Kenya, Dry
A curated packing list for your trip between the Maasai Mara, Samburu, and the long beaches at Diani. Built for cool dawn drives, hot midday wildebeest crossings, and the deep red dust that settles into every fold of your bag.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
eTA required, $34 USD, 90 days valid
Since January 2024, all visitors (including infants) need an Electronic Travel Authorization. Apply at etakenya.go.ke for ~$32-34 USD. Approved within 3 days, valid for travel within 90 days of issuance. Passport must be valid 6+ months. There is no longer a visa-on-arrival option for most nationalities.
M-Pesa rules everything
Kenya pioneered mobile money. M-Pesa is accepted at 95% of small shops, taxis, even street vendors, but most foreign tourists cannot use it without a Kenyan SIM and ID. Cards work at hotels and chain restaurants in Nairobi and Mombasa. Carry KES cash for small spots and tips.
Tipping safari staff is genuinely expected
$10-20 USD per person per day for the safari driver-guide. $5-10 per day for camp staff (split among the team). 10% at restaurants. KES 50-100 (US $0.40-0.80) for porters. Bring small USD bills as well as KES; many lodges accept either.
Yellow fever may be required
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended by the WHO for all travelers ≥9 months old. Required for entry if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Carry the yellow card with your passport. Malaria prophylaxis recommended for the Mara, coast, and most safari areas.
Soft-sided bags only for bush flights
Light aircraft connecting Nairobi to safari camps (Wilson Airport) cap luggage at 15kg in soft-sided bags. Hard cases get refused at the airstrip. Most lodges store your overflow at their Nairobi office or in Mombasa.
Type G plugs (UK-style) at 240V
Kenya uses the UK-style three-rectangular-pin plug at 240V/50Hz. UK travelers do not need an adapter; everyone else does. Most modern phone, laptop, and camera chargers handle 240V; check single-voltage US-only hair tools.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Neutral colors for safari (khaki, beige, olive, soft brown). Layered for cold dawns. Pack one beach kit for Diani.
Shoes
Closed-toe for safari (snakes, thorns, dust), sandals for the coast.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Pharmacies in Nairobi are well-stocked; bring everything for camps and bush time.
Health & Medications
Malaria pills mandatory; bring serious stomach kit for the inevitable Bali-belly equivalent.
Documents & Money
eTA + yellow fever card + cash USD = the Kenya safari combo.
Tech & Electronics
Type G plugs at 240V. UK travelers skip the adapter; everyone else needs one.
Luggage & Organization
Soft-sided bags only for bush flights; hard suitcases will be refused at the airstrip.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long flight to Nairobi, then bush flights or long drives to camps. Stay hydrated.
Weather & Climate Gear
High-altitude sun, cold dawns, dust everywhere. The temperature swing is the daily reality.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Maasai villages, Muslim coastal towns, and nightlife in Nairobi each ask for a different attitude.
Safety & Precautions
Nairobi requires city smarts; safari camps and the coast are very safe.