Ultimate insider tips from the editor
Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries in East Africa and is next Tanzania one of the most popular destinations for beach vacationers and safari hungry. Because: Here you can lie in 10-14 days on the beautiful sandy beach, swim in the lukewarm Indian Ocean AND experience an exciting Kenya safari!
Best time to go to Kenya : The optimal travel time for Kenya is often called October to March - the rainy season with clouds and showers is over. But who would like to experience the natural spectacle of the migration of huge herds of animals from the Masai Mara to the Serengeti (Tanzania), should travel to Kenya from July to September.
Before traveling to Kenya : In general, you should book a nice hotel with half or full board (not under 4 stars) on the gorgeous Diani Beach (about 30 minutes from Mombasa) with a tour operator in Germany. Recommended for example is the "Leopard Beach Resort & Spa". You also need to get vaccinated: yellow fever and hepatitis A & B are necessary. Tip: Send your vaccine bill then necessarily to your health insurance - you get your money back mostly.
When it comes to malaria prevention, the ghosts divorce: I've got tablets from the Tropics Institute. On the first Kenya vacation, I took her as prescribed. At the next Kenya vacation, I took it with me and did not swallow it, because they can have quite severe side effects. On the coast of East Africa there is always wind blowing - there are hardly any mosquitos. Anyone who is unsure should take the malaria tablets (and also submit to the health insurance, which are quite expensive). Also, do not forget to bring an English adapter and enough memory cards for your camera - they'll be grateful for this tip!
Kenya Safari Book : First of all: you do not go to Kenya and do not go on safari! It is a must-have! However, you should NOT use the offers of your Kenya tour operator on site (too many people, excursion is a mass processing, very expensive), but in advance from Germany a safari itself search and book. My personal insider tip : I have twice already booked with "Lady M Safaris" and have already successfully recommended the safaris of Kurt and his team to friends and acquaintances. The great thing about "Lady M Safaris": There are usually two or four per Jeep, has really great, local guides and gets animals and scenery beyond the mass tourism shown.
Getting there: From Germany you can fly directly from almost every international airport to Mombasa / Kenya. For example, the flight time from Frankfurt is 8.5 hours.
To Do's in Kenya: As already mentioned, a safari in Kenya is obligatory. You should decide if you would like to book the smaller tour in Tsavo-East and Tsavo-West National Park or if you would like to make the big safari in the Masai Mara. Tsavo East and Tsavo West can be reached by jeep from Diani Beach. An overnight stay in a lodge (a camp in the middle of the savannah) is included. Simply unforgettable: when elephants, lions and hippos gather at the waterhole at the foot of their log cabin in the evening.
The Masai Mara is accessible by a small domestic flight. After an hour's flying (past Kilimanjaro) you land on a small strip in the savannah. A driver from your lodge picks you up. You should plan at least 2 nights - otherwise the Masai Mara is not worth it. Enjoy these unforgettable days in the Masai Mara and admire the beautiful scenery and wildlife!
Souvenirs and Beach Boys in Kenya: Be Forewarned: All souvenirs (whether you're stopping in the direction of Tsavo Park, in your hotel or right on the beach in Kenya) are overpriced. If you book at "Lady M Safaris", Kurt will also confirm that, who has been living in Kenya for years. Save the money and go to Moiz Boutique (Diani Road, opposite Diani Reef Hotel towards Ukunda) on the last day. This souvenir shop is located on the hotel road off Diani Beach and is within easy walking distance. There you get great wooden figures, bowls and jewelry and the prices are fair. Example: I bought a salad server made of wood in the souvenir shop at the Tsavo Park for 5 euros - in the Moiz Boutique a pair costs only 1.50 euros - how annoyed I am!
To the Beach Boys : Many Beach Boys (they are called in Kenya, because they walk around the beach) want to sell something (usually very expensive) but are basically harmless. Almost all speak English, some even German. You can talk to them well, but do not let them spoil you. If you tell them from the beginning that you do not want to buy anything, you are nice and usually leave you alone.
Insider tip: If you want, you can bring old clothes (socks, T-shirts, etc.), pens and a few toothbrushes from Germany and offer the Beach Boys a fair exchange with a nice souvenir - they are very happy, but want no alms and you have a nice memory of your Kenya vacation.
And do not forget: Enjoy Kenya - who loves it, comes again and again. Hakuna Matata!
