. My first attempt was embarrassing—I paid triple what I should have. By the end of the trip, I was bargaining like a seasoned market veteran.

The Art of Bargaining in Local Markets

Bargaining in Kenya isn’t just a transaction—it’s a performance, a game, a dance between buyer and seller. If you walk into a market and accept the first price you’re given, congratulations—you just paid the “tourist tax.” Kenyan vendors expect a little back-and-forth, and if you know how to play the game, you’ll not only get a fair price but also earn some respect.

1. Start Low, But Stay Respectful

The first price a vendor quotes is rarely what they expect you to pay. A good rule of thumb? Start at 50% (or even lower) and work your way up. But here’s the trick—don’t insult them with an outrageously low offer. Keep it playful, smile, and let them know you’re in on the game. A little Swahili helps, too—throwing in a friendly “Bei ghali sana!” (That’s too expensive!) can lighten the mood.

2. Walk Away (Even If You Want It Badly)

This is the ultimate bargaining power move. If negotiations hit a wall, just walk away. Most times, the vendor will call you back with a lower price. If they don’t? Well, you either set your initial offer too low, or the price was already fair. Either way, there’s a good chance you’ll find the same item at another stall, so don’t get too attached to any one deal.

3. Buy More, Pay Less

If you’re buying multiple items, bundle them together for a better price. Instead of negotiating for a single bracelet, ask for a price on three or four. Vendors are more willing to give discounts when they see a bigger sale. And if you show genuine interest in their craft—asking about the materials, how it’s made—you might even get a bonus item thrown in for free.

Kenyans are warm, sarcastic, and ridiculously hospitable. Just be open to conversations. Some of my best moments came from random chats with strangers.

Budget: Is Kenya Expensive?

Kenya is what you make of it. You can drop $500 a night at a fancy lodge or survive on $20-a-day backpacking.

Food? Local dishes are cheap and delicious. I had some of the best street food for under a dollar. Transportation? Matatus (shared vans) are an experience—chaotic, loud, possibly dangerous, but dirt cheap.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

Kenya is messy, chaotic, stunning, frustrating, exhilarating. It doesn’t care about your plans, your expectations, or your carefully crafted itinerary. It just is. And if you let it, it will change you.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat. But next time, I’m packing less and bringing a stronger stomach.