Kenya tours & vacations

Most travelers will need to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before commencing travel to Kenya.

To enter Kenya you may need:

• An undamaged passport valid for at least six months from the date you exit Kenya
• At least two blank passport pages
• An electronic travel authorization (eTA)
• A return or onward ticket from Kenya
• Proof of funds to financially support yourself while traveling in Kenya
• Documentation supporting the purpose of your stay, like accommodation or tour booking.

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travelers, regardless of their nationality.

We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number, and these details will be recorded on the first day of your trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

For travelers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travelers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

Read more about travel insurance

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Kenya but a little generosity will be received positively, especially considering the low wages that Kenyan service workers are typically paid. Setting aside a small amount for porters, guides and drivers is wise, as is leaving spare change at restaurants.

Kenyans dress conservatively, so it's important that you do the same to respect the local culture and customs. Dressing conservatively doesn't mean you need to cover yourself from head to toe, but you should wear long, loose-fitting clothing that covers your knees, shoulders, midriff and chest. Long layers are also more effective in keeping you cool and protecting your skin from the sun and insects.

Make sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes, sandals, a warm fleece, sun-protective gear (sunglasses, a wide-brimmed sunhat, sunscreen), and insect repellent. You'll also need a reusable water bottle, a day bag and maybe a headlamp if you're camping.

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Kenya, and you should avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating. Filtered water is provided on overland trips, and most hotels we stay in have drinking water available. Your local leader is always available to help you source safe water while on the road.

Internet connection is pretty good in Kenya’s large cities, but you should expect limited or no access in rural areas.

Mobile phone coverage is good in Kenya’s large cities and towns but less so in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated or pick up an eSIM before leaving home if you want to stay connected.

Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Kenya, except for western-style flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as these are rarely provided.

LGBTQIA+ travelers who want to visit Kenya should exercise caution and avoid engaging in public displays of affection. That said, even public displays of affection for hetero couples can raise eyebrows.

Homosexuality is still illegal in Kenya and can be punishable by prison time. The criminalization of same-sex relationships was acquired from Britain before Kenya was granted independence in 1963 and has not been reviewed since.

Kenyan society is largely conservative, and identifying as LGBTQIA+ is often considered to be taboo. There are also no laws to protect LGBTQIA+ people against discrimination.

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Kenya directly support our foundation partners, East African Wildlife Society and Patinaai Osim Community Care Organisation. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

East African Wildlife Society

The East African Wildlife Society aids conservation and promotes the sustainable management of natural resources in East Africa. Donations from our trips equip rangers with basic skills and tools to enhance their conservation efforts, help protect endangered wildlife and support the communities living alongside forests, wetlands and marine ecosystems.

Find out more or make a donation.

Patinaai Osim Community Care Organisation

Patinaai Osim Community Care Organisation supports Indigenous Maasai women in creating sustainable livelihoods and empowering them to rise above poverty and inequality. Donations from our trips support Patinaai Osim's livelihood programs, which help women and girls identify and take on alternative income-generating activities (such as beadwork and goat-rearing) to support their families.  

Find out more or make a donation.

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help create the most suitable itinerary for extra needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.