Travel advisory · KenyaSome governments advise against travel to parts of Kenya.The warnings cover only these areas: Border with Ethiopia, Border with South Sudan, Coastal areas north of Malindi, Garissa county, Lamu county, Lamu county excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island, Mandera county, Tana River county (except Tsavo National Park), Wajir county, Baringo county, Coast between Tana River and Galana River, Coastal areas of Tana River county, Eastleigh (Nairobi), Kibera (Nairobi), Mathare (Nairobi), Northern Tana River county, Pangani (Nairobi), Turkana county, West Pokot county.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Border with Ethiopia · avoid all travel · Spain, France, New Zealand
- Border with South Sudan · avoid all travel · Spain, France, New Zealand
- Coastal areas north of Malindi · avoid all travel · Canada, France, New Zealand, US
- Garissa county · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, US
- Lamu county · avoid all travel · Spain, New Zealand, US
- Lamu county excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, France, UK
- Mandera county · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, UK, US
- Tana River county (except Tsavo National Park) · avoid all travel · Italy, US
- Wajir county · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, US
- Baringo county · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, Italy
- Coast between Tana River and Galana River · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, UK
- Coastal areas of Tana River county · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, New Zealand
- Eastleigh (Nairobi) · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France, Italy, New Zealand, US
- Kibera (Nairobi) · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, Spain, France, New Zealand, US
- Mathare (Nairobi) · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France
- Northern Tana River county · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, UK
- Pangani (Nairobi) · avoid non-essential travel · France, Italy
- Turkana county · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, Spain
- West Pokot county · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, Italy, US
Also named by one government: Areas bordering Somalia (New Zealand), Garissa county excluding Garissa Town, Lagdera and parts of Balambala (UK), Kilifi county north of highway C103 (US), Maritime zone up to 72E and 15S (France), Marsabit county within 110 km of South Sudan and Ethiopia borders (Canada), Marsabit county within 50 km of Ethiopia border (US), Somalia border strip up to 100 km inside Kenya (France), Tarbaj and Wajir East constituencies (UK), Turkana county within 110 km of South Sudan and Ethiopia borders (Canada), Turkana county within 50 km of Ethiopia border (US), Wajir county within 60 km of Somalia border (UK), Western Turkana county (US), Arid and remote regions of northern Kenya (Italy), Baringo sub-counties Mukutani, Muchongoi, Bartabwa, Tiaty East and Tiaty West (Spain), Elgeyo Marakwet county (Italy), Elgeyo Marakwet sub-counties Marakwet East and Marakwet West (Spain), Garissa Town (UK), Laikipia county (Italy), Laikipia sub-counties Olmoran, Ng'arua and Mukogodo (Spain), Lamu Island (Germany), Manda Island (Germany), Marsabit county (Spain), Mombasa (Italy), Outlying areas of Isiolo county (France), Outlying areas of Turkana county (France), Outlying areas of West Pokot county (France), Outlying regions of Marsabit county (France), Overland routes between Lamu and Malindi (Italy), Samburu county areas of Loroki and Kirisia (Spain), Turkana sub-counties Turkana South, Turkana East and Loima (Spain), West of Garissa county (France), West of Mandera county (France), West of Wajir county (France), West Pokot sub-counties Pokot North and Sigor (Spain), Within 75 km of Kenya-Somalia border (Ireland)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Reconsider travel | Oct 19, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Exercise a high degree of caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | Increased caution nationwide; partial travel warnings for specific areas (regional advisories) | Oct 19, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Exercise increased caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Ireland (Department of Foreign Affairs) | High Degree of Caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Vigilance renforcée (reste du territoire) (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Kenya
Kenya draws visitors for the Masai Mara wildebeest migration, big-game safaris and a Swahili coast of old port towns and Indian Ocean beaches.
Kenya is a country in East Africa on the Indian Ocean, straddling the equator. Nairobi is the capital, the largest city and a major commercial hub. Mombasa, a port on Mombasa Island, is the second-largest and oldest. The land rises from coastal plains to central highlands split by the Great Rift Valley, and the north is arid or semi-arid. Mount Kenya, at 5,199 m, is the country's highest point and Africa's second-highest peak.
Most visitors come for safari and the coast. The Masai Mara is the main site of the wildebeest migration, which runs from June to September, when more than one million wildebeest cross the Mara River. Amboseli, Tsavo and Samburu are other major safari areas. The coast has beaches and historic towns such as Lamu and Malindi, with old mosques and colonial-era forts. Plan around the seasons: the long rains fall April to June and the short rains October to December.
Five things to know before Kenya
- Apply for the eTA at least 2 weeks ahead
Every visitor needs an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before the journey unless exempt, and the UK advice says the local authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks ahead. Check your passport in the visa checker. Check your passport
- Plan the Mara for the migration months
The wildebeest herds usually reach the Maasai Mara around July and stay into October. River crossings happen on no fixed schedule, so allow several days. Maasai Mara
- Read the UK map before you go north on the coast
FCDO advises against all travel to Lamu County except Lamu and Manda islands, and to the Somalia border counties. It advises against all but essential travel within 15 km of the coast between the Tana and Galana rivers. UK regional risks
- Leave plastic bags at home
Germany's Federal Foreign Office says Kenya bans plastic bags and that even possessing one is an offense. Pack reusable bags or pouches. German advice (de)
- Get approval before bringing a drone
Importing or exporting a drone without prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority is illegal. Apply well ahead or leave it at home.
