Safari capital of the world — the Great Migration and beyond
Capital
Nairobi
Language
Swahili, English
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Best Time
July–October
Safety
Moderate (3/5)
Visa Information
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required for all visitors. Replaces the old visa system since January 2024.
How to Apply
Apply at etakenya.go.ke. Upload passport photo, passport bio page, and travel documents. Pay online.
Processing Time
3 business days typical.
Cost
$30 USD for most nationalities.
Tips
Apply for ETA at least 1 week before travel.
Print your ETA approval.
Passport must be valid for 6+ months.
Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country.
Content on Ouoba is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, visa, insurance, tax, medical, financial, safety, or other professional advice. Users should consult official authorities, qualified professionals, or service providers before making important travel, financial, legal, or health-related decisions.
Safety & Health
3/5
Safari areas and beach resorts are safe with proper precautions. Nairobi has significant crime — don't walk alone at night. Avoid border areas with Somalia. Terrorism risk exists but tourist areas are well-secured.
Common Scams
Nairobi street scams — fake charity workers, distraction thieves.
Safari companies with suspiciously low prices offering poor vehicles and inexperienced guides.
Beach boys in Mombasa/Diani aggressively selling tours.
Health Tips
Malaria prophylaxis essential for most areas.
Drink only bottled water.
Good private hospitals in Nairobi (Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan).
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever recommended (required if coming from endemic country).
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies recommended.
Malaria prophylaxis essential.
Water Safety
Do not drink tap water anywhere in Kenya.
Travel Warnings
Avoid border areas with Somalia and parts of northeastern Kenya. Nairobi's Eastleigh area and some slums should be avoided. Follow travel advisories.
🇰🇪
Kenya
Emergency contacts
Police999
Ambulance999
Fire999
Country code+254
CurrencyKenyan Shilling (KES)
Content on Ouoba is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, visa, insurance, tax, medical, financial, safety, or other professional advice. Users should consult official authorities, qualified professionals, or service providers before making important travel, financial, legal, or health-related decisions.
Cultural Tips
Do's
Book a safari — the Masai Mara during Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Tip safari guides $10–20 USD per person per day. Restaurant tips 10%. Small tips for hotel staff.
Dress Code
Casual and practical. Light layers for safari (neutral colors). Cover up in Muslim areas of the coast. Smart-casual in Nairobi restaurants.
Religion
Christian majority with significant Muslim population on the coast. Respect both traditions. Modest dress on the coast. Remove shoes when entering mosques.
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