Visit Kenya

If you are looking for a beautiful place to travel Kenya is the ultimate tourism destination. It provides travelers with a window into the heart of Africa. But this is not all that the destination has to offer.

Located near the equator, Kenya’s tourism magic lies in the fact that the country encompasses astounding variety of landscapes and climates, flora and fauna, as well as communities and cultures, home to water sports, a swim with dolphins and adventure.

Between Kenya’s fabled Indian Ocean coastline and Africa´s largest fresh water lake is a magic carpet ride of rapid transitions between baobab-speckled coastal lowlands, acacia-dotted grassy savannah and semi-arid plains, lush and picturesque highlands culminating in a snow-capped volcanic peak boasting rare Afro-alpine vegetation, the Great Rift Valley, and the Lake Victoria basin.

Going to the northern part of the country takes you to the Cradle of Mankind, Jade Sea and some pure desert escape, while proceeding south takes you through the Masai plains which comprise some of the world’s most diverse wildlife parks.

For an authentic game drive experience, the annual wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara Game Reserve is a must see; every year beginning from July to August, the spectacular dubbed the 8th new wonder of the world is all for your to experience. Infact many tourists come to the country to enjoy an African Safari Kenya as well as an African Honeymoon.

The Big Five, rare birds and animals, apes, insects and unique flora find a natural home within this space. For birds´ lovers; a visit to Lake Nakuru National Park will open doors to several species of birds; the Lake is however famous for its greatest spectacle of earth-flamingoes whose vast number is a sheer spectacle.

Teeing off in one of the top-notch golf courses throughout the country gives tourists a choice right from the shadow of the second highest mountain in Africa – Mt. Kenya to the pristine beaches. This is from the choice of the over 40 golf courses that Kenya boasts of. Where else in the world can you tee off in the Northern Hemisphere and putt in on the Southern Hemisphere? – and in doing so discover that our high altitude conditions add 10% yardage to your stroke, letting you play on a natural high. See a selection of Kenya Golf Safaris.

Kenya offers a tropical sunshine, blue skies and endless silver-white beaches backed by waving palms and tranquil lagoons.
Kenya is indeed magical and a destination that many are eager to visit. See a Map of Kenya

Tourism Industry in Kenya

Kenya aspires to be among the top ten long – haul destinations globally and is working to create an enabling environment to attract increased international flights. lt is notable that air travel, which is the major medium of travel, is now within the reach of majority of local and international tourists. The tremendous growth of the local and regional airlines is a great blessing too to the tourism industry and the Government of Kenya is committed to ensure air travel infrastructure is improved nationally to enable citizens and tourists visit and sample diverse flora and fauna in different parts of Kenya.

Travel Agents in Kenya in play a very important role in ensuring the process of travel is pleasurable, smooth and memorable at all times. They remain the interface between the airlines and the clients and sell the image and expertise of Kenya’s service industry.
The Government of Kenya appreciates this important role and their professional commitment to their clients. The Government will continue to partner with the private sector to improve and ensure that Kenya becomes the premier destination of choice for tourists as envisaged in Kenya’s vision 2030.

Tourism in Kenya: Money and Currency Tips

There are no restrictions into or out of Kenya for currency transactions. Forex bureau in Kenya are available at airports in Nairobi and major towns in Kenya.

Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureau de change or authorized hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US dollars, pounds Sterling and Euros.

Travelers’ cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept credit cards. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency brought to Kenya.

Before departure, travellers are advised to convert any excess Kenya shillings into foreign currency at a bank or bureau de change before departure. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency. Anyone wishing to take more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.

