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Kenya holidays: Travel guidance and tips
A beautiful part of East Africa, Kenya is a popular tourist destination with British holidaymakers. If you can see yourself going on a safari trip or enjoying the waters of the Indian Ocean, then booking Kenya holidays could be the right move. Find out more about this remarkably diverse country in our travel guide.
Tips on booking Kenya hotels
To begin with, Kenya has some high-end lodges and private accommodation options that are connected to hotels. You can expect food to be prepared for you and for all of your day-to-day needs to be met by such establishments. However, they are not cheap, especially when the safari season is in full flow. That being said, you can find cheaper Kenya hotels and still explore this wonderful country.
In Nairobi, hotels tend to be considerably cheaper than the big safari lodges. If you want to enjoy a city break for all or part of your stay, then a reasonably priced hotel in the capital can be booked in advance from the UK. It is also possible to arrange for, say, safaris – or ones that last a couple of nights, at least. This way, you can enjoy the safari experience without needing to spend a lot of money on hotels in Kenya. Note, too, that some city hotels offer free transfers from the airport. This is well worth knowing when comparing prices.
Beach holidays are also popular in Kenya. Hotels in Kenya in resorts such as Diani, Watamu or Malindi sometimes offer discounts for week-long stays or more. Larger parties may also find they're better because you sometimes get reductions for booking multiple rooms or suites. Such offers tend to be seasonal, however, so you must check. In Nairobi and resort hotels, Wi-Fi tends to be available, but this won't always be the case on safari, so check.
Finally, some service charges apply when booking hotels in Kenya. There is a tourism levy of 2% in Kenya, but some destinations have a local charge on top of this. Luxury hotels in Kenya tend to add a service charge in place of tipping, while others will charge you for paying in sterling.
Are Kenya holidays suited to family visits?
Although Kenya's safari tourism industry is geared up to meet the needs of families, those with younger kids will often find that beach holidays are preferable. Kenya's eastern coast is known all over the world for its fine sands. There are plenty of resorts to choose from. Typically, these feature modern, low-rise hotels with excellent facilities, such as outdoor pools.
Glass-bottomed boat tours are a big hit with families in resorts like Mombasa. There is much marine wildlife to enjoy. Those with older kids will probably want to snorkel or even book a scuba session. Around Wasini Island, you can book dolphin-spotting trips. The best time to come for them is between July and October. Diani Beach and Nyali Beach are both good places to come for camel rides, which are supervised and safe.
Top safari sights for holidaymakers
Safari tours into Kenya's interior are hugely popular among US, European and British tourists. Don't be put off by so-called big game safaris. These don't involve hunting and merely refer to the larger animals they prioritise, such as lions, hippos and giraffes. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the top destinations known for the migration of wildebeest, zebras and other animals in late summer.
Amboseli National Park is the best place to come for large elephant herds. You will also get to enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro from this safari centre. Lake Nakuru National Park, by contrast, tends to be favoured by visitors who want to see its famous flamingo flocks. You can also see baboons, rhinos, leopards and other wildlife in this part of Kenya.
Tips for obtaining cheap flights to Kenya
Prices drop significantly during the low season in Kenya, from March to May. You can find flights to Kenya drop by as much as a third, so if you don't mind some rain, this is the cheapest time to come. Many holidaymakers are looking for week-long or fortnight-long holidays. Some package deals involve a week on safari and a week by the beach, for instance. Therefore, if you are flexible with your dates, you can sometimes find cheaper services. Be prepared to book tickets to Kenya with one operator and look for separate deals for return flights.
If you are going to search for flights to Kenya during the mid and high season, from mid-November to the end of February, then book ahead. Although last-minute deals are possible, there is no guarantee. Consequently, advance booking is the best way to obtain the lowest seat prices.
Sensible travel precautions for Kenya holidays
See your GP before your Kenya holidays. Advice on which vaccinations to obtain is always a good idea. Kenya is a hot country. Therefore, drink more water than you normally would. Filtered and bottled water is preferable unless you have already established it is safe. Wear sensible clothing. A sun hat and sunblock are both essential items for any Kenya holiday. Most UK travellers should consider holiday insurance, especially if they're planning a safari.
FAQs about Kenya holidays
Q: What is the cheapest time to travel to Kenya?
A: The low season for Kenya holidays runs from March until the end of May. Known as the long rainy season, flights to Kenya and Kenyan hotel rates are the cheapest at this time. There's also a short rainy season when hotels in Kenya typically offer lower prices. This runs from late October and continues throughout November.
Q: Which UK airports fly direct to Kenya?
A: Direct flights to Kenya from the UK run from Heathrow (LHR) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA) is not served by any UK airport with direct services. However, you can also find some scheduled flights to Kenya departing from Gatwick (LGW). These also land in Nairobi.
Q: Is a Kenya trip expensive?
A: Given the distances involved, Kenya is not the most expensive place to visit for a holiday. Once you get there, food, drink and travel are relatively cheap. You will pay more for safaris and luxury lodges, of course. However, you can keep costs down with last-minute package deals to Kenya and choosing low-season dates, for example.
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