Practical Guide for Travelers
FAQ – Practical Guide for Travelers in Kenya
We’ve compiled this guide to help you prepare for your trip to Kenya. Please note: all information is for general guidance only and may change. Always verify with official sources before your trip.
🛂 VISAS Do Israeli and USA citizens need a visa to enter Kenya? Yes. Travelers must apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before entering Kenya. Apply here: https://etakenya.go.ke Apply at least 7 days before travel.
💉 VACCINATIONS & HEALTH Is the Yellow Fever vaccine mandatory? Only if arriving from or having visited a high-risk country. If you're arriving directly from Israel or the USA (and haven’t been in a yellow fever country recently), the vaccine is recommended but not required.
What other vaccines are recommended? Recommendations vary by age, travel plan, and health history. Check with an authorized travel clinic.
Before arriving in Kenya, consult a travel doctor about preventive anti-malaria pills and updated health advice.
Important tip: If you experience high fever, chills, fatigue, or body aches during your stay – get tested for malaria immediately.
Testing is quick, inexpensive, and available in most clinics. Choose a reputable provider.
The earlier malaria is diagnosed – the easier and faster the recovery. Do not ignore symptoms.
Bonus tip (not medical advice): Before flying home, consider purchasing basic malaria medication in case symptoms appear after your return. Not all countries offer quick access to such treatment. It’s inexpensive and can save lives.
⚠️ Emergency Contacts in Kenya
In an emergency, Chabad of Kenya is here for you!📞 Emergency Phone: +254-799-770-770
🇮🇱 Israeli Embassy in Kenya (Nairobi)Address: 209/420 Lenana Road, NairobiMain line: +254-20-4927500 After-hours emergency: +254-733-524-816 Email: [email protected] Official site: https://embassies.gov.il/nairobi
General Emergency Numbers in Kenya(We recommend saving these in your contacts before traveling.)
☝️ Note: Public emergency services may be slow. For medical or security concerns, also contact the Israeli Embassy or Chabad Kenya.
You must have valid travel medical insurance, including air evacuation coverage. Private hospitals in Kenya offer good care but usually require upfront payment.
🚖 TRANSPORTATION Is Uber or Bolt available? Yes – both operate in Nairobi and major cities. They’re safe and convenient.
What is a Matatu? Matatus are public minibuses – cheap but often overcrowded and not always safe.
Should I use motorcycle taxis (boda-boda)? Not recommended due to high accident risk.
📱 MOBILE & COMMUNICATION How can I get a SIM card? Buy a Safaricom SIM at official stores (including the airport). Bring your passport. Safaricom offers the best coverage – even inside safari parks.
What is M-PESA? A mobile money service used across Kenya. Ask to activate it when buying your SIM. Very useful for payments to drivers, shops, and locals.
💳 M-PESA – The Smart Way to Pay in Kenya
What is M-PESA? M-PESA is Kenya’s most popular mobile payment service, letting you send and receive money, pay shops, and transfer funds without a bank account.
How does it work?Run by Safaricom. You load your wallet via M-PESA agents (found on most streets and in supermarkets). You then pay or send money via app or USSD menu.
How to register?🪪 Safaricom SIM + Passport📍 Sign up at any authorized Safaricom agent.
Why use it? ✅ Widely accepted – taxis, stores, hotels ✅ Safer than cash ✅ Fast and easy – no change or coins
💰 MONEY & EXCHANGE What’s the local currency? Kenyan Shilling (KES).
Can I use US Dollars? Yes, but only new $50 or $100 bills (issued 2009 or later).
Where can I exchange money? Authorized forex bureaus, banks, and airports.
🛍️ SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT Best malls in Nairobi:
🔐 SAFETY & SECURITY Is Kenya safe for tourists? In tourist areas – generally yes. Follow basic precautions:
Lock car doors, especially in traffic
Stay alert in unfamiliar areas
Is it safe to wear Jewish symbols? Yes. Locals generally admire Israel and are respectful to Jewish visitors.
🏥 MEDICAL CARE Recommended hospitals:
Nairobi: Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, MP Shah
Mombasa: Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa
Israel Embassy Nairobi: +254-20-4927500
Chabad Kenya: +254-799770770
Is Kenya safe ? Yes – especially in tourist areas. Follow these rules:
Avoid walking alone at night
Keep car windows closed when using your phone or in traffic
Is it safe to wear Jewish symbols? Yes. Kenya is very friendly toward Israelis and Jews.
🧼 HYGIENE & FOOD SAFETY Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water only.
Wash fruits & vegetables before eating.
Buy produce from modern supermarkets, not street vendors.
Avoid swimming in lakes or rivers – risk of bilharzia.
Use hand sanitizer when outside and wash hands upon returning.
Avoid swimming in fresh water (bilharzia risk)
Use sunscreen – the sun is strong even when it’s cool
🔌 ELECTRICITY Plug type: Type G (UK-style)
Voltage: 240V – bring a universal adapter
👕 WHAT TO WEAR Lightweight clothes for the day
Neutral colors for safari
Comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
☀️ WEATHER & SEASONS Dry seasons:
Best time to visit Masai Mara:
July–October – peak wildlife & great migration
Avoid April–May due to heavy rains
🏞️ National Parks – Key Info
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance fees vary by nationality and age. Tourists pay more. Check Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) site.
Tickets: Purchase online via eCitizen platform. No cash at gates.
Conduct: Stay on marked roads. Don’t exit vehicles in open reserves.
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
ATMs widely available in major cities
Recommended banks: Equity Bank, KCB, ABSA, NCBA
International card withdrawals may incur fees – check with your bank
Credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants & big stores. Carry cash just in case.
🌍 Border Crossings & Airports
Main international airports:
Tanzania: Namanga, Taveta
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Yellow Fever certificate (if arriving from endemic areas)
🗺️ Must-See Places in Nairobi
Giraffe Centre – Feed endangered Rothschild giraffes. Great for kids.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage – Open 11:00–12:00. Book in advance.
Nairobi National Park – Safari inside the city!
Kazuri Beads Women’s Factory – Handmade crafts, social impact gifts.
Karen Blixen Museum – Former home of “Out of Africa” author.
Village Market / Two Rivers Mall – Shopping & attractions.
Maasai Market – Open-air artisan market (location varies by day).
Nairobi Railway Museum – History buffs will love it.
Karura Forest – Nature trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots.
Bomas of Kenya – Tribal culture, dance, and heritage center.
🔥 COOKING GAS & SUPPLIES Where to buy portable gas canisters or camping stoves?
Decathlon stores in Nairobi malls
🛒 GROCERY SHOPPING For kosher or clean products:
For kosher food product listings, check our separate Kosher Food Guide.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable trip! We look forward to welcoming you at your home in Kenya – Chabad Kenya!
