Kenya Safari From the UK:Complete Planning Guide
By Yulle Adventure
Kenya is one of the easiest safari destinations to reach from the United Kingdom, with long-standing flight links and almost no time difference. It also has a long history with British travelers, which means well-developed tourism services and plenty of English-speaking guides. This guide covers what you need to plan a safari from the UK.
Why Kenya suits UK travelers
- Direct flights: nonstop services link London with Nairobi, usually taking around eight to nine hours.
- Minimal jet lag: Kenya is two to three hours ahead of UK time, depending on the season, so you can start your safari fresh.
- English widely spoken: easy communication with guides, camps and staff.
- Familiar plugs: Kenya uses UK-style three-pin plugs, so your adapters should work.
- Flexible trips: from a long weekend add-on to a three-week journey.
Check current flight schedules and airlines when you book, because routes change.
Entry requirements for UK passport holders
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): apply online at the official portal before you travel. Each traveler needs their own, including children and infants. See our step-by-step eTA guide.
- Passport: valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
- Return or onward ticket: carry proof with you.
- Travel health insurance: Kenya has announced a minimum cover of US$50,000 for foreign visitors, to be provided by a Kenyan-licensed insurer according to reports on the notice, with details still being finalized. Your UK travel policy may not meet it by itself. See our insurance article.
- Official advice: read the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for Kenya before you book and again before you travel.
Health
See your GP or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure for advice on routine vaccinations, yellow fever, malaria prevention and typhoid. Pack insect repellent, sun protection, a basic first-aid kit and your regular medicines in your hand luggage. Check the NHS Fit for Travel or TravelHealthPro guidance for current recommendations.
Best time to go from the UK
| MonthWhy go | |
| January to February | Escape winter, warm, dry, good game viewing and the lower Mara fee |
| June | Quiet dry-season start, lower fees than July |
| July to October | The Great Migration in the Mara, with the highest prices |
| December | Warm, festive and busy over Christmas and New Year |
In the Masai Mara, non-resident adults pay US$100 per day in January to June and US$200 per day in July to December in 2026. UK school holidays in July and August overlap with peak migration season, so book early. See our guide to the best time to visit Kenya.
What it costs
Safari prices are usually quoted in US dollars, so your cost in pounds depends on the exchange rate. 2026 Masai Mara guides put budget safaris at about US$250 to 350 per person per day, midrange at US$350 to 600 and luxury at US$700 to 1,500 or more. Remember to budget for your flights, the eTA, insurance and tips. See our full guide to Kenya safari costs.
Booking and protection
Ask how your payment and booking are protected, what the cancellation terms are and what happens if you need to change dates. Travel insurance should cover cancellation, medical costs and emergency evacuation. Ask us about our terms before you pay a deposit, and keep copies of all documents.
A sample 8-day trip from the UK
- Day 1: overnight flight from London to Nairobi.
- Day 2: arrive in Nairobi, transfer to your hotel or fly to the Masai Mara.
- Days 3 to 5: game drives in the Mara, with an optional balloon flight.
- Day 6: travel to Lake Nakuru or Naivasha.
- Day 7: return to Nairobi, visit the Giraffe Centre or the national museum.
- Day 8: fly home to London.
Add the coast for a beach extension, or Amboseli for elephants.
Money, tips and phones
Most safari payments are in US dollars. Carry small US notes for tips. Many places in Nairobi accept cards, but remote camps often do not. Check your mobile roaming charges, and consider a local SIM card. Wi-Fi is available in many camps, but signal can be weak.
What to pack
Layers for cold mornings, neutral clothing, closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, a camera and spare batteries, and a UK plug that works without an adapter. A soft duffel bag is best if you fly on small aircraft.
Responsible travel
Choose camps that support conservation and local communities, respect wildlife distances and avoid buying wildlife products. Your safari fees help protect the parks.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Kenya? An eTA is needed before travel. Apply online through the official portal.
How long is the flight? Typically about eight to nine hours nonstop.
Do I need to change money? US dollars are widely used, and local currency is useful in towns.
Is Kenya safe? Safaris are well organized. Follow your guide's advice and check official travel advice before you go.
Plan your UK to Kenya safari with Yulle Adventure
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will build a trip to match. Browse or Contact us for a quotation.