Thinking of traveling to Kenya? Wondering if it’s safe to explore the country, and where to see wildlife without the crowds? Kenya – Exploring the Country Independently is our personal experience exploring this country in 2025. Our adventure includes Nairobi, Meru National Park, Nanyuki and Kisumu. We share our insights on where to stay, where to eat and drink, and things to see and do. Our guide reflects our travel style and aims to provide useful things to know before visiting this obscure destination.
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Kenya, ‘the pride of Africa’. World-renowned for its Masai Mara Nature reserve and the great migration, there’s certainly a wealth of natural beauty to be proud of. Undeniably one the best wildlife destinations on the planet, ‘land of mammals’ would also be pertinent. Home to millions of animals, from rhinos to rare insects, along with more than 55 million people, Kenya is the land of life.
Why go to Kenya?
There’s no shortage of reasons why people visit Kenya. The majority of visitors come for the wildlife – Kenya, National Geographic and David Attenborough go hand in hand. Incredible animals and unforgettable landscapes are just some of the reasons to explore this East African gem. The country’s kind-hearted people are another. Interacting with local people and experiencing community life is one of the most rewarding parts of any adventure. From catching local transport to eating at a local restaurant, Kenya is an easy, safe and fun country to explore independently. Come to Kenya for an authentic adventure.
- Capital: Nairobi
- Best time to visit: June – March (wet season is April-May)
- Budget/Mid-Range/Couple: AU$130 per day
- Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KS83 = AU$1)
- Language: Swahili and English
- Visa: Yes
- Difficulty: 1 (1-basic & 5-challenging)
Nairobi
Kenya’s biggest city, Nairobi is certainly a happening place. A jungle of old and new buildings, roadside stalls and hawkers selling various items, cram the streets. People are everywhere! Entire blocks are used as makeshift bus stops, with endless lines of vans waiting to depart. Horns, yelling, music and constant traffic overwhelm the senses, life is on the move. There’s no stop button, or waiting room, you either get on, or get out of the way. But once you’re on, you’ll feel the flow. Everything works. There’s no road rage or anger here, people are patient and considerate, they respect each other. They’ll respect you too if you give them a little time and attention. Ask them for directions, answer their questions, they’re not dangerous, far from it. They are loving, energetic people, living life in the rhythm of the city.
Getting to Nairobi
Nairobi has some of Africa’s best flight connections, with regular services to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. Daily flights also connect to many African countries. We flew in from India on Air Kenya – an easy six-hour trip.
Where to stay in Nairobi
The city is packed with hotels, guesthouses and Airbnb’s, catering for all budgets. The Westlands, Karen and Kilimani neighbourhoods are popular choices for visitors, with plenty of shopping centres and restaurants catering for expats and foreigners.
The city centre area is ideal if you are looking for an authentic Nairobi stay. We stayed here, in Ngara, a lively local neighbourhood, and loved it. The city centre is real Nairobi, with real people. Friendly, welcoming and memorable.
Where to eat and drink in Nairobi
The streets of Nairobi are packed with small restaurants and cafes. These may not be the fine dining type establishments you find back home, there’s no bells and whistles. They appear basic, but the food is all made with love. Street snacks are everywhere. Chapatis, eggs, and peanuts are just some of the many things you’ll find getting freshly roasted on the sidewalk. In local neighbourhoods, street kitchens are a hub of food, conversation, and daily life – try one, it’s fun.
- Get to Azuri Café and Restaurant (a popular choice, with plenty of seating, English speaking staff, and a menu catering for all dietary needs. Also, a great terrace for people watching)
- Don’t miss Randa Dishes (this is where hungry locals eat. Perfect spot to try national favourites such as ugali (maize), bhajia (potato) or maharagwe (beans)
- Check out Fig Tree Markets (where locals shop for their fruit and vegies, clothes, and many other goods. Local prices, local produce, plenty of ladies cooking up snacks on the roadside)
Things to see and do in Nairobi
Masai Market is the place to come if you are after some souvenirs. Be prepared to barter, as prices are high. It’s held in the park near the KICC on weekends, and in the city market during the week.
Uhuru Park is spacious, and a popular meeting spot for locals. Heaps of picnic spots.
National Museum of Kenya is well worth a visit, and has some good natural history exhibits.
Nairobi National Park lies on the outskirts of the city, and can be reached in thirty minutes on public transport. Matatus 125 and 126 will drop you at the gate. There are various centres to visit once you are inside the park. Tour companies all over the city offer half or full day trips to the park.
