It's so exciting to have friends and family come from all sides of the globe. Firstly, we would like to thank you all for making the effort to travel to Kenya to attend our wedding. For all those who have to jump on a plane, we would like to provide you with some information on this thread to help you plan your trip and make sure you make the best out of your time in Kenya.
Flights & Transfers
There are plenty of convenient ways to get to Diani from Europe, North America and beyond. Most international travellers will arrive in Nairobi (NBO) before connecting to the coast.
We recommend flying to Ukunda Airstrip (UKA) whenever possible, as it's only a 10–15 minute taxi ride from most hotels in Diani.
Several airlines operate daily flights between Nairobi and Ukunda, including Jambojet, Safarilink and Skyward Express. The flight takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can fly into Moi International Airport (Mombasa). From there, it's approximately a 1 to 1½ hour taxi ride to Diani Beach.
If you're searching for international flights, we'd suggest comparing airlines such as Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways—the best option often depends on where you're travelling from.
For all the wedding guests who want to go on Safari after our coastal wedding, we recommend you to book your return flight to your home destination from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport.
From South Africa, the cheapest option is to fly into Nairobi and then get a Jambojet flight to Ukunda - flights (round-trip) from Nairobi Jomo Kenyata to Ukunda Airstrip are anything from 130 to 200 Euro.
Transfers:
Mombasa-Diani: Please note that if you land at Mombasa airport (Moi International Airport), you need to organize a transfer to Diani Beach. This will roughly take you 30 to 40 mins to cross over to the South Coast of Mombasa. We can provide a taxi service number closer to the time who you can arrange this with.
Around Diani: Transfers within Diani are pretty self-explanatory once you arrive as there are plenty of Tuk Tuk drivers just waiting next to the road or outside your hotels. In case you prefer to take a quicker and more convenient option just call yourself an Uber for extremely reasonable rates.
Visa's & Entry Requirements
Most international visitors travelling to Kenya will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling.
Apply online before you travel (there is no visa on arrival).
We recommend applying at least 2–4 weeks before your departure.
The standard single-entry eTA currently costs USD 30 (plus any applicable processing fees).
You can apply here:
https://etakenya.go.ke/eligibility?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Please note that entry requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some travellers, including citizens of many African countries, may be exempt from the eTA requirement, so we recommend checking the official website before travelling.
Vaccinations
Please consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance for advice based on your health and full travel itinerary.
A yellow-fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are travelling from, or have had a long transit through, a country with a risk of yellow-fever transmission. Travellers arriving directly from Europe do not normally need to present one solely for entry into Kenya, but requirements can depend on your route and may change.
We recommend checking the latest official guidance and carrying your vaccination certificate if you already have one. Your travel clinic can also advise you about malaria prevention and other recommended vaccinations for Kenya.
Mosquitoes & Malaria
As with many tropical destinations, mosquitoes are more active in the evenings. We recommend chatting to your doctor or travel clinic before travelling if you'd like advice on malaria prevention.
What most of us locals do is simply make sure to apply mosquito repellent from around 4 pm onwards, especially if you're outdoors in the evenings. Lightweight clothing after sunset and sleeping under the mosquito nets provided by your hotel are also great ways to avoid bites.
Payments & Foreign Currency: Most places allow you to pay via credit card especially bigger hotels & restaurants. However, we suggest you to draw at the airport ATMs / Diani ATMs to make sure you have some Kenyan Shillings with you.
SIM Cards & Data: You can buy a SIM card straight at the airport. We either recommend Safaricom or Airtel. However, there will be WIFI in every Hotel/restaurant.
If you;re spending a few days in Nairobi before or after the wedding, we suggest to make the most out of it.
Things to do
The Elephant Orphanage (book online in advance)
The Giraffe Centre
Nairobi National Park
The Maasai Markets for local arts and crafts
Wednesday: Capital Centre
Thursday: The Junction Mall
Friday: Village Market
Sunday: Yaya Centre
Some of Our Favourite Restaurants
Cultiva
Hashmi BBQ
Hero Restaurant (Japanese)
Mama Rocks
Bang Bang
Nico's
La Salumeria
Ankole Grill
La Villa
Open House (Indian)
Haandi (Indian)
Nightlife
The Alchemist
The General
Dijjo Rooftop
Nairobi Street Kitchen
Crafty Chameleon
Havanna
Gekko
Thinking About a Safari?
If you're travelling all the way to Kenya, we'd highly recommend taking the opportunity to experience a safari, t's truly one of the most unforgettable experiences in the world.
We're hoping to organise an optional group safari after the wedding to Mara Tipilikwani Camp in the Maasai Mara. It would be such a fun way to continue celebrating together and experience one of Kenya's most spectacular national reserves.
If this is something you'd be interested in, please let Hannes or myself know and we will arrange a group trip with a special discount from my uncle at his gorgeous tented camp. It will help us gauge interest and organise the trip.
Learn more about Mara Tipilikwani Camp here: