Unless you are traveling overland from southern Africa or Egypt, flying is by far the most convenient way to get to Kenya. Nairobi is a major African airline hub and flights between Kenya and the rest of Africa are common and relatively cheap. It's important to note that flight into Kenya availability and prices are highly seasonal.
Conveniently for Europeans, the cheapest fares usually coincide with the European summer holidays, from June to September. An economy return flight ticket from London can be about UKP400, but during December and January flight prices soar and availability plummets.
It's also worth checking out cheap charter flights to Mombasa from Europe, although these will probably be part of a package deal to a hotel resort on the coast. Prices are often absurdly cheap and there's no obligation to stay at the resort you are booked into.
A few adventurous and resourceful souls with their own vehicles still travel overland to Kenya from Europe, but most routes pass through several war zones and should only be considered after some serious planning and preparing.
Entering Kenya
Entering into Kenya is generally pleasingly straight forward, particularly at the international airports, which are no different from most western terminals. Visas are typically available on arrival for most nationalities (passport photos required), but you should contact your nearest Kenyan diplomatic offices to get the most up-to-date information. Currency Exchange offices or moneychangers are always present and visa fees can be paid in local currency or dollar.
Airlines in Kenya
Including the a national carrier, Kenya Airways, four Kenya domestic flight operators of varying sizes now run scheduled flights within Kenya. All appear to have a virtually clean slate safety-wise. Destinations served are predominantly around the coast and the popular southern national parks, where the highest density of tourist activity takes place.
With all these Kenyan airlines, be sure to book well in advance (this is essential during the high season). You should also remember to reconfirm your return safari flights 72-hours before departure, especially those that connect with an international flight. Otherwise, you may find that your seat has been reallocated.
The following airlines fly domestically in Kenya
· Air Kenya: Flying scheduled flights to Amboseli, Kiwayu, Lamu, Lewa downs, Maasai Mara, Malindi, Meru, Nanyuki, Samburu
· Kenya Airways Flying scheduled flights to Kisumu, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa
· Mombasa Air safari Flying scheduled flights to Amboseli, Ukunda, Lamu, Masai MARA, Malindi, Tsavo
· Safari Link Flying scheduled flights to Chyulu hills, Kiwayu, Lewa Downs, Masai Mara, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Samburu, Tsavo West
Charter Airlines
Chartering a small aircraft saves you time and it's the only realistic way to get to some parts of Kenya, but it's an expensive business. It may be worth considering if you can get a group together. For a three-day trip from Nairobi to Sibiloi National park on the west of Lake Turkana, you can expect to pay US$ 350 to US$ 400 each, if five people are sharing.
There are dozens of Kenyan air charter companies operating from Nairobi's Wilson airport. For example
· Excel aviation air charters
· Z-Boskovic Air charters
· Blue Bird Aviation Air charters
A couple of small charter-type airlines run occasional scheduled flights from Diani Beach, Lamu, Mombasa and Eldoret.