Practical tips
Best time
Two dry seasons, ideal for safari: January–February and June–October. The Great Migration reaches the Maasai Mara mainly between July and October (Mara River crossings). The coast (Mombasa, Diani, Lamu) is warm year-round; avoid the long rains of April–May.
Languages
Swahili (Kiswahili) and English are the official languages; English is widely spoken in tourism and cities. A few Swahili words open doors: “Jambo” (hello), “Asante” (thank you), “Karibu” (welcome) and the famous “Hakuna matata” (no worries).
Etiquette
Greeting before asking for something matters, and elders deserve deference. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially Maasai communities (who often expect an agreed tip). Dress more modestly on the mostly Muslim Swahili coast (Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi).
What to see & culture
Places
The Maasai Mara (stage of the Great Migration), Amboseli with its Kilimanjaro view, Lake Nakuru and its flamingos, Tsavo and Mount Kenya. On the coast: Mombasa (Fort Jesus), Diani Beach and the old island town of Lamu, a Swahili World Heritage site.
Culture
More than 40 ethnic groups (Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kalenjin, Maasai and others) and a strong Swahili heritage on the coast. Home to world-class middle-distance runners; in music, benga and the urban gengetone shape the present. Athletics is almost a national religion.
Food
Nyama choma (grilled meat) is the social dish par excellence; ugali (maize staple) accompanies almost everything, with sukuma wiki (stewed greens). On the coast, Swahili cuisine shines: biryani, pilau and coconut fish curry. Spiced chai at any hour.