Travel Advice for Your Kisiwa Stays Journey

Planning a trip to Kenya? We’ve prepared this comprehensive guide to help you travel with confidence, from getting here to knowing what to pack. Our aim is to make your journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

Getting to Kenya

Kenya is well-connected to the world, with Nairobi serving as the main international gateway.
Daily direct flights to and from the UK are offered by British Airways and Kenya Airways, with Kenya Airways also flying direct to New York and other global destinations. Additional major carriers include Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.

For domestic travel, Nairobi offers numerous daily flights to the Kenyan Coast,the  Masai Mara, and other destinations. Many of these depart from Wilson Airport, just 20 minutes from JKIA and near Nairobi National Park.

Our travel team is happy to arrange domestic flights, road transfers, and connection planning tailored to your itinerary.

No mandatory vaccinations are required for Kenya, but some may be recommended by your doctor, including malaria prophylaxis.

Yellow Fever:
A valid Yellow Fever certificate is required if travelling from a country where the disease is endemic.

Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip cancellations.

From 1 January 2024, Kenya replaced its eVisa system with the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).

All visitors – including infants and children – require an approved eTA before travel, except for:

  • Holders of valid Kenyan passports or permanent residency
  • Valid work permit or pass holders
  • Citizens of East African Partner States



How to Apply:

  • Only apply via the official Kenyan Government website: www.etakenya.go.ke
  • Processing fee: USD $34
  • Submit your application at least 3 days before travel (can be done up to 3 months in advance)


Requirements:

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with 1 blank page
  • Passport-style photo or selfie
  • Contact details (email & phone)
  • Arrival and departure details
  • Accommodation confirmation
  • Payment method (credit/debit card, Apple Pay, etc.)

 

Important: The eTA is single-entry and tied to your specific flight and travel dates.

Domestic flights on light aircraft often have strict baggage rules:

  • 15 kg (34 lbs) per person for most routes, soft-sided bags only
  • 20 kg (44 lbs) for some coastal routes
  • Private charters may vary

Contact us to confirm your allowance and arrange for excess baggage if needed.

Note: Plastic carrier bags are banned in Kenya. Zip-lock pouches are permitted.

On Safari:

  • Light, breathable cotton clothing in neutral colours
  • Layering pieces like a fleece or light jacket for cool mornings/evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes/trainers
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Swimwear, binoculars, camera, spare memory cards, chargers
  • Travel adapter for UK-style type G plugs (220/240 volts AC, 50Hz)

On the Coast:

  • Loose cotton or linen clothing for hot, humid conditions
  • Modest attire when visiting towns or villages out of respect for local culture
  • Swimsuits only in resorts, beaches, or pools

Most accommodations offer 24-hour laundry service, so you can pack light.

Kenya’s coastal regions are home to historic Muslim communities such as Lamu and Zanzibar.
While the atmosphere is welcoming and tolerant, modest dress is appreciated in public areas away from resorts.

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