Getting around Nairobi
The streets of Nairobi are a tangle of vans, buses, cars and people. Traffic lights seldom work, and at first sight, it appears chaotic, but it slowly moves. The fastest way to get around is on a boda boda, the local name for a motorbike taxi. They are cheap, and gather in groups on most blocks. Walking is often faster than a car. Taxis and buses are also an option for the downtown area. Matatus (shared vans) service all of the surrounding neighbourhoods. Kenneth Matiba Road is one of the larger matatu stops.
Meru National Park
Meru National Park is often overlooked in favor of more accessible parks. This is what makes it so special. You may be the only jeep in sight, meaning uninterrupted wildlife viewing. The varied landscape is also a bonus, as it provides habitat for a variety of species. Rhino’s and elephants reside here in large numbers, as do lions and giraffes. Meru still has an untamed and raw feel about it, making it one of Kenya’s best parks.
Getting to Meru National Park
Meru National Park lies in the north of the country, with the closest town being Maua. Regular matatus leave from Nairobi’s Kenneth Matiba Road area, reaching Maua in around six-hours. From Maua, it’s a further thirty-minutes to the park. Taxis and boda-bodas service this route.
We made the journey to Meru, and it was unforgettable.
Where to stay in Meru National Park
There are lodges inside the park itself, as well as a range of options just outside.
We stayed at iKWETA Safari Camp, just five minutes from the park gate – and it was excellent. The staff are amazing, as are the tents and meals. They can arrange local walks, and safaris into the park. It was the perfect base for exploring Meru.
Where to eat and drink in Meru National Park
There is no-where to eat and drink inside the park. The closet supplies are back in Maua, thirty-minutes away. Your best option is to stay at accommodation that includes full board (all meals). You will be able to find some local fruit in the surrounding villages.
Things to see and do in Meru National Park
Search for animals of course! Driving around the park on the back of a safari jeep and scanning the landscape for wildlife is an incredible experience – easily one of our favourite things to do. Meru National Park is home to a rhino conservation project, which is a massive area inside the park where the rhinos are protected around the clock. We saw nine rhinos when we visited. All other wildlife can come and go into the rhino area, so you will have the opportunity to see many other creatures. With its mix of rivers, forests, and savannahs, Meru is an exceptional park to explore.
Getting around Meru National Park
Unless you have your own vehicle, preferably a 4×4, the only way to get around the park is by safari jeep. These will be organised or provided by your accommodation. There’s no jeeps waiting at the gate like other parks – you must arrange it beforehand. The park does not accept cash.
Discover why Meru National Park stands out as one of our top three national parks in East Africa
Nanyuki
Nanyuki, in central Kenya, is an easy-going place. It’s a typical country town, with dusty streets lined with stalls. Goats and sheep munch on any available grass, people go about their day. Warm days and cool evenings add to the towns allure, as do the laid-back locals. With Mount Kenya in the background, and the surrounding region full of conservation areas and projects, it’s a great place to spend a few days or more.
Getting to Nanyuki
Nanyuki is an easy three-hour trip from Nairobi. Matatu’s depart regularly from the Kenneth Matiba Road area. Meru National Park is around three hours away.
Where to stay in Nanyuki
Nanyuki’s proximity to Mt Kenya makes it a popular base for climbers, and as a result, accommodation options are in abundance. The busy centre around the bus stop and Cedar Mall is the most convenient place to stay. For somewhere a little quieter, the outskirts of town are a good choice. We found a nice Airbnb, overlooking corn fields, with views of Mt Kenya. It was only a quick boda trip, or twenty-minute walk into town.
Where to eat and drink in Nanyuki
Nanyuki is packed with local eating options. Meat is the number one choice, however, some local dishes are vegetarian friendly. Just ask the staff, they are always very helpful. Fruit and veggies are sold at the local market, or in stalls along the streets. Cedar Mall has a large supermarket, and some western style cafes and restaurants.
- Get to Nanyuki Swahili Dishes (best place in town to try local dishes. Really popular with locals. The coconut rice with fried cabbage is tasty)
- Don’t miss Antonias Kitchen (pleasant Mediterranean café with a nice variety of healthy meals. There’s something for everyone)
- Check out Old Open Air Market (we enjoyed searching for fresh produce at this pumping local market. If you can’t find it here, you won’t find it anywhere else in town)
Things to see and do in Nanyuki
Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is a wonderful project, about a twenty-five minute boda ride from town. They have an animal orphanage, where rescued animals are nurtured back to health and released back into the wild. Their Mountain Bongo breeding program has been a massive success. All funds go to protecting wildlife.
O1Pejeta Conservancy The plateau area around Nanyuki is home to an important number of wildlife conservation areas. Pejeta is one of the largest, and home to the last Northern White Rhino, along with other endangered animals.
