Traveling To Kenya: What Uk Citizens Need To Know

Yes, it is possible to travel to Kenya from the UK. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure to check the latest travel advice from the UK government as well as the entry requirements for Kenya, which may include visas or other documentation. Additionally, it is worth noting that while Kenya has enjoyed relative peace and stability compared to its neighbours, there have been recent reports of abductions and expulsions, raising concerns about the safety of refugees and asylum seekers in the country. Furthermore, issues such as pervasive corruption and brutality by security forces, as well as restrictive laws and intimidation targeting journalists and human rights defenders, remain serious concerns in Kenya.

Travel authorisation

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to some parts of Kenya, including within 60km of Kenya's border with Somalia, Eastern Garissa County, Mandera County, Lamu County, and Tana River County. It is important to research your destination and get appropriate travel insurance before travelling to Kenya.

To enter Kenya, your passport must have an 'expiry date' that is at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid passport or travel document. It is recommended that you check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements.

You must apply online for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) in advance of your trip to Kenya. The local authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your departure. Travellers who currently hold a visa can continue to use it for travel until it expires.

To enter Kenya, you must have a certificate to prove you have had a yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kenya guide.

There are strict rules about the goods you can take into or out of Kenya. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. It is illegal to import or export drones without prior approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). If you wish to bring a drone to Kenya, you should contact the KCAA well in advance of your travel.

Lake Turkana

The lake is fed by three rivers: the Omo, Turkwel, and Kerio. However, it has no outflow, and its only water loss is through evaporation. The lake's volume and dimensions vary—for instance, its level dropped by 10 metres between 1975 and 1993. The lake is known for its strong onshore and offshore winds, as the water warms and cools more slowly than the surrounding land, leading to frequent violent storms. The climate is hot and arid, and the surrounding landscape is predominantly volcanic. Central Island is an active volcano, emitting vapour.

The lake is currently under threat due to the construction of the Gilgel Gibe III Dam in Ethiopia, which will reduce the flow of the Omo River, the lake's primary water source. This could lead to a significant drop in the lake's water level, affecting the local communities and ecosystems that depend on it.

Fossil hunting

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Kenya, including areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast. If you do choose to travel, it is recommended that you research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance.

If you are travelling from the UK to Kenya for fossil hunting, one destination to consider is the shores of Lake Turkana in the northern parts of the country. The Turkana Basin Institute, operated by the Leakey family, offers a fully guided trip where you can combine wildlife encounters with first-hand fossil discoveries. The 5-night trip starts at $17,370 per person sharing and includes accommodation, a private guide, helicopter rides, transport, park and conservation fees, and activities such as safari drives and horse riding.

When travelling to Kenya, it is important to note that you must have a valid passport with an expiry date of at least 6 months after your arrival and at least 2 blank pages. You will also need to apply online for electronic travel authorisation at least 2 weeks before your departure. In terms of health requirements, it is recommended that you review the Vaccination and Malaria sections on the Fit for Travel website to see if you need any vaccines or a malaria risk assessment. Additionally, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

• Familiarise yourself with tide times if you are searching on the coast, as low tide tends to offer better chances of finding fossils.
• Bring a map or use GPS to navigate your search area.
• Pack a bag for any fossils or other interesting items you may find.
• Optional items to bring include a notebook, camera, magnifying glass, and gloves.
• Look for stripes and marks on pebbles and check underneath seaweed if you are searching on a beach.

Wildlife

Kenya is a country of incredible biodiversity and is one of the world's most exciting wildlife destinations. It is home to 25,000 animal species, including many large mammals, 7,000 plant species, and 2,000 fungi and bacteria species.

The diversity of Kenya's wildlife has garnered international fame, especially for its populations of large mammals. These include lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippopotamuses, African buffalo, wildebeest, African bush elephants, zebras, giraffes, and rhinoceroses. Kenya also has a very diverse population of birds, including flamingos and common ostriches.

One of the most recognisable animals in Kenya is the cheetah. These spotty cats, each with their own unique patterns, are skilled hunters, and are the fastest mammals on earth. They can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in just three seconds.

Another iconic species in Kenya is the African elephant. The African savannah elephant is the world's largest land mammal, and plays an important role in its ecosystem. They disperse seeds through their dung, help fertilise the land, and clear paths through vegetation.

Kenya is also home to the black-backed jackal, a member of the dog family with a rusty red coat and a black patch on its back. It works in family packs to hunt small antelopes and also feeds on reptiles, insects, birds, fruits, and berries.

The white-bellied go-away bird is another fascinating species found in Kenya. It has a grey plumage, a white belly, and a huge crest on its head. Its call sounds like 'go-way'.

Kenya's rich biodiversity and variety of ecosystems allow a wide range of animals and wildlife to thrive. The country has a tendency to promise a lot and still find a way to over-deliver.

Culture

Kenya is one of the most diverse countries in Africa, with 42 ethnic dialects and a multitude of religions, languages, and cultural traditions. There is no single cultural element that defines the country, but Kenyans are united under the colours of their flag and the spirit of Harambee, which means "pulling together as a community".

Language

Kenya is a linguistically diverse country, with the majority of the population speaking at least three languages. English is the official language, while Swahili (or Kiswahili) is the national language spoken by almost every Kenyan. Other languages include Luhya, which has 16 dialects, and Sheng, a mixture of Swahili and English with influences from other indigenous languages.

Food

There is no single dish that represents all of Kenya's cuisine, which varies by region and community. However, some common foods include:

• Ugali: a cornmeal dish, often eaten with vegetables or meat
• Nyama choma: grilled meat, usually goat or sheep, considered the unofficial national dish
• Sukuma wiki: sautéed greens with onions and garlic, commonly eaten with ugali and meat
• Chapati: similar to a thick tortilla, made with flour and oil, pan-fried and best eaten hot
• Irio: mashed peas and potatoes mixed with maize, a Kikuyu staple
• Githeri: cooked beans and corn mixed together, another Kikuyu staple
• Pilau: rice with goat meat and spices, of Indian origin

Arts and Crafts

Kenya is known for its beautiful, culturally-inspired arts and crafts, including sisal baskets, Maasai bead jewellery, musical instruments, soapstone sculptures, animal wooden carvings, tribal masks, paintings, and kangas (women's wraparound skirts with Swahili proverbs).

Film and Literature

Kenya has a growing film industry, with several foreign productions shot in the country, including "The Constant Gardener", "Nowhere in Africa", and "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life". The government established the Kenya Film Commission in 2005 to support the industry.

In terms of literature, Kenyan high school students study works by Kenyan authors such as Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Margaret Ogola, and Meja Mwangi, which explore political, socio-economic, and contemporary themes. The Kenya National Theatre also plays a significant role in promoting local artists, particularly in spoken word and stage acting performances.

Frequently asked questions