Kenya2023-10-26T13:29:36+02:00
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Travel tips for Kenya

Top 5 Experiences

Experiencing wild animals in the savannah, climbing mountains or going diving – Kenya embodies the image of a dreamlike Africa. Among the most famous highlights are the Massai Mara National Park and Mount Kenya. Other attractions include:

Safari

A special experience during the great migration, but also at any other time of the year in the Masai Mara National Park, Tsavo National Park, Amboseli National Park or in a lesser known national park like Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru National Park. Hardly any other country stands for safari and wilderness like Kenya. Besides the Big Five and other wild animals, a lot of flamingo flocks and many other bird species are at home here, which do not only inspire bird lovers.

Mount Kenya

With its 5,199m it is the second highest mountain in Africa, which can be climbed on different routes. Those who do not dare to climb so high, can take advantage of the 30 hiking trails starting in the highlands along some waterfalls, mountain rivers and lakes.

Active Tours

As a country of unlimited possibilities, Kenya offers a colourful selection of diverse activities. A panoramic boat trip on the impressive Lake Victoria, the so-called heart of Africa and source of the Nile, and an exploration tour on foot or by bike in Hell’s Gate National Park followed by a visit to the Njorowa Gorge are just a few examples of unforgettable nature experiences. But also a hike at the foot of Mount Elgon or the Aberdare Mountains reward with incredible views. Those who are not good on foot can also explore these and other national parks on horseback.

Culture Heritage

Many different people and their cultures have shaped the history of the East African country. Once a Portuguese colony, Kenya became an early stopover for settlers and sailors and was exposed to some European influences. Today there is a rich offer of tours that not only give a deep insight into the culture of the Maasai, Samburu Turkana or others, but also their everyday life in local villages. A visit to one of the traditional markets should not be missed.

Beaches

Kenya is not only known for its African wilderness, but also for its paradise beaches. Probably the most famous and beautiful among them are Diani Beach and Bamburi Beach. If getting bored while relaxing on the beach, one can let off steam in the water: The coast is ideal for snorkelling, diving, canoeing or kite surfing. Those who prefer a more secluded experience can also pay a visit to the archipelago of Lamu or Wasini Island.

Tourist infrastructure

The infrastructure in Kenya is comparatively well developed. Especially around Nairobi, Lake Victoria and the coastal regions, the roads are paved and well developed. In contrast, the transport network as well as the electricity and water supply in the north and east of the country are poor and in need of modernization. In addition, Kenya has a train connection that runs from the coastal city of Mombasa via Nairobi to Kisumu in the west of the country.

Those who wish to explore Kenya on their own can do so as a self-drive thanks to the wide range of rental cars available. Travelers can choose from a variety of hotels, lodges, bed & breakfasts and, in major cities, hostels.

Climate and travel season

Kenya can roughly be divided into two climatic zones: In the highlands, the average temperature in the warm season is between 25°C – 26°C, in the evening and at night it cools down and temperatures can drop to 10°C. In the coastal region, temperatures average between 22°C and 32°C during the dry season and humidity is 65 percent.

As in most African countries, the climate in Kenya can be divided into a rainy and dry season. There is a big rainy season from March to May and a small rainy season from the end of October to the beginning of December. Therefore, the months of January and February as well as the time from June to October are especially suitable for traveling. In this time it is also recommended to go on safari, because the probability to see animals is much higher in the dry season.

Visa and entry

Citizens from Germany, Austria and Switzerland require a visa for entry into Kenya, which must be applied for in advance at the Kenyan embassy in the respective country. All travel documents must be valid for at least six months beyond the trip. In addition, a return or onward travel ticket must be presented upon entry. It is also possible, in principle, to apply for an East African Visa, valid for multiple entries to the countries of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, through the electronic visa system. The cost is 101 USD.

Since the regulations can change at any time, all information are non-binding and without guarantee. Please observe the visa regulations and the current information of the Federal Foreign Office / Federal Ministry European and International Affairs / Federal Department of Foreign Affaires at all times.