Kenya Tourism Facts – Tourism in Kenya Facts

Kenya Tourism Fact 1: About 44 million people live in Kenya as at the time of this writing.
Kenya Tourism Fact  2: Kenya was a British colony and was under British colonial rule between 1895 and 1963.
Kenya Tourism Fact  3: Kenya’s Great Rift Valley was formed around 20 million years ago, when the crust of the Earth was split.
Kenya Tourism Fact  4: Kenya only has only two seasons. One rainy season and one dry season in a year.
Kenya Tourism Fact  5: The capital city of Kenya is Nairobi.
Kenya Tourism Fact  6: There is great disparity between the rich and the poor, those that are rich are very rich and those that are poor are very poor with very few in the middle class
Kenya Tourism Fact  7: Jomo Kenyatta National Airport is the biggest airport in East Africa.
Kenya Tourism Fact  8: Kenyan environmentalist Professor Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. She was the first African woman to win that price
Kenya Tourism Fact  9: Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya with a height of 5199 meters.
Kenya Tourism Fact  10: The Majority of the people in Kenya are Protestants.
Kenya Tourism Fact  11: About 70 percent of Kenyans are Christians, about 25 percent are adherents of indigenous religions while the remaining 5 to 6 percent are Muslims. There are also Hindus, Sikhs, Parsees, and Bahai’s particularly among the Asian communities.
Kenya Tourism Fact  12: Embu tribe in Kenya is famous for dancing on stilts performed by men wearing long black coats and white masks.
Kenya Tourism Fact  13: Kenya’s wildlife is unrivalled by any other in the world, both in terms of numbers and variety of species. Thousands of tourists visit Kenya every year to view the wild life particularly the wildebeest migration. Animals such as lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra, crocodiles, hippopotamus, gazelles, cheetahs, hyena and a wide range of bird species can all be found in Kenya.
Kenya Tourism Fact  14: About 2000 B.C.. Scientists discovered the earliest-known remains of human beings in Kenya. Although very little is known about these people but it’s believed that they are the ancestors of today’s Kenyans.
Kenya Tourism Fact  15: Masai People, a tribe in Kenya are tall and slender and are known for their skill in the use of weapons and their strongly independent ways.
Kenya Tourism Fact  16: English, Swahili and Numerous indigenous languages are spoken in Kenya. Swahili is also called ‘Kiswahili’.
Kenya Tourism Fact  17: The Currency of Kenya is shilling, one shilling = 100 cents.
Kenya Tourism Fact  18: Kenya won independence in 1963 and has been a republic since 1964.
Kenya Tourism Fact  19: In the world stage of sporting activities, Kenya is best known for Athletics
Kenya Tourism Fact  20: About 99% of Kenya’s population is made up of black Africans but there are also white Kenyans.

Kenya Tourism – Video

Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Tourism in Kenya – National Parks and Reserve

1. 1. Aberdares National Park
   2. Amboseli National Park
   3. Arabuko Sokoke National Park
   4. Arawale National Reserve
   5. Bisanandi Reserve
   6. Boni National Reserve
   7. Buffalo Springs National Reserve
   8. Central Island National Park

1. 1. Chyulu Hills National Park
   2. Dodori National Reserve
   3. Hells Gate National Park
   4. Kakamega Forest National Reserve
   5. Kerio Valley National Reserve
   6. Kiunga Marine National Park
   7. Kora National Reserve
   8. Lake Bogoria National Reserve
   9. Lake Kamnarok National Reserve
   10. Lake Nakuru National Park
   11. Losai National Reserve
   12. Malindi – Watamu Marine National Parks
   13. Malka Mari National Park
   14. Marsabit National Reserve
   15. Masai Mara National Reserve – Masai Mara Game Reserve
   16. Meru National Park

1. Mombasa Marine National Park
2. Mount Elgon National Park
3. Mt. Kenya National Park
4. Mt. Longonot National Park
5. Mwea National Reserve
6. Mwingi National Reserve
7. Nairobi National Park
8. Nasalot National Reserve
9. Ndere Island National Park
10. Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park
11. Rahole National Reserve
12. Ruma National Park
13. Saiwa Swamp National Park
14. Samburu National Reserve
15. Shaba National Reserve
16. Shimba Hills National Reserve
17. Sibiloi National Park
18. South Kitui National Reserve
19. South Turkana National Reserve/Park
20. Tana River Primate Reserve
21. Tsavo East National Park
22. Tsavo West National Park

Tourism in Kenya – Wildlife Conservancies

1. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
2. Haller Wildlife Park
3. Il Ngwesi Wildlife Conservancy
4. Kigio Wildlife Conservancy
5. Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy
6. Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy
7. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
8. Maralal
9. Mara Naboisho Conservancy
10. Mount Suswa Conservancy
11. Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
12. Mugie Wildlife Conservancy
13. Nairobi Arboretum
14. Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust
15. Ol Ari Nyiro Conservancy
16. Ol Kinyei Conservancy
17. Ololua Forest Trail
18. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
19. Sanctuary at Ol-lentille
20. Selenkay Wildlife Conservancy
21. Shompole Conservancy
22. Soysambu Conservancy
23. West Gate Community Conservancy

Tourism in Kenya – Cultural Centre and Museums

1. African Heritage House
2. Baden Powell Museum
3. Bomas of Kenya
4. Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre
5. Desert Museum
6. Elsamere Nature Reserve
7. Gede Museum
8. Hyrax Hill Museum
9. Jumba La Mtwane
10. Kabarnet Museum
11. Kakapel National Monument
12. Kapenguria Museum
13. Karen Blixen Museum
14. Kariandusi Museum
15. Kenyatta House
16. KICC – Kenyatta International Conference Centre
17. Kisumu Museum
18. Kitale Museum
19. Kitale Museum
20. Kogelo – Obama’s Ancestral Village
21. Koitalel Arap Samoei Museum
22. Lamu Cultural festival
23. Lamu Island
24. Lamu Museum
25. Loiyangalani Desert Museum
26. Malindi Museum
27. Meru Museum
28. Mnarani
29. Nairobi Gallery
30. Nairobi National Museum
31. Narok Museum
32. Nyangoma Kogelo Village
33. Nyeri Museum
34. Olorgesailie
35. Rabai Museum
36. Rabai Museum
37. Railway Museum
38. Simbi Nyaima Lake
39. Takwa
40. Tambach Museum
41. Thimlich Ohinga
42. Treasures of Africa Museum
43. Uhuru Gardens (Nairobi)
44. Wajir Museum

Tourism in Kenya – Birding Site

1. Chagaik Arboretum
2. Chania falls
3. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
4. Fourteen falls
5. Haller Wildlife Park
6. Kesubo Swamp
7. Kigio Wildlife Conservancy
8. Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
9. Kisumu Bird Sanctuary
10. Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy
11. Maasai Ostrich Farm
12. Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
13. Nairobi Arboretum
14. Soysambu Conservancy
15. The Mfangano-Rusinga Island Complex

Tourism in Kenya – Animal Orphanages

1. Animal Orphanage – Nairobi Kenya
2. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
3. Lake Elementeita National Reserve

Tourism in Kenya – Animal Sanctuaries

1. Crater Lake Game Sanctuary
2. Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
3. Elsamere Nature Reserve
4. Garissa Community Giraffe Sanctuary
5. Giraffe Centre
6. Giraffe Manor in Kenya
7. Haller Wildlife Park
8. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
9. Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Mombasa Mamba Village
11. Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
12. Nairobi Mamba Village
13. Oserengoni Wildlife Sanctuary
14. Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
15. Sweetwaters Chimps Sanctuary, Ol Pejeta
16. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Tourism in Kenya – Community Tourism Sites

1. Bomas of Kenya
2. Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre
3. Kazuri Beads and Pottery Centre
4. Kitale Museum
5. Kit Mikayi
6. Kogelo – Obama’s Ancestral Village
7. Lamu Cultural festival
8. Lamu Island
9. Loiyangalani Desert Museum
10. Mfangano Island
11. Mombasa Old Town
12. Nyeri Museum
13. Samburu Maralal International Camel Derby
14. Wasini Island

Tourism in Kenya – Sports Tourism Sites

1. Gymkhana Sports Club
2. Karen Golf Club
3. Kenya Fly fishers club
4. Kenya Railways Golf Club
5. Leisure Lodge Golf Course
6. Limuru Country Club
7. Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani
8. Mt. Kenya Safari Club
9. Nairobi City Stadium
10. Nakuru Golf Club
11. Nandi Bears Club
12. Nyali Golf & Country Club
13. Nyanza Club
14. Nyayo National Stadium
15. Nyeri Golf Club
16. Ruiru Club
17. Sadili Oval
18. Safari Seven
19. Sigona Golf Club
20. Thika Sports Club
21. Windsor Golf and Country Club

Tourism in Kenya – Forest

1. Chagaik Arboretum
2. Cherangani Hills Forest
3. Karura Forest
4. Kereita Forest
5. Mau Forest
6. Nairobi Arboretum
7. Ngong Forest
8. Ololua Forest Trail
9. Saboti-Sosio Forest
10. Siyu Fort
11. South Nandi Forest
12. Vanga Jimbo and Kiwegu Mangrove Forest

Tourism in Kenya – Golf  Tourism

1. Karen Golf Club
2. Kenya Fly fishers club
3. Kenya Railways Golf Club
4. Leisure Lodge Golf Course
5. Limuru Country Club
6. Mt. Kenya Safari Club
7. Nakuru Golf Club
8. Nandi Bears Club
9. Nyali Golf & Country Club
10. Nyanza Club
11. Nyeri Golf Club
12. Ruiru Club
13. Sigona Golf Club
14. Thika Sports Club
15. Windsor Golf and Country Club

Tourism in Kenya – Lake and River

1. Chania falls
2. Eliye Springs
3. Kenya Fly fishers club
4. Kisumu Hippo Point
5. Kisumu Yatch Club
6. Lake Baringo
7. Lake Bogoria
8. Lake Elmenteita
9. Lake Jipe
10. Lake Kamnarok
11. Lake Logipi
12. Lake Magadi
13. Lake Naivasha
14. Lake Nakuru
15. Lake Oloiden
16. Lake Turkana
17. Lake Victoria
18. Mfangano Island
19. Nyahururu Falls
20. Nyahururu Thompsons Fall
21. Paradise Lost
22. Pyramid Island
23. Shompole Conservancy
24. Simbi Nyaima Lake
25. The Mfangano-Rusinga Island Complex

Tourism in Kenya – Archaeological site

1. Koobi Fora
2. Olorgesailie
3. Songhor
4. The Mfangano-Rusinga Island Complex

Tourism in Kenya – Art Gallery

1. Fort Jesus
2. Nairobi Gallery
3. Nyeri Museum
4. Olorgesailie

Tourism in Kenya – Boating

1. Kamokwe Kayaking
2. Kenya Boats
3. Kisumu Hippo Point
4. Kisumu Yatch Club
5. Sagana Rapids Camp

Tourism in Kenya – Coral Reef

1. Diani/Chale Marine National Park and Reserve
2. Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
3. Kiunga Marine National Reserve
4. Malindi Marine Park and Reserve
5. Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve
6. Wasini Island
7. Watamu Marine Park and Reserve

Kenya Tourism – Monument

1. American Embassy Memorial Garden
2. Kakapel National Monument
3. KICC – Kenyatta International Conference Centre
4. Lamu Island
5. Mombasa Tusks
6. Uhuru Gardens (Nairobi)
7. Vasco Da Gama Pillar

Tourism in Kenya – Waterfalls

1. Chania falls
2. Fourteen falls
3. Kamburu Dam
4. Nyahururu Falls
5. Nyahururu Thompsons Fall
6. Paradise Lost
7. Sagana Rapids Camp

Tourism in Kenya – Other Attractions in Kenya

1. Active Edge, Kerio View
2. Baracuda Diving
3. Blue Fin Diving
4. Crocodiles of the Mara
5. Crying stone of Ihesi
6. Crying Stone of Kakamega
7. English Point Marina
8. Gedi Ruins In Kenya
9. Kenyatta International Conventions Centre
10. Kipepeo Butterfly Project
11. Laikipia Plateau
12. Lewa Marathon
13. Menengai Crater
14. Mombasa Go-Kart
15. Nairobi Safari Walk
16. Ngong Hills
17. Oserian Farms
18. Peponi Divers CH
19. Rhino Charge
20. Windsor Golf Hotel

Kenya Tourism : Safari in Kenya

Kenya is an ideal destination to take a safari given that the weather is always conducive throughout the year. The natural world and the unchanged ecosystem are a sure attraction for visitors.
Here are some of the safaris offered in Kenya.

