Kenya Travel Tips To Know Before Visiting
Kenya is one of the most spectacular countries on the African continent. Its incredible natural landscape, beautiful coast, and diverse societal offerings attract millions of tourists per year from all across the world.
One of the countries that send thousands of tourists per year to visit Kenya is Australia. Despite being far across the Indian Ocean, Kenya’s natural and cultural gifts have Australian tourists flocking year in and year out.
In response to the constant surge of visitors from Australia (and elsewhere), the Kenyan government launched a new online visa system to make it easier for potential travelers to acquire permission to enter Kenya.
For any Australian seeking information on how to apply for a Kenya visa, the first thing to familiarize themselves with are the Kenya visa requirements for Australian citizens. The good news is that the application is neither time-consuming nor tedious in its demands.
So, while it is possible to apply for a visa to Kenya at a consulate or embassy, Australians should avoid making the pre-travel process more difficult on themselves than need be. They can do this by utilizing the online portal to acquire their eVisa.
Once they have done so, they begin planning the rest of their trip. Read on for the insider scoop on tips to know before traveling to Kenya.
Going on Safari in Kenya
Going on safari in Kenya is something that absolutely can’t be missed. However, a huge mistake to avoid is just selecting any old tour and location and thinking that they will all more or less be the same.
Preparation is key to any trip, but that is especially true when trying to parse through the myriad options for a Kenyan Safari. Even more so when you are doing it from the safety and comfort of your home from thousands of kilometres away.
The reasons behind the importance of doing your due diligence are not because there is a lack of extraordinary options. After all, the country boasts some of the most spectacular national parks not just in the region, but on the entire continent of Africa.
With that in mind, travelers should consider what they want to see in Kenya and then take their time researching to make sure that the tour guide, company, and parks they are considering can offer them their ideal experience.
For example, if you are intent on seeing the great migration of wildebeest, then be sure that the tour you are about to book heads to the Masai Mara and that you are planning to go during the correct time of year.
A big mistake that tourists must avoid making when considering which safari package to purchase is that the animals and natural phenomena they are hoping to see will be readily available to them year-round.
Nairobi and Other Cities in Kenya
Sometimes when travelers visit countries where the natural regions are considered the most sought after, they tend to avoid the cities altogether. While it is true that the nature reserves and coastal villages may be the main attraction, it would be a mistake to avoid Kenya’s cities altogether.
A list of the best places to visit in Kenya will be packed full of lists of safari destinations. However, amongst those parks and beaches, travelers will be wise not to overlook Nairobi and Mombasa.
Nairobi, the capital city, has a bustling population of nearly four and a half million people. It also has an elevation of over one and a half kilometres. The combination of elevation and high population makes it a dizzying and exciting place to explore, especially considering its nickname as the “green city under the sun”.
Nairobi is the most densely populated urban area in the country. However, it functions as more than just Kenya’s financial hub. It is also the cultural heart and soul of a country and region rich in artistic and historical terms, a blend that is apparent when exploring the urban landscape.
Down along the southeastern coast travelers can get acquainted with Mombasa. Known as a wonderful beach “town” to explore the white sandy shores of the Indian Ocean, Mombasa is much, much more.
With a metro population of over three and a half million people, the city also boasts a vibrant old town and arts district with restaurants and galleries to explore.
While Mombasa is the place to go in Kenya for a beach holiday, tourists flocking to those warm waters will not want to miss out on some city comforts. Especially if you have just returned from a long walking safari and want to take a day or two to meander and soak in the local scene.
So, while going on a Safari is an absolute can’t miss, do not avoid hitting the streets in Kenya and exploring some new terrain.
Key Takeaways
Kenya is a bucket list destination. Don’t forget to obtain the proper travel documents prior to arrival.
There are so many amazing things to explore from vibrant cities, to National Parks and stunning safari tours. Kenya truly has it all!
Start planning today and you won’t regret this once and a lifetime trip.
