🇰🇪 Flights to Kenya
Cheap Flights to Kenya from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Nairobi and Mombasa. Dream Fare beats comparison sites with exclusive fares for Kenya safaris, beach holidays and the UK Kenyan community.
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Flights to Kenyan Cities
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FROM £479Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Kenya’s vibrant capital and East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city. Direct flights from London in just 8 hours 30 minutes. Gateway to the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Mount Kenya and all of East Africa. Nairobi National Park has lions just 7km from the city centre.
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FROM £499Mombasa
Moi International Airport (MBA)
Kenya’s second city on the Indian Ocean coast. One-stop flights from the UK, usually via Nairobi. World-class beaches at Diani, Watamu and Malindi. Superb snorkelling and diving, historic Fort Jesus (UNESCO) and Swahili culture.
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Airlines
Airlines Flying to Kenya from UK
Kenya has excellent air connections from the UK with daily direct flights. We compare all airlines to find you the best price.
Baggage Allowances to Kenya
Flight Information
Flight Times & Distances to Kenya
Kenya is approximately 6,800km from London. Direct flights to Nairobi take just 8 hours 30 minutes. Kenya is on East Africa Time (EAT) — 3 hours ahead of GMT year-round.
| Route | Distance | Flight Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow (LHR) → Nairobi (NBO) | ~4,250 miles (6,840 km) | ~8h 30m | Direct |
| London Heathrow (LHR) → Mombasa (MBA) | ~4,500 miles (7,240 km) | ~11h+ via Nairobi | Via hub |
| Manchester (MAN) → Nairobi (NBO) | ~4,400 miles (7,080 km) | ~11h+ (one-stop) | Via hub |
| Birmingham (BHX) → Nairobi (NBO) | ~4,340 miles (6,980 km) | ~11h+ (one-stop) | Via hub |
When to Fly
Best Time to Fly to Kenya
Kenya has two dry seasons ideal for safaris. The Great Wildebeest Migration crosses the Mara River from July to October. The coast is beautiful year-round but best from January to March and June to October.
Peak Safari Season
July — October
Prime time for the Masai Mara Migration. River crossings from August to October. Excellent game viewing across all parks. Book 3 to 4 months ahead.
Short Dry Season
Jan — March
Excellent game viewing. Wildebeest calving takes place in the southern Serengeti (Tanzania) at this time. Mombasa and the coast at their finest. Good availability.
Cheapest Months
April — June
Long rains. Lowest fares of the year. Some parks can be difficult. Lush green scenery. Good for budget travellers.
Book Early
Nov — December
Short rains in November. Christmas demand surges in December. Book 3 to 4 months ahead for festive travel to Kenya.
Kenya Weather & Packing Guide
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Nairobi & Highlands
Nairobi sits at 1,795 metres giving it a mild climate of roughly 12°C to 26°C year-round. Pack light layers as evenings can be cool. The city rarely needs air conditioning. Malaria risk is low in Nairobi itself but prophylaxis is recommended for safari and coastal areas.
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Masai Mara & Safari
Safari parks can be cool at dawn and dusk (15°C) even in the dry season. Pack a fleece for early morning game drives. Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige) are essential. Avoid blue and black which attract tsetse flies. High-factor sunscreen essential.
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Mombasa & Coast
Hot and humid year-round with temperatures of 28°C to 35°C. The Indian Ocean is warm and perfect for swimming. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent and light cotton clothing. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for the entire coast.
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General Packing Tips
Kenya uses Type G plugs (same as UK). The eTA fee is currently about US$30 — apply at etakenya.go.ke before travel; from 5 October 2026 the application also includes mandatory travel health insurance. Download offline maps. Pack a power bank. Mobile data (Safaricom) is excellent. M-Pesa mobile money is used everywhere.
Culture & Food
Kenyan Culture, Food & Traditions
Kenya is East Africa’s most cosmopolitan country — a diverse nation of 44 ethnic groups, one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations, a thriving tech hub (Silicon Savannah) and the birthplace of long-distance running champions.
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Kenyan Cuisine
Nyama Choma (grilled meat — the national obsession), Ugali (maize porridge) with sukuma wiki (kale), Mukimo (mashed potatoes and greens), Pilau rice, Mandazi (fried doughnuts), Biryani on the coast, Tusker beer and Kenyan chai (spiced tea with milk) are all essential.
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Running Nation
Kenya is the greatest long-distance running nation on earth. From Eliud Kipchoge (the first sub-2-hour marathon) to Catherine Ndereba and David Rudisha, the Rift Valley produces an extraordinary concentration of world-beating athletes.
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Wildlife Capital
Kenya has some of the world’s finest wildlife experiences. The Masai Mara is famous for the Great Migration and year-round big cat sightings. Amboseli has elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Samburu has rare northern species.
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Benga & Music
Kenya has a vibrant music scene. Benga (guitar-led Luo music) is the original Kenyan pop. Contemporary Afrobeats, gengetone and the massive international success of Sauti Sol make Kenya one of Africa’s most influential music nations.
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Silicon Savannah
Nairobi is Africa’s leading tech hub. M-Pesa (mobile money invented in Kenya) transformed banking across the continent. Nairobi’s startup ecosystem rivals Lagos and Johannesburg as the continent’s most innovative tech centre.
