Kenya is blessed with numerous stunning landscapes, from long coastlines to arid savannahs and snow-capped mountains, each contributing to its distinct and varied weather patterns.
Along the coastline, a tropical climate with elevated temperatures and high humidity prevails. The weather is hot and dry in the lowlands, while the highlands experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. However, the weather in most of the country is split into rainy and dry seasons rather than the conventional delineation of summer, fall, winter, and spring.
While Kenya has various climates, specific rules govern its weather patterns. The monsoon winds contribute partly to shaping Kenya's weather, which is crucial in mitigating the elevated temperatures along the coast. The lengthiest rainy season occurs from April to June, with a shorter counterpart in November and December. During the intervening dry periods, December to March is characterized by scorching temperatures, while July to October offers a more relaxed respite.
July and August are the best months for beach getaways due to comfortably warm temperatures and gentle rainfall. September marks a period of minimal precipitation, with temperatures remaining consistently around 29℃. This month is particularly noteworthy for wildlife observation. Come October, both rainfall and temperatures increase. The spring rainy season commences in April, with the average temperatures at around 29 degrees Celsius. March marks the final month of comfort before the advent of rain in April.
Read more: Let's check out the best time to visit Kenya
Before traveling to Kenya, travelers should take time to choose a suitable visa for their needs. Besides that, it's crucial to verify the most recent information before planning your trip to Kenya, as travel requirements can be subject to change.
For travel to Kenya, travelers should check with the Kenyan embassy or consulate in your country or visit the Kenyan Immigration Services website for the most current and accurate information on passport requirements and entry regulations. If your old passport does not meet the necessary criteria, you may need to renew it before traveling.
Yes, in some cases, travelers are required to apply for a Kenya transit e-visa if they don't leave the airport. This visa is typically used for job transfers or when passengers connecting to other countries via Kenya may want to make a short visit. With this type of visa, individuals can stay in Kenya for up to 72 hours during their transit.
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a special travel document that allows travelers to visit multiple East African countries using a single visa. It's a joint visa program designed to promote tourism and facilitate travel within the East African Community (EAC).
This visa allows holders to travel freely between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda without the need to obtain separate visas for each country within a specified period. It aims to encourage tourists to explore and experience the diverse attractions and cultures of these East African nations more conveniently.
The East Africa Tourist Visa typically permits multiple entries and is valid for up to 90 days. Travelers can use it to visit various tourist destinations, national parks, and cultural sites across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda during the visa's validity period.
To obtain the East Africa Tourist Visa, travelers can apply through Kenya Immigration Services. The application process may involve submitting required documentation, such as a passport, a completed application form, a flight ticket, and the visa fee.
We strongly advise including Travel Insurance in your plan for extended trips, as it offers protection against illness, accident, and pandemic risks. Unexpected events can occur abroad, endangering your family's safety. You can consider Travel Insurance here.
If you have a layover in Kenya that lasts no longer than 72 hours, you can apply for a Kenya transit visa, which allows you to enter Kenya for a 3-day stay after leaving the airport; however, if you are connecting flights do not require a transit visa, you do not need to apply.
With a Kenya Transit visa, you can visit popular tourist destinations near airports so you can make your flight on time while still taking in Kenya's local cultures and natural beauty before moving on to your final destination.
The application process is simple and can be done in your own home requiring only a smart device with a strong network connection:
Step 1: Complete the online application form. This step requires you to enter personal information (full name, gender, date of birth, and passport number) as well as visa details (number of visas, type of visa, and processing time). The accuracy of your information could impact the speed at which your application is processed.
Step 2: After paying the Kenya eVisa fee, our service could ask for more paperwork to complete the application process.
Step 3: Receive a confirmation email from us. You must review all the information again before we proceed further.
Step 4: Please download and print your visa before coming to Kenya. A stamped confirmation will be placed on your passport.
