Things to Know Before You Book

Holidays to Kenya largely continue to be booked through the trade - this presents an exciting opportunity for agents.  

The vastness of the country can be daunting for a first-time visitor, and with such a wealth of things to do, clients will welcome the expertise of an agent that can take the hassle out of sorting through the different options to find the perfect holiday for them.

On the Kenya Tourism Board's website, www.magicalkenya.com, there is a list of recommended tour operators who are members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) that will help you curate experiences that fit the various budgets and travel expectations of clients.

Below is a selection of practical information on booking a holiday to Kenya; how to get there, airlines, how to get around, pricing, etc.

How to Get to Kenya

 Kenya is readily accessible via Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the USA, and Southern Africa by numerous international air carriers. Kenya has three international airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, and Eldoret International Airport in Eldoret-Nairobi serving as the hub of the East African region.  

These airports service numerous international carriers including the national airline Kenya Airways.

Most city hotels offer airport transfer services; public buses and taxis are also readily available.

Kenya can be accessed by road from Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia. Immigration should be processed at land border stations.

Entry by sea is possible, and immigration should be processed at a port facility.

Which Airlines Fly There?

 The international gateway to Kenya is Nairobi, which is served by direct flights from a number of cities around the world with the national airline, Kenya Airways, and other regional and global airlines.  ****Suggestion for image: An image of a Kenya Airways plane.****

What’s the Best Way to Travel When in Kenya?

 BY AIR: Light aircraft offer the easiest way to travel long distances – the following domestic carriers have the country covered and fly from Wilson airport:  

   
• Air Kenya: covers Amboseli, Mara, Lewa Downs, Lamu, Malindi, Meru, Mombasa, Nairobi (Wilson), Nanyuki, and Samburu (www.airkenya.com)
   
• Fly 540: Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Malindi, Mara, Lamu, Eldoret, Lodwar, and Kitale (www.fly540.com)
   
• JamboJet: Ukunda, Kisumu, Eldoret, and Malindi direct from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (www.jambojet.com)
   
• Kenya Airways: Kisumu, Mombasa, Malindi, and Nairobi (www.kenya-airways.com)
   
• Safarilink: Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki, Lewa Downs, Naivasha, Samburu, Shaba, Lamu, Kiwayu, Tsavo West, Loisaba, and Lewa (www.safarilink-kenya.com)
 

BY ROAD: There are numerous ground handlers that offer driving safaris. Unlike some other African destinations, self-drive is not recommended for international visitors. Although the main roads in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi are easy to navigate, once in a national park, there is minimal signage and as such it is far better to have a local driver that can both navigate the untarmacked tracks and point out the wildlife.  BY RAIL: Although most people prefer to fly or drive, it is possible to travel between Nairobi and Mombasa by rail - the Madaraka Express. You can get the timetable for the daily service HERE.

Is Kenya a Mass Destination?

Kenya is not a mass destination, but it has the ability to appeal to a wide variety of clients. With its diverse destinations and experiences available all year round, it caters to the different segments of travelers and their diverse motivations. From bird-watching holidays to luxury beach breaks - Kenya has something for everyone!  

Is Kenya Expensive?

Kenya is a multi-experiential destination with unique and authentic experiences that fit all pockets, from shoestring to blowout!