A Guide to Kenya for First-Time Visitors!
21 Feb, 2024
A Guide to Kenya for First-Time Visitors!
Wondering if the Savannah wildlife is your cup of tea, read our complete guide to Kenya and find out for yourself. Arguably the most famous safari destination in Africa, and the annual migration of the wildebeest across its grassy plains is possibly the most diverse wildlife spectacle. It’s a country full of diverse landscapes, unique cultures, unspoiled beaches, world-class hotels, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. With endless plains that are full of wildlife, rolling hills, lush mountains, and a coastline that will leave you speechless. Kenya is definitely made to explore! You can also visit this beautiful country and explore its culture on a female only trip to Kenya. It is safe and a very respectable nation when it comes to female travellers.
Best time to Visit
When visiting Kenya, planning your trip around the dry season is key. From June to October, there will be little rainfall and wildlife is easier to spot due to the bush being less dense. During this time, wildlife swarms the watering holes, and you’ll be in time for the Great Migration! Each year, over a million wildebeest and other animals make their way across the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. So organise your girls only trip to Kenya between June and October.
However, traveling to Kenya during the wet season, from November to May, is the best time to find cheap deals. With less than perfect weather and fewer tourists, you’ll find plenty of discounts on flights, accommodation, and activities. If you’re planning a safari, keep in mind, that from March to May some lodges will shut down because of the rain. So plan your trip and follow this guide to Kenya to get the best out of this trip.
Travelling Guide to Kenya
Kenyans are some of the most friendly and welcoming people in the world, and there are many ways to make the journey from India to Kenya. The most direct route is to fly from Delhi or Mumbai to Nairobi, which takes around eight hours. We recommend you book your flight to South Africa from India at least 2 months in advance. Flights tend to get more expensive closer to the departure date, so it’s best to book it about 90 days before the travel date. The cost of a round-trip flight from Delhi to Nairobi can range widely depending on the airlines and season. Prices typically start at around $460 USD. So if you want to solo women trip to Kenya, you can get a great deal on flight tickets if you plan a little in advance.
Applying for Visa
To visit Kenya, Indian nationals must have a valid Kenya visa. Although the process has become easier over the years as you can now obtain an e-visa. Kenya e-visa for Indians can also be applied and approved beforehand to enter the country. Ensure you have a proper visa and all the essential documents, including a valid passport, for a smooth entry and stay on your girls trip to Kenya. For tourism purposes, a Kenya tourist visa for Indians, also known as Kenya e-visa for Indians must be opted. It must be noted that the Kenya visa on arrival for Indians has been discontinued.
Before applying for the visa you must make sure that you have all the documents required handy. The required documents are your completed visa application form, at least two coloured passport-size photographs, a valid passport with a copy of first and last page of the passport, round-trip flight reservation or a detailed itinerary, travel medical insurance, proof of accommodation and bank statements for proof of funds.
Must see sites
Kenya is a truly diverse country, be it geographically or culturally. No two towns or cities are the same. And that means there are plenty of amazing attractions for all types of travellers across the country. However, some destinations have a charm that promises a memorable experience every time. We have compiled this list in this guide to Kenya for you to get the best out of your female only trip to Kenya.
Whenever you think Kenya, immediately the pictures of wilderness and wild animals come to mind. Without any doubt Kenya is a country with endless faunal diversity, vibrant civilisations and an amalgamation of old-world charm and ultramodern towns. This makes the places to go in Kenya more overwhelming. We have compiled a list of places in this guide to Kenya that you must visit. If you are taking a girls only trip to Kenya, we assure these places are safe and will provide a comfortable journey.
Masaai Mara
The list is incomplete without mentioning Maasai Mara which is synonymous with wildlife safaris. Known as The Greatest Show on Earth, it is home to plenty of wildlife, which includes the big five and the elusive leopard. The National Reserve is also home to the highest densities of lions in the world and hosts over 95 species of resident game. Since Maasai Mara is not a National Park, tourists do not have to adhere stick-to-road rule. This means you can see the animals closely, which you cannot experience in any other National Reserve.
Mount Kenya
While the safari overpowers everyone when visiting Kenya, it is also important to explore some other picturesque locations in the country. Mount Kenya is one such location. The second-highest peak in Kenya and is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although a multi day climb is required but if you are up for an adventure on your solo women trip to Kenya, then it is the best way.
Lake Nakuru
A 3-hour drive from Nairobi city, located in the Lake Nakuru National Park in the Rift Valley of Kenya which is also a wildlife sanctuary for white rhinos, giraffes, leopards, zebras, etc., among black rhinos. If you happen to visit Lake Nakuru at the right time of the year, you will see flocks of fuschia flamingos lining the alkaline shores of Nakuru Lake. Apart from flamingos, more than 400 species of other birds are recorded to be nesting here.
Diani Beach
Fine white sand, swaying coconut palms, turquoise waters protected by a coral reef and a selection of classy upmarket resort hotels. This is all there is at the lovely Diani Beach, that lies 33km south of Mombasa and it ticks all the boxes when it comes to tropical beach escapes. If you are an adventure enthusiast, the beach has plenty of water sports activities for you, such as snorkelling, swimming with white sharks, cruising and other interesting activities. It is a perfect place to relax on your female only trip to Kenya.
Nairobi
With most itineraries beginning or ending in Nairobi, a stopover in the capital city of Kenya is almost inevitable. Nairobi is Africa’s largest city and includes plenty of things to do, such as visiting museums, markets, cultural centres, wildlife parks and fantastic dining spots. Visit Nairobi if you wish to learn more about the history of Kenya, its journey to independence and its modern lifestyle. You can also visit the Nairobi National Park. A historically important protected area, this was Kenya’s first national park and is just 7 km south of the city.
What to pack?
Kenya isn’t one of those country where you pack your fanciest outfits. Your packing must be very practical and comfortable. The clothing should be in layers to adapt the changing temperatures of the day. We suggest packing muted colours on the days of the game to blend in with the surroundings. Our guide to Kenya lays down the essentials to pack for the trip.
A few essentials for your solo women trip to Kenya trip are listed below :
- Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colours
- Long-sleeved shirts/tshirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
- Shorts or a light skirt
- Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
- Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
- A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
- Swim and beachwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturiser and lip salve
- Reusable water bottle
Jugni tips for the trip
Although Kenya is a tourist country, there are a few pointers to keep in mind if you are taking your first ever female only trip to Kenya. Among all the beauty and majestic game, there is deep rooted culture and tribal customs that are in play. In this guide to Kenya, we also put down tips from our own experience. So here are a few important tips that you need to keep in mind while going on this women only tour.
- It is important to get vaccinated for all the ailments mentioned in the WHO guidelines. The most common ones are hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus. Rabies is present as is malaria, so these must be discussed with your doctor too.
- Single-use plastic bottles and straws are banned in national parks – bring a reusable water bottle from home.
- Never take photos of people without asking permission, particularly in rural areas and in Mombasa. If you want to publish any photos, even on social media, it’s respectful to carry a consent form
- Kenya is moderately conservative, but that doesn’t mean you need to cover your shoulders and knees everywhere. Roaming around in swimwear outside resorts is prohibited.
- Take photos of your passport, visa and other documents, so you can access them on your phone or email.
Kenya is bewitching and captivating. With its huge variety of fauna and the topography of the grasslands, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience. While you set out to explore the incredible wildlife and culture in Kenya, remember to be respectful to its inhabitants both humans and animals. If you want to take a solo women trip to Kenya, you can check out our women only tours here. We take women of all age with us and create memories that last a lifetime.