Kenya
What to pack for Kenya: clothing, plugs and season-by-season list
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a warm layer for evenings, a rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a UK‑type plug adapter; adjust items for the dry season (June‑Oct) or short‑rain months (Mar‑May).
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GuideKenya
Key facts
- Currencycheck
- Kenyan shilling (KES), ~129 KES per US$ (2026 estimate)
- Plugs
- Type G (UK three‑pin), 240 V 50 Hz
- Language
- Swahili and English (both official)
- Typical temperaturecheck
- 30‑35 °C in lowlands, 10‑20 °C in highlands
Seasonal clothing guide
Dry season (June‑Oct, Jan‑Feb): daytime heat, cool evenings. Bring short‑sleeve shirts, shorts, lightweight trousers, a fleece or sweater for nights, and a hat.
Short‑rain season (Mar‑May, Nov‑Dec): occasional showers. Add a breathable rain jacket, quick‑dry pants and waterproof shoes.
Highland areas (Mount Kenya, Naivasha): temperatures can drop to 5 °C at night. Pack a warm jacket, gloves and a beanie.
- T‑shirts / long‑sleeve shirts (4‑6)
- Shorts / lightweight trousers (3‑4)
- Fleece or light sweater (1)
- Rain jacket (1, breathable)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent (DEET 20%+)
- Sturdy walking shoes + sandals
- Socks (quick‑dry, 5‑7 pairs)
- Swimwear for coastal stays
Electronics and plugs
Kenya uses Type G plugs (UK style) at 240 V 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter or a UK‑type plug converter. Most hotels provide USB sockets, but a power bank is handy for safaris where charging points are scarce.
- Phone, charger
- Camera + extra batteries
- Travel adapter (Type G)
- Power bank (10 000 mAh)
- Headlamp or flashlight
Health and safety items
Malaria risk is present in many lowland areas; carry prophylaxis as prescribed and use mosquito netting. A basic first‑aid kit, oral rehydration salts, and any personal medication are essential.
- Prescription malaria tablets
- Insect repellent (DEET 20%+)
- Mosquito net (if staying in camps)
- Basic first‑aid kit
- Oral rehydration salts
Budget considerations
Packing light reduces airline baggage fees (typically US$30‑40 per extra bag). A rain jacket and adapter cost about US$15‑25 each if bought locally; buying them before travel is cheaper.
- Extra baggage fee: ~US$30‑40 per bag
- Adapter: US$15‑25
- Rain jacket: US$20‑40
Questions people ask
What should I know about packing list in Kenya?
Pack light layers for hot lowlands, one warm fleece or jacket for highland nights and safari mornings, a breathable rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a Type G (UK three-pin) adapter. Adjust for the season you travel.
How much does it cost?
Most of the list costs nothing if you already own it. If you buy on arrival, a Type G adapter runs about US$15–25 and a rain jacket US$20–40 (2026 estimate). Check your airline's extra-bag fee before you pack a second suitcase.
When should I plan for it?
Start a week out: check the season (long rains roughly Mar–May, short rains Nov–Dec), confirm malaria prophylaxis with a travel clinic, and buy anything missing before you fly. Safari camps often limit luggage on light aircraft.
Do I need a plug adapter in Kenya?
Yes, if you come from the US, Canada, Australia or most of Europe. Kenya uses Type G, the UK three-pin, at 240 V 50 Hz. UK and Ireland travellers need nothing. Bring one adapter plus a power bank for safari camps with limited charging points.
What should I wear on safari?
Neutral colours (khaki, olive, tan), long sleeves and trousers for dawn and dusk drives, a fleece or jacket for open-vehicle mornings, a wide-brim hat and closed shoes. Avoid bright blue and black: tsetse flies are drawn to them. Laundry is usually available at lodges.
Do I need warm clothes in Kenya?
Yes, if you go to the highlands. Nairobi sits around 1,700 m and nights can drop near 10 °C; Mount Kenya and Naivasha can be colder. Add a fleece, long trousers, socks and a light beanie for early game drives and highland lodges.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialKenya Tourism Board
Ask about Kenya
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