FAQs

Mombasa, like any major city, has areas of varying safety levels. While serious crimes against visitors are infrequent, petty theft and muggings sometimes occur, particularly in prominent tourist destinations. It is critical to be aware of your surroundings and take action to reduce the likelihood of being a victim. Overall, Mombasa is a relatively safe place for travelers. Visitors can considerably minimize their chances of encountering problems by remaining educated about potential hazards, following normal safety precautions, and avoiding isolated places at night. If you plan to explore Mombasa, you should be aware of current safety risks. Consult reputable tour operators and official travel advisories for the most up-to-date information on potential dangers or regions to avoid. You may have a safe and wonderful vacation to Mombasa if you prepare with information and take the necessary measures.

Nairobi is a fairly safe place for travelers wishing to spend their safari holidays in Kenya. Nairobi is recognized as a tourism center, with a higher number of people visiting for safaris and holidays than other East African countries.  Many areas in and around Nairobi offer a secure and comfortable environment, with most venues being well-guarded by government and security forces. While Nairobi has experienced two terrorism-related incidents in the past, it remains a safe city for tourists. Nairobi is noted for having most international headquarters, including the famed UN buildings, several diplomatic offices, and other well-known international institutions, making it safer to stay in Nairobi. Safety Tips for traveling to Nairobi As an individual traveling to Nairobi either for a safari or a business holiday, here are some of the general safety tips to observe. While in Nairobi, make it a point to use a recognized cab, such as Yellow Cab Nairobi, and avoid accepting rides from strangers. Avoid moving alone in lonely situations, such as deserted streets at night; instead, always move in groups or with a guide if feasible. Avoid smoking in public; most sections of Nairobi have stringent smoking bans. So, if you smoke, be sure to do so in the approved smoking places both inside and outside the facility. In Nairobi, avoid high-risk areas such as Kibera unless you are traveling with a trusted guide, driver or hotel staff. Be aware of common tourist scams in Nairobi, which are operated by unregistered guides and thieves disguised as police officers.

There are different ways you can get to Tsavo National Park including air, road, and railway. The most popular way is taking a flight to Nairobi or Mombasa. Once you arrive in Nairobi or Mombasa, you may take a short aircraft, a car, or a train to Tsavo West National Park. By Road If you want to spend a few days in Kenya, this is probably the most convenient method to go to Tsavo West National Park. A car will take around 7 hours from Nairobi and 4 hours from Mombasa. With comfortable, premium vehicles available, the trip offers a pleasant and interesting experience. By Railway Another option for traveling to Tsavo West from Nairobi or Mombasa is by train. While it’s a more affordable choice, it does have the limitation of fixed schedules. The train will drop passengers at the Voi SGR Terminal, regardless of where the journey starts. From there, tour vehicles can transport visitors to the park. By Air If you do not want to stay in Kenya for long, it is best to fly to Tsavo West to save time. There are six airstrips in the park. The airstrips are located throughout the park, including Lake Jipe, Kamboyo, Kasigau Gate, Kilaguni, Maktau, and Finch Hatton's airstrip. You may fly from Jomo Kenyatta International or Wilson Airport in Nairobi, or Moi International Airport in Mombasa.

A Masai Mara trip cost can be very expensive. There are just a few hotels and lodges within the reserve, and the most will cost more than 550 USD per person each night. Outside the reserve, Masai Mara lodges are less expensive, but traveling to the Mara Triangle can take hours. The best Masai Mara lodges are world-famous. They occupy prime positions and provide completely furnished safari tents outfitted with high count cotton bedding, Persian carpets, and hot showers. Fine food and free flowing booze are commonplace. A trip to a Masai Mara lodge or camp is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people, but not everyone can afford it. In addition to your lodging expenses, there are park fees, transportation prices, game drive costs, and guide fees. It might all build up to so much money that you decide not to travel at all.