Impressions from Kenya

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Stories

Our partners for Kenya

General updates

Federal Foreign Office (GER) ➝

Federal Ministry European and
International Affairs (GER) ➝

Federal Department of
Foreign Affairs (GER) ➝

Informationen of the Tourism Board (EN) ➝

Country information

Current accessibility

  • Information on entry:

    Kenya’s borders are open to travelers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Hygiene rules, mask requirements as well as minimum distance and disinfection regulations apply in all airports. The Kenyan government requires travelers aged 5 and over to present a certified, negative PCR test that must not be older than 96 hours when entering and transiting. Travelers must also upload the test result to the Trusted Travel Initiative website before entering the country, fill out the “Travel Health Surveillance Form” and present the received QR travel code upon arrival at the airport. The Jitenge platform application, available on the Google Play Store, serves as a platform for forms and QR code generation. This does not apply to persons who have their habitual residence in the states listed on the Kenyan negative list. Germany, Austria and Switzerland are currently on this negative list, which is why there is no quarantine for travelers from the countries mentioned. People whose body temperature is more than 37.5 degrees Celsius on entry, or who have symptoms similar to Covid-19 or who sat in the two rows of seats in front of or behind such a person on the aircraft, must enter a 14-day quarantine.

  • Information on return:

    Since March 30, 2021, all travellers, no matter from which country they are coming and which means of transportation they use, must present a negative PCR or PoC test, a proof of complete vaccination, for instance the digital Covid-Certificate from the EU (Green Pass), or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection, which was completed at least 28 days ago and is maximum 6 months old, before entering the Federal Republic of Germany. The PCR test must be performed at the earliest 72 hours and the PoC-test 48 hours before the start of the return journey. In addition, travellers must register their entry at the entry portal www.einreiseanmeldung.de➝ before arriving in Germany and carry proof of the corresponding registration with them. For stays in high risk areas classified by the RKI➝ there is a 10-day quarantine obligation. The quarantine can solely be prevented when a proof of complete vaccination or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection, which was completed at least 28 days ago and is maximum 6 months old, was submitted on the entry portal. After five days at the earliest, travellers who are not vaccinated or did not recover from a Covid-19 infection can undergo a Covid-19 test. With a subsequent negative result, the quarantine obligation can be ended early. For stays in virus mutation areas a negative PCR-test, which must be performed at the earliest 72 hours before entering, needs to be shown before return and a fourteen-day quarantine must to be entered without possibility to shorten it.

    All travellers older than 12 years, must present a negative PCR or PoC test, a proof of complete vaccination, for instance the digital Covid-Certificate from the EU (Green Pass), or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection before entering Austria. The PCR-test must be performed at the earliest 72 hours and the PoC-test 48 hours before the start of the return journey. Since January 15, 2021, travellers must register their entry here ➝ („Pre-Travel-Clearance“) before arrival. With the above mentioned certifications a quarantine can be fully prevented when entering from a country classified as safe. The certifications can be handed in 24 hours later if no hotel stay is planned. For vaccinated people arriving from countries not classified as safe or from virus mutations areas the quarantine does not apply neither. Non-vaccinated people however need to present a negative Covid-test or a proof of recovery as well as enter a 10-day quarantine. After five days at the earliest, travellers can undergo a Covid-19 test. With a subsequent negative result, the quarantine obligation can be ended early.

    All air as well as transit passengers who are not fully vaccinated or did not surpass a Covid-19 infection within the past 6 months must register their entry on www.swissplf.admin.ch before or during arrival in Switzerland and need to carry the generated QR-code with them. Air passengers older than 16 years must present a negative PCR or PoC test, a proof of complete vaccination, for instance the digital Covid-Certificate from the EU (Green Pass), or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection before entering. The PCR-test must be performed at the earliest 72 hours and the PoC-test 48 hours before the start of the return journey. Air as well as transit passengers who are not fully vaccinated or did not surpass a Covid-19 infection as well need to enter a 10-day quarantine and present a PCR-test. In addition, they need to inform their corresponding cantonal authority latest within two days after arrival. After seven days at the earliest, travellers can undergo a Covid-19 test. With a subsequent negative result, the quarantine obligation can be ended early. The obligation to test or enter quarantine does not apply to fully vaccinated people who can present a certificate such as the EU Digital Certificate or a Swiss Covid certificate.

Covid-19

Corona Precautionary Measures

  • Restrictions in the country:

    Nationwide, the saftey distance of at least 1.5m needs tob e maintaned. Travel within the country is again possible without restrictions and there is no longer a curfew in place. All shops, restaurants and hotels can be opened and operated normally if the hygiene rules are observed. To ensure that the trip runs smoothly and that necessary registrations are made on time, it is recommended that travel routes and accommodations are determined and booked at least 3 days in advance.

  • Mouth and nose protection:

    In Kenya it is mandatory to wear a face mask in public, including private cars and public transport. Private cars are only allowed to be occupied with 60% of the capacity.

  • Hygiene measures in the country:

    The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has developed comprehensive protocols (PDF) for the operation of all types of tourism businesses and establishments. The protocols are in accordance with the guidelines and advice of the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

Status: 25.10.2021

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