Kenya All-Inclusive Travel Guide
Kenya's coast is the part people forget: while everyone pictures safari, Diani Beach delivers a long ribbon of white sand and warm Indian Ocean swimming, with a Big Five park reachable for a side trip. It's the rare all-inclusive base where you can pair beach days with a genuine bush adventure.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Always confirm entry and safety details with official government sources before you travel.
Do you need a passport or eTA for Kenya?
Kenya scrapped tourist visas and now uses an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). U.S. citizens must apply online before travel at etakenya.go.ke; the standard eTA is around $30 for a single entry valid up to 90 days.
Apply at least three days ahead, and carry a printout. You'll need a passport valid for six months. Always confirm the current fee and rules on travel.state.gov.
Is Kenya safe?
Kenya is rated Level 2, 'Exercise Increased Caution,' by the U.S. State Department. That's a country-wide rating – the coastal resort strip at Diani Beach is well away from the higher-risk areas the advisory flags.
The Level 4 'Do Not Travel' zones are the far north and the Somali border, plus the coast north of Malindi – not Diani. Use normal city precautions and check travel.state.gov before you go.
Currency and tipping
The Kenyan shilling is the local currency; U.S. dollars are useful for park fees and some tours, but bring newer bills. Cards work at resorts and M-Pesa mobile money is everywhere.
Tipping is customary: budget a few dollars a day for safari guides and drivers, around 10% in restaurants, and small notes for porters and housekeeping.
When to visit
The coast is warm year-round. The best stretches are the drier seasons – roughly January to March and July to October – which are also prime safari months.
Avoid the 'long rains' of April and May, when humidity and downpours peak. November's shorter rains are lighter and pass quickly.
Getting there & around
Most itineraries route through Nairobi (NBO), then a short domestic hop to Moi International in Mombasa (MBA) or the small Ukunda/Diani airstrip (UKA) closer to the beach.
From there it's a transfer to the resort. Kenya drives on the left; we'd leave the driving to arranged transfers and licensed taxis rather than renting.
What to do beyond the resort
Snorkel or dive the Kisite Marine Park, take a dhow cruise, and explore the colobus-monkey forest near Diani. Wasini Island makes a great day trip.
The big draw is combining beach with bush: Tsavo East and Shimba Hills are close enough for a safari add-on, and many visitors fly inland for the Maasai Mara.
Good to know
Power is 240V with UK-style Type G plugs, so pack an adapter. Malaria precautions matter on the coast – talk to a travel clinic about prophylaxis and bring repellent.
A yellow fever certificate may be requested. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and dress a little more modestly in towns and villages off the resort.
The best all-inclusive resorts in Kenya
The Kenya properties we'd actually book — tap through for photos, real guest ratings, and what's included.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Not a visa – Kenya now uses an eTA. U.S. citizens apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel; the standard single-entry eTA is about $30 and is valid up to 90 days.
Is Diani Beach safe?
Kenya is Level 2 overall. Diani and the Mombasa coast are away from the Level 4 areas (the far north, Somali border, and coast north of Malindi). Use normal precautions and check travel.state.gov.
What currency does Kenya use?
The Kenyan shilling. Carry newer U.S. dollar bills for park fees and tours; cards work at resorts and M-Pesa mobile money is widely used.
Should I tip in Kenya?
Yes – it's customary. A few dollars a day for guides and drivers, about 10% at restaurants, and small notes for porters and housekeeping.
When is the best time to visit?
The drier seasons, roughly January–March and July–October, which are also the best for safari. Skip the heavy 'long rains' of April and May.
How do I get to Diani Beach?
Fly into Nairobi (NBO), then a short domestic flight to Mombasa (MBA) or the Ukunda/Diani airstrip (UKA), followed by a resort transfer.
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