Preparations before booking holidays in Kenya

Kenya has some of the best safari parks in Africa. Its west coast and islands are attractive destinations for African beach holidays. Nairobi, Kenya's capital, is where most international flights land.

Where to go : Best destinations for a Kenya tour

Introduction Kenya is one of the best destinations for a safari in Africa. The game reserves and national parks Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo are known for their rich wildlife which attract visitors, especially for the annual wildebeest migration. One of the most famous Kenya safari destinations is the Masai Mara (or Maasai Mara), where Kenya wildlife includes lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and leopards. The annual wildebeest migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania passes through the Masai Mara, usually between July and September. Beach Mombasa, on the Indian Ocean coast, is Kenya's main beach destination and has been popular with international tourists for years. The island of Lamu off the Kenya coast is an attractive alternative and is becoming a more and more popular beach destination.

Deciding when to go: Kenya's climate and best times to visit

Climate Kenya's diverse landscapes is divided to several different zones which all have their own weather and climate variations. The Great Rift Valley has two rainy seasons, the long rains from March to early June, and the short rains from October until the end of November. On the coast, temperatures are generally hot and humid around the year. The most popular time to travel to Kenya is during the dry hot season in January and February. This is the best time to see wild animals in the wildlife parks as the dry weather brings animals out in search of water, and as the animals gather around water sources, it is easy to spot them. This is also the busiest time to visit Kenya. If you want to avoid the crowds in the parks, consider visiting Kenya between June and August. The summer in Europe means winter temperatures in this part of Africa, but for most Europeans, even Kenya's winter temperatures are still very pleasant and warm enough.

Practical tips for planning Kenya holidays: Travel health and visas

Vaccinations and medication No vaccinations are required by law for passengers arriving from Europe, but travellers arriving from yellow fever areas must get inoculated against yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are recommended for a trip to Kenya. A detailed vaccination programme should always be discussed with your doctor. It is necessary to find out about possible vaccinations 2-3 months before the planned trip to have enough time for all the vaccinations. Anti-malaria medication may also be necessary or recommended.
Visa Some nationalities need a visa to enter Kenya, although not all do. Find out about visas several weeks in advance from your nearest Kenya embassy, as it can take time to process the application.