1. Kenya Wildlife Safari
2. Kenya Camping Safari
3. Kenya Luxury Safari
4. Kenya Beach Safari
5. Kenya Adventure Safari
6. Kenya Business Safari
7. Kenya Family Safari
8. Kenya Coast Safari
9. Kenya Honeymoon Safari
10. Kenya Conference Safari
11. Kenya Golf Safari
12. Kenya Sport Safari
13. Kenya Wedding Safari
14. Kenya Ecotourism Safari
15. Kenya Flying Safari
16. Kenya Bird Watching Safari
17. Kenya Cultural Safari
18. Kenya Balloon Safari
19. Religious Safaris and Retreats
20. Kenya Camel Safari
21. Kenya Photography Safari
22. Kenya Disability Safari
23. Kenya Bird Watching Safaris

Types of Tourism in Kenya

1. Domestic Tourism in Kenya
2. Medical Tourism Destination in Kenya
3. Eco-Tourism in Kenya
4. Conference Tourism in Kenya
5. Medical Tourism in Kenya
6. Sports Tourism in Kenya
7. Cultural Tourism in Kenya

Tourist Accommodation in Kenya

The tourist accommodation industry in Kenya provides a wide variety – from formal hotels to informal holiday rental houses and cottages, game lodges and reserves, guest houses, youth hostels and bed-and-breakfast establishments.
A variety of promotional material on Kenya is available. Comprehensive guides and maps cover all regions and aspects of interest to tourists, including accommodation

Tourists Vaccination in Kenya

Visitors from yellow-fever belt countries, as well as those who travel through or disembark  in these areas have to be inoculated  against the disease before they arrive in Kenya.

Tourism Travel Documents in Kenya

Following recent legislation, European visitors do not require a tourist visa to enter Kenya, but entry business visas are required.

Every traveler must have a valid passport and, where necessary, a visa. Passport holders from certain countries are exempted from visa requirements. Enquiries can be made at Kenya’s diplomatic representative or the Ministry of  Tourism in Nairobi

Kenya Tourism Week

The Kenya Tourism Week is held in the third week of September. During the celebrations, participants explore various attraction sites. The main events are an art exhibition, cuisine, music, culture and a golf tournament.
This festival is a strategy to promote local tourism. It gives local and international tourists an opportunity to travel the country and experience less-explored attraction sites.

Tourism and Tourist Safety and Security in Kenya

Kenyans are extremely friendly and visitors are humbled by their hospitality. Take time to meet ordinary people as they go about their daily business. Kenya deploys regular police patrols in most urban and rural areas.

There is a specialized unit — Tourist Police Unit — that is tasked with the safety of tourists. Stakeholders in the industry have also launched several initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of travellers.

As in other countries, it is advisable to hand in your passport, traveler’s cheques, excess money and any other valuables at hotel reception desks for safe keeping. Alternatively, arrange to hire a safety deposit box. It is advisable not to walk alone in isolated towns or beach areas. Seek advice from your hotel manager or tour representative. Also make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.

Don’t carry too much cash with you and often wear a money belt that fits under your clothes. Don’t carry a lot of camera equipment, especially in the major cities and towns in Kenya.

Kenya Tourism and Travel Agents in Kenya

Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) advises on choices, special promotions, quality and value of a travel product. It also gives travel options and quotations from suppliers.

KATA also helps with aspects of visitors’ trip, including air tickets, accommodation and car hire. If you experience a problem on your trip, they act on your behalf to resolve it.

KATA consultants create, sell and manage products. It understands what visitors want and the products they can deliver. KATA members have the information tourists and other visitors need at their fingertips.