For travelers transiting through Nairobi, whether a visa is required depends on your nationality and the duration of your layover. Some nationalities might be eligible for a transit visa exemption if the layover is short, typically less than 72 hours, and you have confirmed onward tickets. However, if your layover exceeds this time frame or if your nationality requires a visa for entry, you'll need to apply for an appropriate visa, such as a Kenya transit visa.
Bear in mind that a transit visa is not the same as a visa on arrival. You cannot receive a transit visa for Kenya at Nairobi Airport. Instead, you can apply online for a Kenya transit visa through Kenya Immigration Services, and we will assist you.
The eVisa application process is relatively straightforward and can be completed online. By applying in advance, you ensure that you meet all entry requirements and have the necessary documentation before arriving in Kenya.
Passport: Each applicant must have a valid passport that will remain valid for at least six months after the date of arrival in Kenya. The passport must also have at least one blank page.
The photo must be as recent as possible, ideally taken within the last six months.
Flight bookings: In order for the local authorities to determine whether or not your entry is lawful, you must present documentation of your flight reservations.
Email address: Following the processing of your application, we will give you the trip document in PDF format through email.
Traditional clothing in Kenya varies by ethnic group and region, but some common garments are the kanga, the kitenge, the shuka, and the kikoi. The kanga is a colorful cloth worn by women, often with a Swahili proverb printed on it.
In contrast, Kitenge is a thicker fabric with intricate patterns, used to make dresses, skirts, and other clothing items. Meanwhile, Shuka is a red and black checkered cloth worn by the Maasai people, usually as wrap skirts or robes. Finally, Kikoi is a striped cotton fabric worn by men in coastal areas, usually as a sarong or toga12.
To experience Kenya's diverse heritage firsthand, we encourage travelers to explore the country and immerse themselves in its cultural richness. Visitors can delve into this cultural tapestry by studying local rituals and festivities where these clothes are proudly worn.
If you're planning your trip, applying for a Kenya eVisa through our Kenya Immigration Services website offers a hassle-free way to obtain your travel authorization. The eVisa process is simple and can be done conveniently online, ensuring a smooth entry into Kenya for your exploration of its stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and warm hospitality. Start your Kenyan adventure by applying for your eVisa today on our website!
Yes, eSIM technology has gradually gained traction in Kenya, offering an alternative to traditional physical SIM cards. Major mobile network operators in Kenya, such as Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom, have started embracing eSIM capabilities, providing customers with the option to use eSIM-enabled devices.
A virtual SIM card, or Kenya eSIM, is a new way to connect to the Internet without sacrificing the look and feel of your phone. It is fully integrated into the device and lets you do everything you would normally be able to do, like check your online maps, use all of your favorite apps, and connect to the web—all of which were previously available through the provider's cellular data plan. Best of all, there is no extra cost because the mobile carrier has a network usage contract with another mobile carrier.
You can purchase and install eSim according to the provider's instructions. Please note that eSims are not activated until you arrive in Kenya, as they are only valid for a certain number of days. After you have made your purchase, activating your eSim is rather easy. You only need to connect to WiFi, enter the activation code, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
A single-entry visa for Kenya is a type of travel document that permits a visitor to enter Kenya for a one-time visit within a specific period. With this type of visa, a visitor can stay in Kenya for a maximum of 90 days for activities like sightseeing, business meetings, or visiting relatives or friends.
The single-entry visa is appropriate for visitors who intend to enter Kenya only once while visiting; after they depart, the visa expires, and they would have to apply for a new one if they wanted to enter Kenya again. It is important to follow the dates on which visitors enter and depart, as exceeding these dates may result in fines, deportation, or future travel restrictions.
To obtain a single entry visa for Kenya, applicants need to complete an online application, provide necessary documentation like a passport with at least six months validity, and a valid email, and pay the required visa fee. In addition, depending on the type of visa a tourist wants to apply for, there will be a number of other mandatory documents if needed.