KENYA

Kenya is well-connected to the UAE with direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Nairobi and Mombasa. Emirates, Kenya Airways, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia offer regular services. The average flight duration from the UAE to Nairobi is around 5 hours, making Kenya a convenient getaway for UAE travelers seeking wildlife, beaches, or cultural exploration.

​Kenya is a year-round destination, but the best times are the dry seasons: January to March and June to October. These months offer the best wildlife viewing in national parks, especially during the Great Migration in the Masai Mara (July–October). Coastal regions like Diani are ideal from December to March for beach holidays.

Don’t miss Nairobi’s National Park and cultural museums, the iconic Masai Mara for game drives, and Amboseli for views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Visit Lake Nakuru for flamingos, Lake Naivasha for boat safaris, and Samburu for rare wildlife species. End your journey on the white sands of Diani Beach or the historic alleys of Lamu Island.

Kenya’s climate varies by region and altitude. Spring (Mar–May) is warm with short rains, 22°C–28°C. Summer (Jun–Aug) is dry and cool, ideal for safaris, 20°C–25°C. Autumn (Sep–Nov) is warm with light showers. Winter (Dec–Feb) is hot and dry, perfect for beaches and wildlife, 25°C–32°C.

Kenya offers dramatic landscapes—snow-capped peaks, savannahs, and tropical coastlines. Witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, spot elephants in Amboseli with Kilimanjaro as your backdrop, and marvel at flamingos along Rift Valley lakes. Mount Kenya and Hell’s Gate add to the country's geological and natural diversity.

The Masai Mara is one of the best safari destinations in the world. Home to lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, and more, it’s most famous for the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. Balloon safaris and cultural visits to Maasai villages add unique, unforgettable experiences.

Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, blends city life with nature. Visit Nairobi National Park, where lions roam near skyscrapers. Discover the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Karen Blixen Museum. Nairobi is also a great base for exploring local cuisine, nightlife, and shopping before heading out on safari.

For relaxation, Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast is perfect. Diani Beach offers crystal-clear waters, water sports, and luxury resorts. Lamu Island, a UNESCO heritage site, enchants with Swahili architecture, car-free alleys, and laid-back charm. Both destinations are ideal post-safari retreats.

UAE nationals can enjoy visa-free entry to Kenya for up to 90 days. UAE residents (non-citizens) can apply online for an eVisa, with a fast and straightforward process. Travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months and carry return flight tickets and confirmed hotel bookings upon arrival.

Kenyan cuisine features tasty stews, grilled meats (nyama choma), and coastal curries with Indian influences. Try local dishes like ugali, chapati, and sukuma wiki. Halal food is widely available, especially in major cities and along the coast. Vegetarian options are also common in urban areas.

Kenya offers something for everyone—family-friendly animal sanctuaries and Lake Naivasha boat rides, romantic Masai Mara sunsets and Diani beaches for couples, safe adventures for solo travelers, scenic wonders like Mount Kenya, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru for nature lovers, plus rich culture in Lamu, Fort Jesus, and Bomas of Kenya.

Kenyans are warm and respectful. Greet with a handshake or “Jambo.” Dress modestly, especially in rural and coastal Muslim areas. Always ask permission before taking photos of people. Tipping (5–10%) is appreciated in restaurants and for guides or drivers. Respect for elders and traditions is important throughout the country.