Book cheap flights to Kenya

Kenya’s climate varies from tropical along the coast to arid in the north, with mild, temperate conditions in the highlands around Nairobi. **Dry season (late June to October) — Best for wildlife viewing** This is peak safari season and the best time to visit Kenya. Animals concentrate around water sources, making game viewing exceptional. The highlight is the Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara, which peak between July and September as massive wildebeest herds ford the crocodile-filled Mara River in dramatic, chaotic crossings. Expect higher accommodation rates and advance booking is essential. **Short rains (November to December)** Brief afternoon showers keep the landscapes lush and green. Crowds thin out and rates drop — a good shoulder season option for South African travellers looking for value. **Dry season (January to February)** Hot and dry, with excellent game viewing and fewer tourists than the July–October peak. A great time to visit Amboseli and the northern reserves. **Long rains (March to May)** The wettest months. While some lodges close and road conditions deteriorate, this is the best season for birdwatching, with hundreds of migratory species present. Landscapes are strikingly green and rates are at their lowest. For the cheapest flights to Kenya from South Africa, consider travelling between March and June — low season means better fares and a more intimate safari experience.

South African passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Kenya. As of July 2025, Kenya abolished the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirement for citizens of most African Union member states, allowing straightforward visa-free entry for tourism and short stays.

South Africans can enter Kenya visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Members of the East African Community (EAC) may stay for up to 180 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

Note: A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. It is advisable to carry your vaccination certificate at all times.

South African High Commission in Nairobi:

Address: 3rd Floor, Roshanmaer Place, Lenana Road, Nairobi 00100

Tel: 254 709 127 000

Consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before travelling to Kenya. The following vaccinations and health precautions are recommended:

Vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date — MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio and your annual flu shot. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are strongly recommended. Hepatitis B and rabies vaccines are advisable depending on your itinerary.

Malaria: Malaria is present throughout much of Kenya, including popular safari destinations such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and the coast. Antimalarial medication is strongly recommended — consult your doctor about the most appropriate option. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves at dusk and dawn.

Yellow fever: A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country.

Zika virus: Zika is a risk in Kenya. Pregnant travellers or those planning to become pregnant should consult a doctor before travelling.

Safety tips for Kenya:

• Be alert to bag-snatching and pickpocketing in transport hubs and busy areas in Nairobi, Mombasa and other major cities — keep valuables secure and out of sight.

• Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

• Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewellery in public.

• Always carry a copy of your passport and travel documents.

• Stay in tourist areas with good security and inform your accommodation of your daily itinerary when exploring independently.

• Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended for safari travellers.

Accommodation in Kenya ranges from budget guesthouses and backpacker hostels to mid-range city hotels and some of the most celebrated safari lodges and luxury tented camps in all of Africa — catering to every type of traveller.

In Nairobi, the Westlands, Karen and Upper Hill neighbourhoods offer a good mix of comfortable mid-range hotels and upscale options. Karen — the leafy suburb made famous by Karen Blixen’s memoir Out of Africa — is a particularly charming base for those heading to the Nairobi National Park or Amboseli. The city centre has a wide range of business hotels for transit stopovers.

In the Maasai Mara, accommodation ranges from budget tented camps on the reserve borders to exclusive private conservancy lodges offering unrivalled game access and privacy. Well-regarded options include andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Mahali Mzuri and the Angama Mara — perched dramatically above the Great Rift Valley escarpment. For a more affordable Mara experience, a range of solid mid-range tented camps operate just outside the main reserve.

Along the Kenyan coast, Diani Beach and Watamu offer a wide selection of beach resorts, boutique hotels and self-catering apartments, with options ranging from budget-friendly to five-star all-inclusive. Mombasa’s north and south coasts each have their own distinct character and resort clusters.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Kenya at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Getting around Kenya is an adventure in itself — from navigating the organised chaos of Nairobi’s streets to flying over the Rift Valley in a light aircraft bound for the Maasai Mara.

In Nairobi, ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt and the locally popular Little Cab are the safest and most convenient way to get around the city. Regular metered taxis are also available but always agree on a fare before departing. Matatus (minibus taxis) are the most affordable option and are widely used by locals, though they can be crowded and routes are difficult to navigate for first-time visitors.

For travelling between Nairobi and Mombasa, the Madaraka Express train is a modern, comfortable and affordable option — the journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes and the views across Tsavo are spectacular. Book tickets in advance through the Kenya Railways website.

Reaching the Maasai Mara from Nairobi is most commonly done by scheduled light aircraft (approximately 45 minutes) or by road (approximately 5–6 hours on a good day). Light aircraft transfers are operated by several charter companies including Safarilink, AirKenya and Fly 540, connecting Wilson Airport in Nairobi with the Mara’s several airstrips. For self-drive safaris, a 4×4 vehicle is essential — the roads within the reserve and many approach routes are unpaved and can be extremely rough, especially during the rainy season.

Kenya has a good domestic aviation network, with flights connecting Nairobi (NBO/WIL) with Mombasa (MBA), Malindi (MYD), Kisumu (KIS), Eldoret (EDL) and several Mara airstrips — making it easy to combine a safari and a beach holiday in a single trip.

Planning a self-drive adventure or road trip in Kenya? Search, compare and book a car hire in Kenya at Travelstart and find the best rate for your trip.