Kenya is a shopper's dream when it comes to purchasing unique things and souvenirs. With over 43 tribes, there is an incredible amount of creative ingenuity and uniqueness. Here are the best things to buy in Kenya Kisii Soapstone Carvings Soapstone is found in the western highlands of the nation. It is endemic to Kisii County's Tabaka area. Craftsmen in the region have mastered the ability of carving animals and flora into these pieces of stone. The natural hues of the stone highlight the beauty of the sculptures. Kazuri Beads Kazuri beads are gathered from the Maasai people and used to make beautiful necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The beads have become a significant feature of Kenya's tourism offering. They utilize hues that hold special value for them, such as red, which represents blood, courage, and strength, and green, which represents prosperity. Jewellery Most markets in Nairobi and at the entrances to national parks sell a wide range of costume jewelry and beads. You'll discover a lot of colorful beaded necklaces and copper bracelets, some of which have coral or turquoise stones. Ivory pendants are also available, however we strongly advise against purchasing these because they support elephant hunting. Gold jewelry is typically offered in seaside areas, and it is frequently carved with ethnic designs.   Clothes & Fabrics One of the most sought-after goods by visitors to Kenya is the traditional clothing worn by the different Kenyan tribes. Female gowns are called Kangas and are often made up of two sections, whereas male Kikois are one long kaftan-style dress. The best places to find them at a reasonable price are Nairobi, Mombasa, and Lamu. Batiks are attractive textiles that are often used to decorate homes. Its name is derived from the process employed, which involves using wax to create blank spaces between the vivid dyes used to paint the textiles. These are often hung on the wall and feature motifs of animals, landscapes, or tribes. Kenyan Art Kenyan art originates from all throughout the country. It may be broad or particular to the region or tribes. Art from the Samburu tribe differs from that of the MijiKenda tribe on the coast. To obtain real artifacts, it is important to purchase from local communities.

No, Omani citizens don’t need a visa to enter Kenya. The Kenyan Authorities have recently changed their entry requirements. Previously, you would have needed to apply for an e-visa before arriving. They have since replaced this with an ETA, which must still be requested before entering the country. All Omani travelers, regardless of age, must obtain an ETA before traveling.  Currently, the Kenya eTA is good for a single entrance into Kenya. The validity period lasts 90 days from the date of issuance. The processing period for applications is three working days; however, in rare situations, it may take longer. For tourists who desire a faster turnaround, Kenya Immigration Services offers expedited processing for an extra charge. It is strongly advised that travelers apply for the authorization as soon as they have booked their lodgings and travel tickets.

There are different options that you can choose from. You can get from Nairobi to Arusha by plane, bus, car or even by taxi By shuttle bus Taking the bus is arguably the most popular and cost-effective choice. Plus, the trip is gorgeous and fun, which is a nice bonus! There are several busses available for crossing the border from Kenya to Tanzania. The buses are normally comfortable, and there is a dedicated area where you may store your bags. The distance between Nairobi and Arusha is around 275 kilometers, therefore the travel will take between 4 and 5 hours. By plane If you don't have much time and don't mind spending money, you may fly from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to Kilimanjaro International Airport. The flying time is around one hour. The biggest advantage of this choice is that you won't have to worry about crossing the land border! However, make sure your eVisa is in order ahead of time to save time when you arrive. Wondering why you can't land at Arusha Airport? It's simple: because the airport is not international, it cannot accept planes from Kenya. So, if you want to travel from JRO airport to Arusha, the distance is around 52 kilometers, and you will need to take a bus or a taxi. This trip will take you around one hour. By car If you want to do it with a rental automobile, the method is very simple, but you'll need to bring the necessary documents with you: Driving license The vehicle’s registration papers Road tax  Fuel levy Temporary import permit  By taxi Aside from flying, this is the most expensive option. You'll need to take a taxi from Nairobi to the border, cross it on foot, and then catch another taxi to Arusha. The journey from Nairobi to the Namanga border typically takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the drive from Namanga to Arusha usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Taxis can be hailed from the Nairobi bus terminal for this trip.

Nairobi is a shopper's paradise, with a wealth of unique items to choose from. Here is a list of what to buy while shopping in Nairobi, Kenya: Maasai Souvenirs Kenyans today regard the Maasai's distinctive clothing, the shuka, to be national dress. It supplanted hide skin clothing in the 1960s. It consists of a thick cotton blanket with a check design in blue, red, black, green, or yellow stripes. The Maasai adorn their shukas with intricate pieces of jewelry, including lengthy necklaces, chokers, bracelets, earrings, waistbands, and sandals made of handmade ceramic beads. The jewelry represents love, power, and beauty. Furthermore, renowned fashion firms and jewelry designers, like as Louis Vuitton, have patterned their clothing and jewelry collections after Kenyan souvenirs and items. Kenyan Masks These Kenyan souvenirs and commodities are offered with convenient strands for hanging on a wall. Each piece of art shows a different theme or significant individual from Kenyan or African history.  Then acquire these gorgeous products to incorporate a little bit of Kenyan culture into your home. In Nairobi Kenya, you may shop at Maasai Market, Kenyan Curio Shop in Westlands, the Village Market, and a variety of other artisan businesses. Read more: Best Souvenirs from Kenya Must-Buy Mementos for All Travelers Kitengela Glass If you enjoy hand-blown artwork, consider purchasing Kitengela glass souvenirs with an African twist. These include fashionable drinking glasses, lighting accessories, window-stained glass, garden jewelry, and even unique house fence.  Visit the workplace near Nairobi National Park to observe glass-blowing shops in Nairobi, Kenya. It is among the top spots to visit in Nairobi for couples. Kazuri Beads Kazuri Beads offers a broad range of vivid beads in the shape of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to fit your mood. The Swahili term "Kazuri" translates to "small and lovely." You might select crimson for power or daring, or green for money. Visual Art The Kenyan government promotes a vibrant art culture, as seen by the diversified art centers dispersed around the country. Then, if you want to experience this culture while away from Kenya, visit the Kuona Trust Art Center, a thriving visual arts scene in the heart of the Kenyan city. You will find exciting and informative exhibitions of Kenyan contemporary artwork, multimedia displays, videos, and books. Order original paintings of tribal, contemporary, traditional, or abstract art.

