Planning a Two-Week Trip to Kenya
Spend 14 days balancing iconic safari circuits in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli with a few days of coastal recovery in Diani. Book internal bush flights between major parks to avoid grueling 8-10 hour drives on unpaved roads.
- Secure your eTA before departure. Apply for the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at least 3 weeks before you fly. It costs $30 USD and is mandatory for all international visitors.
- Map your safari circuit. Fly into Nairobi. Dedicate 3 days to Amboseli for elephants, 2 days to Lake Nakuru for rhinos, and 4 days to the Maasai Mara for the big cats. Reserve the final 5 days for the coast.
- Book bush flights early. Use domestic airlines like Safarilink or AirKenya to hop between parks. This saves days of travel time and allows you to land directly on gravel airstrips inside the reserves.
- Coordinate your park fees. Most parks now require payment via the eCitizen portal. Check if your lodge includes these in your package; if not, set up your account and load funds before entering the gates.
- Is it safe to drink the tap water?
- No. Stick strictly to bottled or filtered water provided by lodges.
- Do I need malaria medication?
- Yes, consult your doctor for anti-malarials. Kenya is a high-risk zone for malaria, especially in safari areas.
- Should I bring cash?
- Bring crisp, post-2016 USD bills for tips and visas. Use M-Pesa or local ATMs for day-to-day spending.