How To Get to Kenya - Airports, Visa & Entry Requirements

Kenya is one of the popular traveler’s destination known for its wildlife safaris, breathtaking scenic views such as the pristine beaches, and vibrant culture most especially the culture of the Maasai. Whether one is heading to the Maasai Mara for the great migration, relaxing at the coastal town of Mombasa in Diani, or exploring Nairobi, getting to Kenya is easier than you think.  We are going to explore the different ways of how to get to Kenya by flight or road. This is a guide of some of the things you need to know about the international flights, domestic travel, visa requirements, and other insider tips.

How to get to Kenya by Air or flights

 International Flights to Kenya

Some of the traveler’s arrive from other countries to Kenya by air transport, landing at one of the country’s major international airports such as:

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) – Nairobi

This is a Primary Entry Point and most of the international flights in Kenya land here and Airlines such as Major carriers like British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways operate here. The main flight connection at this airport is made at the Wilson International airport.

Moi International Airport (MBA) – Mombasa

This airport is best for traveler’s coming in Kenya for Beach holiday safaris in Diani and those traveling to Watamu, or Malindi.  The Airlines at this airport have limited international flights mainly from Europe & Middle East via airlines like TUI, Ethiopian.  Nevertheless,  one  can Fly into Nairobi and take a 1hour domestic flight or a 6 hour bus ride to Mombasa.

The Domestic Flights in Kenya

These are flights where one will do departure from one destination in Kenya and arrival to another destination   in Kenya and they are quite affordable compared to the International flights and also faster.

Some of the domestic flight services are provided by Air Kenya (Wilson International Airport) to destinations in Kenya such as Maasai Mara national reserve (about 1 hour) and Amboseli national park (about 45 minutes). The other domestic flights from Kenya like from Mombasa to Kisumu can be provided by Jambojet. Other companies that provide domestic flights in Kenya include fly 450, Skyward Express and Safari Link.

Some of the domestic routes in Kenya.

  • From Nairobi to Kisumu.
  • From Mombasa to Nairobi.
  • From Nairobi to Mombasa.
  • From Mombasa to Kisumu.
  • From Kisumu to Mombasa.
  • From Nairobi to Malindi.
  • From Nairobi to Eldoret.
  • From Nairobi to Wajir

Why would one consider booking a domestic flight in Kenya?

The aerial perspective of the dramatic landscape sceneries of Kenya is one thing. A traveler should get to experience at least once in a lifetime and the domestic flights avail such an experience to travelers who are looking forward to exploring the country. Domestic flights in Kenya are also time saving for some who would what to dodge the road traffic and arrive at their destination on time, however in circumstances where the weather is bad, one can opt for road transport.

 How to get to Kenya by road from Uganda and Tanzania.

From Uganda to Nairobi the main route used by road is the Nairobi-Malaba Road and the journey   takes about 14 hours from Uganda to Kenya. from Tanzania to Kenya  travelers usually use the Namanga road and  the distance takes travelers over  16 hours, however while moving in between these countries travelers should  know what is needed from them by authorities from each of the countries to avoid any sort of disturbances while on their journey. Travelers can either use public form of transport (buses), private cars or even car rentals are also available.

One would ask, is a Visa needed to enter Kenya?

Yes, A Visa Required for Most Travelers on arrival and traveler’s that are usually on a rush can get the e-visa, however the e-visa is more priced compared to the normal visa. the East Africa Tourist Visa  for countries such as Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania could start from the price of about 100$  however their some citizens  could  be visa exempted because of the relationship  that Kenya might have with that country.

 What is the Best and worst Time to Visit Kenya

Peak Season is in the months of June, July, August, September and October and this period is renowned for Great game viewing safaris and the Great Migration in Maasai Mara national reserve. however during this time there a lot  of crowds compared to Shoulder Season  in the months   from (Jan-Feb) and  also the month November when their Fewer crowds hence undisrupted game  viewing and good weather for nature photography. And   during Rainy Season (April-May) their Lower prices but some parks may be muddy and game viewing safaris are less enjoyable because most of the wild animals are hardly traceable.

What are the requirements that are needed while entering Kenya by either use of road or air transport.

  • Passport that is valid for at least 6months.
  • Yellow fever vaccination card.
  • An electronic travel authorization for Kenya.
  • An Itinerary if one is in the country for a safari.
  • Proof of accommodation facility that the traveler is to stay at.

 

What are some of the best places to visit in Kenya?

 Maasai Mara national reserve.

This reserve in Kenya is  major   for experiences such as the  hot air balloon safaris and  the great migration most especially the dramatic crossings that occur  from  July to October and the reserve is also reviewed as one of the top safari destinations in Kenya where travelers get to explore the Maasai culture . The Maasai Mara national reserve   is a great sightings for animals like the big five” lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos and the elephants”

Amboseli national park.

This park offers the best stunning natural views including the breathtaking sightings of the Mount Kilimanjaro that is part of the dramatic background landscape of the Amboseli national park.  The park has numerous wild species with numerous herds of elephants and a number of different bird species being inclusive.

Tsavo national park.

This is one of biggest and richest bio-diversity parks in Africa and it is divided in two sections; Tsavo east and Tsavo West. It is known or its big population of the red elephants and jaw-dropping scenic views such as the Mzima springs that is a habitat for the hippos and the different species of Fish. This pack is also a sanctuary for animals such as the rhinos, lions and many more.

Nairobi national park.

For traveler’s that would want to experience game viewing safaris without leaving the Nairobi city  ,  this is  the  safari site to go to because it’s in proximity to the city and it  has wild animals such as the lions, giraffes, zebras and  it also offers  insights and knowledge to travelers abut conservation of wildlife .

Lake Nakuru national park.

This par is famous for the bird watching safaris because it holds a variety of the different kinds of birds most especially the pink flamingos. The birds are however not the only bird species that can be found in this park as visitors are also able to  sight  some of the big five members like the elephants, gazelles, buffaloes rhinos and the lions.