Kenya Travel Tourism Guide

Ultimate Kenya Travel Guide for Indian Tourists: Discover the Safari Paradise

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Kenya tour packages from India, perfect for Indian travellers who crave adventure, culture, and scenic wonders. This travel guide invites you into the heart of East Africa-Kenya-where every trip unveils breath-taking landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and timeless traditions. From the thrilling safaris of Maasai Mara to the tranquil shores of Mombasa, Kenya promises a travel experience that blends tourism, exploration, and relaxation into one seamless adventure.

Best Time to Visit

• July to October (Dry Season): Ideal for safaris in Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo, with clear skies and abundant wildlife during the Great Migration. Perfect for Indian travelers seeking adventure.
• January to February (Short Dry Season): Great for fewer crowds, warm weather, and wildlife viewing in Samburu and Amboseli. Suitable for families and seniors.
• December to March (Coastal Bliss): Best for beach holidays in Mombasa and Diani, with sunny days for water sports and relaxation, appealing to honeymooners.
• April to May (Rainy Season): Avoid this period due to heavy rains affecting roads and safari experiences, though it’s budget-friendly.

Top Places to Visit, Major Events & Public Holidays

• Maasai Mara National Reserve: Famous for the Great Migration (July-October), offering thrilling game drives and hot-air balloon safaris.
• Amboseli National Park: Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds, ideal for photography.
• Nairobi National Park: A unique safari experience near the capital, perfect for short trips.
• Mombasa and Diani Beach: Pristine beaches for relaxation, water sports, and coastal culture.
• Lamau: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Swahili architecture, great for history lovers.
• Mount Kenya: A trekking paradise for adventure enthusiasts, with spiritual significance for some tribes.
• Lake Nakuru: Known for flamingos and rhinos, a must-visit for birdwatchers.

Major Events & Festivals

• Nairobi International Book Fair (September): A cultural event for literature enthusiasts.
• Mombasa Carnival (November): Vibrant street parades showcasing Kenyan and coastal culture.
• Lamau Cultural Festival (August): Celebrates Swahili heritage with music, dance, and food.

Public Holidays (2025)

• Jamhuri Day (December 12): Celebrates Kenya’s independence with parades.
• Madaraka Day (June 1): Marks self-governance, with cultural events.
• Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha: Dates vary, reflecting Kenya’s Muslim population, with festivities in Mombasa.

Indian Food Availability

• Open House (Nairobi): Known for authentic North Indian cuisine, including paneer tikka and dal makhani.
• Anghiti Restaurant (Nairobi): Offers a mix of Punjabi and Mughlai dishes, with vegetarian and Jain options.
• Swaad Restaurant (Mombasa): Specializes in South Indian dosas, idlis, and spicy curries.
• Chowpatty (Nairobi): A go-to for street-style chaat, pav bhaji, and Gujarati thalis.
• Tamarind Restaurant (Mombasa): Serves Indo-Kenyan fusion dishes with ocean views.

Visa Information for Indian Citizens

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date with two blank pages.
• eTA Application: Apply online at www.etakenya.go.ke at least 5-7 days before travel.
• Documents Needed: Scanned passport copy (front and last page).
  • Recent passport-sized photograph (2x2 inches, white background).
  • Hotel booking confirmation.
  • Flight itinerary (onward/return tickets).
  • Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for entry and return to India).
• Cost: Approximately USD 32.50 (INR 2,700) plus an INR 150 processing fee.
• Processing Time: 2-5 business days.
• Validity: Single-entry eTA valid for 90 days; multiple-entry options available for business travellers.

Destination Suitability of the Tour

• Families: Safari parks like Maasai Mara and kid-friendly resorts in Diani Beach make it ideal. Family suites and cultural tours engage all ages.
• Honeymooners: Romantic honeymoon packages in Kenya offer private lodges in Maasai Mara, beachside retreats in Mombasa, and hot-air balloon rides.
• Seniors: Comfortable lodges, guided safaris, and cultural tours in Nairobi suit seniors, with accessible transport options.
• Solo Travelers: Safe group safaris and vibrant cities like Nairobi offer solo travellers adventure and community.

Group Tour vs. Private Tour

• Group Tours: Cost-effective, ideal for families and first-timers. Includes shared game drives and cultural visits, perfect for socializing.
• Private Tours: Tailored for honeymooners or those seeking flexibility. Offers exclusive guides, customized itineraries, and luxury experiences.

