Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

21 February 2026

3-minute read

Kenya is a premier East African destination, world-renowned for its authentic, top-tier safari experiences and stunning Indian Ocean beaches. Offering diverse landscapes from the Great Rift Valley to Mount Kenya, it features rich culture, warm, year-round weather, and is best visited for wildlife during dry seasons.

South Africans generally need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Kenya, with a valid passport, a return ticket and accommodation details as supporting documents when applying for one.

Lilian, an official tour guide at Kenya Assist, says that Kenya is a wonderful destination to visit throughout the year. “Kenya is magnificent just anytime,” she laughs.

Accommodation that tourists can expect to find in Kenya, especially near the safari parks in the Maasai Mara include standard, medium and high-end range to suit all budgets. There are many reliable options for transport between cities and popular attractions. There are domestic flights between major destinations in the country, and there is a relatively good train system that can also be used.

Kenya is famous for its safaris. An authentic safari in Kenya at the Maasai Mara allows travellers an immersive experience witnessing the great migration of animals that takes place in July. It is a time where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and buck move across the African plains in search of fresh grazing, creating one of nature’s “most dramatic wildlife spectacles in the world.” And if you miss it, you can always catch it across the border in Tanzania at the Serengeti. At Amboseli National Park, tourists can take in the unforgettable sights of “elephants roaming beneath the backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro.” For those looking for a similar but less crowded and cheaper experience, the Subways National Park near the coast is accessible by train. At Lake Nakuru National Park, one can see “flamingos and rhinos in compact settings,” says Lillian.

Situated along the coast, Kenya also boasts beautiful warm water Indian Ocean beaches featuring coral reefs, palm-fringed shores, and luxury resorts. Diani Beach, located south of Mombasa, it is famed for its 25km of white sand and turquoise waters, making it a premier spot for kitesurfing and diving. Watamu Beach is known for its quiet, shallow bays and the Watamu Marine National Park, which is excellent for snorkelling and diving. Lamu Island offers a more remote, serene experience with pristine sands and traditional dhow sailing. Malindi Beach features long stretches of beach near the Marine National Park, popular for deep-sea fishing. Lillian says that while all beaches are suitable for swimming, snorkelling and an array of other activities, they do advise their clients, for safety reasons, to plan beach days when the tides are not high.

With 47 different languages being spoken locally, Kenyan is known for the diversity of its people. However, the most widely spoken languages are Swahili and English. A popular staple dish is Ugali, ground maize mixed with water.

According to Lillian, safety tips for first-time visitors to help them have a smooth and enjoyable trip include booking with reputable tour agents, following the guidelines of local drivers, avoiding isolated areas at night, and keeping your valuables on you.

So, for a perfect balance of sun, sand, sea and safari, come to Kenya and you will not be disappointed!

Listen to the full interview with Ml Ibrahim Daya and Lillian here.