Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–20 | $30–70 |
| Food | $5–15 | $15–35 |
| Transport | $2–8 | $10–25 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $20–50 |
| Entry Fees | $5–15 | $15–40 |
| Daily Total | $25–73 | $90–220 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) required for most nationalities — apply online at etakenya.go.ke before departure
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport, eTA, and travel insurance at all times
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic country
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — Nairobi has good private hospitals but costs are high
- Malaria risk is low in Nairobi city but present in surrounding areas — consult your doctor about prophylaxis
- Drink bottled or filtered water only. Street food is generally safe at busy, high-turnover stalls
Getting Around
- Bolt and Uber are reliable, safe, and affordable — use them over street taxis, especially at night
- Matatu minibuses cover the city cheaply but routes can be confusing for newcomers — ask locals for help
- Traffic in Nairobi is severe during rush hours (7-9am, 5-8pm) — plan journeys to avoid peak times
Connectivity
- Buy a Safaricom SIM card at the airport for affordable data and M-Pesa access — it is the most widely used network
- WiFi is available at most accommodation and restaurants. 4G coverage is excellent across the city
- Share your itinerary with someone at home and check in daily, especially if doing solo day trips outside the city
Money
- Currency: KES (Kenyan Shilling). M-Pesa mobile money is king — register at any Safaricom shop
- ATMs are widely available in malls and commercial areas. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger establishments
- Tip 10% at restaurants. Safari guides appreciate tips of $10-20 per day per group
Packing Tips
- Layers are essential — Nairobi sits at 1,795m elevation and evenings can be surprisingly cool (10-15°C)
- Neutral-coloured clothing for safari visits. Binoculars dramatically improve wildlife viewing
- A reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent are daily essentials
Cultural tips
Greetings Matter
Kenyans value polite greetings. Learn "Jambo" (hello), "Habari?" (how are you?), and "Asante sana" (thank you very much). A warm greeting before any transaction — even buying water — shows respect and opens doors.
Respect Wildlife
Never feed, touch, or approach wild animals — even in parks where they seem habituated. Keep a safe distance, stay in your vehicle during game drives, and follow your guide's instructions. Kenya's wildlife conservation depends on responsible tourism.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask before photographing people, especially Maasai or other traditional communities. Some may request a small fee — this is normal and should be respected. Never photograph military installations or government buildings.
Language & Communication
Swahili and English are both official languages. Most Nairobians speak excellent English but learning basic Swahili phrases earns enormous goodwill. "Pole pole" (slowly slowly) is the local philosophy — embrace it.
Support Local Communities
Choose locally-owned guesthouses, restaurants, and guides over international chains. Buy handicrafts directly from artisans at Maasai markets and community cooperatives. Your spending has the most impact when it reaches local hands.
Safety Awareness
Nairobi is generally safe for tourists but exercise normal city precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and use ride-hailing apps rather than hailing taxis on the street. Ask your accommodation for current safety advice.
