Kenya is a premier tourist destination in Africa, famous for its wildlife safaris, coastal beaches on the Indian Ocean, cultural heritage and the Great Rift Valley.
In 2024, Kenya welcomed approximately 2.39 million international visitors, marking about a 14.7% increase over 2023.
Total visitor days reached 18.6 million, and spending rose sharply, underlining tourism’s growing significance in Kenya’s economy.
Key Stats: Kenya Tourism
- About 2.39 million international tourists visited Kenya in 2024 — a strong 14.7% year-on-year increase.
- 7.57 million total visitors (domestic + international) made it a banner year for Kenya’s tourism landscape.
- KES 452 billion in tourism earnings in 2024 — nearly one-fifth more than the previous year.
- Domestic tourism is also growing: bed-night stays jumped roughly 12% to ~5.17 million in 2024.
- Visitors spent around 18.6 million total days in the country in 2024, up from ~17 million.
- The business travel & events niche is booming: the MICE segment made up 27% of arrivals.
- The United States was the largest single foreign source market in 2024, contributing 306 501 visitors (12.8%).
How Many Tourists Visit Kenya Each Year?
In 2024, Kenya recorded ~2.39 million international arrivals, up ~14.7% from 2.09 million in 2023.
Other data:
- 2023 international arrivals: ~2.09 million.
- Total visitor numbers (including domestic) in 2024 were around 7.5 million.
How Many Tourists Visit Kenya Each Day?
Given ~2.39 million international tourists in 2024, that equates to an approximate daily average of ~6,550 international arrivals.
However, in peak safari seasons and during major events, some days will receive much more.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Kenya?
Tourism earnings in Kenya reached record levels in 2024: inbound earnings reached ~ KES 452.20 billion (~USD 3.5 billion) and the total Travel & Tourism sector contributed about KES 1.2 trillion to Kenya’s economy (approx. 10% of GDP).
Forecasts for 2025 suggest international visitor spending may exceed KES 409 billion while domestic visitor spending could reach KES 821 billion.
Which Countries Visit Kenya the Most?
Some of the largest source markets for Kenya include the United States, United Kingdom, India, Uganda and Tanzania.
Exact recent ranked table data is limited, but these markets are consistently cited in tourism reports.
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Kenya?
Kenya’s tourism draw spans wildlife safaris, national parks, coastal resorts, cultural heritage sites and nature landscapes.
Here are notable attraction-types (with approximate annual visitor estimates where available):
| Attraction | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara National Reserve & Great Migration | ~350K-500K (peak months) | Wildlife safari highlight |
| Amboseli National Park | ~200K | Iconic views of Mt Kilimanjaro from Kenya |
| Coastal beach resorts (Kenyan coast) | ~1–1.2M | Mombasa, Diani etc. |
| Mount Kenya National Park | ~100K | Trekking & nature |
| Lake Nakuru National Park | ~150K | Birdlife & flamingos |
| Cultural heritage sites (Kisumu, Rift Valley) | ~80K | Local culture & history |
| Nairobi city (business + leisure) | ~300K | Urban gateway |
| Marine parks (Malindi-Watamu) | ~70K | Snorkeling/diving |
| Safari circuits (Tsavo East/West) | ~120K | Large wilderness areas |
| Domestic nature & adventure tourism | ~250K | Growing segment |
Note: Many exact visitor‐figure breakdowns are not always publicly disaggregated by attraction.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?
Kenya is a year-round destination, but specific seasons offer distinct advantages.
| Season | Time | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry season (peak) | July-October | High | Great Migration (Maasai Mara), dry landscapes |
| Short dry season | January–February | High | Wildlife viewing, coastal beach weather |
| Long rains | March–May | Lower | Heavier rains, fewer crowds |
| Short rains | November–December | Moderate | Wildlife still good, transitional weather |
If you aim for wildlife, plan for July–October. For beach+coast relaxation, December & January are excellent.
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Kenya?
Kenya hosts major sporting, cultural and wildlife-events which contribute to tourism growth.
- Great Migration in Maasai Mara (mid-July to October) – one of the world’s most famous nature spectacles
- Safari Marathon events (e.g., Nairobi Marathon) – attracts international runner spectators
- Kenya Safari Rally – international motorsport event
- Cultural festivals in regions like Turkana, Lamu, and Samburu – increasing cultural tourism
- Beach festivals on Kenyan coast (e.g., Diani Beach Festival) – leisure tourism boost
How Much Does Tourism Impact Kenya’s Economy?
Tourism supported an estimated ~1.7 million jobs in 2025 and contributed ~10% of Kenya’s GDP in 2024.
The Travel & Tourism sector is projected to continue growing, reaching possibly KES 1.8 trillion and over 2.2 million jobs by 2035.
Which Areas of Kenya Are Most Popular With Tourists?
Tourist flows in Kenya tend to concentrate on certain regions, though new destinations are emerging.
- Maasai Mara & Narok region – The safari icon
- Naivasha & Hell’s Gate (Rift Valley) – Nature & adventure
- Nairobi & its environs – Urban gateway, business hub
- Coast (Mombasa, Diani, Malindi) – Resort beaches, dive sites
- Mount Kenya & central highlands – Trekking & nature
- Laikipia & Samburu – Emerging wildlife tourism circuits
FAQ – Kenya Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Kenya each year?
In 2024, Kenya welcomed ~2.39 million international visitors and a total of ~7.5 million visitors including domestic travel.
Which country sends the most tourists to Kenya?
While detailed current figures are limited, key markets include the United States, United Kingdom, India, Uganda and Tanzania.
What is Kenya known for?
Kenya is known for its wildlife safaris, the Great Migration, coastal beaches, culture of the Maasai, and natural landscapes like the Rift Valley.
When is the best time to visit Kenya?
For wildlife viewing, July–October; for beach and coastal weather, December–January; shoulder seasons can offer value with fewer crowds.
How much revenue does tourism generate in Kenya?
In 2024, inbound tourism earnings reached ~KES 452 billion (~USD 3.5 billion), and the travel & tourism sector contributed about KES 1.2 trillion (~10% of GDP).
Is Kenya’s tourism growing?
Yes — international arrivals rose ~14.7% in 2024, and visitor days increased to 18.6 million with average stay improving to 12.1 days.
Sources
- Tourism Research Institute (Kenya) — Tourism Sector Performance Report 2024
- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) — Visitor Arrivals & National Parks Report 2023/24
- World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) — Kenya Travel & Tourism Sector Forecast 2025
- Standard Media Group — Tourist numbers climb 14.7% to hit 2.39 m in 2024
- Eastleigh Voice — Kenya records 14.7 pc rise in international tourist arrivals in 2024
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