Kenya Travel Guide –

A Complete Tourism, Wildlife Safari, Visa & Travel Planning Guide for Indian Travellers

Kenya, the crown jewel of East Africa, is a land where nature unfolds on an epic scale. It is a destination where the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles take place, where the snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya stands amid savannah plains, and where ancient cultures live harmoniously with nature. From the legendary Maasai Mara and Amboseli to the pristine beaches of Mombasa and the historical charm of Nairobi, Kenya is a paradise for adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and travellers seeking raw natural beauty.

For Indian travellers—especially those travelling from Kolkata or New Delhi—Kenya offers excellent connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and some of the world’s best safari experiences. This comprehensive guide includes Kenya’s top attractions, major distances, ways to reach from major Indian cities, accommodation zones, visa guidelines, Embassy/Visa Office address, best travel seasons, and a thoughtfully curated structure for a memorable Kenyan holiday.

Overview of Kenya

Kenya is located in East Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Indian Ocean. It is globally known for its national parks, wildlife reserves, lakes of the Great Rift Valley, savannah landscapes, tribal heritage, and coastal beauty. Kenya is also home to the iconic “Big Five”: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo.

• Capital: Nairobi
• Official Languages: English & Swahili
• Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
• Time Difference: Kenya is 2.5 hours behind Indian Standard Time
• Main International Airports: Nairobi (JKIA), Mombasa (Moi International)

Major Tourist Attractions in Kenya

Kenya’s tourist attractions range from world-renowned wildlife reserves to mountain highlands, soda lakes, ancient coastlines, coral reefs, and indigenous tribal communities. Below is a detailed look at Kenya’s top destinations.

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most famous national reserve and one of the greatest wildlife destinations on Earth. It offers unparalleled safari experiences, vast grasslands, and abundant wildlife sightings throughout the year.

• The Great Migration: The world’s largest animal migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras move from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Maasai Mara (July–October).
• Big Five Safaris: Frequent sightings of lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.
• Hot Air Balloon Safari: A breathtaking experience during sunrise over the savannah.
• Maasai Villages: Cultural interactions with the Maasai tribe.

Distance from Nairobi to Maasai Mara: 250 km (5–6 hours by road; 45 minutes by flight)

2. Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is known worldwide for its large elephant herds and its magnificent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro—the tallest peak in Africa.

• Elephant Viewing: Amboseli has some of the largest and most protected elephant populations in Africa.
• Mount Kilimanjaro Viewpoint: A postcard-perfect landscape.
• Observation Hill: Offers panoramic views of the reserve.

Distance from Nairobi to Amboseli: 230 km (4–5 hours by road)

3. Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru is famous for its massive flocks of pink flamingos, white rhinos, black rhinos, and scenic landscapes around the Great Rift Valley.

• Flamingo Sanctuary: One of the best places in the world for flamingo photography.
• Rhino Conservation Zone: Protected habitat for endangered rhinos.
• Makalia Waterfalls: A beautiful natural viewpoint.

Distance from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru: 160 km (3 hours)

4. Nairobi – The Safari Capital of the World

Nairobi is a dynamic metropolitan city that blends modern culture with wildlife adventures. It is the best starting point for exploring Kenya.

• Nairobi National Park: A full wildlife reserve located within a capital city.
• Giraffe Centre: Close-up interactions with Rothschild giraffes.
• David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage: A conservation home for rescued baby elephants.
• Karen Blixen Museum: Historic home of the author of “Out of Africa.”

Distance from Nairobi Airport to City Centre: 18 km (25–30 minutes)

5. Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Africa’s second-highest peak. Its forested slopes and alpine meadows offer hiking, trekking, and wildlife experiences.

• Point Lenana Trek: Popular for beginners and moderate trekkers.
• Scenic Glacial Lakes: Including Lake Michaelson.
• Mountain Lodge Experiences: Unique stays with forest views.

Distance from Nairobi to Mount Kenya: 175 km (3.5–4 hours)

6. Mombasa – Coastal Paradise

Mombasa is Kenya’s coastal city along the Indian Ocean, known for white-sand beaches, coral reefs, water sports, and Swahili–Arabic heritage.

• Diani Beach: One of Africa’s most beautiful beaches.
• Fort Jesus: A 16th-century Portuguese fort.
• Tamarind Dhow Cruise: Traditional boat dining experience.

Distance from Nairobi to Mombasa: 490 km (6–7 hours by road, or 1-hour flight)

7. Tsavo National Parks (East & West)

One of the world’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, Tsavo is known for its red-dust elephants, dramatic scenery, and volcanic formations.

• Red Elephant Herds: Unique due to mineral-rich soil.
• Mzima Springs: Clear natural springs with hippo viewing.
• Lava Flows: Shetani lava fields.

