OWR Travel

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Kenya

Kenya Research

Things to Know

WHEN TO GO

Great months to travel: July to October

Wildebeest Great Migration in Maasai Mara

Good weather, more expensive and crowded

Also good months: January, February, June, and December

Good weather, less crowded, and more affordable

VISA

Electronic Travel Authorization required

“It is recommended applications be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel to ensure adequate time for processing. Travellers can submit their applications up to 3 months prior to travel.”

The single-entry eTA fee is USD 32.50

⁠

Official Website⁠

⁠

PLASTIC BAGS

Plastic bags banned

“Plastic bags have been banned in Kenya for environmental reasons. Visitors are not permitted to bring plastic bags into the country in either their hand luggage or checked luggage.”

FLIGHTS

Evening arrivals

Most flights for US, UK, and CA customers arrive in the evening

We should consider not having a welcome dinner on day 1

SIM CARD

Recommended provider

⁠

Safari.com⁠

sim has a good internet service across the country, even when in the bush.

Get a local sim card to use

M-Pesa⁠

, a cashless payment app

It is easy and safe to move around in Nairobi with Uber

TO CHECK WITH DMC

Tax upon arrival

Tax for personal items brought in by travelers, including used goods (

news⁠

)

Experiences & Notes

Nairobi

Favorite experiences:

Kibera Slum Walking Art Tour (

website⁠

)

The largest slum in Africa

The tour is guided by an art collective made up of around 15 local artists

Tea Farm Tour (

example 1⁠

) (

example 2⁠

)

Other experiences:

Giraffe Centre (

website⁠

)

Feeding and interactive experience with the giraffes

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (

website⁠

)

Orphan Rhinos and elephants rescue and rehabilitation center

Suggested for free time:

Carnivore Restaurant (

website⁠

), Crafty Brewery (

Instagram⁠

), Geco Cafe (

Instagram⁠

), The Alchemist (

Instagram⁠

), 1824 Club, Pallet Cafe (

Instagram⁠

), Bang Bang (

Instagram⁠

), Peppertree (

Instagram⁠

)

Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate National Park

Favorite experiences:

Lake naivasha Boat Safari - Hippos & Birds (

example⁠

)

Biking Safari at Hell’s Gate National Park (

example⁠

)

Other experience:

Crescent Island (

website⁠

)

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Favorite experiences:

Game Drives (Big 5)

Bush Walks

Night Game Drive (

example⁠

)

Bush Meals & Sundowner (

example⁠

)

Maasai Mara Village (

example⁠

)

Hot Air Balloon Ride (

example⁠

)

Lamu (Beach Town)

Why Lamu:

A mix of Swahili culture, unique village, amazing beaches, and boutique accommodations

“Lamu is a charming island known for its Swahili architecture and vibrant culture. Transportation is mainly by foot, bicycle, or donkey. Shela, a nearby village, offers secluded beaches and luxury accommodations.” (

video⁠

)

Favorite experiences:

Dhow Sailing Day Tour (

example⁠

)

Traditional Boat

Lamu Old Town Walking Tour (

example⁠

)

Suggested for free time:

Beach time

Restaurants, Cafes & Bars: Kijani (

Instagram⁠

), Peponi (

Instagram⁠

), Marara Village (

Instagram⁠

), Diamond Beach Bar, Majilis Beach Bar, Umu’s Swahili Dishes, and Whisper's Cafe

Arts & Souvenirs: Aman Boutique, Saba Gallery, Africa Corner, Ali Lamu, and Natural Lamu

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 - NAIROBI

Arrival in Nairobi

Private Airport Transfer

Day 2 - HELL’S GATE & LAKE NAIVASHA

Tea Farm Visit

Head to Hell’s Gate National Park by car [~2h30]

Bike Safari

Sleep near Lake Naivasha

Day 3 - MAASAI MARA

Boat Safari

Head to Maasai Mara National Reserve by car [~3h40]

Arrive at the camp

Dinner & Campfire

Day 4 - MAASAI MARA

Full-Day Game Drive (including Night Safari)

Day 5 - MAASAI MARA

(Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride)

Maasai Mara Village

Maasai Mara Sundowner

Day 6 - NAIROBI

Head back to Nairobi by car [4h30]

Stop at the Great Rift Valley View Point

Kibera Slum Walking Art Tour

Free evening

Day 7 - LAMU

Flight to Lamu [~1h20]

Boat to the hotel in Shela

Lamu Old Town Walking Tour (with Food Tasting)

Day 8 - LAMU

Dhow Sailing Day

Day 9 - LAMU

Swahili Cooking Class

Free time in the afternoon

Farewell Dinner

Day 10 - DEPARTURE

Departure

Boat Transfer to Lamu Airport

DMC Options

⁠

Explore Safaris⁠

⁠

Go Kenya Safari⁠

⁠

Sunworld Safaris⁠

⁠

Natural World Kenya Safaris⁠

⁠

Kenya Tours⁠

⁠

Safari DMC⁠

⁠

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