Republic of Kenya Travel Itinerary - Visa Application Document body { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #000000; color: #ffffff; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0; padding: 40px 20px; } .container { max-width: 1000px; margin: 0 auto; } header { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 40px; } h1, h2, h3, p, span, li, strong { color: #ffffff; } h1 { font-size: 2rem; margin-bottom: 5px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; } .document-meta { font-size: 1rem; margin-bottom: 30px; } .itinerary-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 20px; } .day-box { background-color: #000000; border: 2px solid #000000; outline: 1px solid #333333; padding: 20px; page-break-inside: avoid; } .day-header { border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; padding-bottom: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; } .day-header h2 { margin: 0; font-size: 1.4rem; } .day-header .location { font-size: 1rem; font-weight: normal; font-style: italic; } .activity-list { list-style-type: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; } .activity-list li { margin-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 15px; position: relative; } .activity-list li::before { content: "-"; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; } .highlight { font-weight: bold; } footer { margin-top: 40px; padding-top: 20px; border-top: 1px solid #000000; } .tips-section { margin-bottom: 20px; } .tips-section h3 { font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; } .tips-list { list-style-type: square; padding-left: 20px; font-size: 0.95rem; } .tips-list li { margin-bottom: 8px; } .official-note { text-align: center; font-size: 0.9rem; font-style: italic; margin-top: 30px; } @media print { body { background-color: #ffffff !important; color: #000000 !important; padding: 0; } h1, h2, h3, p, span, li, strong, .location { color: #000000 !important; } .day-box { background-color: #ffffff !important; border: 2px solid #000000 !important; outline: none !important; margin-bottom: 20px; box-shadow: none !important; } .day-header { border-bottom: 1px solid #000000 !important; } footer { border-top: 1px solid #000000 !important; } @page { margin: 2cm; } } Travel Itinerary Destination: Republic of Kenya (Nairobi, Masai Mara, Mombasa) Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights Purpose of Travel: Tourism Day 1 - Arrival in Nairobi, The "Green City in the Sun" Arrival & Immigration: Depart from Dhaka (DAC) and arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Present your pre-approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) alongside a passport valid for at least six months. Transfer to your confirmed hotel in the city center. Jamia Mosque: Visit the central hub of Islamic practice in Kenya. Located in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD), this iconic structure is characterized by its classic Arabic architectural style, twin minarets, and profound historical significance to the local Muslim community. National Museum of Kenya: Spend the afternoon exploring this premier institution to gain deep insights into Kenya's rich paleontological discoveries (including early hominid fossils), extensive ethnographic history, and diverse contemporary art scene. Giraffe Centre (A.F.E.W. Kenya): Conclude your day with a visit to the Giraffe Centre in Lang'ata. Participate in the conservation efforts by feeding and interacting with the highly endangered Rothschild's giraffes from an elevated observation platform. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Nairobi. Day 2 - Journey into the Great Rift Valley & Masai Mara Transit to Masai Mara: Depart Nairobi early via a specialized 4x4 safari land cruiser for a scenic 5–6 hour overland journey (alternatively, take a short domestic bush flight from Wilson Airport) toward the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Great Rift Valley Viewpoint: Stop along the escarpment for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Great Rift Valley, a massive geological trench that stretches from the Middle East to Mozambique, characterizing the dramatic East African landscape. Afternoon Game Drive: Arrive at your designated safari lodge or tented camp in time for a late lunch. Embark on an introductory late-afternoon game drive across the sweeping golden savannahs, initiating the search for the legendary "Big Five" (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros). Accommodation: Overnight stay at a safari lodge/camp in the Masai Mara. Day 3 - The Great Migration & Savannah Biodiversity Full-Day Safari Expedition: Depart at dawn with a packed picnic lunch for a comprehensive full-day game drive. Navigating the vast plains maximizes the opportunity to observe peak predator activity during the cooler morning hours. Mara River Exploration: Drive toward the crucial Mara River ecosystem. Depending on the season, witness the dramatic crossings of the Great Wildebeest Migration or observe the massive resident pods of hippos and basking Nile crocodiles that permanently inhabit the waters. Rich Biodiversity: Keep a keen eye out for the reserve's staggering biodiversity, including the world's fastest land mammal, the cheetah, alongside giraffes, zebras, and over 400 recorded species of migratory and endemic birds. Traditional Maasai Manyatta (Wildcard Option): Opt for an afternoon visit to a local Maasai village. Engage with the semi-nomadic pastoralist community, learn about their traditional boma construction, and witness their world-famous, high-jumping warrior dances (Adumu). Accommodation: Overnight stay in the Masai Mara. Day 4 - Nairobi Conservation, Culture & Culinary Heritage Morning Drive & Return Transit: Undertake a final, brief sunrise game drive before checking out of the lodge and commencing the journey back to the capital city of Nairobi. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: Visit the pioneering elephant orphanage in Nairobi National Park. Note: Strict pre-booking is required to attend the exclusive 11:00 AM public viewing, where you can watch rescued infant elephants and rhinos being bottle-fed and playing in the mud baths. Karen Blixen Museum: Explore the preserved colonial farmhouse of Danish author Karen Blixen, made globally famous by her memoir "Out of Africa." The museum provides a striking glimpse into Kenya's early 20th-century settler history. Traditional Kenyan Dinner: Dine at an authentic local restaurant to experience traditional Kenyan cuisine. Highly recommended dishes include "Nyama Choma" (slow-grilled goat or beef) paired with "Ugali" (maize flour staple) or heavily spiced coastal "Pilau" rice. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Nairobi. Day 5 - The Swahili Coast & Omani Heritage (Mombasa) Transit to Mombasa: Board the modern Madaraka Express (Standard Gauge Railway - SGR) from Nairobi Terminus for a scenic, comfortable journey through Tsavo National Park down to the coastal city of Mombasa, or opt for a quick 1-hour domestic flight. Fort Jesus (UNESCO World Heritage): Tour the imposing coastal fortress designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati and built by the Portuguese in 1593. The fort's architecture and museum reflect a turbulent history of Portuguese, Ottoman, and Omani conquests. Mombasa Old Town: Walk through the labyrinthine, narrow alleys of the Old Town. Observe the heavily carved wooden doors, overhanging balconies, and distinct architectural fusion that visually narrates centuries of Arab, Portuguese, and British colonial influence. Mandhry Mosque: Visit the historic Mandhry Mosque, founded in 1570. As one of the oldest mosques in Kenya, its striking architecture features a unique, smooth white conical minaret that blends traditional Swahili and Arabic building styles. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mombasa. Day 6 - Islamic Antiquity & Indian Ocean Marine Life Coastal Excursions (Lamu or Haller Park): Depending on logistics, either take a domestic flight to the Lamu Archipelago to explore pristine Islamic Swahili settlements, or remain in Mombasa to visit Haller Park, an ecological marvel where a former limestone quarry was transformed into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Basheikh Mosque Exploration: If exploring the wider coastal heritage, visit historic 13th-century Islamic structures like the Basheikh Mosque, representing the deep, ancient roots of Islam along the East African trading routes. Indian Ocean Beaches: Spend a relaxing afternoon unwinding on the brilliant white sands of Nyali or Bamburi Beach. Swim in the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, protected by an offshore coral reef. Sunset Dhow Cruise: Conclude your coastal experience by boarding a traditional wooden sailing vessel (Dhow). Sail along the Tudor Creek or the Mombasa coastline at sunset, often accompanied by Swahili music and a seafood dinner. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mombasa. Day 7 - Helipads, Artisan Markets & Departure Return to the Capital: Take the morning Madaraka Express (SGR) or a domestic flight from Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA) back to Nairobi. Maasai Market Acquisitions: Spend the afternoon at the vibrant open-air Maasai Market (location varies by day in Nairobi). This is the premier location to negotiate and purchase authentic Kenyan souvenirs, including intricate beaded jewelry, soapstone carvings, and hand-woven Kikoy and Shuka fabrics. KICC Helipad Views: Ascend to the rooftop helipad of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Enjoy a spectacular, unobstructed 360-degree farewell view of Nairobi's skyline stretching out toward the national park. Airport Transfer & Departure: Transfer securely to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Complete exit immigration and security procedures before boarding your return flight to Dhaka (DAC), concluding your comprehensive Kenyan expedition. Essential Travel Notes & Embassy Tips Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): Kenya no longer issues traditional tourist visas or visas on arrival. All foreign nationals must apply online for an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) via the official government portal (etakenya.go.ke) prior to departure. The eTA grants a single entry and is generally valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Print the approval document to present at airline check-in and border control. Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival and contain a minimum of two blank pages for immigration stamps. Yellow Fever & Health Protocols: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is strictly required if you are arriving from, or have spent more than 12 hours transiting through, a country listed as an endemic risk zone. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for travel to the coast (Mombasa) and the Masai Mara. Strict Plastic Bag Ban: Kenya enforces severe penalties (including massive fines or imprisonment) for the use, manufacture, or importation of single-use plastic bags. Do not pack items in plastic grocery bags or bring duty-free plastic bags into the country. Ziploc bags used strictly for toiletries are generally permitted but must leave the country with you. Currency & M-Pesa Integration: The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). While credit cards are accepted in major hotels and tourist hubs, Kenya operates heavily on "M-Pesa," a mobile money transfer system. It is highly advisable to carry some physical KES for small market purchases and tipping. SGR Train Booking Logistics: Tickets for the Madaraka Express (SGR) between Nairobi and Mombasa sell out rapidly. Tickets can only be purchased up to 60 days in advance via the official Kenya Railways website, and payments often require a local M-Pesa account or the assistance of a registered local tour operator. Safari Etiquette & Conservation Rules: While inside National Parks and Reserves, strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Do not encourage drivers to go off-road to get closer to animals, maintain silence near wildlife, and never feed any wild animals. Cultural Modesty at the Coast: While Nairobi and safari camps have relaxed dress codes, Mombasa and Lamu are deeply historic, conservative Muslim regions. When exploring Old Town or visiting mosques, both men and women must dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered out of respect for local customs. This document is prepared for visa application, immigration clearance, and comprehensive travel planning.