Cheap Flights from the UK to Kenya: Nairobi and Mombasa Guide
Kenya is one of the most popular long-haul destinations from the UK, for family visits, safaris and beach holidays on the coast. Here's how to find cheap flights to Nairobi and Mombasa.
Airlines Flying from the UK to Kenya
Non-stop: Kenya Airways and British Airways have operated non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). The flight takes roughly 8.5 to 9 hours.
One-stop: you can also connect via Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Amsterdam (KLM) and other hubs. These options are often cheaper and are available from Manchester, Birmingham and other regional airports as well as London.
Getting to Mombasa
There are no regular year-round non-stop scheduled flights from the UK to Mombasa (MBA). Most travellers connect in Nairobi, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul or Addis Ababa. A popular plan is a combined trip: fly into Nairobi for a safari, then take a short domestic flight or the Madaraka Express train to the coast, and fly home from Mombasa. See our Mombasa flights page.
The Cheapest Time to Fly to Kenya
| Period | Demand | Why |
|---|---|---|
| April to early June | Low | Long rains, so fewer holidaymakers. Often the cheapest fares. |
| July to October | High | Dry season and the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. |
| November | Medium | Short rains, generally good value. |
| Mid-December to early January | Very high | Christmas family travel and holidays. |
| Late January to March | Medium | Hot and dry, good for safari and beach. |
Entry Requirements
At the time of writing, Kenya requires most visitors, including British citizens, to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel. Rules can change, so always check the latest entry requirements on the GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice page for Kenya and the official Kenyan government eTA website before you fly. Check health advice too, including yellow fever and malaria guidance for the areas you'll visit.
Money-Saving Tips for Kenya Flights
- Compare non-stop fares with one-stop options through Doha, Dubai, Istanbul and Addis Ababa.
- Travel in April, May or November if you can.
- Book 4 to 6 months ahead for July to October safari season and for Christmas.
- Consider an open-jaw ticket: into Nairobi, out of Mombasa.
- Ask about discounted business class for an overnight flight.
Ready to book? See our cheap flights to Nairobi page or call our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Nairobi?
Around 8.5 to 9 hours non-stop. One-stop journeys usually take 12 to 16 hours depending on the connection.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Mombasa?
There are no regular year-round non-stop scheduled flights. Most travellers connect via Nairobi or a Gulf, Turkish or Ethiopian hub.
Do British citizens need an eTA for Kenya?
At the time of writing, yes: most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Check GOV.UK and the official Kenyan eTA website before you travel.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Kenya?
April to early June, during the long rains, is usually cheapest. November is also good value.
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