Kenya eTA / Evisa requirements for Nicaraguan citizens

Masai Mara offers a unique wildlife-watching experience and has the world's largest concentration of wild animals. Known as the "Home of the Big Cats," it contains the world's largest concentration of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Several lion prides have lived in the Masai Mara National Reserve for decades. It is also home to over 570 documented bird species.

Here is the relevant information on how to reach Masai Mara from Nairobi:

By Road from Nairobi to Masai Mara

The most common form of transportation from Nairobi to Masai Mara is by vehicle. The route is currently paved from Nairobi to Masai Mara (Sekenani Gate). The distance ranges between 225 and 275 kilometers, depending on which gate or entry point of Masai Mara you wish to use. 

In terms of travel time, most eastern or Narok side reserve entry gates such as Sekenani, Talek, and Ololaimutia should take 5.5 hours, while Musiara (Narok County side but on the Western side) and Oloololo gate (closer to the Maasai Mara Conservancy and Mara Triangle) should take 6 to 6.5 hours.

• Route: Take the A104 expressway out of Nairobi and exit onto the B3 immediately before the Limuru junction. (If traveling from JKIA airport, utilize the Southern Bypass to connect to A104 in Kikuyu town to avoid city traffic). Once in Narok town, follow the C12 route to Sekenani, Talek, and Ololaimutia gates, or the C13 to Musiara and Olololo gates, as well as Rianta.

By Flight to Masai Mara from Nairobi

Numerous airlines travel from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to numerous airstrips servicing the Masai Mara National Reserve, with a one-way flight taking around an hour. After dropping or collecting passengers from many airstrips in Masai Mara, the same plane frequently returns to Nairobi.

All domestic and chartered flights from Nairobi City to the Masai Mara National Reserve depart via Wilson Airport rather than Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). On the day of your travel, you must be at the airport around 45 minutes before departure. These flights are offered by two major airlines, Air Kenya and Safarilink, as well as a new airline, Governors Aviation.

Lamu exudes a lazy and bohemian feel, and its calm towns are surrounded by the natural splendor of mangrove forests, lonely islets, atolls, and hidden lagoons. If you want to do a little bit more, here are the things to do in Lamu:

Take a tour of Lamu Old Town

Lamu Town is Kenya's oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlement, dating back to the 12th century. It is only similar to Zanzibar, which is located more than 250 miles south off the coast of Tanzania. Lamu—the town—is attractive and real, with its ancient fort, calm homes ornamented with finely carved wooden doors, numerous donkeys, and thriving marketplaces. No surprise UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site.

Walk along deserted beaches

Lamu's white sandy beaches are magnificent, which is why they made our list. The greatest places for beach walks are a few kilometers south of Lamu Town, on the eastern extremity of the island where the channel opens into the ocean, near Shela hamlet. Shela is hardly more than a picturesque shoreline and a tangle of small sandy walkways. There are always sandy dunes and a desolate beach nearby.

Rent a beautiful Swahili townhouse

Shela Hamlet is a favorite destination for Western expats, as well as the odd celebrity. Everyone comes here to relax and enjoy the village's calm lifestyle.

In actuality, foreigners control the bulk of Shela's townhouses. Many homes have been transformed into wonderfully renovated guesthouses with plenty of character and authenticity. They contribute significantly to Lamu's uniqueness.

Get lost in Shela village

You will undoubtedly have to traverse the sand-lined maze of walkways that make up this little village. It's a maze of narrow lanes, large enough for a donkey to pass, snaking between stately stone buildings, little thatched cottages, a few mosques, and ruins. The village's core is a large plaza surrounded by market booths.

Diani Beach is considered one of Kenya's nicest beaches. It is more secluded and less crowded than the other beaches on the country's east coast. It offers a long, lovely stretch of sandy beach, clear water, and a plethora of beachfront hotels and resorts to luxuriate in.

If you're visiting Kenya and searching for a good beach to relax on, Diani Beach is an excellent choice. Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to visit to Diani from Nairobi

From Nairobi to Diani By Train and Uber

One of the most picturesque and cost-effective ways to go from Nairobi to Diani Beach is to take the fast train from Nairobi Railway Station and join one of the two daily trains destined for Mombasa, departing at 3 PM or 10 p.m.

• Price: 1,000 KES (10 USD)
• Duration: 5 hours

The train will take you through national parks, and you may view some animals along the route. So, if you want to see some animals, catch the 3 p.m train.

