Kenya has two official languages and Nairobi is the capital of the country. English and Kiswahili are the two official languages.
However, none of the languages are labeled as exclusive to Nairobi.
Of the two national languages, you are most likely to hear Kiswahili spoken more than English in Nairobi. Unless you are in some of the very high-end neighborhoods, English is spoken the most even in everyday communication.
Aside from Nairobi's Central Business District, some areas of Nairobi are often described as Eastlands and Westlands.
Westlands includes the high-end neighborhoods of Kilimani, Rawdon, Parklands, Kittisuru and Musaga. Here, you will probably hear more English than Swahili.
On the other hand, in Eastlands, which is usually considered a low to middle income neighborhood, Kiswahili is the most common of the two national languages.
In addition to the local language, Eastlands is also known as the place where Shing slang originated. Sheng slang is mainly a combination of English and Kiswahili. The slang is so unique that many people in other parts of Kenya find it difficult to understand it.
In short, the most widely spoken languages in Nairobi are English and Kiswahili. Whether you are in Eastlands, Westlands or the Central Business District, you can easily speak English in Nairobi because everyone understands it.
Diani Beach is one of Kenya's top beaches because of its distant position and lack of crowds compared to other beaches on Kenya's east coast. Diani Beach offers a long gorgeous sandy beach, a clear sea, and a plethora of beachfront hotels and resorts available to travelers from all over the globe.
If you are visiting Kenya and seeking a beach to relax on and enjoy the tropical atmosphere, Diani Beach is the perfect place. Here are the best ways to travel to Diani from Nairobi
By Air
There are regular flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Ukunda (Diani Airport). There are other flights between Nairobi Wilson and Ukunda Airport.
The airlines which fly the route are:
Jambojet
Safarilink
Skyward Express
East African Air
By Rail
Take the SGR Mandaraka Express from Nairobi to Mombasa. You may then take a cab or shuttle from the SGR station in Mombasa to Diani. Ocean Tribe can also organize cabs and transportation.
By Road
You may take the overnight bus from Nairobi to Ukunda. This is a long voyage of around 12 hours, but it is usually the most cost-effective method to go to Diani.
If you're driving, take the Mombasa route from Nairobi to Mombasa, then cross the ferry at Likoni from Mombasa Island and proceed to Ukunda before taking the road to Diani Beach.
Yes. Nairobi Airport is quite safe for everybody.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the main airport in Nairobi and one of the busiest in East Africa. As a traveler, safety is probably your main priority, therefore you might be asking how safe Nairobi Airport is. In this answer, here are things you know about safety measures in place at Nairobi Airport.
Security measures at Nairobi Airport
Nairobi airport has implemented various security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. There are security checkpoints throughout the airport and all passengers are subject to security checks before boarding. In addition, the airport has a dedicated security team that monitors the airport around the clock.
The airport has also installed CCTV cameras in the terminals and parking lots to help deter and detect criminal activity. Trained K9 units are also stationed at the airport to detect explosives and other illegal substances.
General safety tips for travellers visiting NBO
While Nairobi Airport has adopted a number of safety measures, as a traveler, you should always exercise vigilance. Here are some general safety guidelines to remember when flying through Nairobi Airport:
Always keep an eye on your luggage and never leave it unattended.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry.
Be wary of strangers who offer to help or try to sell you goods or services.
Use a licensed cab service or arrange transportation through your residence to ensure safe travel to and from the airport.
Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to airport staff or security.
Overall, Nairobi Airport has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff. However, travellers should still exercise caution and follow general safety tips when travelling through the airport.
In Kenya, carrying a fair quantity of cash is safe. However, here are some things to remember if you plan on traveling with cash in Kenya:
Avoid transporting big sums of money by dividing them across many places.
Wear a fanny pack or safety belt to carry some cash.
Avoid displaying enormous sums of money in public.
Make incremental payments rather than displaying a huge amount of money all at once.
Keep your wallet in your front pockets for increased security.
Use great caution with your belongings in crowded public venues like party streets, trains, and buses.
Read more: Navigating Kenya's Currency Exchange: A Comprehensive Guide
When you think of Africa, you most likely see Kenya. Kenya is one of those gorgeous countries that most travelers have on their Africa bucket list, and for good reason. There are a ton of magical places to visit in Kenya, each offering their own unique charm and attractions. If you plan to travel to Kenya, Here’s everything you need to know about travel to Kenya from Benin:
Obtaining a Kenya ETA: Beninese passengers must have a valid ETA to travel to Kenya from Benin. Without a valid travel authorization, visitors from Benin do not have permission to enter. Kenya eTA for Beninese citizens+ is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and you must travel during this period. It is only required for entry into Kenya. There is no need to reapply for an eTA if it expires while you are in Kenya.
Flight to Kenya from Benin: Most Beninese tourists travel to Kenya by plane. The fastest flight from Benin to Kenya is from Cotonou to Nairobi, with an average flight time of 8 hours 25 minutes. There are several airlines that operate direct flights from Benin to Kenya, including ASKY, Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines and Kenya Airways.
Buying travel insurance in Kenya: If you don’t have travel insurance, you will be responsible for paying for any problems that arise while you are gone. You may also lose money if you have to cancel a vacation and are unable to receive a refund.
