🇰🇪vs🇿🇦
Kenya vs South Africa
Compare travel essentials, budgets, and connectivity between Kenya and South Africa.
| Category | 🇰🇪 Kenya | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Budget (Budget) | KES 9,500 | ZAR 1,200 |
| Daily Budget (Mid-Range) | KES 23,000 | ZAR 3,000 |
| Daily Budget (Luxury) | KES 60,000 | ZAR 9,000 |
| Visa | Kenya uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system introduced in 2024; most nationalities must apply online in advance, while East African Community citizens (e.g., Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda) are visa‑exempt and do not need an ETA. The ETA is single‑entry, typically valid for 90 days, costs around USD 34, and should be requested at least 3 business days before travel through the official portal. | Visa-free for up to 90 days for citizens of many countries including EU, UK, USA, Australia, Japan; others require eVisa or visa on arrival at select ports |
| Language | Official languages are English and Swahili; Swahili and local languages are widely spoken, with English common in cities, tourist areas, and hotels. | 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Sesotho (English widely used in tourism) |
| Best Months | June to October for safaris; July to October for the Masai Mara migration; December to March for the coast | March to May, September to November |
| Timezone | EAT (UTC+3) | SAST (UTC+2) |
| Connectivity Rating | 4/5 (5G) | 4/5 (5G) |
| eSIM Starting Price | $32.00 | $14.00 |
| Power Plug | Type G, 240V | Types D, M, N; 230V |
| Emergency Number | 999 or 112 (Police, Ambulance, Fire) | 10111 (Police), 10177 (Ambulance), 112 (General) |