A typical first trip here runs about $475 to $650 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Ugali, stiff maize porridge that accompanies almost every meal
- Nyama choma, char-grilled goat or beef; the great Kenyan social experience
- Sukuma wiki, sautéed kale or collard greens with onion; eaten daily
- Kenyan chai, strongly brewed milky spiced tea; offered everywhere
- Mandazi, semi-sweet deep-fried doughnuts eaten for breakfast
- Maasai Mara Great Migration (July–October), world's greatest wildlife spectacle
- Lamu Cultural Festival (November), celebrating Swahili heritage on the coast
- Jamhuri Day (December 12), Kenya's Independence Day
- Nairobi International Film Festival, East Africa's leading film event
- Maasai, Kikuyu, and Luo cultural traditions are integral to national identity
Swahili and English are both official languages. English is widely spoken in business and tourism.
"Jambo" (hello) and "Asante" (thank you) in Swahili are always appreciated. Kenya has 42+ ethnic groups each with their own language and traditions.
- Greet elders with a slight bow and both hands
- Always ask permission before photographing people, especially Maasai
- Tipping is expected for safari guides and lodge staff (10–15%)
- Avoid plastic bags, Kenya has banned them; they're illegal to bring in
Latest for Kenya
Updates for Kenya will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.