Kenya has long been a go-to destination for incredible safari adventures, but there’s more to discover beyond its idyllic grasslands. From the bustling capital city of Nairobi to the exotic beaches of Mombasa, Kenya offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler.
Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Visit
You may find that flights to Kenya are cheaper during the two rainy seasons, which run from November to December and March to May. If you’re heading to the Maasai Mara on safari, the wildebeest and zebra migrate through the area between July and October, making it a popular time to visit. Nairobi gets the majority of its visitors during the dry season. There are fewer mosquitos and the plains aren’t as lush, which makes it easier to see the wildlife. This period also experiences the most sunshine - but this combination makes June to October the most expensive time to visit. So, it’s cheapest to fly to Nairobi during the wet season in spring, but the heavy rainfall can mean the roads are flooded and some of the attractions are closed.
Booking Flights
By analyzing data from all airlines on the Trip.com flight calendar, it looks like the best time to book a flight from London to Nairobi is around 40 days (6 weeks) in advance, and the best time to fly is usually on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Tuesday typically offers the cheapest flights for departure, while Saturday offers the best return deals.
Flight Duration
It takes about 8 hours 48 minutes to fly from London to Nairobi.
Based on Trip.com data in the past 4 weeks, there is 9 flight per week flying from London to Nairobi.
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Visa Requirements
All visitors travelling to Kenya need a visa to enter which must be obtained before departure. Visas are issued electronically.
Baggage Allowance
You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg - in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each.
Exploring Nairobi
Kenya’s largest city and capital, Nairobi is known for being the safari hub of Africa. With plenty of culture and modern amenities, a trip to Nairobi promises to be exciting. Many people opt to explore Nairobi as part of an organised tour, though the compact city is also easy to discover on foot. Public buses, known as “matatus”, connect the city and its suburbs.
Things to Do in Nairobi
- Nairobi National Park: Spot creatures like lions, cheetahs, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and zebras.
- Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park: Observe leopards, monkeys, and birds at this mountainous park, 73 km from Nairobi.
- Nairobi National Museum: Learn about Kenya’s history and culture.
- Nairobi Gallery: Admire the acclaimed Murumbi African Heritage Collection.
- Westlands: Party at this trendy and lively district with an exciting array of bars and clubs.
- National Museum: During the day explore Nairobi’s history, arts, culture and nature.
- Ngongo Hills: Go hiking - and zip lining.
- Carnivore Restaurant: When you’re hungry, discover restaurants like Carnivore, which serves up almost every kind of game meat you can imagine.
- Nairobi coffee shop: Start your day with a cup of freshly brewed beans.
- Bomas of Kenya: Visit the Bombas of Kenya to learn more about Kenya’s cultures.
- Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park: Take a stroll through the park and look for the inspirational Independence Monument.
- Maasai markets: Keep an eye out for one of the city’s many Maasai markets on your adventures too, where you can buy a range of items, including jewellery, clothes and paintings.
Getting Around Nairobi
When you’re travelling to Nairobi from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you can take a taxi that will reach the city in about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. You can also pre-book a car before you arrive. Or, there are buses from the airport to the downtown area, but this journey will take longer as there are lots of stops along the way. You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to explore more of Nairobi and beyond.
Hunting and being hunted in Kenya's Masai Mara | Full Documentary
Beyond Nairobi
Aside from Kenya’s spectacular national parks and exotic beaches, there’s so much for visitors to discover in this famously welcoming country. Intrepid travellers can join organised hikes of Mount Kenya, Africa’s seconded highest peak. Or, for a culture fix, Nairobi has it all. Head to the city’s National Museum, rich with precious artefacts, art and details of the country’s history and context within East Africa.
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Maasai Mara National Reserve
When it's time to venture onwards, head west to the Maasai Mara National Reserve for an unforgettable safari experience. If you're lucky enough to plan your Kenyan trip at the right time of year, the annual migration of wildebeest from the Maasai Mara National Reserve on the border of Tanzania to the Serengeti National Park is an incredible sight. Consider taking a balloon ride to appreciate the herd of animals from the air.
Mombasa
There’s no better way to round off a trip to Kenya than by heading east to Mombasa, perched on a prime stretch of coastline on the Indian Ocean. Try surfing at Nyali beach or kick back under a palm tree and enjoy the soft white sands of Mombasa beach itself, cocktail in hand.
Budget-Friendly Travel
You can experience all Kenya has to offer on budgets big or small, although most visitors find that costs are generally low for dining, drinking and getting around. For every five-star safari lodge or luxury beach resort, there are plenty more modest options. Nairobi is an affordable destination, even if you’re travelling on a small budget. There are plenty of options at mealtimes, with street food stalls and independent restaurants throughout the city. You’ve got your pick of accommodation choices at a range of price points too, and you can take a free walking tour to find your way around the streets.
Additional Information
Time Difference
The time difference between Nairobi and London is 3h.
Changing or Cancelling Tickets
Tickets can only be changed or canceled if permitted by airline policy. To submit a change or cancellation request, go to the flight bookings page, select the option to change or cancel your booking, choose the relevant passengers and segment, and submit a request. Please note that additional charges may apply according to the airline ticket policy. However, if the flight has been rescheduled and you would like to change or cancel your ticket, you can submit an involuntary cancellation request.
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Historical Note
It was actually Germany who first laid claim to Kenya but control was swiftly handed across to Britain in 1890. In 1963 the country then gained independence. Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth was holidaying in Kenya when her father, King George VI died in 1952.
If you’re keen to explore Kenya, getting about is easy. You can fly internally from Nairobi to Mombasa or take the scenic route and travel by train. Long-distance buses and coaches travel across the country connecting all the major towns.
Airlines that fly from London to Nairobi
Below is a list of selected airlines based on historical data collected from flight bookings users made on Trip.com within the last 90 days.
| Airline | Notes |
|---|---|
| British Airways | Offers excellent and uniquely British experience in all cabins. |
| Kenya Airways | Offers direct flights. |
| Other Airlines | Please check Trip.com for a comprehensive list. |
