Top 9 kenya travel guide for first-timers

Kenya is a former British colony that gained independence in 1964, it’s famous for its breathtaking safaris, incredible wildlife and vibrant multiculturalism. This 2025 Kenya travel guide for Europeans will take you on a journey to uncover the magic of my motherland Kenya.

Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Kenya is home to over 56 million people, where 5.5million of Kenyans reside in the capital city, Nairobi.  We’re bordered by countries such as South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and the Indian Ocean.

1.Kenyan flag colors guide

a 2025 kenya flag travel guide for europeans,

• Black: for the people of kenya, our skin color
• Red: a symbol of the blood that was shed during the fight for independence
• Green: for the land and vegetations, kenya is green, actually every tuesday is a tree planting day
• white: for peace, we are a peaceful and happy nation thus it’s safe for you to visit kenya

2. Nairobi; “Green City Under the Sun”

The only capital city in the world with a national park right at its’s centre. Nairobi National Park is a wildlife haven where you can see lions, giraffes and rhinos, right next to a bustling city skyline! Basically, you can go on safari in the morning and showup to work later.

Fun fact: Kenya is ranked the 28th most populous country in the world and 7th in Africa!

3. Language & natives

Kenya boasts over 42 natives, each with its own language and sub dialects, thus creating a melting pot of diversity.

• Official languages: English & Swahili
• Street language: Sheng – a mix of Swahili, English, and local dialects. It evolves so fast that even millennials and old generations struggle to keep up with Gen Z’s Shembeteng version!

4. 10 Basic Swahili words for tourists

It’s common for us Kenyans to speak three or more languages interchangeably, my polish partner still gets fascinated by it when I talk to my family and Kenyan friends, here’s a few basic swahili words that will earn you smiles from the locals.

A Basic swahili travel guide for europeans;

• Jambo/habari – Hello – Dzień dobry
• mzuri sana – i’m fine – wszystko w porządku
• Asante – Thank you – Dziekuje bardzo
• Karibu – Welcome – Prosze
• Kwaheri – Goodbye – pa pa
• Hakuna matata – no worry – nie ma problemu
• Pole pole – no hurry – bez pospiechu
• pole – sorry – prosze
• sawa – okay – Dobra/oki
• Twende – let’s go – idziemy

5. Currency & Mobile Money; The M-Pesa Revolution

Kenya’s official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), but the true star of the economy is M-Pesa a revolutionary mobile payment system, that’s fast, cash-free and works without the internet!

Cashless payment tips;

• Register for M-Pesa at any Safaricom shop with your passport.
• Safaricom shops are everywhere even at the airport and they’ll teach you how to use it.
• Visa & MasterCard are accepted in big establishments like hotels, malls, and restaurants, but for small vendors, stick to M-Pesa or cash.

Pro Tip: Get the best currency exchange rates in Nairobi’s city centre.

6. Weather: The best times to visit Kenya

located on the equator, Kenya enjoys some of the best weather in the world, no winter, autumn, or spring, just wet and dry seasons. From the humid coasts to the cool central highlands and even icy mountain peaks, Kenya offers something for everyone.

Fun fact: Kenya has 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness all year round!

• January – March (hot & dry, best for safaris)
• June – October (cool & dry, perfect for the Great Migration)
• November – December (short rains, but still great for travel!)

7. Religion and quirky beliefs

Kenya is religiously diverse, with Christianity being the majority religion, followed by Islam and other faiths. But here’s the fun part, Kenya allows religious freedom to the extent that some people even declare themselves Jesus!

Yea! Meet Yesu wa Tongaren, Kenya’s self-proclaimed Jesus, who claims divine roles and he’s just one example of Kenya’s quirky charm!

8. Kenya’s unique diversity

Kenya my motherland is home to a rich blend of cultures;

• Kenindians: Indians born and raised in Kenya, now recognized as citizens.
• Afro-Arabs: Coastal communities influenced by historic Arab trade.
• Expat Communities – Many Britons, Italians and Germans have settled in Kenya, especially along the coast, most married to kenyans and many owning and running successful businesses.

9. Magical Kenya; wildlife wonders you didn’t know exist

• Pure white giraffes (not albino!)
• Spotted zebras
• A bear in Kenya (yes, really!)
• The heaviest Elephant at 10,000kgs

I hope this 2025 kenya travel guide has opened your eyes, but first did you know you can no longer get a visa on arrival in kenya? checkout visa application process here.

African Travel planner and Consultant

At Go Afrika, I help you plan unforgettable, stress-free safaris across Kenya — from hidden gems to iconic parks. As a Kenyan based in Poland, I bring you the best of both worlds: insider knowledge, personalized travel planning and honest advice from someone who knows the land, the people and the real experience.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, I’ll guide you through choosing the best safari parks, planning the perfect route and connecting you with reliable local guides — all within your budget.

Ready to create your dream Kenyan safari? Email me or Whatsapp me at +48 793 514 962. Let your adventure start with Go Afrika.