How to Reach and Public Transport

• Direct Flights: Kenya Airways, IndiGo, and Air India operate direct flights from Mumbai to Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, NBO), taking ~7 hours.
• Connecting Flights: Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines offer flights from Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai via Dubai, Doha, or Addis Ababa.

Public Transport in Kenya

• Matatus (Minibuses): Common in Nairobi and Mombasa, but often overcrowded and unsafe for tourists.
• Boda Bodas (Motorcycle Taxis): Quick for short distances, but avoid at night due to safety concerns.
• Madaraka Express Train: Reliable service between Nairobi and Mombasa, with economy tickets at ~USD 10. Book online via mPesa.
• Taxis: Use reputable services like Kenatco or Voda for airport transfers and city travel.

City Passes

• Nairobi City Pass: Offers discounts on attractions like Nairobi National Park and museums (not widely available; check with local tour operators).
• Safaricom SIM Card: Essential for mobile data and mPesa payments, available at Jomo Kenyatta Airport for ~USD 2.50 for 1GB weekly data.

Road Rules and Driving License in Kenya

• Traffic Rules: Drive on the left side, like India. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities and 80–100 km/h on highways.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): Indian licenses are valid with an IDP, obtainable from Indian RTOs.
• Road Conditions: Major roads are paved but bumpy; rural roads require 4x4 vehicles. Avoid night driving due to poor visibility and safety risks.

Driving & Car Rental in Kenya

• Car Rental: Available in Nairobi and Mombasa through companies like Avis and Sixt. Costs range from USD 50-100/day for a 4x4.
• Requirements: Valid IDP, passport, and credit card for deposit.
• Recommendation: Opt for a driver-guide through your tour package for national parks, as they navigate challenging terrains and ensure safety.

Tour Cost Estimation

• Budget (INR 80,000-1,20,000 per person for 7 days)
• Mid-Range (INR 1,50,000-2,50,000 per person)
• Luxury (INR 3,00,000-5,00,000 per person)

What to Pack for the Destination

• Clothing: Lightweight clothes for safaris, warm layers for evenings, and swimwear for beaches. Modest attire for religious or rural areas.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes for safaris and flip-flops for beaches.
• Health: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, malaria prophylactics, and travel insurance.
• Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, and reusable water bottle (plastic bags are banned).
• Electronics: Universal adapter (Kenya uses Type G plugs), power bank, and binoculars for safaris.
• Documents: Passport, eTA, flight tickets, and hotel bookings (printed and digital copies).

Culture & Etiquette in Kenya

• Greetings: A handshake and “Jambo” (hello) are common. Address elders respectfully.
• Dress Code: Dress conservatively in rural and religious areas; beachwear is fine at resorts.
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people, especially Maasai tribes. Avoid photographing official buildings.
• Tipping: Tip 10% at restaurants and USD 5-10/day for safari guides.
• Public Behavior: Avoid public displays of affection and smoking in public (fines apply).
• Bargaining: Common in markets but not in restaurants or hotels.

Themes and Special Interests

• Honeymoon Packages: Romantic getaways in Maasai Mara’s private lodges, Diani Beach resorts, or Lamu’s boutique hotels, with candlelit dinners and spa treatments.
• Adventure: Trek Mount Kenya, go white-water rafting in Sagana, or try kitesurfing in Diani.
• Shopping in Kenya: Buy Maasai beadwork, Kenyan coffee, and handicrafts at Maasai Market (Nairobi) or Old Town (Mombasa). Bargain politely.
• Family-Friendly: Enjoy giraffe feeding at Giraffe Centre, interactive wildlife experiences at Nairobi National Park, Mombasa marine adventures, and cultural storytelling at Bomas of Kenya-great for all ages.
• Budget: Choose affordable group safaris, stay in eco-lodges or hostels, explore Nairobi by matatu, enjoy local nyama choma joints, and visit public beaches for low-cost fun.
• Luxury: Indulge in private hot-air balloon safaris over Maasai Mara, beachfront suites with infinity pools in Diani, curated bush dinners, and wellness retreats with panoramic savannah views.
• Religious Tours: Visit sacred sites like the Jamia Mosque in Nairobi or Hindu temples in Mombasa, reflecting Kenya’s Indian diaspora.

Why Book with Us

• Tailored Itineraries: Customized for families, honeymooners, and adventure seekers, with Indian food preferences.
• Visa Assistance: Hassle-free eTA application support for Indian citizens.
• Local Expertise: Partnered with certified Kenyan guides for authentic experiences.
• Affordable Packages: Budget, mid-range, and luxury options to suit every traveller.
• 24/7 Support: Dedicated assistance before, during, and after your trip.