Kenya Travel Tips: Etiquette, Money, Safety and Connectivity
Small habits that smooth almost every day in Kenya: greetings, money, staying connected, staying safe, tipping, photography and dress, explained in general terms with pointers to check what is current.
In this guide 9 sections
These are the small things we find ourselves telling almost every traveller before they leave. None of them is difficult, and together they make a surprising difference to how a trip feels, both to you and to the people you meet.
Greet first, then ask
In Kenya, a greeting is not a formality. Say hello, ask how someone is and wait for the answer before you ask for anything, whether you are speaking to a hotel receptionist, a driver or a shopkeeper. English and Swahili are both widely spoken, and a few words in Swahili earn warm smiles: habari (hello, how are you?), asante (thank you), karibu (welcome) and hapana, asante (no, thank you), which is a polite way to decline a sales pitch. Handshakes are common and often a little longer than you may be used to.
Money without surprises
Carry a mix of payment methods rather than relying on one. A card that works internationally is handy in hotels, larger shops and restaurants, but it will not help at a roadside market or in a remote park, where some cash in small notes is useful. Mobile money is widely used across Kenya, though whether a visitor can use it depends on their phone, SIM and registration, so ask before relying on it. Let your bank know you are travelling, check overseas card charges, and keep a backup card separately. Payment methods for fees can change, so ask your operator what to expect.
Staying connected
Mobile coverage is generally good in towns and along main roads and patchy or absent in remote parks, conservancies and mountains. Wi-Fi at camps varies and may be limited to common areas. If you want a local SIM or eSIM, make sure your phone is unlocked and ask your operator what suits your route. Download offline maps and any tickets before leaving a town, and tell relatives that a quiet phone in the bush is normal.
Staying safe
Kenya rewards the same common sense you would use in any busy country. In cities, keep valuables out of sight, use pre-arranged or reputable transport after dark and avoid walking alone at night. Do not leave bags unattended, and keep copies of your documents separately. In parks, follow your guide’s instructions: stay in the vehicle unless told otherwise and never approach wildlife on foot. Check your own government’s current travel advice before departure, and ask your operator about conditions in the areas you will visit.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in the tourism sector, and it can be a meaningful part of a staff member’s income, although it is never obligatory. Guides, drivers and camp or hotel staff are the usual recipients. Carry small notes in local currency, tip according to the quality of service, and ask your planner what is customary for your trip. Some camps keep a communal tip box that is shared among the team, and a few provide guidance on how to use it.
Photography etiquette
Ask before photographing people, and accept a “no” without argument. Some communities and vendors may ask for a fee or a small purchase in return, and it is reasonable to agree this beforehand. Avoid photographing military, police, airports and government buildings, and follow any signs. In reserves, use a long lens rather than a closer vehicle, and never use flash on animals. Drones are tightly regulated and generally not welcome in protected areas, so check before bringing one. Our guide to responsible wildlife viewing says more about photographing wildlife well.
What to wear
On safari, comfortable layers in neutral colours work best, and our packing guide covers the details. In towns and villages, and especially in coastal and Muslim communities such as Lamu, covering shoulders and knees is respectful and often more comfortable. Save swimwear for the beach or pool, and avoid camouflage patterns.
Food, water and bargaining
Kenyan food rewards curiosity, from grilled meats and fresh coastal seafood to ugali, vegetables and fruit. Ask your hosts or guide for local recommendations, and take sensible precautions with water and food, following advice from your doctor or travel clinic. Many travellers drink bottled or filtered water, and camps will tell you what is safe. In craft markets, friendly bargaining is normal, but keep it good-humoured and pay a fair price for work that took real skill. Nobody benefits from squeezing out the last coin.
Take your time
The Swahili phrase pole pole, meaning slowly, applies to many things in Kenya, from mountain walking to lunch. Traffic in and around Nairobi can be heavy and unpredictable, so build in extra time before flights and appointments. Meals and meetings may run longer than expected, and that is part of the welcome. Treat delays as part of the journey, and you will enjoy it far more.
Official requirements and local conditions change, so check them with the relevant authorities and read our travel requirements guide. If you have a question we have not covered, contact us or start planning your trip.