Kenya travel guides
Practical guides from writers who live there.
The national park, the giraffe and elephant centers, and where to stay.
Read the guideMaasai MaraWhich gate, migration months and park fees.
Read the guideAmboseliElephants with Kilimanjaro behind, and the best light.
Read the guideMombasaFort Jesus, the Old Town and the end of the SGR line.
Read the guideDiani BeachThe south coast's long beach and the Kisite boat day.
Read the guideLamuThe Swahili old town, dhows and slow island days.
Read the guideKenya eTAWho needs it and how early to apply.
Read the guideTravel insuranceCover for safaris, light aircraft and medical evacuation.
Read the guide
Destinations in Kenya
Hostel beds, cheap eats, buses and free sights.
- Bed a night
- KES 1,500
- Food
- KES 900
- Transport
- KES 300
- Sights
- KES 500
A 3-star room, casual restaurants, public transport and one paid sight a day.
- Bed a night
- KES 5,000
- Food
- KES 2,400
- Transport
- KES 1,000
- Sights
- KES 2,500
A 4-star room, good restaurants, taxis and a guided tour.
- Bed a night
- KES 12,000
- Food
- KES 6,000
- Transport
- KES 4,000
- Sights
- KES 8,000
When to go
- Rainy days
- Best
- JanuaryClear9 rainy daysHigh26°Low15°Dry, warmJanuaryClear
Best
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 15°
- Precipitation
- 56 mm
- Rainy days
- 9
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, warm
- FebruaryClear8 rainy daysHigh28°Low15°Dry, warmFebruaryClear
Best
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 15°
- Precipitation
- 47 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, warm
- MarchRain14 rainy daysHigh28°Low16°Long rains startMarchRain
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 95 mm
- Rainy days
- 14
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Long rains start
- AprilRain26 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Long rainsAprilRain
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 204 mm
- Rainy days
- 26
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Long rains
- MayRain19 rainy daysHigh24°Low15°Long rainsMayRain
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 15°
- Precipitation
- 112 mm
- Rainy days
- 19
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Long rains
- JunePartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh23°Low13°Dry, coolJunePartly cloudy
- High
- 23°
- Low
- 13°
- Precipitation
- 36 mm
- Rainy days
- 9
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, cool
- JulyPartly cloudy5 rainy daysHigh23°Low13°Migration, coolJulyPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 23°
- Low
- 13°
- Precipitation
- 18 mm
- Rainy days
- 5
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Migration, cool
- AugustPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh24°Low14°MigrationAugustPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 14°
- Precipitation
- 27 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Migration
- SeptemberPartly cloudy6 rainy daysHigh26°Low14°MigrationSeptemberPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 14°
- Precipitation
- 32 mm
- Rainy days
- 6
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Migration
- OctoberRain13 rainy daysHigh27°Low15°Warm, dryOctoberRain
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 15°
- Precipitation
- 93 mm
- Rainy days
- 13
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, dry
- NovemberRain21 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Short rainsNovemberRain
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 159 mm
- Rainy days
- 21
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Short rains
- DecemberRain15 rainy daysHigh25°Low15°Short rains easeDecemberRain
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 15°
- Precipitation
- 89 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Short rains ease
Average daily high and low in Nairobi, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Kenya
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
19
- Feels like
- 16°
- Humidity
- 72%
- Wind
- 19 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 59%
Nairobi
11:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today25°16°59%Monday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Tue26°16°80%Tuesday: Rain. High 26°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Wed26°17°75%Wednesday: Rain. High 26°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Thu24°16°86%Thursday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Fri23°16°82%Friday: Drizzle. High 23°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 82%.
- Sat25°15°92%Saturday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 92%.
- Sun25°16°93%Sunday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 93%.
Updated 11:19 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 129.9 KES
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Kenya
Kenya FAQ
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Visitors need an approved eTA before the journey, not a visa, unless they are on an exemption list. Apply on the official eTA site, which recommends applying at least 2 weeks ahead and lists the current fee.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Kenya?
Usually July to October, when the herds are in the Maasai Mara. River crossings are unpredictable, so spend at least three nights.
How many days do I need for a Kenya safari?
Six to eight days covers Nairobi, Amboseli and the Maasai Mara without long drives every day. Add the coast or Lamu for a longer trip.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Kenya?
A certificate is required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Ask a travel clinic whether the vaccine makes sense for your route.
Is Kenya safe for tourists?
The UK reports a heightened terrorism threat across Kenya and advises against all travel to parts of it: the Somalia border counties and most of Lamu County. Read its map, use reputable operators, avoid driving at night and fly to Lamu rather than going by road.