The Equator Marker is a landmark on the outskirts of town. It marks the imaginary line that circles the globe, dividing the world into Northern and Southern Hemispheres – exactly halfway between the North and South Poles at 0 degrees latitude. A cool reminder of where you are on the planet.
Mt Kenya is visible in the distance, and Nanyuki is a great base to prepare. Plenty of tour companies around town can make the necessary arrangements for you.
Getting around Nanyuki
Boda bodas (motorbike taxi’s) are the best way to get around town. Cheap, fast, and easy to find, they’re what locals use. Walking is a great way to meet people, and Nanyuki’s wide streets make walking a memorable way to get around.
From catching local transport to eating at a local restaurant, Kenya is an easy, safe and fun country to explore independently.
Kisumu
Sitting on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya’s west, Kisumu is the country’s third largest city. A rich agricultural area, Kisumu plays an important part in the national economy. As a major transportation hub, it is also one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. Wide, tidy, tree-lined streets create more of a large country-town ambience, with the relaxed and welcoming residents adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Getting to Kisumu
Kisumu sits roughly halfway between Nairobi and Kampala, with both capital cities reachable in around seven hours. The Ugandan border crossing at Busia is three hours away. Buses and matatus are the main form of public transport, with most departures happening in the morning – things tend to slow down as the day goes on. Flying in from Nairobi is also an option.
Where to stay in Kisumu
The city has plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from around the city centre, covering all budgets. Finding a place with a lake view isn’t too difficult, and it’s a pleasant site. Airbnb’s are growing in number, and a great way to save some money. We found one in the Swan Centre.
Where to eat and drink in Kisumu
Kisumu, like every other Kenyan city has no shortage of eating options. These range from fancy waterfront bars, to local style cafes and street stalls. The streets around the local market and bus station are full of cheap local eats.
- Get to Dreamcatcher (located on the ground floor of the Swan Centre, there’s something on the menu for everyone. Local, affordable, and tasty. Evans is very welcoming)
- Don’t miss City Food Court (comfortable and modern. The vegetable curry is delicious)
- Check out Naivas Supermarket (found at Simba Mall, you’ll find a wide range of goods here. The food court serves an assortment of freshly made local dishes and gets busy with locals during lunchtime)
Things to see and do in Kisumu
Hippo Point is a great spot for the sunset and hippo sightings.
Riat Hills has excellent views and some short walks.
Kit Mikayi rock formations are the place to learn about local folklore.
Kisumu Museum is the place to go to learn about local traditions and cultures.
Immerse yourself with the local residents at Jubilee Market. The market and bus station are one beating organ here, making it a truly authentic experience!
Getting around Kisumu
Boda’s are the main form of transport around town. They are everywhere. Walking is also easy, as the streets have footpaths. Matatu’s service all areas outside the city.
Getting to Kenya
Reaching Kenya is straightforward, with plenty of international flight options. The country is well-connected to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and numerous other African destinations, making travel here simple.
Read more: Why Africa Should Be Your Next Adventure
Useful things to know before visiting Kenya
Learning a few basic Swahili words goes a long way – mambo means hello, asante means thank you, and karibu means welcome.
Public transport goes to all corners of the country. It’s easy, locals will help you, and you will make friends. We travelled everywhere using matatus and boda bodas, and the experience was part of the adventure.
The Co-operative Bank ATM charges no fees.
Wise Multi-Currency Card works well here. We take Wise everywhere – get yours here and support our adventures!
Payment by card is possible in supermarkets and shops, but not at markets or street stalls.
National parks and government-run attractions DO NOT accept cash. Payment is by card only. Most tickets can be purchased online in advance.
It can get a little chilly at night, bring a jumper.
Esims work reasonably well throughout the country.
Final thoughts on travelling in Kenya
Kenya is the ultimate country for nature and wildlife enthusiasts – there’s no doubt about that. But to think of Kenya as solely a wildlife destination would be a mistake; there is so much more. Unimaginable landscapes, little visited corners, and remote tribes lie just beneath the surface, waiting for those willing to dig a little deeper. Kenya has much more to discover beyond its world-famous attractions – these are only the tip of the iceberg. It’s truly an adventurer’s nirvana. Yes, we’ll never forget the lions and rhinos, those are life-long memories. But just as unforgettable are the genuine, kind, and warm-hearted people we met along the way. From matatu rides to street-side meals, it’s the everyday moments with locals that leave the biggest mark. The people of Kenya are amazing – undoubtedly, the country wouldn’t be the same without them.