Distance from Nairobi to Tsavo: 300–330 km (5–6 hours by road)

How to Reach Kenya from Kolkata or Delhi

Travelling from Kolkata to Kenya

There are no direct flights from Kolkata to Kenya. Travellers must take connecting flights via Middle Eastern or African hubs.

• Kolkata → Doha → Nairobi
• Kolkata → Dubai → Nairobi
• Kolkata → Abu Dhabi → Nairobi
• Kolkata → Addis Ababa → Nairobi

Total travel duration: 12–17 hours, depending on layover time.

Travelling from New Delhi to Kenya

New Delhi offers better connectivity compared to Kolkata.

• Delhi → Nairobi (direct flight available on select days)
• Delhi → Addis Ababa → Nairobi
• Delhi → Doha → Nairobi
• Delhi → Dubai → Nairobi

Total travel duration: 6.5 hours (direct) or 10–15 hours (connecting)

Kenya Visa Guide for Indian Travellers

Kenya has streamlined its visa process for Indian citizens. The country now uses an electronic travel authorization (eTA) system instead of traditional paper visas.

Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

• Must be applied online before travel.
• Applies to tourism, business, family visits, and transit.
• Processing time: Usually 3–5 working days.

Documents Required for Kenya eTA

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Recent passport-size photograph (digital)
• Flight ticket copy
• Hotel booking proof
• Travel itinerary
• ID documents
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)

Kenya Visa Office Address in India

High Commission of the Republic of Kenya – New Delhi
(Users may insert the full street address as per their requirement.)

Accommodation Options in Kenya

Kenya offers a wide spectrum of accommodations—from world-class safari lodges and luxury tented camps to beach resorts, eco-lodges, and city hotels. Below are the main stay zones (without contact numbers).

Nairobi

• Westlands Hotels
• Karen Blixen Region Lodges
• City Centre International Hotels

Maasai Mara

• Luxury Safari Lodges
• Tented Safari Camps
• Riverside Camps overlooking Mara River

Amboseli

• Elephant-view Lodges
• Eco-Friendly Camps

Lake Nakuru

• Lakefront Lodges
• Rift Valley Safari Camps

Mombasa

• Beachfront Resorts
• Coastal Boutique Hotels

Major Distances in Kenya

• Nairobi → Maasai Mara: 250 km (5–6 hours)
• Nairobi → Amboseli: 230 km (4–5 hours)
• Nairobi → Lake Nakuru: 160 km (3 hours)
• Nairobi → Mombasa: 490 km (1-hour flight)
• Maasai Mara → Lake Nakuru: 315 km (5 hours)
• Amboseli → Tsavo: 140 km (2.5 hours)

Best Time to Visit Kenya

Kenya can be visited throughout the year, but certain seasons offer superior wildlife sightings and more pleasant weather.

• July to October: Best for Great Migration in Maasai Mara.
• January to March: Clear skies, excellent for photography.
• November and December: Green season with beautiful landscapes.

Long rains occur from April to June, making this period less suitable for safaris.

Suggested Itinerary for Kenya (6–10 Days)

6-Day Itinerary

• Day 1 – Nairobi Arrival & City Tour
• Day 2 – Nairobi → Maasai Mara
• Day 3 – Maasai Mara Full Day Safari
• Day 4 – Maasai Mara → Lake Nakuru
• Day 5 – Lake Nakuru → Nairobi
• Day 6 – Departure

10-Day Itinerary

• Day 1 – Nairobi
• Day 2 – Amboseli
• Day 3 – Amboseli Safari
• Day 4 – Lake Naivasha
• Day 5 – Lake Nakuru
• Day 6 – Maasai Mara
• Day 7 – Maasai Mara Safari
• Day 8 – Maasai Mara
• Day 9 – Nairobi
• Day 10 – Departure

Safety Tips for Travellers

• Carry copies of your passport and documents.
• Drink bottled water.
• Never leave food or bags inside safari vehicles unattended.
• Follow your guide’s instructions strictly during wildlife viewing.
• Use licensed safari operators and official taxis.
• Follow local cultural norms respectfully.

Conclusion

Kenya is a land of extraordinary wilderness, vibrant tribal culture, modern cities, beaches, mountains, and world-famous wildlife reserves. Whether it is the Great Migration, the snow-capped silhouette of Kilimanjaro, close encounters with elephants, or the white beaches of Diani—Kenya promises unforgettable experiences. For travellers from Kolkata or Delhi, good connectivity, easy visa procedures, and diverse staying options make Kenya a practical and rewarding international destination. With thoughtful planning, a Kenya holiday becomes an enriching journey full of adventure, learning, and lifelong memories.