Getting a travel esim: We recommend that you get a travel esim for Kenya before departing in Kenya. If you buy a Kenya eSIM, it means you have access to local services online quickly, without the stress or hassle. Because they work on the local network, they provide the same unrivaled coverage in Kenya.
Places to stay in Kenya: From the highlands to the beaches, from the tropical landscapes to the realms of animals, select any of these great hotels in Kenya to experience authentic African culture and hospitality. Some popular hotels in Kenya are Mara Expedition Camp, Elsa's Kopje Lodge, Mara Plains Camp, Angama Mara, Mara Bushtops, Giraffe Manor, Enaidura Camp and more.
Exchange currency in Kenya: The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan shilling. Although US dollars are accepted in some places such as large hotels, it's a good idea to travel into the country with Kenyan shillings. You can choose to exchange currency at banks, airports, ATM, Hotels, and more.
No, Beninese citizens don't need a visa to travel to Kenya. To enhance tourism and encourage more foreign investment in Kenya, the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system has replaced the previous visa requirements. This is meant for visa-exempt foreign nationals going to or transiting through our country, especially via air.
All visitors, including infants and children who intend to travel to Kenya, must have an approved eTA before the start of their journey. Visitors should apply for the eTA via Kenya immigration services website.
Once a Kenya eTA for Beninese citizens is issued, the visitor must enter Kenya within 90 days of the date of issue. If the visitor does not enter within 90 days, the eTA issued becomes invalid.
The online application procedure is quick and straightforward, lasting only a few minutes. The accepted visa is normally provided via email within 72 hours after submission.
Travelers can present their authorized ETA electronically using a digital device. Alternatively, they can print the eVisa and present a paper copy. It is best to travel with both to prevent any delays.
Watamu, located on Kenya's North Coast, is not the easiest spot to get to, especially if you've never been there before. There are several methods to get there at varied rates.
By Air
Because Watamu does not have its own airport, the nearest options are Malindi Airport (20 minutes away) and Mombasa Airport (2.5 hours away).
Flights to Malindi:
From Nairobi: A quick 45-minute flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is available through Kenya Airways, Jambojet, AirKenya, and Fly 540.
From Mombasa: Alternatively, you may fly into Moi International Airport in Mombasa and then drive down the coast. Jambojet and Kenya Airways both operate short 20-minute flights between Mombasa and Malindi.
Taxi from Malindi Airport to Watamu:
A taxi travel from Malindi Airport to Watamu takes around 30 minutes and costs between 2000 and 3000 Kenyan Shillings.
Taxi from Mombasa Airport to Watamu:
A taxi travel from Malindi Airport to Watamu takes around 2.5 hours and costs between 7000 and 9000 Kenyan Shillings.
By Road
For those who enjoy scenic road trips, driving to Watamu is an exciting option.
From Nairobi or Mombasa:
By Bus: Several bus companies operate trips from Nairobi and Mombasa to Watamu. The trek is long, but it provides a unique perspective on Kenya's terrain.
By Train: Take the Madaraka Express from Nairobi to Mombasa. From Mombasa, take a cab or a matatu (shared transport) to Watamu.
Taxi from Mombasa to Watamu:
A taxi journey from Mombasa to Watamu costs between 4000 and 8000 Kenyan shillings, depending on the company.
Finding out that your Kenya ETA has been refused might disrupt your vacation preparations. Let's look at some typical reasons why this may happen.
Your ETA has expired. Kenyan ETAs are normally valid for three months after they are issued. Always double-check your ETA dates before traveling to guarantee they are still valid.
You did not satisfy the entrance requirements. Kenya requires that everyone arriving on an ETA bring a valid passport, a ticket to leave Kenya, and enough money to cover their stay. If you miss any of these, you may not be able to enter.
You have a criminal record. If you have a criminal past, you may be denied entry to Kenya.
You're perceived as a security risk: If the Kenyan government believes a passenger is not safe to allow into the nation, they will deny your ETA.
Receiving a "no" on your ETA application does not mean you cannot reapply. The first step is to find out why it was refused. Once you know why, you may evaluate if there is anything you can do differently when you reapply.
No, you cannot travel to Kenya with an expired passport. To enter Kenya, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages. You will be refused entry if you do not have valid travel documents or attempt to use an expired passport.
We recommend travelers should renew their passport before applying for a Kenya ETA
To renew your passport, you’ll need:
Prepare your passport which is valid for 6 months.
If you hold a valid passport from another nation, please submit either a color photocopy of each page (including blank ones) or the real passport.
A photograph of yourself.
The flight or hotel booking confirmation.
If you are going through Kenya on your route to another location, you may be curious about the ETA requirements.
If your stopover in Kenya is short and you remain within the airport's international transit area, you will not require an ETA. This is ideal for brief breaks between flights when you don't intend to explore beyond the airport.
If you have a stopover of more than 72 hours or want to leave the airport to tour Kenya, even for a short period of time, you must apply for a Kenya ETA. This assures that you are protected, regardless of what your plans are during your stay in Kenya.
If you need to apply due to a long stopover or want to depart the airport, make sure you give yourself enough time to acquire your ETA before your travel.