How to Find Hotels in Kenya

Kenya, in the eastern African highland plain, features some of the most dramatic landscapes on the continent. This country, which used to offer excellent game hunting, is now host to one of the largest wildlife preserves in the world. Kenya remains one of Africa's most popular destinations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection
• Passport
• Visa

Find Accommodations in Nairobi

1. Use the Kenyan hotel rating system of A to E, with A being the best. Most of the A hotels are in Nairobi.
2. Visit Nairobi first, as it is the capital and the prime destination for most business travelers. Expect to pay moderate rates (by U.S. standards) for a room at an upper-end hotel chain.
3. Visit the Kenya Tourist Board Web site to learn more about types of accommodation and for links to booking agencies (see Resources below).
4. Stay at a private guesthouse for less money and more hospitality. Because of Nairobi's political stability, this is a relatively safe option.
5. Expect to pay low to moderate rates at a guesthouse.

Find Safari Accommodations

6. Venture outside Nairobi and explore the breathtaking game and nature preserves around the country.
7. Save money. Budget safari accommodations for five to seven days are offered through a variety of operators. These trips tend to be most popular with younger travelers, though people of all ages can enjoy them.
8. Expect to pay top dollar for all-inclusive two-week luxury safari. Many of these trips feature meals cooked by gourmet chefs, first-class accommodations tucked into jungle settings and lectures by wildlife experts.

Get To and Around Kenya

9. Find travel easily. Kenya is one of the most accessible countries in Africa. You can fly Kenya Airlines or one of many foreign carriers.
10. Trust Kenyan taxis. It is normal to negotiate your fare before leaving. The bus system is also safe, although the roads are not kind to bus travelers.
11. Take advantage of train service between Nairobi and Mombasa.

Tips & Warnings

• The Kenya Tourist Board Web site offers neither an online booking feature nor a designated booking phone number.
• You'll often find attractive package deals when you book online through a safari or tour operator.
• Call the hotel you're staying at first to arrange pickup from the airport. Most of the nicer hotels offer this service free.
• If you'll be on safari or in accommodations other than a high-rise hotel, bring a mosquito net.
• Visas are required. Obtain a visa by application prior to your arrival or at the airport when you land.
• In-person visas must be paid for in cash using dollars, pounds or euros only.
• Tip your servers and drivers! It is not only customary to tip in Kenya, it is needed. Tips comprise most of the wages of Kenyan tourist employees.