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Indian Ocean Coast
Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast has over 500km of beaches. Diani Beach near Mombasa is consistently rated one of Africa’s finest beaches. Watamu, Malindi, Kilifi and Lamu island all offer extraordinary coastal experiences with rich Swahili heritage.
Top Attractions
Top Places to Visit in Kenya
Kenya offers world-class wildlife, beaches, mountains and culture in one extraordinary country.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The most famous wildlife reserve in Africa. Year-round big cat sightings (lions, leopards, cheetahs), massive elephant herds and the annual Great Migration of 1.5 million wildebeest from July to October. The Mara River crossings are one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth.
Amboseli National Park
Famous for its enormous elephant herds and the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro rising across the Tanzania border. The best place in Africa to photograph elephants with Africa’s highest mountain. Exceptional birding and good big cat sightings year-round.
Diani Beach
Consistently voted one of Africa’s best beaches. 17km of pure white coral sand and warm turquoise Indian Ocean water south of Mombasa. World-class diving, snorkelling, kitesurfing and watersports. Colobus monkeys swing through the trees above the beach hotels.
Lamu Island (UNESCO)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. No cars — only donkeys and boats. The labyrinthine stone town, dhow sailing and extraordinary Swahili architecture make Lamu utterly unique. Fly to Lamu (Manda airstrip) rather than driving — the FCDO advises against travel to the rest of Lamu County.
Nairobi National Park
The world’s only national park within a capital city. Lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffalos and zebras roam freely against the backdrop of Nairobi’s skyscrapers just 7km from the city centre. The David Sheldrick elephant orphanage is adjacent.
Mount Kenya
Africa’s second-highest peak at 5,199 metres and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. World-class trekking on multiple routes of varying difficulty. The Sirimon and Naro Moru routes are the most popular for reaching Point Lenana (4,985m) — achievable without technical climbing.
Visa & Travel Tips
Kenya Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before flying to Kenya from the UK.
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eTA Requirements
UK passport holders need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Kenya. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke at least 2 weeks before you go; the fee is currently about US$30. From 5 October 2026 visitors staying less than 12 months must also buy Kenyan travel health insurance as part of the eTA application. Do not travel without an approved eTA.
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Currency & Money
Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES). USD is widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels and safari lodges. M-Pesa mobile money is used everywhere. ATMs available across Nairobi and major towns. Inform your UK bank before travelling.
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Health & Vaccinations
Yellow fever required if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for safari parks, the coast and all areas outside Nairobi. Typhoid and hepatitis A also advised. Visit your GP at least 6 weeks before departure.
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SIM Cards & Connectivity
Safaricom (M-Pesa) is Kenya’s dominant network with excellent 4G coverage across the country including most safari parks. Airtel Kenya is the main alternative. SIM cards available at JKIA Airport. Kenya has excellent mobile internet infrastructure.
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Getting Around
Uber and Bolt operate in Nairobi. Domestic flights with Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Safarilink connect Nairobi to Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu and safari airstrips. Matatus (shared minibuses) are the main public transport but use metered taxis or Uber for safety.
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Safety Tips
Nairobi requires standard urban precautions. Avoid displaying valuables and use Uber rather than street taxis at night. The main tourist areas and national parks are visited by large numbers of travellers. The FCDO advises against all travel to Mandera, most of Garissa, parts of Wajir and Lamu County outside Lamu and Manda Islands, and against all but essential travel to parts of Tana River County and the coast between the Tana and Galana rivers — check gov.uk before you go.
FAQs
Flights to Kenya FAQ
How long is the flight from London to Kenya?
Kenya Airways and British Airways both operate daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in approximately 8 hours 30 minutes. Connecting flights via Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Dubai or Doha typically take around 12 to 16 hours, depending on the connection.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Yes. UK passport holders need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Kenya. Apply online at etakenya.go.ke at least 2 weeks before you go; the fee is currently about US$30. From 5 October 2026 visitors staying less than 12 months must also buy Kenyan travel health insurance as part of the eTA application. Do not travel without an approved eTA.
What is the best time for a Kenya safari?
July to October is the prime safari season with the Great Migration river crossings in the Masai Mara. January to March is also excellent for game viewing during the short dry season (the wildebeest calving season takes place at this time in the southern Serengeti in Tanzania). Avoid April to June (long rains) if safari is your main purpose.
Which airlines fly direct from London to Kenya?
Kenya Airways and British Airways both operate daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi. Kenya Airways is often the more competitively priced option. Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines all offer one-stop connections.
Do I need malaria tablets for Kenya?
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for safari parks, the coast (Mombasa, Diani, Watamu) and most areas of Kenya. There is low malaria risk in central Nairobi itself but the risk increases outside the city. Consult your GP before travel.
What is the Masai Mara famous for?
The Masai Mara is famous for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration (July to October), year-round big cat sightings (lions, leopards, cheetahs), enormous elephant herds and exceptional birdwatching. It is widely regarded as the finest safari destination in the world.
How much do flights from London to Kenya cost?
Return flights from London to Nairobi start from approximately £479 with Dream Fare. Mombasa flights start from around £499. Kenya is one of the best-value long-haul destinations from the UK. Contact us for the latest fares and exclusive deals.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.