Kenya Travel Guide: Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Tsavo, Mombasa

Kenya's tourism board describes a country of cities, game parks and reserves, and a coast on the Indian Ocean. Nairobi and Mombasa are the two cities it names first.

The places below follow the sources we could open: the tourism board, the Kenya Wildlife Service and UNESCO. They cover Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, Tsavo East and Mombasa.

Places to visit in Kenya

Nairobi

Nairobi is a Maasai term that translates to place of cool waters. Nairobi National Park, gazetted in 1946, is Kenya's first national park and lies about 10 kilometres from the Central Business District. It covers 117 square kilometres and has a rhino sanctuary.

Maasai Mara

The Great Migration takes place in the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya and in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The tourism board says the herds move year-round, and the part where wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River into Kenya falls from July to October. Dawn hot air balloon flights over the Masai Mara National Reserve are also offered.

Tsavo East

Tsavo East National Park was established in April 1948 and covers approximately 13,747 square kilometres, making it Kenya's largest national park. Together with Tsavo West it forms the Tsavo Conservation Area. The Yatta Plateau is described as the world's longest lava flow, and the park has recorded over 500 bird species.

Mombasa

Mombasa has a history that dates back to the 12th century. Old Town has narrow streets and Swahili buildings, and the Portuguese built Fort Jesus between 1593 and 1596, which UNESCO lists as a World Heritage property. Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve is open for snorkelling and diving.

Getting to Kenya

The Kenya Wildlife Service lists Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport for reaching Nairobi National Park by air.

Tsavo East is reached by road from Nairobi and Mombasa, and by the Standard Gauge Railway to Voi Station. The park's main airstrips are Voi and Ithumba.

Getting around

The tourism board says you can travel all over Kenya by road, and it lists online taxi services, flights, trains and matatus, the colourful minibuses that are part of everyday transport. It says Kenya has 38 airports and airstrips.

For Tsavo East, the Kenya Wildlife Service lists the Standard Gauge Railway between the Syokimau terminus in Nairobi and Voi Station, or Miasenyi Station from Mombasa.

When to go to Kenya

All year

The tourism board says Kenya's equatorial climate allows you to visit the country all year round.

Migration river crossings (July to October)

The most dramatic part of the Great Migration occurs from July to October, when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River into the Maasai Mara.

What to book ahead

• Hot air balloon flights over the Masai Mara take off at dawn, so reserve them before you arrive.
• Park access: Tsavo East has several entry gates, so confirm the gate for your route when you plan the drive.
• Standard Gauge Railway: check timetables and tickets before planning a train to Voi.
• Guided day trips run on fixed days; check dates before fixing your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation website before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), Directorate of Immigration Services.

Frequently asked questions

When is the wildebeest migration in Kenya?

The tourism board says the herds move year-round. The most dramatic part, with river crossings into the Maasai Mara, occurs from July to October.

How large is Tsavo East National Park?

The Kenya Wildlife Service gives approximately 13,747 square kilometres and calls it Kenya's largest national park.

Can I see wildlife near Nairobi?

Yes. Nairobi National Park is about 10 kilometres from the Central Business District and covers 117 square kilometres.

Do I need a visa for Kenya?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation website before you book.

What is Fort Jesus?

UNESCO says the Portuguese built the fort in Mombasa in 1593 to 1596, and it is a World Heritage property.