If you wish to try traditional Kenyan cuisine in Kitengela, there are several eateries to choose from. Not only will you discover Kenyan food, but also Italian, Brazilian, and Indian eateries. Here is a list of the best restaurants in Kitengela 1. Oasis Restaurant – Kitengela The Oasis restaurant is a fantastic dining destination for the entire family. It takes pleasure in offering a wide variety of African cuisine, as well as all sorts of beer and soft beverages. It provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. In addition, the Oasis restaurant - Kitengela, provides lodging for visitors. It features the cleanest guest rooms and pleasant room attendants, ensuring that customers enjoy their stay at the restaurant. 2. Wrens Lounge and Grill The Wrens Lounge is a beer and wine bar, grill, clubhouse, and restaurant that serves all African specialties. It's a terrific spot where entertainment meets elegance and unparalleled customer service. Whether you're searching for a fun spot or a restaurant, the Wrens Lounge and Grill is ideal for family and friend gatherings. If you enjoy chill music such as Lingala and rhumba, the Wrens lounge restaurants are the place to go. It also presents live concerts by renowned local and international artists. 3. Charlies Bistro – Kitengela Charlies Bistro is a high-end restaurant that offers clients top-notch services and standards. It provides a diverse selection of cuisine and beverages, as well as ample room for hosting parties or VIP events. The restaurant also provides abundant parking space, as well as adequate security guards and CCTV cameras to maintain high levels of security. It offers dine-in, curbside pickup, and delivery. They also feature a dance area and a deejay to keep customers engaged and amused. Their rates are reasonable, and there are several special deals available throughout the week. They also occasionally organize ladies' nights with excellent beverage specials. 4. Pamo Restaurant The Pamo restaurant is one of the top fast-food restaurants in Kitengela, offering both dine-in and takeout options. It takes pleasure in recruiting highly skilled chefs and support personnel who serve clients fast and effectively. As a result, it has become a popular dining destination in Kitengela. 5. Galaxy Resort Kitengela This resort features an all-day dining restaurant that offers local delicacies and a buffet option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Since it’s part of a resort, the price point may be higher. 6. Citadel Bar and Restaurant Citadel pubs and restaurants are popular among Kitengela inhabitants because of their delicious cuisine and inexpensive costs. They are known for having a unique chef who prepares high-quality meals, ranging from African dishes to contemporary delights. The Citadel bar section is fully equipped with a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, water, and juices. It also employs friendly and courteous bartenders who uphold mutual respect, honesty, and integrity in their service delivery.

It is generally safe to walk around Nairobi during daylight hours in the city’s better neighborhoods. However, it is strongly advised to travel with a local guide. Certain districts east of the city center, such as Kibera, Eastleigh, and the entire Kamukunji area, can be hazardous, and a tour will advise you to avoid them when visiting Nairobi. Unfortunately, violent crime and events such as muggings, carjackings, and armed robberies sometimes occur in Nairobi, so pay attention to your guide's suggestions. Nairobi Central and City Square, as far east as Moi Avenue, are crowded with Kenyans and foreigners during the day, and well-lit and policed in the evening. However, it is not advisable to travel alone at night. Use common sense and stroll as if you know where you're going, just like in any other city. Kenyans are generally quite nice, however, you should be wary of your surroundings. To enhance your safety while exploring Nairobi, consider joining organized walking tours that focus on the city's culture and history. These tours not only provide a safe environment but also enrich your understanding of local traditions and landmarks. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and the locations of nearby police stations. Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables in public. By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy your time in Nairobi while minimizing risks.