From the train station, you may take an Uber (Android|iPhone) or Bolt (Android|iPhone) to book a cab to Diani Beach. It takes about 2 hours to travel which is 33 kilometers away.

Next, you will take a boat to the other side. The ferry service's speed will be determined by the quantity of traffic present at the moment. Depending on when you arrive, you might be waiting anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. There shouldn't be much traffic around 8 p.m. if you land in Mombasa on a 3 p.m. train, so don't worry about it.

From Nairobi to Diani By Planes

If the road route seems stressful for you, however, you can choose to fly straight from Wilson Airport to Ukunda Airstrip, which is only a few kilometers from Diani Beach.

Safarilink operates this trip twice daily at 9:45 AM and 2 PM, with fares as low as 6,500 KES (60 USD). The entire trip should take around 1 hour and 10 minutes, and you will arrive at the beach in no time.

If you're short on time and don't mind spending a little more for convenience, I strongly recommend flying from Nairobi to Diani Beach instead. You may hire an Uber from Ukunda Airstrip to transport you directly to your resort for roughly 240 KES (2.25 USD), which should take no more than 15 minutes.

The greatest time to visit Maasai Mara is during the Great Migration, which occurs between July and October.

Temperatures are rather stable throughout the year, with rainfall serving as the only difference between seasons.

January and February are the driest months. These months provide the finest animal viewing opportunities and ideal safari weather. The rainy season lasts from March to May, and some lodges and camps close in April, when the rains are at their most intense.

From June to October, there is a short dry season interspersed with short, sharp rains. Temperatures are normally lower at this time of year.

The distance between Nicaragua and Kenya by flight is approximately 13672 kilometers. Despite the long geographical distance, Nicaraguan residents are eager to visit Kenya. To travel from Nicaragua to Kenya, you should normally take the following steps:

• Check Kenya ETA Requirements: Nicaraguan citizens planning to visit Kenya for tourism, visiting friends and family, or attending cultural or sporting events must obtain a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before their trip. The eTA is a mandatory travel document for all eligible foreign nationals, including Sri Lankan citizens.
• Book Flights: The fastest way to get from Kenya to Nicaragua is to fly from Managua to Nairobi. The most popular airlines for this route are Avianca, Kenya Airways, Copa Airlines, Qatar Airways, and JetBlue Airways. Managua and Nairobi have 263 direct flights per week.
• Passport and Documentation: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Kenya. Carry any relevant papers, including your visa if applicable.
• Currency: If you are considering a vacation here, you should be aware that the money used is Kenyan Shillings. As of November 2024, one Kenyan Shilling equals 0.29 Nicaraguan Córdoba. Keep this currency rate in mind when you arrange your finances in Kenya.
• Accommodation: When planning a luxury safari in Kenya, choosing a location to stay is almost as crucial as selecting the right national park or game reserve. While most Kenya safari lodges and camps provide excellent game viewing and experiences, it's critical to select the best one for you.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance in Kenya covers a number of travel-related risks, from flight cancellations to lost bags to medical emergencies.

Narok may be a rather safe place for solitary female tourists. Like any other place, it is essential to exercise caution—avoid going out alone late at night, especially in unknown neighborhoods. Respect the local norms and traditions. To best blend in, travelers should dress modestly. It's also a good idea to stay in reliable hotels and employ trustworthy local guides. Avoiding open shows of wealth, such as wearing costly jewelry, can help to mitigate dangers. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Safety Tips for Traveling in Narok

Stay Informed: Prepare for your journey by learning about Narok's local culture, customs, and current events. Stay informed about any safety recommendations or warnings issued in the region.

Secure Your Belongings:

• Avoid carrying big quantities of money or conspicuous jewelry.
• Keep your stuff safe and use caution in busy situations to avoid pickpocketing.
• Store your valuables in a money belt or secret bag.

Transportation Safety:

• Use trustworthy transportation options such as Uber or local taxis as advised by your hotel.
• Avoid going alone at night, and use caution while utilizing public transit.

Emergency Contacts:

• Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, your embassy or consulate, and your lodging.
• Save vital numbers to your phone and save a written copy as a backup.

Respect Local Customs: Respect the local culture and customs in Narok. Dress modestly, especially while visiting religious locations, and get permission before taking images of people.