Kenya Tourism Board

Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) was set up in 1997 to promote and market Kenya as a tourist destination internationally and locally. KTB is an independent marketing authority for tourism.

KTB is managed by a board of directors, who are major stakeholders in tourism and a managing director who oversees marketing initiatives and campaigns. Its marketing  campaigns are managed locally by a marketing director and a team of marketing staff, based in the Nairobi offices at Upper Hill.

The campaigns are run together with three international Market Development Representatives ( MDRs) who manage KTB offices overseas. The MDRs cover key source markets in Europe, the UK and the US/Canada, and new emerging markets in Asia, and the Middle East.

Tourism Fund Description

Tourism Fund is a body corporate established under the Tourism Act, 2011 which came into operation on 1st September, 2012 vide special issue Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 93 of 24th August, 2012.The Fund is the legal successor to Catering and Tourism Development Levy Trustees. Catering and Tourism Development Levy Trustees has been in existence since.

Tourism Fund Contacts

Location: NHIF Building, Car Park Tower 5th Floor
Address:P. O. Box 46987 – 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 020 2714900/1/2/6/7/9
Fax: +254 020 2714911
Mobile: +254 728337499, +254 780400113
Toll Free: 08002210915/08007722109
E-mail: info@tourismfund.co.ke

Kenya Tourism News

Kenya targets 30.4 million tourists by 2030 in new masterplan

Updated: 12.02.2018
The Tourism ministry has unveiled a blueprint that aims to transform Kenya into an innovative and vibrant destination in 12 years’ time.

The National Tourism Blueprint 2030 is anchored on product development, marketing, tourism investment promotion, and infrastructure.

It aims to increase the number of foreign and local tourists to 30.4 million over the projected period and increase the number of direct jobs in the tourism industry to 561,800.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said Kenya’s tourism sector must adapt and innovate in line with global trends in order to increase its contribution to the economy.

“Our first priority must be to fix and refresh our tourism product and re-invigorate our engagement with our current markets – both local and international.”

“We must introduce new products and expand into new source markets to attract new and more existing visitors,” Balala said on Monday.

He spoke at the opening of a two-day National Tourism Stakeholder Forum to discuss the transformative journey for the tourism sector.

He challenged the Tourism Association to move away from banking on exhibitions to attract tourists and embrace digital marketing strategies.

“We have done a whole analysis of all exhibitions in the world and we know which is valuable which is not valuable…but business does not come from exhibitions.”

Balala further asked stakeholders to take advantage of Kenya Airways launching direct flights to New York to open up the US market to Kenya.

“Let’s partner to address that market. It’s highly potential and it’s our number one market.”

He said the sector can also diversify and take advantage of cruise ships once the new terminal is ready by June.

“I am going to appoint a consultant to take us through a whole strategy on how to benefit from cruise ships,” Balala said.
Betty Radier, the Kenya Tourism Board chief executive, said the board has identified 14 strategic initiatives that will be implemented under the country’s tourism marketing strategy which was developed last year.

Top among the initiatives is the implementation of a portfolio of Top, Signature and Quality Assured experiences to deliver an exceptional tourist experience to all visitors coming to Kenya.

“Kenya’s safari, beach and marine, nature, culture and heritage and city tourism, as well as business tourism will be revamped and transformed into new products and authentic experiences that offer value to visitors coming into the country.”

She added: “The Magical Kenya brand will be known for more than just beach and safari but also for adventure trips – be it hiking, trekking or mountain climbing – nature and culture, beach holidays, special interest niches such as bird watching, athletics, golf, water sports, and special celebrations.”

The forum is being held against the backdrop of the stellar performance recorded by Kenya’s tourism industry in 2017.
The sector recorded a double-digit rise in earnings just under Sh120 billion in revenue receipts, a 20.3 per cent growth in revenue compared to Sh99.69 billion recorded in 2016.

The strong growth was underpinned by a 9.8 per cent growth in total international arrivals by air, sea and cross border in 2017 to 1,474,671 compared to 1,342,899 arrivals in 2016.